13 Feb 2017

Did You Know #DYK – Painless ways to save more money

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Painless ways to save more money

Painless ways to save more money

First of all, I don’t think there any painless ways to save money. It is far easier and more fun to spend money. Saving money leans to the more boring and responsible decision making aspects of our lives, and sometimes you just don’t want to be any more responsible than you already are. Even if it’s better for you. In the long run. But you’re not dealing with the “long run” now, are you? Plus “saving more money” implies that you are saving money currently, and have extra money to stash away. Everyone’s financial situation is different. Some are more fraught than others. Maybe you only have to support yourself, and you can be a little bit more reckless since your decisions and choices only affect yourself. Perhaps you have people that are dependent on you, so your decisions have to take others into account as well. There’s only so many that can fit into a fridge box under a bridge (worst case scenario). I do have people dependent on me. So I approach my money from a variety of angles. Do I have all the answers? Hardly, she chuckles while not making eye contact with the credit card bill. Do all the little tricks work all the time? Nope. You see there’s this thing called “life” and it tends to happen at the worst possible time. But if you don’t have a plan or an approach, then there’s no getting anywhere.

 

Monthly Bills:

Write everything down – Whether you have a little budget you fill in each month or whatever, keep track. Not saying something because “you forgot” or “you didn’t get a bill” (our Municipalities are not the most reliable), is the easiest way to get behind. Writing everything down also allows you to compare month to month, and address any weirdly high bills, and follow up when you haven’t received a bill/ statement.

Annual Bills – Make note of your Annual bills as well. Know when your licences need to be renewed (e.g. TV, car and drivers’) and any other once a year expense (e.g. annual vaccines for the pets). You’ll be able to plan for these expenses and won’t be caught short and avoid any additional costs involved for being late (i.e. fines)

Annual Instalment Increases – Know when your instalments go up. Medical aid, Retirement Annuities, Insurances, Membership fees etc will all have an annual increase of some sort. Make note of when they go up and make note of what the new fees are. Can you ask for a discount or negotiate a different rate? If you aren’t paying attention, you will never know.

Save – Treat your monthly savings as an expense. I don’t care how much you put away each month, put something away. And make sure you can’t touch it easily. A 32-day call account is a good option for this.

 

Debt:

Are you serious about getting out of or reducing your debt? And I’m not talking about talking about it. Like everything in life, seeing is believing and doing is the hard part. Wishing it away doesn’t work. If you are not serious, then it’s not going to happen. Worrying about money is corrosive. And debt is a hole we dig for ourselves while lamenting and weeping about how deep the hole is we’re currently standing in and still digging. Everyone has debt in some form or another. I was completely debt free for all of a couple of seconds awhile back. Lovely feeling. Short-lived. Working to get back there. If you are not willing to make the hard decisions (read: not fun decisions) then shut up about your debt. And here’s another kick in the guts; it’s your fault you are in debt. (Shock! Horror!) No one else’s fault, but your own. (Disclaimer: In the case of identity theft, it’s not your fault. Bad luck. I hope it works out) So where do you start:

DO NOT make more debt – Simple. Straightforward. Draw a line in the sand, and do not cross it. Debts breed debt. So stop making more. Suffer but do not make any more debt.

Write EVERYTHING down – Do not be conservative or selective. Don’t write down only the big stuff. Write down who you owe, how much you owe and how much you pay them each month. Be ruthless. You can’t begin to start clearing it all if you don’t know the numbers. It can be daunting but suck it up. Make that list, and keep track every month. You want to be able to know at any given point how much you owe who and how much longer it’ll take to pay them off. Plus this will also allow you to see the horror that is “interest”.

Snowball payments – Once you’ve paid off one creditor, add that instalment to the next creditor on the list. You won’t miss the money, as you haven’t had it up to this point to put it to work. This allows you to speed up your repayments. Keep doing this until everything is paid and you are free and clear. Once you’ve paid off accounts, especially clothing accounts, close them. If you got into trouble with them in the first place, then they’re not working for you. Cut up the cards.

