Case Study

Saint-Gobain's Innovative Solutions Transform The Leonardo in Sandton

At 234 meters high, The Leonardo is an architectural landmark that has redefined the skyline, becoming the highest building in Africa, and introducing a new concept of luxury living to its residents. This landmark in architecture and engineering is not merely symbolic of a new era of African development, but stands as a reminder of how innovative and flexible approaches can realise unexpected heights of achievement. The building footprint; as well as its height and the lack of available on-site storage, made the use of additional cranes prohibitive. At times Gyproc materials were manually carried up scaffold staircases – a task that is difficult for more traditional materials.

Project Challenges

Narrow street front and single but busy access area made product delivery difficult.
Bespoke construction details including drylining and services integration; supports; sanitary fittings and product application.
Deflection detail: not only on drywall systems but also sanitary systems to compliment Saint-Gobain’s systems. A steel Geberit support system was specially designed and manufactured to perform within the desired deflection along with drywall.
Bespoke façade and drywall system details created to provide the allowable movements; deflection details in coordination with the façade systems manufactured.
Isover cavity insulation for façade systems; acoustics, and thermal comfort.
Steel post installations within cavity for rigid support of walling systems and use of Habito boards for handrail mounting.
Waterproofing – sequencing challenges resolved through coordination with Contractor and Project Manager.

The building houses 254 apartments, a three-floor penthouse and five floors of office space as well as shops, restaurants, a gym and a herb garden. A total of 55 floors. The Saint-Gobain Habitat team rose to the challenge ensuring multiple product and bespoke system solutions were specified in this iconic building. Gyproc Habito system were specified, finished to the highest standard (Q4) with a Rhinolite Multipurpose full skim. Acoustic performance between and within apartments was also a consideration solved with various Saint-Gobain drywall solutions. Weber proudly to delivered their “We Care” ethos by ensuring that a flooring solution to meet the highest technical requirements was used.

Saint-Gobain Africa Main Project Solutions

A ‘mock up’ apartment was constructed on site to test and refine elements of the installation, and later, acoustic performance. This became a reference and solution hub for all project works that followed. Our partnership approach and collaboration with various stakeholders meant that installation was functionally finished on schedule and at high quality. The narrow street front and single, but busy access area made product delivery difficult. To resolve this, night time deliveries of Gyproc materials were implemented for improved coordination.

Saint-Gobain Africa Solutions

Acoustics
Gyproc Bespoke Twin Frame Fire Resistant Wall System – Dntw 53dB
Duplex Units: Demising and Corridor Walls

Fire Protection
Gyproc Bespoke Twin Frame Fire Resistant Wall System – 60min
Duplex Units; Demising and Corridor Walls

Fixing Capability
Gyproc Bespoke Habito Wall System – Wall Mounting
1, 2, 3, 4 Bedroom units, Duplex Units and Penthouse

Lightweight Product
Habito, Moisture & Fire Resistant System – Weight / kg
Bathrooms, Lounges, Kitchens, Dining, Bedrooms, Dressing Areas and Laundry Areas

“The Leonardo is a labour of love for me and all the people involved. It stands as a beacon of hope for South Africa, coming to market in a really difficult time for the economy. It’s a major investment and is testament to our belief in SA’s future.”

Bart Dorrestein, founder and chairman of The Legacy Group

The Leonardo Building Project

Key Achievements of building The Leonardo

Our partnership approach and collaboration with various stakeholders meant that installation was functionally finished on schedule. Resolution on the following was possible:

Unique fire-rated deflection head details for 60 minute fire rating created
Concealed cistern into drywall cavity; drylining system solution
Worked closely with Structural Engineer to provide twin-frame details that pass through concrete beams; stairs and balustrades.
Created a unique 120-minute fire break detail
Façade T-Junction details solved for Single and Twin Framework

A full ‘mock up’ apartment was constructed onsite to test and refine the installation and acoustic performance. This became a reference and solution hub for all project work that followed.

Everything can be transformed