Leading infrastructure and building contractor Concor has been recognised at Construction World’s Best Projects 2025, receiving two Highly Commended Awards and a Special Mention in the AfriSam Innovation Award for Sustainable Construction category.

The company earned a Highly Commended Award in the Building Contractors Category for its work on the Compensation Fund House refurbishment project in Tshwane as well as another Highly Commended Award in the same category and a Special Mention for Oxford Parks Block 2A Phase 1 in Rosebank, Johannesburg.

Compensation Fund House - Refurbishment with Purpose

Currently nearing completion, the Compensation Fund House project represents one of the most complex refurbishment and compliance upgrades undertaken by Concor in recent years. The 7 storey building, historically the headquarters of the Department of Labour’s Compensation Fund, had been flagged as non-compliant with building and safety regulations and faced serious concerns regarding its structural integrity.

“From the outset, the project required a high degree of flexibility and technical problem-solving,” Martin Muller, Contract Manager at Concor says. “We were essentially dealing with a structure with no available design documentation, so every phase demanded careful investigation and engineering innovation. Our team had to adapt continuously to ensure the building’s safety, functionality and long-term compliance.”

To navigate this challenge, Concor embarked on a six month programme of detailed investigations when construction commencement in April 2024. The team extracted core samples from columns and slabs to assess concrete strength, performed 3D scanning to determine rebar spacing and exposed selected sections of concrete to examine reinforcement conditions. The insights gained enabled engineers to devise targeted solutions for areas of concern, ensuring structural soundness and compliance with current building codes.

“This project has been a true test of multidisciplinary collaboration - combining civil, structural and safety expertise with modern diagnostic technology,” Muller notes. “It is a project that truly showcases Concor’s ability to deliver under demanding circumstances.”

Oxford Parks Block 2A Phase 1 - Innovation in Sustainable Urban Design

In Johannesburg’s Oxford Parks Precinct, Concor was recognised for its continued contribution to the precinct’s growth through the completion of 10 Parks Boulevard and 55 Eastwood Road - collectively known as Oxford Parks Block 2A Phase 1. These buildings mark the company’s eighth and ninth successful projects for long standing client Intaprop, reflecting a trusted partnership spanning more than seven years.

The two office buildings share a three level super-basement, requiring the excavation and removal of over 146,000 m³ of material and the installation of 3,500 m² of lateral support systems to ensure stability. Proximity to the Gautrain tunnel servitude demanded precise foundation design, utilising raft foundations in conjunction with piling.

To accelerate progress and reduce environmental impact, Concor implemented several construction innovations, including early-stage preparation for column installation and off-site fabrication of unitised panels for the curtain wall façade. The development covers a gross building area of 15,712 m², incorporating over 18,000 m³ of readymix concrete, 1,745 tonnes of reinforcing steel and 5,500 m² of glass façade.

“Our work at Oxford Parks continues to raise the bar for sustainable urban construction,” Muller says. “Each project has allowed us to introduce improved design methods and buildability solutions that enhance both performance and environmental outcomes. The recognition from Construction World reinforces our team’s dedication to excellence and innovation.”

Commitment to Excellence

Concor’s performance across both projects reflects its ongoing commitment to quality, safety and sustainability in the built environment. “Receiving recognition in multiple categories is an affirmation of the professionalism and ingenuity of our project teams,” Muller concludes. “It also underscores Concor’s ability to adapt, innovate, and deliver - whether refurbishing complex legacy structures or shaping new urban landmarks.”