So. African Method

[Johe Saunders]

Subject: 
            HOUSING "THE NEW WAY"
       Date: 
            14 May 1997 20:18:01 GMT
       From: 
            "Hennie Botes" <moladi at iafrica.com>
Organization: 
            Multinational Products (Pty) Ltd.
 Newsgroups: 
            alt.architecture.alternative



Kindly have a look at how we address the housing dilemma in South
Africa.

Thank you.

Hennie P.Botes
Tel:  +27 11 967 1010
Fax: +27 11 967 2311
P.O Box 9330, Brentwood Park,1505
Rep of South Africa
moladi at iafrica.com
http://www.infoview.co.za/IVClub/Moladi

The Project


Millions of  new homes are needed not only in South Africa but
throughout
the world, and housing remains a primary sector of industry that can
contribute towards the upliftment and empowerment of communities. 
Traditional building methods cannot possibly hope to meet the demand
timeously without forfeiting quality and standards, even if the
necessary
skills and materials were freely available. moladi Construction
Technology
is a unique construction method that has been developed in Africa,
initially for Africa, to enable the construction of affordable housing
without compromising on quality. This innovative technology  will help
many
millions of South Africans in obtaining equity in our country. 

In 1986, with the intended purpose of "housing the nation", Hennie Botes
designed and patented the plastic injection moulded shutter system to
construct durable structures of quality in the shortest possible time.
In
the years that followed moladi has developed into a construction
technology
that addresses the three key challenges embodied in the low cost housing
shortages facing Third World countries namely; lack of funds, skills and
time. While focusing on the aspects of the construction industry, it is
intended through the technology to generate wealth and opportunities for
the emerging black communities in South Africa by introducing and
facilitating mutually beneficial projects between these communities and
the
established formal sector.  We see  the provision of housing as a human
right  and not a privilege.  Health and welfare, the sense of dignity,
security, motivation and empowerment that go hand in hand with owning
ones
own home is further extended by the employment opportunities afforded by
the technology. The community not only actively participates in the
upliftment of their environment, but also benefit economically.  This is 
an important consideration with the current unemployment rate in South
Africa running in excess of 30%. moladi Construction Technology can
contribute to the strengthening our new Democratic dispensation.

Unlike the conventional building  method of brick and mortar, moladi is
not
dependent on traditional skills associated with building.  moladi is a
cost
effective and environmentally friendly formwork that can be recycled.
moladi  is simple to produce and overcomes the manifold problems of
traditional steel and timber formwork, e.g. skilled artisans required
for
the manufacturing and erection, the high cost and weight disadvantage,
slow
assembly and susceptibility to damage.

The concept of the technology is plastic shutter panels used  in
conjunction with a South African Bureau of Standards approved light
weight
mortar, providing a fast-track construction method fulfilling all the
requirements of  the South African Financial Institutions.  The panels
measuring 300mm x 300mm are joined to form a wall configuration of any
desired length or height depending on the structure.  These panels  are
linked together to form wall cavities of either 100 mm or 150 mm. Wall
reinforcing, windows, doors and services are located in-situ before
these
cavities are filled with a cementitious material consisting of local
river
sand, cement, water and a admixture.  This produces a fast curing
aerated
mortar that is flowable, waterproof and possesses good thermal and sound
insulating properties.  The wall forms are removed in sections, not
panel
by panel, and can immediately be re erected on an adjoining site thus
speeding up the entire construction process.  Cast in one day, the
structure is now ready to receive the roof and other finishes necessary
to
turn the building into a home.  Once removed the smooth off shutter
finish
eliminates the need to plaster, allowing structures to be extended as
needs
and budget permit.

moladi can be used not only in South Africa but globally in the
construction of houses, schools, clinics as well as agricultural and
mining
applications.