Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Nomkhubulwane
Nomkhubulwane is the creation of Andries Botha, an eminent South African sculptor, human rights activist and founder of the Human Elephant Foundation (HEF). Botha has created a series of life-size elephants that have been exhibited and or placed around the world including a full herd of 9 in Belgium made from recycled wood from KwaZulu-Natal; a fallen elephant made from recycled cider casks in France; and an elephant in Holland made from recycled leadwood. Nomkhubulwane is one of the newest additions to this magnificent and magical herd. She was created from recycled truck tires and named by Dr. Ian Player, an internationally renowned conservationist.
Great message behind this magnificent work of art too - read all about it on http://www.nomkoo.org/
Also check out Youtube links:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3PszED3tTI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQo2PPmaW6I&feature=related
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Monday, December 6, 2010
Pimp my Coffee Table
A few years ago - I participated in a design competition hosted by the Joburg Homemakers Expo, called "Pimp my Coffee Table". Owners of sad coffee tables nominated their furniture for a "make-over". Naturally being a Hot Dip Galvanizing freak, I had to incorporate this element into my design. The owners of my table stated that their home was filled with rich colours and persian carpets - but that I had Carte Blanche to do what I wanted. I wanted to create the effect of a persian carpet - using a Hot Dip Galvanized lazer profile and I filled the voids with mosaic, in rich jewel colours. I've said before that I sometimes think that I'm Jane Durand and this was no exception..:-). The steel content however yielded a very distinct colour variation and Terry Smith from the HDGASA came to the rescue by suggesting that I acid wash the profile to give it a more uniform look. I didn't win, but had GREAT fun doing it (and so did my cat - as you can see). HDG was by Phoenix Galvanizing in Durban, South Africa.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Interview Charles Taylor - In latest HDG Today Magazine
On the Couch with Charles Taylor
My first encounter with the work of Ballito based architect, Charles Taylor, was walking into the Simbithi Estate Clubhouse on a “trawling expedition” for Hot Dip Galvanizing Awards entries. The building, seemingly inconspicuous from the parking lot, took my breath away when I walked into the lobby. The intricate Hot Dip Galvanizing and wooden roof structure that canopies the sweeping staircase that leads into the central courtyard, almost made me lose my footing. I knew then and there that I was seeing the work of a disciple of the coating. We caught up with Charles Taylor, Architect, Hot Dip Galvanizing Devotee and Family Man.
How did you get into the field of architecture? I had thought of this career path at school, but the deal clincher was visiting and architects office and seeing all the models and visuals.
Please elaborate a little on your education? I had studied in Port Elizabeth, where I also worked for 2 years. This was followed by a year in London. Upon my return I started my own practice in 1994.
Do you have any role models in the field of architecture that have inspired you? Over the years – Luigi Nervi, Lloyd Wright & Glenn Murcutt.
You are known to be a staunch supporter of HDG. Is this support borne out of the fact that you live and work on the coast? Hot Dip Galvanizing is the responsible thing to do at the coast, regardless of painting or leaving it in its natural state – I prefer the latter.
Please tell us about your choice of establishing yourself and your practice on the North Coast as opposed to say Durban? This happened in 2000 due to family reasons and also to open a second office as I originally established my practice in Zululand).
Why do you like the HDG coating? (You have been known to prefer leaving the coating intact, instead of duplex coating it.) HDG has a “silver lining” that in my opinion adds an aesthetic value to a structure. It is not dominant but frames materials and highlights structure. It also changes with time and whether it is shiny or matt grey it is appealing.
Structural steel using a Hot Dip Galvanized coating in a residential application is rarely seen. South Africans in general, still seem to prefer the conventional brick and mortar structures. What are your thoughts on the matter? Structural steel is a great material – it is ancient yet modern, recyclable, shimmers in the light, provides an ordered and square structure, often utilized in framed structures like boating, aero planes, conservatories, bridges etc, can handle long spans, very easy to fix onto with other materials etc.
Do you think that truly South African architecture exists or do you think that people still look to other countries for style guides? In my opinion, architecture should firstly be a site responsive solution (wherever you are in the globe). Therefore it stands to reason that SA should have different type architecture to other countries and even within SA regionally there should be major differences due to climate and topography. After the “responsive” architecture, one can either leave it at that (a modernist type approach) or develop imagery that has historical links such as barn-like farm buildings, verandah cottages, etc.
In your career, which projects that you were involved in stand out as highlights?
More recent favourite projects include: Simbithi Clubhouse; House Bailes & House Taylor
Please tell us about a certain fully HDG residential wonder currently being erected in Ballito? (reference to Charles’ own residence – a fully Hot Dip Galvanized structure currently being built) We bought the property on a public auction in 2003. The 1 acre site was previously the first water reservoir for Ballito from the 1960’s and as a result is a naturally high point with dramatic views. Now 7 years later we are fortunate to be building the dream house.
