The concrete masonry face brick of Technicrete ISG was selected for the recently completed Mathematical Science Building on the West Campus of the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), Johannesburg.
 
A two phase re-build was commissioned in 2013, in order to meet functionality and standards pertaining to student accommodation and faculty requirements. The buildings comprise lecture venues, student seminar rooms and staff offices, and were completed towards the end of 2014.
 
“The use of masonry bricks is trending in South Africa due to its aesthetically pleasing appearance and maintenance-free features. It is a highly durable form of construction and is commonly used for retaining and building walls for residential as well as commercial building applications. The Technicrete masonry range is used to create an appealing edge as a face-brick boundary wall solution. It is a cost-efficient, high end brick that delivers an aesthetically pleasing finish, and in the case of the new Wits Faculty building, the Technicrete masonry range created a visually impactful and rustic element to the faculty construction” said spokesperson Guinevere Thomas, Group Marketing and Communications Manager for the IS Group.
 
The Wits faculty used 380 194 concrete masonry face bricks which enhanced the look and feel of the building through the distinctive choice of paint colours, rustic concrete slabs and rhythmic patterns of glass for an architectural impact. Grey masonry was chosen for its aesthetic finish as well as to increase the durability of the building, whilst the irregular pattern of the Technicrete Rockface brick illustrated the shadow lines of the building. The use of the Technicrete masonry product also eliminated the need for exterior walls to be painted, thereby reducing building maintenance costs.
 
All of Technicrete ISG’s masonry products meet manufacturing standards and building regulation requirements and have undergone testing for water absorption as well as vigorous strength factor testing.
 
The Technicrete Rockface masonry brick comes in two thicknesses: 73mm and 70mm; with lengths x widths of 222 x 103 and 220 x 100 respectively. Standard colours available are Autumn, Terracotta, Grey, Plum, Slate and Tan - although special colours can be made upon request. 
 
Masonry is available from the following Technicrete ISG factories: Carletonville, Stilfontein, Olifantsfontein, Polokwane, Welkom and Witbank.