Bonus’ and unexpected windfalls – Depending on the sum, depends on what you do with it. If you are drowning in debt, any unexpected windfall triggers the “spend till we drop” knee-jerk reaction. I, however, hate being asked what I did with a large sum of money and not being able to actually pinpoint where it went. It’s different if you can say “Oh it went to the last holiday” or “the house or car”. Having to answer “I don’t know” is quite disheartening, especially if the money could’ve helped you in quite an impressive way and if you’ve just spent 10 minutes bemoaning your own financial status. If your huge wad of cash isn’t big enough to completely wipe out a particular pile of debt, stick it away into a savings account until it is big enough. If it is big enough, pay off the debt. Kill it, kill it dead. This is the boring and responsible decision making part of your life. This is where you choose to be serious or not. Urgh….so not fun.

Know it takes time – Be patient. Persevere. It might seem never-ending, but it will end and you will have reached your goal. And you might get to brag that you are “DEBT FREE”. Not many get to do that.

 

Saving

Everyone should be saving each month. It doesn’t matter how much you start with, as long as you start. Saving tends to be goal orientated. You’re saving towards something. They say that you need to have an Emergency Fund (3 to 6 months of living expenses), Short Term Goal (annual expenses) Mid-term Goal (holidays etc) and Long-Term Goal (Retirement). To say that this is overwhelming is an understatement.

Emergency Fund is basically in case of retrenchment. Should you get retrenched, you still have bills to pay and you should be able to live off this Fund until you get back on your feet. If you already have retrenchment cover in place; then you’re pretty much covered here. And good for you but a little extra can’t hurt.

Short Term Goal can be a fund for your annual expenses. You know how much your annual expenses will come to, so you save up to cover these. No scratching around for money to renew your Drivers License, as you’ve already saved towards it.

Mid-Term Goal is usually the fun ones. You plan on going on holiday or buying a new car or house. It’s not hard to be motivated to save towards these kinds of goals as they add to life’s little joys and they are something to look forward to.

Long-Term Goal is your plan and saving towards retirement. Unfortunately, you have to think about retirement and plan now. You can either have a Provident Fund, Retirement Fund, Retirement Annuities or a combination as well as a good old-fashioned savings account with awesome interest that you don’t touch for 30 to 40 years. The Grant for Older Persons (previously known as the Old Age Pension) is R1500.00 a month. Can you live on R1500.00 a month now? No? Then you won’t be able to do it when you’re retired either. If you already have a plan in place, then pay attention to it. Know how much it’ll be worth when you retire.

 

To Start Saving:

Have a Plan – Know how much you need to save each month and how long you need to save to reach your end goal. Do the maths.

Cut back on Expenses – Go through your monthly expenses with a fine tooth comb and see where you can cut back. Do you buy lunch each day, when you can bring lunch to work? Are there cheaper more cost effective options for your monthly shopping? Check your banking fees and cell phone account. Question everything. Are you paying towards a monthly Gym membership but have never gone? Cancel it. Go through your cupboards and use up what you already have so you don’t have to buy more. You will have to sacrifice. Whether you’re saving for an overseas trip or saving to pay off your debt faster; you will have to go without. Accept it now.

Create a No Spend Tracker – If you are serious about cutting down on your daily spending, then keep track. It’s generally the small daily amounts that fly under the radar that add up, so make yourself accountable. How long can you go without spending anything? See example here

Loyalty Rewards – Once these accumulate, these can be quite helpful. Know what loyalty points you earn where, and if you aren’t earning them; sign up.

Join a Savings Club – A Savings Club takes commitment. If you are not serious about paying in each month, then don’t even think about it. These only work when everyone who participates is on the same page and has respect for the process. If you are serious, a Savings Club can be your annual nest egg to be used wisely.

Sales and Specials – Slightly counterproductive in advocating saving of money but taking advantage of specials and sales can be extremely helpful. Stock up on 3 for 2 specials for toiletries and non-perishable items and bulk buy. If you have a nice stockpile built up, who knows how long you can go without having to spend anything again. Obviously, within reason. You’re not a doomsday prepper preparing for the apocalypse. Buy birthday and Christmas presents throughout the year. December and January are traditionally quite lean months for myself, so if I have all my Christmas presents bought before December; this helps a great deal

Add extra to monthly bills – By the end of the year, you would’ve built up a nice credit and can actually skip those bills over either December or January. The extra cash can either carry you through these lean times, help prevent more debtor can go into your savings.

Money matters are something that we have to learn from experience. So set yourself a goal and make smart choices. It won’t be easy or quick, but it will be worth it.