Please tell us a little about your family? I was married in 1990 and we have been blessed with four children aged 15,12,10 & 7
Please share your hobbies and passions. I love sketching; Coffee with my misses ( double espresso with a touch of milk); Studying good buildings on walkabouts (local & overseas); The Bible;
Red wine (shiraz) and good food. Other passions include running on the beach; photography &
Internet companies (I was previously involved with www.privateproperty.co.za mapping solutions and a home improvements portal). But honestly architecture generally – sometimes can’t sleep at night with ideas.
When Charles Taylor goes home...The kids take over. Family life is key – all the rest passes away. Once the house is quiet then I am generally designing.
By Desere Strydom for Hot Dip Galvanizing Today – 2010
Also see: http://commentfromthecouch.blogspot.com
Queries can be made to: admin@ctab.co.za
My first encounter with the work of Ballito based architect, Charles Taylor, was walking into the Simbithi Estate Clubhouse on a “trawling expedition” for Hot Dip Galvanizing Awards entries. The building, seemingly inconspicuous from the parking lot, took my breath away when I walked into the lobby. The intricate Hot Dip Galvanizing and wooden roof structure that canopies the sweeping staircase that leads into the central courtyard, almost made me lose my footing. I knew then and there that I was seeing the work of a disciple of the coating. We caught up with Charles Taylor, Architect, Hot Dip Galvanizing Devotee and Family Man.
How did you get into the field of architecture? I had thought of this career path at school, but the deal clincher was visiting and architects office and seeing all the models and visuals.
Please elaborate a little on your education? I had studied in Port Elizabeth, where I also worked for 2 years. This was followed by a year in London. Upon my return I started my own practice in 1994.
Do you have any role models in the field of architecture that have inspired you? Over the years – Luigi Nervi, Lloyd Wright & Glenn Murcutt.
You are known to be a staunch supporter of HDG. Is this support borne out of the fact that you live and work on the coast? Hot Dip Galvanizing is the responsible thing to do at the coast, regardless of painting or leaving it in its natural state – I prefer the latter.
Please tell us about your choice of establishing yourself and your practice on the North Coast as opposed to say Durban? This happened in 2000 due to family reasons and also to open a second office as I originally established my practice in Zululand).
Why do you like the HDG coating? (You have been known to prefer leaving the coating intact, instead of duplex coating it.) HDG has a “silver lining” that in my opinion adds an aesthetic value to a structure. It is not dominant but frames materials and highlights structure. It also changes with time and whether it is shiny or matt grey it is appealing.
Structural steel using a Hot Dip Galvanized coating in a residential application is rarely seen. South Africans in general, still seem to prefer the conventional brick and mortar structures. What are your thoughts on the matter? Structural steel is a great material – it is ancient yet modern, recyclable, shimmers in the light, provides an ordered and square structure, often utilized in framed structures like boating, aero planes, conservatories, bridges etc, can handle long spans, very easy to fix onto with other materials etc.
Do you think that truly South African architecture exists or do you think that people still look to other countries for style guides? In my opinion, architecture should firstly be a site responsive solution (wherever you are in the globe). Therefore it stands to reason that SA should have different type architecture to other countries and even within SA regionally there should be major differences due to climate and topography. After the “responsive” architecture, one can either leave it at that (a modernist type approach) or develop imagery that has historical links such as barn-like farm buildings, verandah cottages, etc.
In your career, which projects that you were involved in stand out as highlights?
More recent favourite projects include: Simbithi Clubhouse; House Bailes & House Taylor
Please tell us about a certain fully HDG residential wonder currently being erected in Ballito? (reference to Charles’ own residence – a fully Hot Dip Galvanized structure currently being built) We bought the property on a public auction in 2003. The 1 acre site was previously the first water reservoir for Ballito from the 1960’s and as a result is a naturally high point with dramatic views. Now 7 years later we are fortunate to be building the dream house.
Please tell us a little about your family? I was married in 1990 and we have been blessed with four children aged 15,12,10 & 7
Please share your hobbies and passions. I love sketching; Coffee with my misses ( double espresso with a touch of milk); Studying good buildings on walkabouts (local & overseas); The Bible;
Red wine (shiraz) and good food. Other passions include running on the beach; photography &
Internet companies (I was previously involved with www.privateproperty.co.za mapping solutions and a home improvements portal). But honestly architecture generally – sometimes can’t sleep at night with ideas.
When Charles Taylor goes home...The kids take over. Family life is key – all the rest passes away. Once the house is quiet then I am generally designing.
By Desere Strydom for Hot Dip Galvanizing Today – 2010
Also see: http://commentfromthecouch.blogspot.com
Queries can be made to: admin@ctab.co.za
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Hot Dip Galvanizing and GO SHARKS!
Spotted this new Hot Dip Galvanized Lattice Tower being erected in Pinetown, Durban, South Africa. Someone had taken the time to secure two Sharks Rugby Flags to the top. Very apt, seeing that the Sharks won the South African Currie Cup Final 2010 on 30.10.2010 - Go Sharks!!![PS: I'm such a sucker for Patrick Lambie - star player of the game, and not too hard on the eyes either :-)]
Sunday, October 31, 2010
A Gift in my Water Feature.....
