Conversion integrates sustainability with Federale clay Maxis | Clay Brick Association of Southern Africa

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BlackBrick Sandton is a recently completed conversion that embodies the ethos of sustainability on a scale that integrates sustainability in just about every aspect of modern living. Clay brick was the sustainable solution – achieving far more than this aesthetic demand by bringing its unique mix of thermal properties, adaptive manufacturing advantages and reliable, low-carbon proximity of supply to this ambitious project.

As Johan Humphries MD of Federale Stene explains: “Sustainably designed buildings are energy efficient, resource-efficient and serve the long-term economic, social and environmental needs of communities. Clay brick masonry demonstrates all these qualities during construction, throughout its long operational life”.

Not only are these bricks made from a highly durable natural material that offers an exceptional lifespan but the clay from which it is made is also naturally insulating.

“Clay bricks are thermal batteries, using energy from the sun to provide natural thermal efficiency, reducing the need for electricity-guzzling air-conditioners, heaters and humidifiers,” he says.

Future-flexible, sustainable structures

Transforming the older office block into a blend of comfortable living spaces, workspaces and community fostering facilities leads the growing trend for sustainable, mixed-use lifestyle developments. Designed on the ‘vertical village’ concept, the buildings façade posed serious challenges both in terms of structural demands as well as the demands of a future-centric sustainable vision.

The brick manufacturer, Federale Stene, has embedded the principles of sustainable, energy efficiency in their manufacturing processes, as well their sourcing of natural, raw materials.