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Cape Town - Using Innovative Building Technology and optimal architectural design, Stellenbosch University’s new 208-bed student residence, which is currently under construction, will help address the major accommodation shortage at the university.
The R43m Tygerberg campus residence, which is being built by student accommodation group, STAG African, will make use of light steel frame building and incorporate energy-saving features such as LED lighting and heat pumps, which will use 50% less electricity than a standard building.
The residence, which is due for completion in November 2015, has set its sights on being the greenest residence in Africa.
“Sustainability and innovation are at the forefront of our green agenda. More than being a key focus for the university, our students expect it,” said Pieter Kloppers, director of student communities at Stellenbosch University.
John Schooling, managing director of STAG African said the cost of student accommodation is very expensive. The national norm is around R280 000 per bed. For a lot of universities that is unaffordable.
"We looked around for a building method that we could apply to the South African context and discovered a substantially cheaper solution to bricks and mortar. Something that is much better," said Schooling.
Used to build the Eiffel Tower, the Empire State Building and the old and new World Trade Centres, Innovative Building Technology has been widely used in many developed countries.
Not only does it reduce carbon footprint, it also reduces the cost and time taken to construct buildings.
“Using this technology, we can reduce building time by 40% and the costs associated to it dramatically. For universities, where cost ultimately is the deciding factor, it’s an obvious choice. By default, it addresses the student’s need for a green living environment,” said Schooling.
