ITC-SA Awards
ITC-SA awards to recognise excellence in timber construction industry.
29/06/2018
The Institute for Timber Construction South Africa (ITC-SA), SAQA-accredited professional body and watchdog for South Africa’s timber construction trade, will be hosting its much-anticipated Annual Timber Engineered Product Awards in Cape Town on the 27th of July 2018.
The Annual Timber Engineered Product Awards represent a crucial platform for the Institute and its members as an opportunity to recognize and reward outstanding design and workmanship in the timber construction, decking and roofing sectors, which fall under the purview of the ITC-SA.
Entries are open to Timber Frame Builder, Deck Builder, Roof Fabricator and Roof Erector Members of the Institute, and are subject to strict requirements in the various categories, namely Decks & Boardwalks, Alterations & Additions, Structures Smaller than 120m2, Structures Larger than 120m2, Structures Larger than 220m2, and Roofing: Residential, Commercial & Exposed Trusses. Each entry must demonstrate in detail how various aspects of the projects align with construction regulations, sound design practices, consideration for energy efficiency and conservation, aesthetics and navigating the many challenges that can come with a construction project.
According to Jenni de Waal, ITC-SA Senior Office Manager, “Each project submission must include a technical written submission accompanied by high quality images that clearly show both the aesthetic and technical features of the project from commencement to completion. The project description should include details about the site location, accessibility, the surrounding environment and soil conditions, project timeline, complexity, budget adherence and any unique challenges proffered by the build.”
“Projects submitted in the timber frame building categories must address the entire structure with specific reference to elements like the foundations, slabs, footings, post beams and bracing, tie downs to the frames and roof structure, bracing or sheathing, noggins (fire stops), placement of service wire and pipes, types of service pipes and conduits as well as the braced roof structure prior to covering,” she says.
“The interior details that are considered are the mouldings on the skirting, hand rails and cornices, exposed beams, rafters and trusses, types of ceilings, flooring and linings as well as architrave, window and doorframe details. Roofing, hip, valleys, chimneys, flashing, types of covering and cladding should be included in the exterior description,” she says, noting on the point of compliance with the SANS10400: Energy Efficiency in Buildings regulation, “Adherence to the regulations for energy efficiency should be demonstrated with specific reference to the building design, elements, products and any electro/mechanical installations. Site documentation, including erection details and plans with all elevations as well as a regulation A19 roof completion certificate, a regulation A18 electrical and plumbing certificate (in the case of a timber frame structure) as well as the engineer’s details in the case of beams or rafters being erected, are additional items that will complete the submission.”
Winners in each category are awarded gold, silver, bronze, or merit certificates, with parallel certificates awarded to the projects’ designers or architects and engineers in recognition of their contribution to the projects’ success. Key components of a winning project are aesthetic flair, good design, creativity and the project’s compatibility with – and consideration for – its environment. Structural correctness, workmanship and materials as well as the detail, skill, quality and level of craftsmanship that go into the finishes are essential considerations for the judges, as are value-added external structures and features, like verandahs, decking, stairways, paths and driveways, to name a few.
“The ITC-SA’s Annual Timber Engineered Product Awards are an important part of our mission to create and maintain standards in the industry through highlighting and rewarding high quality work in the sector. The tough entry requirements and judging criteria not only help to distinguish the best in the industry, but incentivise the ongoing maintenance of standards in the sector and the necessary transparency in any building project to do so,” notes de Waal, concluding, “This year’s entries, which all stand testament to the high quality work of ITC-SA members, are an excellent showcase of timber’s versatility in decking, roofing and construction and we look forward to honouring their makers.”
The ITC-SA Annual Timber Engineered Product Awards will be hosted at D’Aria Winery on the 27th of July 2018.
Sponsors: Biligom International,
Coverland, International Truss Systems (ITS),
Manny’s Timber & Hardware, MiTek Industries SA,
Multinail, SA Roofing, Sawmilling South Africa,
South African Forestry Company SOC Limited
(SAFCOL), South African Technical Auditing
Services (SATAS), South African Wood Preservers
Association (SAWPA), Timber iQ, Unilam Pressings
United Fibre Cement Company (UFCC).