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About Claire Donaldson

I started working at Leads 2 Business in February 2005, and have served as Head of Department of Daily Tenders from 2007 until the present. I oversee both the Daily Tenders South Africa and Africa Departments.

9 Feb 2017

L2B Blog: Mastering the art of cold calling, tips for successful B2B Sales

by | posted in: Life Lessons | 2

Mastering the art of cold calling, tips for successful B2B Sales

Mastering the art of cold calling, tips for successful B2B sales

Cold calling provides selling opportunities to your external sales team, it’s the ability to interact with potential subscribers and entice them into wanting to know more about your company and what you can offer. It can be a very challenging career to have as you do come across some individuals that don’t particularly like interacting with telesales staff. That being said, we have the privilege of interacting with some of the nicest people within our industry.

Telesales staff must be highly motivated individuals who have a sales spirit and enjoy interacting with people, they need to be confident and ensure they take nothing personally. Curiosity is vital to ensure success in cold calling.

When calling a potential client the fundamentals are:

  • Doing your homework – It is important to ensure you gather as much information about the client before you call, potential clients appreciate an agent who has done their homework.
  • Contact with the correct person – this will increase your level of success; the decision maker will see potential in an idea that will grow their business.
  • Listening skills – understanding what the potential client requires in order for them to get things done in an easy no fuss manner, business owners want results.
  • Asking the correct questions – in order to ascertain how we can best assist them in satisfying their business’s needs. Ensure your timing is correct; if they sound busy rather suggest calling them back.
  • Knowledge – You cannot sell what you don’t understand so knowledge is definitely important, if you know your product or service you are able to answer questions efficiently.
  • Attitude – towards your potential client is equally important, if you believe in your product or service the potential client will be more inclined to have a look at what you offer.
  • Confidence – When you sound confident in your ability to lead them to the right product or service they will be open to listening to your sales call.
  • Tone on the phone – We speak to a variety of potential clients from all walks of life and it is very important to establish a rapport over the phone, ensuring you don’t use jargon that is not always understood.

 

“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try one more time.” – Thomas A Edison

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About Karen Garner-Savory

I started working at Leads 2 Business in May 2009, and have served as Head of Department of Telesales and Administration from 2010 until the present. I oversee both the Telesales department as well as the Administration of our Johannesburg Office.

8 Feb 2017

Featured Project : Ballito Junction

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Ballito Junction

Ballito Junction

Description : Expansion of the Ballito Junction shopping centre from 9 313m² to 80 000m², and totaling 130 stores. Once completed, it will be known as Ballito Junction, and will function as the dominant super-regional mall in its area. The mall will comprise four split levels of retail and five parking levels. Development rights that exist on the site allow for the centre to be further expanded to 90 000m². The site is located along Leonora Drive in Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal. Approximate GPS Coordinates, as per Google: -29.526867, 31.203649. Total estimated project value: R 1.6 billion.

Status : Underway

Industry: Building

Region : Ballito

Sector : Private

Value : R 100 million+

Timing : Centre is planned to open in March 2017.

Notes: Construction is still on schedule for completion in March 2017.

If you are a valued Projects subscriber, you can find more details click here Ballito Junction – Building – PPA: 14140.

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About Bianca Warwick

I had the privilege of joining the Leads 2 Business content team in January 2012. I work in the exciting Projects department, following the progress of construction developments in KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State.

7 Feb 2017

Featured Tender: Construction of the Bulk Water Supply Pipeline from Padda Junction to Thabazimbi

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Construction of the Bulk Water Supply Pipeline from Padda Junction to Thabazimbi

Contract Number: RFB/MW/114/2016-17 – Magalies Water

Description : Magalies Water invites tenders for the Construction of the Bulk Water Supply Pipeline from Padda Junction to Thabazimbi.

Industry Sector : Water

Industry : Infrastructure

Region : Limpopo, North West

Site Inspection: A compulsory clarification meeting with representatives of the Employer will take place on 16 February 2017 starting at 11:00. Tenderers are to meet at the Magalies Water Boardroom in Rustenburg. Tender documents will also be made available at the clarification meeting upon proof of payment or payment as arranged by Magalies Water on the day.

Closing Date: 16 March 2017 at 12:00.

