There’s no doubt about it: Africa’s diversity is truly stimulating. However, due to nuanced local needs from country to country, it is also fraught with infrastructure challenges. Cultural diversity and local needs play an important role, also when it comes to business.
GEZE’s experts in door, window and security technology are on the ground in Africa, providing advice and support to architects, planners and contractors – from the initial idea and the planning phase to operational implementation, as well as providing an after-sales service following project completion.
On the ground: GEZE realising projects across Africa
GEZE’s presence on the ground has decisive advantages. Our subsidiary GEZE South Africa is well aware of local and national business challenges and different regional conditions – and, thanks to its reliable infrastructure, is well placed to meet growing demand from customers across Africa.
With its headquarters in Johannesburg and regional teams in Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth, GEZE South Africa is well positioned to collaborate closely with architects, planners and project managers in the south of Africa. Projects are under way across Africa, realised either through transnational supplies or the work of GEZE partners, such as in Botswana, Swaziland, Namibia and Zimbabwe. Other key markets include Angola, Zambia, Mozambique, Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Nigeria, Ghana and Mauritius.
Special requirements for façades, windows and doors: the Dunes Mall in Namibia
The comprehensive service and product portfolio GEZE offers makes it possible to create tailored solutions that meet high standards of design, functionality and quality – even in the face of challenging environmental conditions. The Dunes Mall in Namibia is a perfect example of this.
The Dunes Mall in Namibia, a modern shopping centre between the coast and the desert.GEZE
Situated close to the Namibian coast, the Dunes Mall is one of the country’s largest retail investments to date. However, the location close to Walvis Bay International Airport is often subjected to sandstorms and winds blowing in from the Namib Desert, not to mention extremely high temperatures. This means that the building’s façade, windows and doors must all meet strict requirements. Consequently, GEZE fitted the Dunes Mall with tailor-made, super-sized entrance doors that not only withstand the elements but also allow light to stream into the building.
Futuristic: Discovery HQ in Sandton, Johannesburg
GEZE South Africa has been involved in the construction of numerous buildings in Sandton, the richest square mile in Africa. “Boogertman + Partners collaborated closely with GEZE SA on the spectacular Discovery HQ project. GEZE’s expertise helped us to proceed faster, reducing the complexity typical of projects of this scale and scope,” said Alasdair Forsyth of Boogertman + Partner.
Hotel with international flair: Hilton Garden Inn in Gaborone, Botswana
“Being a cross-border project for a global brand brought with it huge challenges relating to time, cost and logistics. So GEZE’s control, supply and installing was an ideal fit. When we hit inevitable challenges, they would jump and get right on it. The feedback from the global stakeholders after the walk through, is that this is 5-star quality for a 3-star build. We’re extremely proud of this result!” said Ruan Beylefeld, Site Agent at Group Five.
World-class healthcare: the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital in Parktown, Johannesburg
The multi-award-winning Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital is a world-class paediatric care institution. Ruben Reddy Architects and GAPP Architects & Urban Designers partnered with UKVK Vereinigtes Königreich-based architectural firms Sheppard Robson International and John Cooper Architecture to design and coordinate the construction of this new 200-bed hospital. GEZE door systems ensure that the modern children’s hospital offers access for all. “GEZE’S specialists engage early on in the process and openly share information; this made dealing with the client easier. I have confidence in GEZE,” said Serena Nadar, Technical Manager at Ruben Reddy Architects.
Stylish living and fire protection at The Onyx in Cape Town
The Onyx is an ambitious refurbishment project from renowned property developer Signatura and the award-winning architectural firm Robert Silke & Partners. Part hotel, part residential, The Onyx offers stylish living just a few minutes’ walk from the Cape Town coast.
As part of the fire safety measures in the building, GEZE fitted the fire protection doors with closers that automatically close doors in the event of fire. “GEZE was wonderful, very solution-oriented. We have a very good relationship: whenever we need anything or don’t quite understand something, they’re there for us,” said Sarah Schulman from architectural firm Robert Silke & Partners.
New shopping experiences at the MAMS Mall in Mamelodi, Gauteng
The MAMS Mall is an expansive shopping centre with a surface area of 70,000 sqm at the heart of a lively district in Mamelodi. GEZE was on site from an early stage, helping to plan and design BIM models (Building Information Modelling), through to the execution phase. Numerous GEZE products, such as a series of overhead door closers, floor-mounted door closers and door fittings, provide high levels of convenience and security.
“GEZE was involved in the entire process, from planning to supplying to installing. Their BIMBIM Building Information Modeling model saved us so much time – they really took the scheduling off our hands,” said Neels Fourie of LP Architects.
Useful info for architects and planners
To share this exceptionally useful tool, GEZE has made its own BIM objects available for download, free of charge; these can prove valuable during the planning, construction and operation phases. Here at GEZE, our experts will be happy to help you create BIM plans and identify object requirements to facilitate proper and integral specialist planning. Find out more about our free planning tool here.
GEZE offers comprehensive support across all project phases: get in touch now
Architects, planners, developers and general contractors can contact the GEZE architects’ hotline directly: +49 (0)7152-203-112. Alternatively, contact Günther Weizenhöfer (Dipl.-Ing. Arch.) via e-mail.