Materials Research

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As I have established the location of my building this post will focus on sourcing materials for my building construction. I will aim to look for locally sourced and sustainable materials.

Sandstone- Sandstone is a sedimentary rock which is mostly made up of mineral particles such as quartz or feldspar (Desarrollador, 2018) . Sandstone  is known for its durability and strength. It is a hard and dense material and is resistant to weathering and can also withstand harsh climates. This is beneficial as South Africa has a tropical climate. It is also very versatile as a building material. It can be easily manipulated and cut into desired sizes and shapes and has a very low impact on the environment as it is a natural resource It is also aesthetically pleasing, it comes in different colours ranging from beige to red and can add a natural beauty to a building. Sandstone can also be found in some places in South Africa, 'South Africa boasts some of the most impressive sandstone landscapes and landforms in the world, and although these are widely distributed across South Africa, some of the most spectacular examples are associated with the Molteno , Elliot and Clarens Formations in the central region of South Africa.'  (Grab, 2015, pp. 11-21). It has also become a notable building material in the county as well and has also adorned South Africa's historical sites. 'The distinctive character, high quality, durability, and working properties have made Southern African Sandstone greatly sought after as an honest building material.' (SA Decor & Design, 2019).

 

Tempered glass- Since my location is near the beach, it is necessary to take that into account when selecting the type of glass to be used in my windows and doors. Tempered glass is particularly designed to be stronger and more durable than other types of glass making it quite resistance to breakage and cracking. It is also more energy efficient as it is quite resistant to heat and UV rays. 'Tempered glass absorbs approximately 65 percent of UV rays.' (PerfectSteelSolutions, 2021). It is also more soundproofing than other types of glass which is useful as the building is a theatre.

 

Aluminium- South Africa is quite well known for it's aluminium and is the largest producer in Africa (Asaram, 2022). Aluminium is ideal for door and window frames as it is completely airtight and does not allow for wind or germs to get in easily (Allegrobaroque, 2020). In addition, it is also a lightweight material which has low impact on the environment. Even though it is light weight, it has a high weight to strength ratio making it much more durable and strong. Compared o other metals, it does not corrode easily thereby making it long lasting as it is not easily affected by weather conditions.

 


References

Allegrobaroque. (2020). Aluminium as a building material | Why Not Build Something. [online] Available at: https://allegrobaroque.org/why-aluminium-is-a-good-building-material/ [Accessed 18 May 2024].

Asaram, L.S. (2022). SA largest aluminium-producing country in Africa. [online] Engineering News. Available at: https://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/sa-largest-aluminium-producing-country-in-africa-2022-09-30 [Accessed 18 May 2024].

Desarrollador (2018). Everything you need to know about sandstone for architecture. [online] Cupa Stone | Global. Available at: https://www.cupastone.com/sandstone-architecture/ [Accessed 18 May 2024].

Grab, S. (2015). Sandstone landforms of the Karoo Basin: Naturally sculpted rock. Available at: Sandstone Landforms of the Karoo Basin: Naturally Sculpted Rock | SpringerLink [Accessed 18 May 2024]

PerfectSteelSolutions (2021). 6 Types of Window Glass: Which One is the Best? [online] Perfect Steel Solutions. Available at: https://www.perfectsteelsolutions.com/window-glass/ [Accessed 18 May 2024].

SA Decor & Design. (2019). Limitless Possibilities with The Sandstone Story. [online] Available at: https://www.sadecor.co.za/interior-design-blog/outdoor-living/limitless-possibilities-with-the-sandstone-story/#:~:text=Situated%20deep%20in%20the%20Eastern%20Free%20State%20the [Accessed 18 May 2024].


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