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A lot of the residential areas where there was a lot of reeds have made a great use of thatch roofing

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A lot of the residential areas where there was a lot of reeds have made a great use of thatch roofing

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Thatch roofing uses dry vegetation like straw, reeds, or grass to create a roof cover. This ancient method is still popular for its natural look and insulation properties. Layers of thatch are tightly packed and tied to wooden beams. Crafting a thatched roof takes skill.

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Thatch roofing uses dry vegetation like straw, reeds, or grass to create a roof cover. This ancient method is still popular for its natural look and insulation properties. Layers of thatch are tightly packed and tied to wooden beams. Crafting a thatched roof takes skill.

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Straw Bales are used in various residential and commercial buildings. It is a framing material for green construction projects. Straw bales can also be used as fill material between columns and beam frameworks, expanding their versatility in construction projects. Straw bales assist in building energy efficiency by providing insulation and lowering the demand for excessive heating and cooling.

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In Gauteng, South Africa, two trending sustainable building materials are engineered wood and straw bales.

Engineered Wood: This material is gaining popularity due to its sustainability and efficiency. Engineered wood products, such as cross-laminated timber, offer a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional materials like steel and concrete. They also contribute to faster construction times and can be customized to specific design requirements.

Straw Bales: Utilizing straw bales in construction provides excellent insulation properties and is both renewable and locally sourced. When used in walls, flooring, and ceilings, straw bales significantly reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. However, it's essential to ensure proper measures are taken to prevent issues like dampness and pest infestation.

An example of a building in Gauteng that incorporates sustainable materials is Stand 47. This project showcases the use of light steel frame structures combined with drywall systems, which results in reduced waste, faster building times, and improved thermal insulation. Additionally, timber doors and window frames are utilized to enhance sustainability.

These materials and construction methods reflect a growing commitment in the region to environmentally friendly building practices.

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Straw bale construction is a sustainable building method that utilizes straw bales as the primary material for walls, offering excellent insulation and environmental benefits. While more prevalent in other regions of South Africa, there are instances of straw bale buildings in and around Gauteng.​

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Straw bale construction is a sustainable building method that utilizes straw bales as the primary material for walls, offering excellent insulation and environmental benefits. While more prevalent in other regions of South Africa, there are instances of straw bale buildings in and around Gauteng.​

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EcoDesignArchitects

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One notable example is the Starflower Project, which involved the construction of a house and conference/training facility in Midrand, Gauteng, in 2012. ​

EcoDesignArchitects

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Recycled steel is considered a sustainable building material not only in Gauteng, but globally. It is considered sustainable for the following reasons:                                               It saves energy and reduces waste and it can be recycled without losing its qulaity. 

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Recycled steel is considered a sustainable building material not only in Gauteng, but globally. It is considered sustainable for the following reasons:                                               It saves energy and reduces waste and it can be recycled without losing its qulaity. 

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Made from grains like wheat, rice, and barely. it offers a natural, environmentally friendly alternative to traditional building materials.

advantage: it is an excellent insulator, as it provides high levels of thermal resistance

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Precast concrete emerges as an environmentally responsible choice that provides durability, energy efficiency, and minimizes building waste. Precast concrete is manufactured off-site and transported to the construction site, decreasing on-site construction time and costs. It is an energy-efficient and sustainable building material that helps to reduce carbon emissions during construction.

The 2Ten Hotel in Limpopo, which features precast concrete systems

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Moruleng Cultural Precinct - natural ventilation, low cost, eco-friendly as it's locally sourced. Vernacular design.

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Example of Bamboo sustainable construction in Gauteng is the Bamboo Cottage in Parktown, a Japanese/African-inspired eco-apartment that incorporates bamboo in both structural and decorative elements. This reflects the growing trend in South Africa toward using renewable, low-impact materials like bamboo, known for its fast growth, strength, and carbon-sequestering abilities. With suppliers like Bamboo Warehouse Johannesburg offering locally available bamboo products, projects like this highlight bamboo’s potential in eco-conscious architecture across Gauteng.

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utilizing bio-based insulation materials like cellulose or recycled denim are not readily available, the region has seen a growing interest in sustainable building practices incorporating such materials. For instance, Thermguard, based in Kempton Park, manufactures cellulose fibre insulation from recycled newspaper, offering an eco-friendly solution for thermal and acoustic insulation. Additionally, Naturecell, located in Wadeville, Gauteng, is developing bonded-cellulose fibre batts made from recycled paper for building insulation. These companies exemplify the local commitment to environmentally sustainable insulation solutions, contributing to the broader adoption of green building materials in the region.​