Preliminary Site Visit – Franschhoek (14 March 2024)
- CBPM Unilag
- Dec 15, 2024
- 1 min read
Date: 14 March 2024
Location: Franschhoek, Cape Town, South Africa
Teams Involved
The site visit was led by Professor Abimbola Windapo from the University of Cape Town (UCT), in collaboration with Bluemoon Projects and the Early Childhood Development (ECD) Facility team.
Community Context
The Franschhoek community faces significant challenges, including high land development costs and a widespread perception of government neglect. This project seeks to address these issues by improving housing conditions and infrastructure for the community.
Findings
The investigation revealed structural and fire safety concerns in existing informal dwellings, often referred to as Wendy Houses. By contrast, the newly constructed ECD facility showcased innovative construction techniques, such as the use of Vibracrete panels, which promise better durability and safety.
Main Concerns
The cost-benefit analysis of using alternative building technologies (ABTs) compared to conventional materials.
The use of expensive finishes in construction, potentially inflating costs.
The lack of trained labor and skills required for constructing informal dwellings effectively.
Recommendations
The team recommended further research into:
The origins of materials commonly used in informal housing.
The influence of residents’ socioeconomic backgrounds on their housing preferences.
Utilizing focus groups for deeper insights into community needs and perceptions.
Additional details are provided in the following report.
Snapshots and Videos of the Site Visit in Franschhoek
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