Steel roofing and structural work is a medium of construction offering multiple advantages while also beautifying and gracing the most stunning housing projects. Whilst there has been a considerable focus on the use of steel in state of the art retail developments, warehousing and distribution centres, South African architects have increasingly been discovering the prowess of Safal Steel’s flagship Aluminium/Zinc alloy coated steel roofing brands: Zincal® and its pre-painted counterpart, Colorplus®.

Safal Steel is hence proudly associated with a bold house project located within Rynfeld, Benoni in Gauteng – a suburb consisting of a mixture of both established suburb and agricultural holdings. It is said to offer an ‘oasis of wide verges and tree-lined streets’ while being accessible by the Gautrain.

Located within this suburb is the South African Steel Awards-winner in the residential category, Black House, a private residence offering a bold new perspective on the usage of structural steel, cladding and roofing.

According to Drew Architects, the project architect, steel was primarily chosen for its low maintenance properties, but also for its ability to deliver a crisp, powerful & sculptural architectural statement.

Brilliantly executed by Pretoria-based steelwork contractor, Viva Engineering, the primary steel portal frame of the house was made from 254x146mm steel I-beams with bolted connections. The geometry of the primary steel frame is rotated by 77 degrees, which not only results in a very unique and interesting architectural form, but also enables very effective sun shading on one side and permits beautiful, soft natural light from the other side.

According to Andrew Payne, the MD of Drew Architects: “All Viva staff we met were friendly, quick to respond, positive and solution-orientated. After explaining the nature of our architectural project, the Viva team fabricated the entire steel frame in a matter of weeks”.

In addition, the roofing and cladding also help to steal the show. The overall effect is breathtaking.

According to Safintra’s National Specifications Manager, Cornè Nel, Safintra was appointed to form and supply both the roofing, cladding and flashing. “Role-forming was done on site for approximately 700 m2 of product using the architect-specified Safal Steel Colorplus® AZ150 0.53mm G 550 in Thunderstorm Grey, forming it into our exclusive Newlok™ Profile”.

Newlok™ is a concealed fix, standing seam profile with an effective cover width of 445mm, and a rib height of 50.8mm. The profile was designed for use on low pitched roofs and can withstand high wind conditions for various applications.

“The project was architecturally bold and enticed creativity from both a design and installation perspective. The modern, crisp lines of the profile complimented the sleek design of the steel work. Therefore the flashing design also had to be on par with and meet the visual criteria head on”.

Steel cladding made from Colorplus® to the same specification also features inside the home, as interior walling behind the main bedroom.

“The results speak for themselves – the finished structure speaks silent and confident contentment with what was achieved. The possibilities of steel comes alive and quietly reveals itself to whoever is fortunate enough to take in its beauty”, adds Nel.

So impressive was this project that it received the Regional Award for the Best Gauteng Project and also the Best Residential Project entered in the 2022 Steel Awards, presented by the Southern African Institute for Steel Construction (SAISC). The event was held during October in Gauteng and is known within the construction industry as the ‘Oscars of the steel industry’, being an elegant gala-style gathering with a ‘red carpet’ feel and a growth-related theme this year of ‘green shoots’.

Said SAISC CEO, Amanuel Gebremeskel: “A number of high-quality, truly excellent projects were showcased at the 2022 annual Steel Awards, and I believe this is a testimony to our character as a nation – as well as the value which the SAISC brings to the local steel construction industry. The SAISC is one of only 6 steel institutes around the world, and has a long history as a ‘steel sector sage’: a custodian of technical knowledge, an educational resource and a trusted authority .

“In the case of Black House, the innovative use of steel, combined with all the other elements of construction, delivers a statement piece of architecture and a warm, welcoming family home”.

Architect: Drew Architects
Structural Engineer: BSM Baker
Steelwork Contractor: Viva Engineering
Steel Detailer: Viva Engineering Drawing Office
Overall Contractor: Vestim Construction
Roofing and cladding contractor: Monro Roof Sheeting
Roofing and cladding profile former: Safintra
Roofing steel supplier: Safal Steel

Roofing and cladding profile: Newlok
Roofing material used: Colorplus® AZ150
Project Completed: 11/08/2021
Photos by: Cornè Nel, Safintra, Drew Architects/Viva Engineering and the SAISC, Adam Letch

Safal Steel warrants its Zincal® and Colorplus® (colour coated steel) to have a service life (prior to perforation by weathering in the natural elements) from date of installation. Warranty periods are determined by Safal Steel and may vary according to project design and location. A Provisional Warranty may be applied for at project design stage; this warranty serves as a guideline as to the final warranty Safal Steel may issue on project completion. A Final Warranty application form may be submitted to Safal Steel by the roll former on project completion, requesting Safal Steel to issue a warranty for the specific material used on a specific project.

Look for the trademark. All Safal Steel prime material is branded on the backing coat – insist on Safal Steel material.