Saint-Gobain provided solutions for one of South Africa’s largest shopping malls

From wall panels to glazing, plasterboard, glasswool and mortar, five Saint-Gobain’s activities contributed to serve one of South Africa’s largest shopping malls with energy efficiency and comfort for future shoppers.

The Mall of Africa, one of South Africa’s largest shopping malls, developed by Atterbury Property, opened its doors halfway between Johannesburg and Pretoria in May 2016.

At the heart of Waterfall Estate, the Mall of Africa changed the skyline of Midrand in Gauteng. Spanning over 131 000 square metres, the mall was constructed using 400 000 square metres of Saint-Gobain solutions, provided by five of its brands: Saint-Gobain Ecophon, Saint-Gobain Glass, Saint-Gobain Gyproc, Saint-Gobain Isover and Saint-Gobain Weber.


Saint-Gobain, a group committed to sustainability 

The Mall of Africa combines the latest international trends, with a core focus on the use of environmentally sustainable materials and technologies.

Saint-Gobain supplied more than 30 000 square metres of ETICS system (External Thermal Insulation Composite System). This system is fast gaining ground in the alternative building technology market, with local architects and engineers recognising its long-term benefits and positive impact on the environment. It reduces thermal losses while keeping ambient temperatures comfortable throughout the year. It also significantly contributes to saving the planet by using no water on site.

The ETICS system is a Saint-Gobain cross-activity solution that includes: 
 An internal lining used within a steel frame structure made up of one layer of Gyproc RhinoBoard FireStop 15 mm from Saint-Gobain Gyproc and Cavitybatt glasswool insulation from Saint-Gobain Isover,
 An external lining made up of a combination of a breathable membrane called Ecran Integra fixed to the sheath and Sagex EPS boards from Saint-Gobain Isover. It is finished with an acrylic resin decorative topcoat and mesh supplied by Saint-Gobain Weber.

Saint-Gobain, a provider of comfort and wellbeing

From air quality to thermal, acoustic, and visual comfort, Saint-Gobain solutions contribute to optimising the shopping experience in the Mall of Africa.

Towards better air quality

Saint-Gobain Weber provided more than 100 000 square metres of tile fixing products that enhance air quality. These products contain a volatile total organic content (VOC) <0.01 in g/g of solids and use up to 20% of fly-ash (a byproduct from coal fired power stations) as a filler. This recycled fly-ash would otherwise have ended up in a landfill.

Towards better thermal comfort 

In addition to the Saint-Gobain ETICS system that guarantees the reduction of thermal bridges and greater thermal comfort throughout the year, Saint-Gobain Isover supplied about 160 000 square metres of glasswool to reduce heat gains and losses:

  • 87 000 square metres of Saint-Gobain Isover Ductwrap, a non-combustible HVAC glasswool insulation that is used to wrap metal ducts to improve the energy efficiency of a building’s air-conditioning,
  • 74 000 square metres of Saint-Gobain Isover Factorylite, an effective roofing insulation.

Towards better acoustic comfort

In order to provide acoustic and thermal comfort as well as fire protection, Saint-Gobain Gyproc provided about 120 000 square metres of high performance internal partitions along with ceilings and Cavitybatt glasswool insulation from Saint-Gobain Isover.

In parallel, Saint-Gobain Ecophon supplied ceiling panels for two select retail spaces to create a better sound environment.

Towards better visual comfort

The ETICS system offers architects and structural engineers far more scope in their designs than the alternative brick or off-shutter concrete solutions. It makes for an aesthetically pleasing envelope.

To offer natural light and block up to 72% of solar heat, Saint-Gobain Glass provided 4 000 square metres of SGG Cool-Lite SKN154 II glazing for the roofing


Saint-Gobain, a customer-oriented company

Saint-Gobain also shared its technical expertise, providing on-site and off-site design detailing support as well as encouraging up-skilling programmes for building professionals through its Technical Training Academy.

About 30 people previously trained by Saint-Gobain were hired by contractors to work in the Mall of Africa project. This indicates Saint-Gobain’s commitment to meeting customer expectations while encouraging people development.

SAINT-GOBAIN SOLUTIONS: