After the turning of the first sod in April 2017, construction of the glamourous Infinité apartments in Bedfordview, Johannesburg, has been proceeding apace – with AfriSam supplying readymix concrete and cement to contractors Tri-Star Construction. The luxury ten-storey block of 198 high specification apartments will be the first high rise residential development in this area but – judging by the way the apartments have been snapped up – it will not be the last.

Launched by Fatasy Property chairman Baojin Chen, Infinité embraces a modern design with open, transparent spaces and extensive use of glass, with glass balustrades all around the building and on every floor. After the earthworks were completed, Tri-Star Construction began piling in May 2017 and started its full construction activities in July. Completion date is set for December 2018. According to TriStar Construction contracts manager Daniel van Jaarsveld, the main structure will be completed by June 2018, while brickwork will continue until October.

AfriSam will supply some 17,500 m3 of readymix concrete over the course of the project, according to AfriSam sales consultant Liza Rossouw, and this will come from the company’s Prolecon and Spartan plants. About 4,3 million bricks will be laid, and some 38,000 bags of cement will be required for the bricklaying and plastering work. The reinforcing of the concrete structures will take 2,700 tonnes of reinforcing steel.

“Where special concrete mixes are required – such as for the swimming pool deck – AfriSam will create the required mix at the plant, and deliver to site,” says Rossouw. “In the case of the pool, the roof and some areas on the first floor where garden areas are planned, a chemical admixture will provide the concrete with improved waterproofing qualities by reducing its porosity.”

Van Jaarsveld highlights the focus on quality and safety, and says they use only sub-contractors with experience and in whose ability they have confidence.

“High quality finishes are non-negotiable in a contract of this nature, as the client and end-consumer will be expecting flawless results in every aspect of their living area,” he says.

He also emphasises the quality and testing of concrete as high on the agenda.

“We test every pour ourselves, and also make use of the services of a well-respected and independent service provider,” says Van Jaarsveld.

Rossouw adds that AfriSam conducts its own tests as a matter of course.

“This is a crucial element of the quality control for which we are well known in the readymix sector, helping customers to safeguard their own standards and effectively manage their risk,” she says.