.....right in time for Diwali. Isn't it beaut! Above is a Hot Dip Galvanized "skeleton" I bought for Scrap Steel rates from a Lazer Profiling Factory and had Hot Dip Galvanized.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Charles Taylor Architects
My Latest Subject for the forthcoming On the Couch - Charles Taylor of Charles Taylor Architects, based in Ballito, South Africa. Picture is of House Taylor(yes Charles' own home) currently under construction in Ballito. Can you tell that he is a fan of Hot Dip Galvanizing? Contact on admin@ctab.co.za
Friday, October 29, 2010
Bettye Hamblen Turner
I was fortunate enough to stumble upon the fabulous work of Bettye Hamblen Turner, Texas sculptor and visual artist extraordinaire. A little transcontinental e-mail ping pong ensued and I was fascinated to find that her creations were Hot Dip Galvanized as a complete unit – without distortion! Bettye explains how this was achieved:
Planning, coordination, and luck. Luck never hurts, even when I am sure I have planned for everything. The American Galvanizers Association has a website that offers tutorials, http://www.galvanizeit.org/. I studied the tutorials when I made the horses. I spoke with the plant manager at US Galvanizing in Arlington Texas several times during the sculpting process on the horses. By the time I made the bull (J.E.) I had a better idea of how to brace the floating pieces to avoid distortion. All the large pieces are edged with 1/4" or 3/8" round stock, like piping on upholstery. This has become a signature look for me even when I am not planning to galvanize.
The staff at US Galvanizing in Arlington,Tx was great to work with. I always let them know when I planned to arrive at the plant. They did carefully control the immersion time. When we dipped the horses they added zinc to the kettle to drop the temperature slightly. The staff spends most of their time galvanizing components for dairy cattle barns. The sculpture is a pleasant change of pace for them.
Well done is all I can say – see more of Bettye’s work www.bhtsculpture.com
Planning, coordination, and luck. Luck never hurts, even when I am sure I have planned for everything. The American Galvanizers Association has a website that offers tutorials, http://www.galvanizeit.org/. I studied the tutorials when I made the horses. I spoke with the plant manager at US Galvanizing in Arlington Texas several times during the sculpting process on the horses. By the time I made the bull (J.E.) I had a better idea of how to brace the floating pieces to avoid distortion. All the large pieces are edged with 1/4" or 3/8" round stock, like piping on upholstery. This has become a signature look for me even when I am not planning to galvanize.
The staff at US Galvanizing in Arlington,Tx was great to work with. I always let them know when I planned to arrive at the plant. They did carefully control the immersion time. When we dipped the horses they added zinc to the kettle to drop the temperature slightly. The staff spends most of their time galvanizing components for dairy cattle barns. The sculpture is a pleasant change of pace for them.
Well done is all I can say – see more of Bettye’s work www.bhtsculpture.com
Friday, October 15, 2010
Practice what you Preach!
Here's proof that I DO! pics from my own home. Mosaics by ME (I sometimes think that I'm Jane du Rand and then I wake up and smell the coffee - www.durandmosaic.co.za ). Hot Dip Galvanizing - Phoenix Galvanizing in Durban (for free - it was a staff "perk" at the time - thanks Anni!)
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Arria - Angel of the Nauld
What a happy tuesday for having found Arria - Angel of the Nauld. A fully Hot Dip Galvanized Scuplture by world renowned artist - Andy Scott. Arria was recently installed on the A80 near Cumbernauld in Scotland.
Link to installation timelapse video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fge8uQxahVw
Link to installation timelapse video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fge8uQxahVw
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Wounded Elephant by Andries Botha
Location: Station Vaste Monde - Saint-Brieuc
The eerie picture I took of the human head, submerged in passivation after Hot Dip Galvanizing (Phoenix Galvanizing Plant - Durban) remains one of my favourites.
Location pictures by Jimmy James
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Always a sucker for weird and wonderful creations made of Hot Dip Galvanized Steel – I found my fix in the Singing Ringing Tree, a musical sculpture overlooking Burnley in the UK.
Designed by architects Mike Tonkin and Anna Liu of Tonkin Liu, the Singing Ringing Tree is a 3 metre tall construction comprising pipes of galvanized steel which harness the energy of the wind to produce a slightly discordant and penetrating choral sound covering a range of several octaves. Some of the pipes are primarily structural and aesthetic elements, while others have been cut across their width enabling the sound. The harmonic and singing qualities of the tree were produced by tuning the pipes according to their length by adding holes to the underside of each.
Definitely on my must-see list.
Designed by architects Mike Tonkin and Anna Liu of Tonkin Liu, the Singing Ringing Tree is a 3 metre tall construction comprising pipes of galvanized steel which harness the energy of the wind to produce a slightly discordant and penetrating choral sound covering a range of several octaves. Some of the pipes are primarily structural and aesthetic elements, while others have been cut across their width enabling the sound. The harmonic and singing qualities of the tree were produced by tuning the pipes according to their length by adding holes to the underside of each.
Definitely on my must-see list.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Saturday, September 11, 2010
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