Restrictions: It is estimated that Tenderers should have a CIDB Contractor grading designation as follows: 9CE or higher or 8CE / PE. DTI Local Content requirements shall apply.The closing time for receipt of tenders is 12:00 on 15 March 2017. Sealed bids, clearly marked RFB/MW/114/2010-17: Construction of the Bulk Water Supply Pipeline from Padda Junction to Thabazimbi must be placed in the tender box at the reception of the Magalies Water head office, 38 Heystek Street, Rustenburg. Telegraphic, telephonic, telex, facsimile, e-mail and late tenders will not be accepted. Tenders may only be submitted on the tender documentation that is issued. Responsive tenders will be evaluated on the basis of functionality and on the 90/10 preference point system, price (90) and B-BBEE Status Level of Contribution (10). Requirements for sealing, addressing, delivery, opening and assessment of tenders are stated in the Tender Data.

If you are a valued Tender subscriber, Click to find more details about Construction of the Bulk Water Supply Pipeline from Padda Junction to Thabazimbi – DTA 619908.

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About Eldary Carpenter

I have been with Leads 2 Business for 5 years and absolutely love working for such a dynamic company. I started off as a Content Researcher in the Tenders Department before being promoted to Customer Relations.

6 Feb 2017

Did you Know…? #DYK New Tendering Rules will change the way you do business.

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New Tendering Rules will change the way you do business.

Tenderers are required to make changes in the way they submit government tenders, especially in relation to sub-contracting.
Bids and tenders submitted without taking the below points into consideration stand to have their tenders deemed ‘unacceptable’ or could face hefty fines!
Gerrit Davids, owner and facilitator of a tender advisory consultancy, walks us through the new Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act (PPPFA) Regulations.

 

 

  • The new Regulations from the outset grants an organ of state the authority to stipulate a ‘Preferred Minimum BBBEE Level’ in a tender, which will exclude certain companies with a lower BBBEE Level from submitting bids.

 

  • The Regulations will allow the state to include wide-ranging Sub-Contracting stipulations, which could force principle bidders to make use of up to 8 x different types of sub-contractors under the ‘Pre-Qualification Criteria’. Failure to do so will have the bid being declared ‘unacceptable’.

 

  • The value of the 80:20 and the 90:10 Preference Point Systems has been increased to below and above R50m respectively. However, it retains the current scoring of points for Price alongside that of BBBEE in tenders.

 

  • The new Regulations also place a 25% maximum on Sub-Contracting, which is done in the ordinary course of business with companies that have a lower BBBEE level than that of the principle bidder. Failure to comply with this stipulation will also cause tenders to be disqualified from consideration.

 

  • Regulations are introducing a new approach to pricing where a bidder scores the ‘highest points’ in a tender but its price is not market related and (the bidder) refuses to adjust it to be in-line with market related prices. The organ of state will have the right not to award the tender to such a bidder and it may even decide to cancel it.
  • An additional stipulation to the Regulations makes it obligatory for an organ of state issuing tenders to ‘make available a list’ of potential sub-contractors that qualify under the definition of ‘designated groups’ and such a list must be subject to approval by National Treasury.
  • The much-debated stipulation of compulsory Sub-Contracting of 30% for all tenders above R30m in value will also be allowed ‘where feasible’ to advance any one or more of the ‘designated groups’ as defined by these new Regulations.

 

  • Another key regulation stipulates that sub-contracting, which was not mentioned in the bidder’s tender could only be done with the permission of the organ of state ‘after a tender has been awarded’. A 10% penalty of the total value of the contract may be imposed where the correct sub-contracting procedures were not followed or where information was withheld, a ban on doing business with the state for 10 years could also be imposed by National Treasury under these new Regulations.

 

Davids says, “The meaning and understanding of the concept of ‘being proactive’ becomes a very relevant application with this new dispensation. Tenderers will be left behind if they do not make the required changes in the way they submit government tenders, especially in relation to sub-contracting”.

The Regulations will come into effect on 1 April 2017 giving tenderers less than 3 months to prepare for its impact.

Should you wish to contact the author:

Gerrit Davids – Lead Advisor at TaranisCo Advisory CC
Tel. 011-026 4891
Cell. +27 (0)82 496 1657
E-mail: advisor@taranis.co.za
Website: www.taranis.co.za

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About Gerrit Davids

Gerrit Davids is the Lead Advisor at Taranis Co Advisory with more than 20 years experience in government procurement regulations and having trained more than 2000 people on how to submit compliant tenders.

3 Feb 2017

Featured Project : Eco Medical Village, Accra, Ghana

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Eco Medical Village, Accra, Ghana

Description : Construction of a hospital for a proposed medical village project development is located in Accra, on a 30 acre site acquired adjacent to Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration in Ghana. The construction of a medical village in Ghana that will consist of: a 380 ward hospital, 120 ward women and children hospital, underground parking space for 1,000 vehicles, 120 ward housing for the elderly, 17 storeys doctors’ offices, a medical shopping mall; all things health; 40 x unit studio apartments for medical trainees; a medical research center in collaboration with world renowned hospitals; a 4 star medical hotel, a 2 star medical hotel, air ambulance and paramedic services and a housing facility for medical staff.

Status : Awarded

Industry: Building

Region : Ghana

Sector : Private

Value : R 100 million+

Timing : 2016 onwards.

Notes: The Developers have completed yet another visit at the Vatican. They are working hard to build the best foundation for Eco Medical Village. Sod-cutting ceremony has not taken place yet.

If you are a valued Projects subscriber, you can find more details click here Eco Medical Village, Accra, Ghana – Hospital- PPA: 17437.

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About Marlaine Andersen

Leads 2 Business Advertising Co-ordinator and Digital Designer

31 Jan 2017

Featured Tender: Moretele South Water Supply 25 Ml Command Reservoir

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Moretele South Water Supply 25 Ml Command Reservoir

 

Contract Number: RFB/MW/115/2016-2017 – Magalies Water

Description : Magalies Water invites tenders for Moretele South Water Supply 25 Ml Command Reservoir .

Industry Sector : Water

Industry : Infrastructure

Region : North West

Site Inspection: A compulsory clarification meeting with representitives of the Employer will take place at Lapa of he Klipdrift WTW. Co-ordinates are: 25°22’53.34″S; 28°18’26.41″E on 06 February 2017 starting at 11:00.

Closing Date: 07 March 2017 at 12:00.

Restrictions: It is estimated that tenderers should have a cidb contractor grading of 8CE. 7CE Potentially Emerging Enterprises who satisfy criteria stated in the Tender Data may submit Tender offers. Preferences are offered to tenderers who 8 CE or higher or 7CE/PE Only tenderers who Civil Engineering Class of Works are eligible to submit tenders. Telephonic, Telegraphic, Telex, Facsimile, Emailed and Late Tenders will not be accepted. Tenders may only be submitted on the tender documentation that is issued. Requirements for sealing, addressing, delivering, opening and assessment of Tenders are stated in the Tender Data.

If you are a valued Tender subscriber, Click to find more details about Moretele South Water Supply 25 Ml Command Reservoir – DTA 618559.

If you are interested in becoming one of our subscribers, please visit our website.
To view notes with screenshots on how to use our website, please visit our Wiki site.
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About Claire Donaldson

I started working at Leads 2 Business in February 2005, and have served as Head of Department of Daily Tenders from 2007 until the present. I oversee both the Daily Tenders South Africa and Africa Departments.

30 Jan 2017

L2B Blog: Commercial Construction & Renovation

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Commercial Construction & Renovation

According to itsallaboutbusiness.com, “Commercial construction is the business of building and selling or leasing manufacturing or assembly plants, medical centers, retail shopping centers and standard space for offices. The business varies primarily in the size and scale of the operations. Typically, the commercial builder either contracts with a company or organisation to build the facility or builds the facility on speculation that it can be leased or sold at a later time.”

Taking the above into account lets look at some of the commercial properties making headlines in South Africa.

In 2011 Aurecon’s Offices in Century City, now known as Aurecon East, was the first building in South Africa to be awarded a 5-Star Green Star SA Office Design v1 rating by the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) but they didn’t stop there. In 2016 Aurecon West was completed, the second phase of Offices which also went on to receive a 5-Star Green Star SA Office Design v1 rating. Aurecon’s investment in Century City has inspired a number of other large corporates to relocate to the area.

In 2011 there were only 5 buildings in SA with Green Star accreditation from the GBCSA, to date there are 113 buildings with a Office Design v1 rating and 202 buildings in total with a Green Star Rating.

