In recent years, 3D printing technology has made significant strides, and it’s now on the cusp of transforming the construction industry. The process of 3D printing buildings, also known as additive manufacturing, involves the use of computer-aided design (CAD) software and large-scale 3D printers to create three-dimensional structures. This technology is already disrupting the construction industry and has immense potential to revolutionize it.

One of the most notable advantages of 3D printing buildings is its speed. Traditional construction methods can take months or years to complete a building, but with 3D printing, the process can be completed in a matter of weeks. The technology allows for quick and precise fabrication of building components that can be assembled on-site much faster than traditional methods. This increased speed can help reduce costs and improve efficiency, making it an attractive option for builders and developers.

Another significant advantage of 3D printing buildings is the ability to create complex designs and shapes. Traditional construction methods can be limiting when it comes to building unique and intricate structures, but with 3D printing, designers can create almost any shape they can imagine. This opens up new possibilities for architects and builders to create more visually stunning and practical structures.

Besides speed and design, 3D printing buildings has significant environmental benefits. The technology can significantly reduce waste and energy consumption during the construction process. By using precise amounts of materials, 3D printing can eliminate much of the waste generated during traditional construction methods. Additionally, the process can be powered by renewable energy sources, further reducing its carbon footprint.

While 3D printing buildings is a relatively new technology, it’s already being used to construct different structures worldwide. For example, in Dubai, a 3D printed office building was constructed in just 17 days, while in the Netherlands, the world’s first 3D printed concrete bridge was built in just three months. These early successes are paving the way for the technology to become more widespread and accessible, making it possible for more builders and architects to take advantage of its benefits.

3D printing buildings is an exciting technology that has the potential to transform the construction industry. With its speed, design capabilities, and environmental benefits, it is quickly gaining momentum and becoming a more widely used option for builders and architects. As the technology continues to advance, we are likely to see even more innovative and groundbreaking structures built using 3D printing methods in the years to come.

According to an article published by IOL, in February 2022, more than 5000 schools were still reliant on pit latrines as school toilets or did not have proper sanitation facilities. The article also states that 83% of schools in the Kwa-Zulu-Natal province are still making use of pit toilets. Source: https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/amnesty-international-sa-launches-pit-toilet-tracker-and-urges-dbe-to-fix-poor-school-infrastructure-7aa8c55a-aeb1-405e-b09c-3a5247114f3b#:~:text=The%20international%20human%20rights%20NGO,pit%2Dlatrines%20as%20school%20toilets.

The state of sanitation in South Africa is a major concern as it goes against many human rights. Affecting not only sanitation but dignity, health, and children’s lives. Our country has been shocked by a number of different occasions in the news of these sanitary conditions causing a number of fatalities.

We have been deeply saddened by these conditions our schools are facing, and with our knowledge, skill sets and ability to help, we have decided to take action to start improving the sanitation facilities throughout Kwa-Zulu-Natal.

Crane Group Consulting is pleased to be one of the Professional Service Providers (PSP) for the Sanitation Appropriate for Education (SAFE) program implemented by the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) on behalf of the Department of Basic Education in the KwaZulu-Natal province.

We are providing the SAFE program with turnkey professional services such as Project Management, Quantity Surveying, Architectural, Structural and Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Health and Safety, Geotech Investigation and Land Surveying for a total of 40 schools spread over 4 clusters.

The SAFE initiative aims to demolish and replace the basic pit toilets in schools with appropriate and upgraded sanitation in accordance with the Norms and Standards for school infrastructure. The number of toilet seats at each school is determined by the number of learners present in each school. We also need to take the design of the toilets into consideration as they need to be designed to be age-appropriate for primary schools as well as include facilities for the disabled in all schools.

We are confident that this initiative will have a positive impact on the KwaZulu-Natal province by providing appropriate sanitation in schools and improving the quality of life for many children across the province. The scope of work includes the following:

• Assessment of existing sanitation infrastructure
• De-sludging of the existing pit toilets
• Demolition of the existing pit toilets
• Construction of appropriate toilets
• Provision of rainwater harvesting tanks
• Construction of walkways

We are dedicated to ensuring that the project is completed to a high standard and in accordance with the contractual requirements. We are currently underway with the demolition and rebuild of the Ntili Primary School toilets and look forward to sharing the completed project.

Ntili Primary School Toilets Before

Ntili Primary School Toilets During Construction

We are incredibly excited about being part of this project and eager to contribute in any way we can. Our team is passionate about making a positive difference in the world and we understand the high importance of this project and the change it will bring.

Keep a look out on our website and on our LinkedIn page for the completed project as well as the upgrade of other schools around Kwa-Zulu-Natal.

Over the years we have seen several factors that affect the built environment in South Africa and these factors still seem to be prevalent to this day.

These factors include economic conditions, government policies and regulations, urban planning and infrastructure development, as well as social and demographic trends.

Let’s look at how these factors affect the built environment:

Economic factors:

Economics is one of the main factors that determine the demand for new buildings and infrastructure. GDP growth, investment, and employment are all interrelated variables that can affect the demand for new buildings and infrastructure. GDP growth is an indication of a growing economy, which in turn creates an increased demand for new buildings and infrastructure. Investment in infrastructure projects can also spur economic growth and create jobs, which can ultimately lead to greater demand for new buildings and infrastructure. Finally, an increase in employment can lead to higher wages and purchasing power, which can also contribute to a greater demand for new buildings and infrastructure.

Government policies and regulations:

This is a major impact on the built environment. Zoning and land-use laws, building codes, and infrastructure funding all play a part in developing a healthy and safe living space. Zoning laws dictate how the land can be used and where certain types of buildings can be located, while building codes provide standards for safety and energy efficiency. Funding for infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and public transportation, can help ensure adequate access to essential services and provide economic opportunities. By considering all of these factors together, governments can effectively shape the built environment to meet the local community’s needs.

Urban planning and infrastructure development:

Urban planning and infrastructure development are essential components of creating a thriving built environment. When done correctly, they can enable cities to expand their economic development, build new housing and transportation options, and provide necessary services to citizens. Poorly planned or inadequate infrastructure, however, can stifle growth and limit the ability of cities to attract new development. It is important for cities to have a comprehensive plan for the future that takes into account the needs of their citizens, the environment, and the economy. By investing in infrastructure and planning for the future, cities are able to create a vibrant and sustainable built environment.

Social and demographic trends:

Social and demographic trends are important factors in understanding housing demand. Population growth, migration patterns, and changes in household size can all contribute to a need for new housing and other types of development. Population growth can create an increased demand for housing, as more people require places to live. Migration patterns can also influence housing demand, as people move to different areas for different reasons, such as to find better employment opportunities or to be closer to family. Additionally, changes in household size, such as an increased number of single-parent families or a decrease in the average family size, can also have an effect on housing demand.

How can Crane Group Consulting assist your organisation with these factors?

As a highly sought-after home-grown consulting firm, we support developers, investors, organs of State, real estate funds, etc. by giving them sound advice on how to deal with these factors as well as how to be more sustainable despite the current environment. We have a deep understanding of each of these factors and how they influence each developmental project viability and sustainability.