When planning the construction of the latest rental initiative in Olympus, Pretoria, Central Developments once again opted for Corobrik’s durable range of clay face bricks.

High demand for rental property in Pretoria East stimulated the creation of the impressive Boardwalk Heights development which consists of 369 rental units.

Construction of the two-bedroom units began in November last year with 180 already occupied and the final phase scheduled for completion March 2016. 

Project Manager, Carel Wentzel, said the development would go a long way in meeting the demand for entry-level property in the area.

“This is a development based on a “rental model” and it is in a high demand node,” explained Wentzel. “There is quick access to major infrastructure and the development is also conveniently located near the new Olympus Village Mall, as well as other shopping centres and schools.” 

There are 41 three-story blocks of flats, mostly facing the green area towards the north, with nine units per block. Each unit has two bedrooms, a bathroom and an open-plan kitchen and living area totaling 56m². Ground floor units have a 6m² covered patio, first floor units have a covered balcony and second floor units have “Juliet” balconies with a sliding door opening onto the living room. 

The buildable plot size is 33 210Ha overlooking a 90Ha nature reserve which allows for hiking and biking trails.  

Gert Claassen of Gert Claassen Architect said 1 366 000 Moroccan Red Travertine and 658 000 Nebraska Travertine face bricks were selected for the low maintenance and aesthetic characteristics. 

“The deep red face brick was used throughout the ground story with the two higher levels constructed in the lighter Nebraska Travertine,” explained Claassen. “The light brickwork of the upper two levels is broken up by a horizontal line of two red brick courses above the windows of the first story. The horizontal pattern is further broken by strong, vertical elements such as stairwells, balconies and pipe ducts.” 

Corobrik’s Commercial Director Musa Shangase said the project was further affirmation of the sensibility of clay face brick for advancing high quality sustainable human settlements.

Excellent life style, thermal comfort, all at a low lifecycle costs underpins the unique value clay face brick brings to both occupants and owners alike. 

Shangase suggested that the evidence was there to see how combining two clay face brick colours and textures made for an attractive development that would effectively counter the maintenance costs associated with plastered and painted finishes throughout the buildings life. “Lifetime maintenance is always a priority concern when it comes to the construction of rental units in such a sizable development and face brick will surely prove cost-effective in the long run,” noted Shangase. 

“That brick construction in the South African housing context defines ‘right and proper’, satisfying the emotive issues including safety and security, should contribute to that important sense of home for those choosing to reside at Boardwalk Heights,” Shangase concluded. 

Apart from the residential blocks on site, the development also features a gatehouse, garden store, and utility building with administrative offices. 

/ENDS

 Prepared and distributed for Corobrik (Pty) Ltd

For more information contact Musa Shangase on 011 871 8600 or Peter Kidger on 031 560 3111.

 Distributed by Shirley Williams, contact Shirley on 083 303 1663 or shirley@swcommunications.co.za.