When you mention Kyalami most will think of the Race Track that was purchased by Porsche South Africa in 2014. Indeed, it is an historic track and recent construction and renovation at the Race Track was completed May 2016 after which it was awarded a Grade 2 racetrack certification by the Federation International de l’Automobile (FIA) and is the only current motor racing facility on the African continent to have the prestigious accreditation. But the Race Track is not the only property making headlines, Kyalami Corner, a 28 000m² retail development is due for completion in March and anticipated to open in April this year and forms part of the larger Kyalami Main on Main development in the area which includes retail, motor showrooms, offices and residential.

Another commercial development close to home is the Liberty Midlands Mall Phase 3 Expansion which will include offices and a value retail centre which was initially announced December 2013, construction was planned to commence in early 2014 and completed by mid-2015. However it seems that there were various delays and Phase 3 looks like it will be going ahead during 2017. Residents in the area have been waiting a while for the expansion and I’m sure many look forward to witnessing the progressing going forward. Watch this space.

The list of commercial construction and renovation could go on…

It’s evident that there is a significant amount of commercial construction & renovation happening in SA and what’s more all the developments I mentioned above can be found on Leads 2 Business. Want to know more? Comment below or contact us.

Sources:

http://www.aurecongroup.com/en/about/latest-news/2011/jul/aurecons-office-building-achieves-first-5-star-green-star-sa-rating-in-south-africa.aspx

https://www.gbcsa.org.za/projects/certified-projects/?tool=&type=&rating=&province=&filter=rated

If you are interested in becoming one of our subscribers, please visit our website.

To view notes with screenshots on how to use our website, please visit our Wiki site.

To view more articles, please visit our blog.

About Sasha Anderson

Millennial Mom + wife living the hash-tag life. Reach out if you want to talk: L2B, social media, construction, technology, marriage, parenting, popular culture and travel. Remember: If You Fail - Fail Forward

27 Jan 2017

Featured Project : Discovery Health Head Office

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Discovery Health Head Office

 

Description : Construction of the new Discovery Health Head Office, in Sandton, Gauteng. The site will be situated on the corner of Rivonia Road and Sandton Drive. The old Sandton Garden Court Hotel was situated at this site, and has been demolished to make way for the new Discovery hub. The building will consist of two wings with eight floors of offices plus a ground floor and a feature roof level. It will also offer nine basements with over 5,100 parking bays. The property is owned by Growthpoint (55%) and Zenprop (45%). It will be developed in a phased approach, and will incorporate a GBCSA (Green Building Council South Africa) green building accredited rating of at least four stars. It is also set to become a landmark on the Sandton skyline. This iconic building will be the largest single office development to take place in Africa. The building will house 5000 Discovery employees. Value of the entire project is estimated to R1.8 Billion. Size 50 000m²

Status : Underway

Industry: Building

Region : Sandton

Sector : Private

Value : R 100 million+

Timing : January 2014 – October 2017. Occupation January 2018 (33 months).

Notes: Construction is ongoing, the facade is nearing completion and the contractor is currently busy with the internal work. Completion is still on track for October 2017.

If you are a valued Projects subscriber, you can find more details click here Discovery Health Head Office – Building – PPA: 13215.

If you are interested in becoming one of our subscribers, please visit our website.
To view notes with screenshots on how to use our website, please visit our Wiki site.
To view more articles, please visit our blog.

About Sasha Anderson

Millennial Mom + wife living the hash-tag life. Reach out if you want to talk: L2B, social media, construction, technology, marriage, parenting, popular culture and travel. Remember: If You Fail - Fail Forward

26 Jan 2017

L2B Blog: Building Design & Construction: Interesting Buildings & Structures

by | posted in: Construction Chat, Uncategorized | 0

Building Design & Construction: Interesting Buildings & Structures

Building Design & Construction: Interesting Buildings & Structures

Over the ages, there have been many buildings and structures built that have an absolutely amazing design. Some of these buildings and structures have withstood the test of time in ways that newer buildings / structures have yet to experience and only time will tell if they will be able to withstand the forces of nature. Today, I am having a look at some of these brilliant buildings and structures that have captured my imagination.

 

  1. Bridge of Eggs, Lima, Peru

Puente de Piedra (the Bridge of Stone), was built around 1610 by the architect. Juan del Corral, and is referred to as the Bridge of Eggs, due to the belief that the mortar was mixed with egg whites as opposed to water. The bridge is still standing today.

