Architecture, Construction

Corobrik products chosen for superior quality in new Gauteng social housing development managed by Joshco

There is a housing backlog of about 2.3 million homes with Gauteng requiring 600 000 new homes to meet the need. The backlog in Gauteng – according to a report by the PSAM (Public Service Accountability Monitor) – keeps growing because people migrate to the country’s economic hub in search of employment.

Johannesburg Social Housing Company (JOSHCO), the City of Johannesburg’s entity mandated to provide and manage affordable rental housing for the lower income market, worked with the Social Housing Regulatory Authority (SHRA) on the construction of Gauteng’s Turffontein development. The development – was in Corobrik’s Montana Light and Protea Travertine face bricks – is one of many social housing developments addressing this challenge.

“Turffontein is one of the areas identified for city’s development under JOSHCO’s social housing delivery programme and also earmarked as a development node,” explained JOSHCO’s Nico Killian: Contracts Manager. “The plan is to develop a total of 528 housing units in addition to communal rooms as emergency housing.”

As a preferred supplier of quality face bricks for many social housing developments, Corobrik’s products were, once again, selected for the construction of the 5,0150-hectare Turffontein development, which consists of 525 units, 21 of which are transitional housing units.  “Corobrik’s range was chosen for the outer skin of the building as it is very low maintenance – the dust and dirt of everyday living will not show up against the brickwork, retaining a clean aesthetic for longer,” explained Killian.

Anca Szalavicz of ASA Architects, tasked with designing the development, concurred, saying the lack of ongoing maintenance and durability made Corobrik’s face brick the best choice: “We used two different face bricks – Montana Light and Protea Travertine – to create some form of contrast within the design. Because of the high number of units, the design hinged on creating small, manageable, semi-private courtyards. Some of the blocks have vaulted roofs which gives the development quite a unique appearance.”

Corobrik’s Commercial Director, Musa Shangase, explained that while affordability was always key in bridging the social housing gap, the demand would not be met without quality homes being constructed.

“We work closely with JOSHCO and the City of Johannesburg and applaud the choice of superior products for all their developments,” said Shangase. “Our extensive face brick range ensures costs are kept down because there is no future plastering or painting maintenance needed, but the aesthetics are in no way compromised. The clay bricks are all visually attractive, and have been so well used in the Turffontein design. It’s important that people feel proud of their homes.”

He added that the face brick’s durability meant the homes would be standing for generations to come: “Investing in such a big development requires long-term projections. With Corobrik’s products, investors can be assured of the development’s longevity.”