Versatile step block creates safe space for play In July 2018, Eikestad Primary School Stellenbosch in South Africa decided to transform a bland, paved space into a place for play for their students. Find out more about the 4×4 Step Block.  Installed by Decorton Retaining Walls. As the area sloped upwards considerably, the school needed to find […]

Retaining walls can do so much more than just stop soil erosion and flooding issues. Along with other hardscaping and landscaping, retaining walls can transform your grounds by providing depth and verticality to your landscape, providing raised platforms for gardens, terraced views of your property, and beautiful concrete block textures. This building site, located at […]

The colour of your pool can create a certain aesthetic or vibe in your backyard and choosing the perfect shade for your swimming pool can be a daunting task. It is important to make sure that you choose a colour that reflects your own personal style and that ties in with the surroundings. Cemcrete’s PoolCrete […]

Sports is widely acknowledged as beneficial for youngsters, encouraging active, healthy lifestyles and instilling lifelong lessons about teamwork and commitment. And while South African schools promote such outdoor activities, the costs associated with long-term maintenance of sports facilities can prove exorbitant. This has seen a rise in popularity of Turftech’s multi-use sports facilities which offer […]

During bulk earthworks and construction of the Amberfield Switching Station in Centurion, Gauteng, Kaytech‘s reinforcement and drainage products were specified for the construction of a CRB (Concrete Retaining Block) wall. A switching station is a substation without transformers and operates at a single voltage level. It may be used as a collector or distribution station […]

Ferndale on Republic, previously known as the Brightwater Commons and the Randburg Waterfront before that, was initially created as a city waterfront development – a romantic notion in Johannesburg in the 1980s. The waterfront element was removed when it underwent a renovation and became the Brightwater Commons, which introduced landscaping and parks to the development, […]

Awning Warehouse’s new range of retractable awnings is an optimal solution, enabling you to enjoy your exterior areas by creating ideal designs for your terrace, garden, café or restaurant. These retractable waterproof coverings combine innovative materials, cutting-edge technology and superior design elements, to provide protection against the elements in any season. They are fully automated […]

Ongoing innovation at Van Dyck Floors and Mathe Group’s truck tyre recycling plant in Hammarsdale has delivered another new product made from recycled rubber crumb – large rubber blocks that can safely stop bullets in indoor shooting ranges! Dr Mehran Zarrebini, head of Van Dyck Floors and Mathe Group, says that this latest innovation was the […]

Arriving in a ready-to-assemble flatpack DIY kit, this innovative, stylish, elegantly designed and naturally beautiful wooden pool is the perfect complement to any proud homeowner wishing to add real value, quality and class to their home, without the hefty price tag of a conventional sunken pool. The outer wooden structure of the pool is manufactured […]

While the most critical contributor to the success of any segmental retaining wall (SRW) will always remain detailed planning and competent workmanship, planting will transform a functional structure into an eco-friendly environment that can create a dazzling display of colour, scent and texture. Add to that the possibility of a drought and water restrictions, it […]

The devastating Knysna fires of June 2017 almost destroyed the family home of Louise Brukman, a former Master’s student at the University of Cape Town. Her parents risked their lives to save the house and many people close to her were unable to return to their homes. These events inspired her to explore Landscape Architectural […]

Kaytech is the sole distributor of Sudpave, a locally manufactured, high quality paving grid that complies with the requirements of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS). Rapid urban growth in South Africa has created an unprecedented increase in hard surface areas, so much so that conventional stormwater infrastructure can no longer cope with the resultant high […]

Karin Johns, Freelance Journalist, investigates the effectiveness of pre-cast interlocking concrete block retaining walls in reducing highway traffic noise, as well as the urgency of reducing noise pollution – unwanted human-created sound that disrupts the environment – in South Africa. How concrete acoustic barriers work According to British Precast, trade body for the United Kingdom precast […]

An impressive addition to Chryso’s range of decorative concretes is LuminTech, which comprises a variety of different luminescent particles that are applied to the surface and incorporated into the concrete skin. During the day these particles look like natural aggregates but they also absorb both natural and artificial UV radiation. After dark, the particles release […]

The Ultimate Mobile Micro Home

There are many reasons to consider bringing plants into your living or working environment. Plants improve air quality by photosynthesising and releasing oxygen into the air, and also act as biofilters for impurities. Acoustics are also enhanced as plants absorb sound and help with diffraction. Plants promote better health & wellness through a spiritual connection […]

Newly appointed Midlands Easigrass partner, Jock Coombes, who sells, installs and helps maintain South Africa’s most realistic and highest quality artificial grass, has green fingers of a different sort.

Will one of these striking structures take 2017’s World Building of the Year title? Here are 22 architectural gems that really stand out.

Pump Tracks are a worldwide phenomenon that allow cyclists of all levels and ages to experience the thrill of bicycle riding in a relatively small area, and in so doing promote whole-family and community involvement in healthy exercise and leisure activities. They typically comprise a looping trail system, with a series of whoop sections, contoured jumps and steeply bermed corners all strung together to allow for almost pedal-free cycling. The name Pump Track is derived from the pumping motion of the cyclist's upper body, used to keep up the momentum on the track with almost no pedalling, and the origins of these tracks can be found in the BMX tracks of the 70s and 80s, combined with the extremely popular freestyle riding in events like the X-Games.

Saint-Gobain Weber share these important tips to consider when it comes to pool renovations.

The Belgotex Foundation livened up the LIV Village’s Early Childhood Development centre in Verulam, KwaZulu-Natal with a cheerful new playground. But what started as a charitable makeover developed into a surprising mutually beneficial relationship.

During the next few months, the 2016 Olympic Games will once again be on everybody’s lips when the much anticipated event takes place later this year hosted by the colourful city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It will be the first time that the Olympic Games will be held on the South American continent. Thousands of athletes from more than 200 countries will be competing for Olympic and Paralympic medals in more than 300 events that will be watched by spectators and fans from around the world.

A new set of opulent GH Mumm Outdoor Lounges perfectly complements the glamorous experience to be had at Shimmy Beach Club, an upmarket entertainment destination at the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town. Showcasing charming catamaran-styled features, the lounges were designed for trendy outdoor partying.

This year Terraforce turned 35 and founder and owner of the company, Holger Rust, wishes to thank clients, licensees and recommended installers for joining them on this journey of building outstanding (some big, some small) retaining walls.

Tasked with designing the paving of Mpumalanga’s new Secunda Mall development, Insite Landscape Architects in Centurion, opted for a ‘simplistic but not simple’ look by choosing the darker Nutmeg of Corobrik’s Clay Paver range, which contrasted with the lighter Cederberg.

Strata Civils has successfully built 18 hockey and soccer AstroTurfs to date and is aiming to service the synthetic sports field market countrywide.

Industrial packaging and construction sheeting supplier Kahn & Kahn Plastics supplies an extensive range of construction and packaging materials, which includes greenhouse sheeting for use in agricultural applications.

A new concrete retaining wall block, Aveng Manufacturing Infraset’s split-face Terrace Blok 300, has enjoyed a spectacular launch at the Olivedale Retirement Village, currently under construction in Olivedale, Johannesburg.

Sauna and Decks for Africa has been involved in construction using wood for over 15 years, and are now focusing on Africa. A Tanzanian sauna has been built, deconstructed, crated, and shipped for reassembly by the company’s own craftsmen once it gets there. Formerly Cape Sauna and Decks, the company has rebranded itself to reflect its new direction.

With an increasing focus towards environmentally friendly solutions that offer contrast, vibrancy and texture within the built environment, landscape architects are expressing their creativity with clay pavers, a product that has been with us for thousands of years.