 Photo Credit: Mangal Home Builders

References: Wikipedia, Did You Know?

 

  1. Cathedral of Brasília(Catedral Metropolitana Nossa Senhora Aparecida), Brazil

The Cathedral of Brasília (Portuguese: Catedral Metropolitana Nossa Senhora Aparecida, “Metropolitan Cathedral of Our Lady of Aparecida”) is the Roman Catholic cathedral in Brasília, Brazil, designed by Oscar Niemeyer. Construction started in 1958 and was completed in 1970.

Photo Credit: Author – Victor Soares – ABr

References: Wikipedia, Most Amazing Facts.

  1. Yunak Evleri Cave Hotel, Urgup, Cappadocia, Turkey

Yunak Evleri is a 5-star hotel built into ancient Turkish caves that were carved out of the rocky hills. The combination of the renovated caves (7) with the private cave rooms (40 in total), dating back to the 5th and 6th century, capped by a 19th century Greek Mansion, would entice anyone to go exploring.

Photo Credit: Yunak

References: Yunak, Most Amazing Facts

  1. Air Force Academy Chapel, Colorado, United States

Construction on this amazing building started in 1957 and it was completed in 1962. Designed by Walter Netsch of Skidmore, Owings and Merrill and constructed by Robert E. McKee, Inc., it provides the following worship areas: Protestant chapel (Protestants), Catholic chapel (Catholics), Jewish chapel (Jews), Buddhist chapel (Buddhists), Falcon Circle (Followers of Earth-Centered Spiruality, which includes Wicca, Paganism and Druidism) and All-Faiths rooms (these are for smaller religious groups and faith specific accoutrements are available for use).

Photo Credit: Author – Carol M. Highsmith’s America, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division

References: Wikipedia, Docomomo-US, Most Amazing Facts

  1. Eiffel Tower, Paris, France

Of course, one of the most famous buildings in all of time, is the Eiffel Tower. Gustave Eiffel, whose company designed and built the tower, also became the namesake. Construction started in 1887 and was completed in 1889.

Photo Credit: Benh LIEU SONG (License)

References: Wikipedia

  1. Fallingwater House, Pennsylvania, United States

Architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, designed this astounding house for Liliane and Edgar J. Kaufmann in 1935. Construction started in 1936 and the main house was completed in 1937. In 1966 it was designated a National Historic Landmark. The Lego product range, Lego Architecture, features Fallingwater as a landmark set.

Photo Credit: Author – Daderot

References: Wikipedia

  1. La Sagrada Família, Barcelona, Spain

This minor basilica was designed by Antoni Gaudi and construction commenced in 1882. Due to reliance on private donations and being interrupted by the Spanish Civil War, it has an anticipated completion date of 2026.

Photo Credit: Author – Bernard Gagnon

References: Wikipedia, Most Amazing Facts

  1. The Big Pineapple, Bathurst, South Africa

Built between 1990 – 1992, the Big Pineapple is a tribute to the agricultural success of the fruit in the region. It is almost 20m high and has three floors.

Photo Credit: NJR ZA

References: Buzz South Africa, AGU Blogosphere

  1. The Shoe House, Abel Erasmus Pass, Mpumalanga

Ron van Zyl designed and built this house for his wife, Yvonne, in 1990. Today the house is a Museum and also includes a chalet guest house, restaurant, bar, a camp site, curio shop and pool.

Photo Credit: FunPic

References: Buzz South Africa, Traveler’s Log.

  1. Alice Lane Towers, Sandton, South Africa

Designed by Paragon Architects and completed in 2010, this is definitely one of the most beautiful buildings I have seen. This is the first high rise building with a curved façade, being completely glazed and made from low energy glass and utilising glass printing technology.

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

References: Wikipedia

These are some of the structures and buildings which have caught my interest, but there are still so many other amazing, popular, strange and fantastic buildings and structures in the world.

Do you have any that have caught your interest?

Feel free to leave a comment.

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About Cecile Van Deventer

I joined the L2Q Team in 2006, as a L2Q Support Assistant and have been the HOD since 2010. I supervise L2Q Bills, Daily Tender Bills, Control Lists and Directory.

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