What is the purpose of the structure/ project?
We were briefed to design the new VideoJet Paarl office and workshop, which is to set the tone for the future of this subdivision of the HG Molenaar brand. The location set at Driebergen Lane,Dal Josafat, on the street face of an existing factory setup, and needed to integrate itself with the existing building. HG Molenaar are pioneers in food process machines, and have the ability to manufacture any high end steel features – this project, would thus, as a showcase for their ability, in a new area of construction, be a sample for their existing and prospective clients, to assert instant respect, trust and faith, in HG Molenaar, to deliver what they promise.
The building is used as an office space, reception and workshop for the VideoJet brand, its MD, support staff and sales components.
What was the brief to the architect?
Iconic building that can be manufactured by HG Molenaar – ie use a lot of steel
Was the project envisaged in steel from the start? If not – why was it built in steel in the end?
Yes it was simpler to connect to the existing steel structure, the client could make the structure, and it would be faster.
Give a brief description of the structural framing. What type of sections were used (e.g. hollow, cellular, I beams etc) and why?
IPE 200 – Mainly – this section is considered for its aesthetic appeal as its structural strength – client wants to add on third floor at some stage
305x165x40 I Sections – All Beams
406x140x46 I Section – for its Cantilever
101.6×4.0 CHS Struts on Custom plates – with custom turned steel connections
25 Dia Solid rounds to Hang the bridge and floors
Y10 and Y12 Structural Steel to concrete reinforcement
Façade Lazercut screens by client hung on Steel angles – Sheets are 3000x1500x2mm Mild Steel
Give a brief description of the cladding process (complexity, difficulty, innovation etc)
Complexity – this was simple, we cut a few sample panels to see how we would fix, and whether the apertures were working – also checked the robust nature against potential theft and vandalism. The answer was simple – the design was very difficult to pin down with many stakeholders and opinions.
Innovation – simply used available technology – screens assist in controlling light and vandalism to glass facade
Were there any challenges in the fabrication of the project from the engineer’s design – if yes, please tell? Tell more about fabrication and erection process if it was complex, difficult, innovative etc.
At some stage there was a small 2-3cm discrepancy in height – the entire structure was jacked up and the error rectified with spacers.
What is special/ unusual/ innovative/ aesthetic about the steelwork/cladding in this project?
All steel was worked and machined on site. The client’s involvement assisted greatly with the process. It was also 3-dimensionally pinpointed prior to construction – so the fixing and bolting was a precise mathematic.
How did the project team work together (e.g contractor involved early, challenges/ ease of communication etc.)
Entire building was documented up front – no variations, no site supervision, no changes – smooth simple exact.
| Tons of structural steel used | +- 2 ton |
| Structural profiles used | US203*203*46 |
| UB406*140*46 | |
| UB305*165*40 | |
| UB305*133*25 | |
| PLT20*210 | |
| PLT10*250 | |
| PLT10*144.6 | |
| PLT8*200 | |
| L100*100*10 | |
| IPE120 | |
| FL12*250 | |
| FL20*200 | |
| FL12*180 | |
| FL12*130 | |
| FL10*220 | |
| FL10*150 | |
| FL8*90 | |
| D20 | |
| CHS101.6*4.0 | |
| Cladding profile/ type used | Sheet metal epoxy coated 2mm with lasercut profile |
| Cladding area/ coverage and tonnage | 175.6sm², 4.95T |
Project Team
| Project Team Role | Company |
| Nominator | Emerging Architecture |
| Client/ Developer | HG Molenaar – Videojet |
| Architect | Emerging Architecture |
| Structural Engineer | Ekon Engineers and Project
Managers |
| Engineer | Not provided by nominator |
| Quantity Surveyor | Not provided by nominator |
| Project Manager | Not provided by nominator |
| Main Contractor | T R S Construction |
| Steelwork Contractor | HG Molenaar |
| Steel Erector | HG Molenaar |
| Cladding
Manufacturer |
HG Molenaar |
If you were a part of this project, and your company details are incorrect or missing – please notify the SAISC so that the error can be corrected.