Typical Residential Construction in South Africa

[RVSWA]

I have a friend planning to move from Arizona, US to South Africa. She has had preliminary plans drawn and expects to have a local Architect finish them when she moves over... the economy is cause for delay. I am from the Pacific Northwest and while I don't like to be presumptuous, I expect that OSB and studs are not the typical construction material. Can anyone point me in the right direction? I am helping her with asking and answering numerous questions about her plan to help move the process along... Earn a place to stay should I ever want to visit. I would appreciate any insights or links you might be aware of...

 

[csd72]

Security is a major issue over there so most of the building I saw seemed to be in blockwork or concrete. I cannot stress the security issue enough.

It would be wise to check out the SA structural engineers association website.

 

[concretemasonry]

You will probably find masonry (concrete or clay) to be the most common, as it is in many warmer climates. This is because of the cost, thermal mass benefits and the social image. Wood is looked on as inferior, temporary construction.

The use of 6" thick masonry walls is common, as it in many countries. There is a tradition of this thickness in common residential construction, which is single wythe construction.

The South African Concrete Masonry association has number of code and design Tek Notes regarding codes, structural design and architectural details. I do not recall the actual name of the group, but it may be something like themasonry association or the concrete association.