When South African based company Structure Now unveiled the new design of their portable schools and functional medical clinic buildings for Africa, they were delighted when they captured the attention of companies as far away as Moscow and New York. Enquiries from overseas have been steadily coming in since the official opening ceremony of the first unit, the Investec Westbury School Teacher Development Centre, located in Gauteng. The classroom, donated by Investec, is completely solar powered and will be a place of ongoing learning.
Structure Now specialises in practical and effective social solutions that assist in the eradication of endemic poverty by producing facilities for education, child care and the medical profession. The facilities are all built from recycled ISO shipping containers and retro fitted to incorporate a solar power station, exo-thermal skeleton that keeps the building cool inside and advanced Polycarbo-flex natural light windows that act as a secondary security feature.
Jason Maydew, Head of African Operations, commented, “Our solution really does tick all the boxes. We spent two years in research and development to come up with a cost-effective solution that was practical, temperature stable and did not compromise the overall look of the building. What we ended up with was a truly iconic structure that we believe symbolises the start of truly positive changes for the African people who need it the most.”
The target market of Structure Now are both government and corporate organisations at home and abroad. Since the launch they have already snagged one of Africa’s largest investment banks and are in further talks with similar institutions as well as retail chains and telecoms companies across the whole of the African continent, as well as Russia, USA and Australia. Maydew commented, “The proposition we offer is very attractive to companies wishing to balance the different budgets that they control, including green energy, recycling, carbon emissions, social responsibility and marketing, all combined in to one simple project. For our government proposition, the benefits are very clear and act as a ready-made solution”.
The company is a collaboration between British-born economic engineer Jason Maydew and award-winning South African industrial designer James Kennedy. Cutting edge technology, stunning design and a desire to make a real difference in Africa are the cornerstones of this initiative. Kennedy commented, “During the design phase we overcame many challenges. The African climate can be harsh so keeping the environment cooler than the outside temperature was a big factor. Air conditioning was not an option for consideration due to the remote locations where some of our structures would be deployed. By pushing the boundaries of practical engineering techniques, we have delivered a highly effective solution and have introduced this new technology to all of our portable buildings.”
Structure Now selected Cape Town as the base for design and production of the next generation of buildings. Cape Town has a busy international shipping terminal, access to the South African Railway network and a steady supply of materials needed for the construction process.
The production facility can manufacture up to 50 buildings per month. Structure Now creates opportunities for local labour. Employees are trained to weld, paint, fit electrical equipment and best of all, to become part of a team that is doing something for society to help people in need.
Maydew concluded, “ Our current portfolio of ready-made solutions includes a fully equipped medical clinic, school classrooms, a crèche, an adult internet learning centre and a double storey childrens home that feeds, sleeps and teaches up to 20 children. The base of these structures retain the standard shipping container fittings, making them easily transportable.”
Plans for next year include the launch of a low cost triple storey housing solution and a recreational facility that promises to fuse iconic design with practicality.
Find out more about Structure Now by visiting their website www.structurenow.com You can also view pictures from their latest project on Facebook www.facebook.com/structurenow
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Author: Jason Maydew from Structure Now PTY Ltd.
No of Images Uploaded: Three
 The exterior Photographer: In House |
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 Work being completed Photographer: In House |
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