Stedone Hazycrest Projects Introduce Geoplast System

Association member Stedone Hazycrest Projects have introduced a new construction product to the South African market which has the potential to vastly improve the way in which affordable housing, classrooms and ablution projects are currently undertaken.

The system they use is the Geoplast System which Stedone director Wayne Barr first encountered while visiting Italy. Structures are created using interlocking modular plastic formworks known as Geopanels to create a mould in which concrete is poured, once it has dried, the panels are removed and the walls to the structure remain.

The Geopanels are produced using a carbon bi-product to create a plastic similar to that from which Lego is manufactured. It is lightweight, incredibly durable and its unique interlocking system is watertight, ensuring zero seepage.  

Stedone initially envisaged pairing the system with their own patented light-weight concrete, however after several test cases, a different tack was decided upon. Durban based concrete company Metier was approached to formulate a mix that would withstand the rigors, what they came up with proved very effective.

The entire construction process is pre-planned and modular allowing for an exceptionally quick turnaround time. Once the architect has submitted the plans, the modules are created and include allowances for windows and doors, the services of a carpenter are not required. The shell of the structure is erected on a raft foundation using aluminum framing and wire mesh to support the concrete. The geopanels are assembled and concrete is poured.

There are several benefits to using this system:

• It is easy and intuitive. 
• It is less arduous than traditional timber or steel systems, more cost effective and quicker to set up.
• The system has panels of various sizes, fastened together by means of fast-lock nylon handles.
• Thanks to the several possible panel combinations, and special internal- and external-corner elements, the wall thickness can be of 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 or 40 cm.

Wayne informs us that the entire construction process takes only 3 days to complete and is so systematic and cost effective, that it has the potential to uplift disadvantaged communities by creating affordable structures as well as work for the unskilled.

Ernest Roper | Webmaster