June 2013
CONSTRUCTION WORLD
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Themassive development for the newVirgin Active
health club that has been underway in Bryanston,
Johannesburg for the last nine months has
caught many a passingmotorists eye, many who
have been wondering when the opportunity to
view thoseworking out through thosemarvelous
screen sized windows will happen.
projects & contracts
VIRGINACTIVEHAS
expanded the number of clubs throughout the
country extensively over the last fewyears, their design, features and
facilities have set the benchmark in this sector of the leisure industry.
Lizl van Wyk, architect, at Design Line Architects and Interiors,
the consultancy that has been involved with Virgin Active’s club
expansion programme comments: “Six to eight new Virgin Active
health clubs open every year. The philosophy of Virgin Active is to
ensure that members enjoy their work-outs, and that family-time
is fun while in the club. The prime focus is to ensure all members
have a positive experience and this is reflected in the way the clubs
are designed, decorated and built.
“The attention to detail and the embracing of modern trends,
while maintaining consistency, in the construction of these health
clubs is what makes them world class. The new Bryanston Virgin
Active, like many other of the group’s clubs, has top of the range
facilities including special features to ensure that disabledmembers
can access and exercise safely at the facility – pool hoists, elevators,
showers, toilets, access gates and ramp ways in the parking areas
are all installed for this purpose”.
Special requirements
While building a health club is not out of the ordinary forWBHO, the
building contractor on the Bryanston project, some of the special
requirements were an interesting element.WBHO aite agent, Kobus
Kotze says:“The Bryanston Virgin Active development has, among
other features, three swimming pools: one for laps, one for leisure
and one for spa purposes. It was, for example, critical that no dust
invaded this section; the area was closed up completely before
the pools were installed. The club also has the usual steam, sauna,
restrooms and a healthy eating restaurant all conforming to the
Virgin Active design and layout requirements.
“The anticipated membership flow in the health club was a
factor in selecting finishes that can withstand not only constant
use but also the health club environment of air circulation, steam
and wet environs. Seven types of vinyl, four internal tile types and
two to three carpet specifications were utilised in the finishings of
the club, says Kotze.
One of the considerations, in the choice of bricks for the club
construction, is water absorption. Clay stocks were the engineer’s
specified brick for the outer part of the Bryanston health club and
leading brick manufacturer, Oconbrick, received the contract to
supply Non-Facing Plaster Clay Stock Bricks due to their strong
absorption qualities – they do not absorb water like their cement
counterparts do. Non-Facing Plaster Clay Stock Brick, with their ease
of plastering quality, making themnot only strong, but durable.The
average strength of the brick is 21 MPa.
“The size of the building built for Blackstar Properties, and that
Virgin Active nowoccupies is approximately +/- 4 700m
2
. Oconbrick
supplied 384 000 Clay Stock Bricks to the project. They are regular
suppliers to WBHO as their product is well recognised within our
industry for consistency of quality and shape,”says quantity surveyor,
Kenton Rhodes, fromWBHO
“Constructing a building of this calibre has its own unique
challenges, but of specific importance was the high standards and
complex finishes required by the architect. We have built a few
other health clubs, where Virgin Active has been the tenant, so we
do understand their requirements relatively well”.
Public safety and comfort at health clubs is of paramount
concern and one advantage of the Oconbrick is its resistance to
heat. In addition, the bricks offer exceptional acoustic properties
with good thermal insulation. Ease of handling and a low carbon
footprint are two other elements that make it a preferred choice.
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New Virgin Active in Bryanston
are able to take advantage of the Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit System,
which provides a fast, safe and affordable bus service in the city.
In addition, the precinct’sMabogo Shuttle provides transport between
Gautrain Park station and the Maboneng Precinct daily.”
The developers aremaking the areamore pedestrian friendly and is
working to have certain streets closed to traffic for the exclusive use of
pedestrians. Cycling lanes are alsobeingdevelopedwithin the precinct.
The security in the area is impressivewith constant street patrols being
undertaken by security personnel. Each of the apartment blocks will
furthermore offer secure parking and biometric access.
Artisan Lofts is under heavy construction and 42 high-end units
ranging in size from between 32 m to 100 m are available for sale.
Most are north facing bachelor and executive open plan apartments
with wrap around views.
“PGP’s involvement will be over the long term, between five to
10 years, and we believe we will add significant value to this exciting
and innovative development during that time,”concludes Davies.
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