CIPLA

The Cipla Distribution Gateway development in the Rivergate Business Park in Parklands included a 16,000 m² warehouse with 6,000 m² of office space. The build required specialist floors to accommodate 16-metre-high racking within a pressurised air-controlled environment. The new warehouse also had to be completed in a record eight months. The size of the building, its specialised super-flat floor requirement, and the very large HVAC and ventilation system created many logistical challenges. Due to the time constraints the roof sheeting had to start well before the entire structural steel envelope had been erected. This in turn created design challenges related to the stability of the steel work. To speed up the project, perimeter walls were created with precast panels. Cipla is an international pharmaceutical company, with head offices in Mumbai, India.

“Construction started in April 2015, after bulk earthworks and piling contracts were completed. Isipani was left with only seven months to complete the warehouse, double-storey offices, gate house, civil works and hard stands, fencing as well as fire pumps and tanks. The facility also has a big mechanical component due to the requirement of controlled temperature of the entire warehouse area. The warehouse also has a FM2 fibre reinforced floor which is required due to the stacking height. Early occupation was required from the tenant for the offices to complete their fit out, as well as warehouse area for the installation of racking. Isipani managed to complete the warehouse and offices within the required period successfully, without compromising on quality. The positive contribution of the Isipani management and site teams to the project and their willingness to always ‘assist and get the job done’ attitude, was confirmed by the client and the professional team. Thank you Isipani for completing this project successfully. It was a pleasure for us as structural engineers to work with such a great construction team.”

Frans Maritz

Engineer, SMC Engineering (Bigen)

Project Details:

Value: R95.9m
Date: 2015
Client: Capital Prop Fund
Architect: ICM Architecture