The Sandton skyline-defining skyscraper, the Leonardo, is the tallest building in Africa. The R3-billion project, developed by 75 on Maude, a Legacy Group and Nedbank partnership, has already surpassed the former stand-out in Sandton, The Michelangelo. At 233m with 55 floors it also beats the 201m architectural height of the Carlton’s Centre, previously the tallest building in South Africa.
 
Coined as the pinnacle of luxury living in Africa’s richest square mile the Leonardo is intended to symbolise a beacon of hope in a trying economic climate in South Africa. Only local contractors and labour was employed on the project with each individual leaving their own uniquely South African stamp on the building.
 
According to Jamie Hendry, Director at Legacy Development Management, this allows the Leonardo to radiate its own soul. Each visitor will therefore have a unique emotional journey during their time at the Leonardo.
 
“Whether you’re walking through the art-filled public spaces, absorbing the ultimate lifestyle experience on level seven or the magnificent unobstructed views with a drink at the sky bar, the Leonardo will create unforgettable memories for many generations of South Africans.”
 
The Legacy Group is known for its proud South African heritage and its investments in the country’s construction sector during times when others weren’t willing or able to take the same risks.
 
Cost control for a skyline defining project
“Estimating and controlling the cost of developing tall buildings is no easy feat,” says South African Association of Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS) member, Steven Schneid from S.M. Schneid Quantity Surveyors.
 
“The initial capital cost estimate – which is vital in calculating the viability of the project at an early stage – could not be calculated based on data and information gathered from smaller projects. The nature of the development demanded detailed measurement on each specific floor. All calculations had to be done manually with more detail, fact-checking and number crunching than the team had ever encountered before.”
 
The Quantity Surveying work started in 2015 with a number of amendments to the initial estimate.
 
“We started by preparing mini bills of quantities for each aspect of work and sent these out for quotes,” says Schneid. “This enabled the team to remain agile in finalising a cost estimate that met the viability requirements of the project.”
 
“The client made it clear at the outset that he wanted a world-class building design that was flexible enough to accommodate future changes. The tendering and negotiation phase demanded a coming together of the project team, contractors and sub-contractors to ensure that the client received the best value for money during a tough time in the South African construction sector,” says Schneid.
 
“Understanding what is important to a client allows a QS to scrutinise costs and replace specified products for equivalent options that are more cost-effective while not sacrificing on quality and standards,” says Schneid.
 
“Steven has been outstanding in all cost control aspects of the project. He has given a huge effort to the project and we have developed a relationship built on mutual trust. We truly value his dedication and effort throughout the project,” says Hendry.
 
Hendry, who is also a Quantity Surveyor, says that Quantity Surveyors and the ASAQS – an organisation dedicated to upholding and elevating the status of Quantity Surveyors – will continue to play an increasingly important role.
 
“Poor economic conditions, combined with all the changes and challenges in the local built environment, means that developers are looking for credible figures, accountability and reliable cost management. Experienced Quantity Surveyors are well-versed to manage this function,” comments Hendry.

ENDS
 
MEDIA CONTACT: Stephné du Toit, 084 587 9933, [email protected], www.atthatpoint.co.za  
 
For more information on ASAQS please visit:
Website: www.asaqs.co.za
Facebook: The Association of South African Quantity Surveyors

Photo: Christelle Bown, President of the ASAQS

​A recent survey by the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS) shows that the majority of Quantity Surveyors experience late- or non-payment of contractors on national, provincial and municipal projects. ASAQS President Christelle Bown presented the survey findings during a panel discussion at the 2019 Master Builders Annual Congress, which was held on 9 September in Johannesburg.

“Over 140 ASAQS members participated in the survey, with the majority of respondents saying they experience late and non-payment on government projects. The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Patricia de Lille, recently said that her department had paid R106-million in outstanding invoices. While this is a step in the right direction, it is still only a drop in the ocean of the R6-billion of government debt, that needs to be paid to contractors and professionals in the built environment,” says Bown.

The survey also highlighted that the Eastern Cape and Gauteng were the provinces where their members experience the most payment-related problems from government entities.

“The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure isn’t responsible for the entire R6-billion in outstanding payments. Finding the sources of all the outstanding debt and addressing it with the appropriate departments and implementing agents will require a collaborative approach from built environment stakeholders,” says Bown.

Accounting for violence and disruption on projects
Another issue that was addressed during the panel discussion was how Quantity Surveyors should account for the community facilitation and safety measures that are needed to combat the ongoing violence and intimidation that has plagued many infrastructure projects in the country.

There is a provision for a Community Liaison Officer in the bill of quantities for government projects. A possible solution could be the addition of a Social and Community Facilitator consulting role, which would be an additional cost to the client but could potentially minimise the cost of delays and damages from the construction mafia and other illegal activities on project sites,” says Bown.

Closer collaboration needed
On 1 August, the ASAQS and MBSA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work more closely together to address challenges in the local construction sector. The recently held Congress cemented this sentiment, with members of the ASAQS and the MBSA committing to working more closely together in future.

“It is vitally important that the many stakeholders in the built environment continue with their current attitude of sincere and meaningful collaboration. These engagements create a platform that allows us to address the diverse and multi-faceted issues that our industry faces from a position of commonality. By keeping each other informed these stakeholder engagements can prioritise the central issues that are common to us all and simultaneously create action plans that deliver viable and sustainable solutions,” says Bown.
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She concludes by encouraging ASAQS members to participate in upcoming surveys and she compels other built environment professionals to do the same. “Input from different role players can help shed light on the backlog of outstanding payments for government projects. The ASAQS will continue to contribute to meaningful dialogue surrounding these issues. We endeavour to make a change for the better.”

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Stephné du Toit, 084 587 9933, [email protected]  
For more information on ASAQS please visit:
Website: www.asaqs.co.za
Facebook: The Association of South African Quantity Surveyors