The design of this custom-built forensic facility for the SA Police Service compares favourably with international operations, and will support criminal investigation.

Situated in Plattekloof, Cape Town, the 17 000 m2 facility will incorporate high-tech features and a sophisticated security system. “This is a very unique project, with a number of unusual features and systems, and we are very excited to be part of it,” comments Neil Potgieter, managing director of the building firm’s Cape Town-based division, which will be undertaking the construction contract.

The scheduled completion date is in March 2010, just a few months before the official kick-off of the FIFA Soccer World Cup hosted by South Africa.

The construction contract will create significant employment and training opportunities, Potgieter says. “It forms part of the Department of Public Works’ Expanded Public Works Programme, which requires the employment of local unskilled labour who must be trained during the course of the project in both life skills and construction disciplines.”

According to Potgieter, environmental considerations are also a feature of the undertaking, and provisions have been made in the contract to relocate any movable plant species before work commences on the site. “There are also specific requirements regarding the disposal of cement, contaminated water and other waste products.”

A challenge for Grinaker-LTA will be co-ordinating the various facets of the building project, especially considering the highly sophisticated equipment and materials that will be employed, Potgieter notes. “In line with security protocol, information will only be made available to the contractors on a need to know basis.”

This development consists of five separate arms accommodating the various specialised investigation units. These radiate from a central hub in a semi-circular “star” pattern, he explains. The design was integrated with the sloping site, with views looking out towards Table Mountain. The buildings vary between two and three storeys in height. These are generally concrete structures with 1 200 x 1 200 coffered slabs, brick infill with sizeable security doors and glazed partitioning. More than 15 000 m3 of concrete will be used in the project, together with 2 400 tons of reinforcing steel, 33 600 m2 of plaster and 25 800 m2 of floor screeds.

The land surrounding the building will be landscaped to create an outdoor environment to compliment this world-class facility. The landscaping will enhance the bold, axial architecture with structured grid-based courtyards adjacent to the building. These will frame both the building and the views out towards Table Mountain. The landscaping becomes eroded as you move away from the building and moves into a more natural, less designed landscape. In the spirit of the environmental responsibility, the theme of the design makes use of indigenous, water-wise planting, drip irrigation and detention ponds to promote ground water recharge.

It is hoped that this unique project will become a flagship for the Department of Public Works and the SA Police Service. The image being created is one of scientific and technical sophistication, and excellence equal to some of the best crime fighting institutions in the world.