Construction of the R43 million dollar accommodation and other facilities for Stellenbosch University’s Tygerberg campus, in the Western Cape has finally kicked off.
According to the group undertaking the project, Stag African accommodation group, the construction started this month and is expected to end by the end of October and will widen up the university’s accommodation apartments. In addition to the 208-bed residence, other facilities to be constructed are a warden’s apartment and a student center.
During construction, the company will have its main focus in green building tactics, among them installation of light-emitting diodes and heat pumps, which Stag African MD John Schooling says will save 50% less electricity when compared to facilities in a standard building.
“South Africa has a shortage of 200 000 beds in student accommodation. The only solution to this problem is approaching it in an innovative and holistic way, getting the private sector involved and leveraging the balance sheets of retirement funds,” says Schooling.
The company will focus on the core principles of community, sustainability, flexibility (accommodations can be dismantled and rebuilt), cost effectiveness and technology in undertaking the project, and use light steel framing (LSF), which is 13% less in cost compared to standard construction method.
“Providing a good residence goes beyond the four walls of a building. A student from a disadvantaged background has the hopes of an entire community on him or her. If we can provide a good experience in residence, we provide a better opportunity for him or her to pass,” says Schooling.
