For anyone that has lived in some of our most beautiful cities in South Africa since the early 2000’s, it would have been evident that there has been a noticeable evolution of the balustrade designs on some of the most iconic buildings that have mushroomed throughout these cities. From a predominantly stainless steel balustrade market in the early 2000’s, balustrades are no longer only functional, structural elements on a building, but have now also become main design attractions and features to compliment designs of these recognisable superstructures within our upgraded cities. Since 2011, South Africa’s building industry has become far more regulated in regards to balustrade design and safety, especially when it comes to the safety of frameless glass balustrade systems. Many building owners find themselves debating between budget and safety when selecting from a large array of contractors for their frameless glass balustrades on their new building or dream home. To the ordinary man, when faced with project budget constraints, it would seem an obvious decision to go with the more affordable option but the truth is that unscrupulous balustrade contractors continue to take advantage of consumers who know very little about balustrade safety and expect that no contractor will deliberately sell an unsafe product to a building owner just to make a buck or two. For this very reason, we encourage consumers to rather budget early on in your project for a structurally sound balustrade system and undertake to use only the specialists in the industry that are experienced in delivering aesthetically pleasing frameless glass balustrades, but more importantly, that will ensure your safety and the safety of those utilising your building.
The result of appointing a non-compliant balustrade contractor is the risk of having to replace the balustrades with compliant systems that meet the standards set out by the regulations. This often involves astronomical costs and a long delay before the client can commence occupation. Not only do you run the risk of having to remove and replace the systems, but you are also putting the lives of those utilising the building, in danger.
Below is a list of Gauteng’s Top 4 frameless glass balustrade contractors that will design, manufacture and install a balustrade system that they have designed and tested in consultation with professional structural engineers in order to deliver a product that is deemed to satisfy as per the National Standards.
On completion of your project, you will receive a Form 3: Declaration by a competent person appointed to design a component of an element of a system, from the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, 1977 (Act No. 103 of 1977).
Mordt Engineering
Based in Jet Park, Johannesburg
The company and its products:
Mordt Engineering has added an innovative dimension to frameless glass balustrades since inception in 1982. The company prides itself in delivering high quality custom designed balustrade systems both locally and abroad.
Conscious about balustrade safety, their frameless glass balustrades consist of glass panels that create a feeling of spaciousness in the most sophisticated living spaces. Mordt’s balustrade designs adhere to the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act (NBRB).
Consisting of 70 employees, Mordt Engineering has a qualified team dedicated to their frameless glass balustrade installations.
Their Frameless glass balustrades are designed to withstand the imposed load as per SANS and is designed to offer safety and stability. Conventional means of fixing frameless glass panels is by chemically anchoring panels in slots or by side mounting the panels on bracket fixings.
All Frameless Glass Balustrades are designed and tested in consultation with an engineer to oversee design and installation and to ensure that all safety criteria have been met. The engineer also ensures that the frameless glass balustrade will withstand an impact of 400 Joules.
Mordt Engineering is a member of the newly formed Balustrade Association of South Africa.
Guarantees:
A lifetime guarantee is offered on all stainless steel materials that are installed by Mordt Engineering.
Mission Statement:
Mordt Engineering strives to provide the highest quality stainless steel and frameless glass balustrades at competitive prices to both local and international markets and aim to supply our products in the timeframe required. Employee well-being and customer satisfaction are our end goals, keeping the safety of our employees and clients a priority.
Notable projects recently completed:
Eastgate Re-Development – Bedfordview, Coke Head Offices – Rosebank, HQ Office Park – Bedfordview, Blu Bird Shopping Centre – Melrose.
Steel Studio
Based in Sandton, Johannesburg
The company and its products:
Steel Studio specialises in the design, manufacture and installation of Frameless Glass Balustrades in commercial and residential markets, and are opinion leaders regarding safety and compliance. With over 30 years’ experience in balustrade systems, Steel Studio has produced a range of products that are fully compliant while maintaining visually appealing, custom aesthetic designs.
Consisting of 250 employees, 40 qualified installation teams and a collective management team with several years of experience in the industry, Steel Studio has completed thousands of frameless glass balustrade projects ranging from the smallest residential to the largest and most prestigious commercial projects.
Steel Studio’s frameless glass balustrades are all designed and tested in consultation with a professional structural engineer and in accordance with SANS deemed to satisfy requirements.
The company is concerned about their impact on their surroundings and they are constantly trying to reduce their carbon footprint when sourcing and manufacturing their glass and steel products.
Steel Studio is a long-standing member of the MBA North (Master Builders Association North), SAGGA (South African Glass and Glazing Association) and SASSDA (Southern African Stainless Steel Development Association). Including the newly formed Balustrade Association of South Africa.
Guarantees:
Form 3 Certificate on completion. 2 Year Workmanship guarantee and a lifetime guarantee on all stainless steel materials that are installed by Steel Studio.
Mission Statement:
Customers:
We will consistently and passionately go the extra mile for our customers
People:
Our people are our business and we will continuously invest in their growth and skills development
Quality and Compliance:
We will continually strive to be the thought leaders and front-runners in regards to SANS compliance. We will constantly improve our product offering and quality workmanship by developing cutting-edge technologies
Price:
Our prices will always be fair and competitive
Notable projects recently completed:
Sasol Head Office – Sandton, Discovery Head Office – Sandton, Alice Lane Phase 3 – Sandton, Menlyn Maine Time Square, 129 Rivonia Village Walk, Menlyn Shopping Centre.
BBBEE:
Steel Studio is a Level 8 Contributor on the revised BBBEE codes
Steel Image
Based in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga
The company and its products:
Established in 2004 and Founder members of the Balustrade Association of South Africa, Steel Image specialises in the design and installation of frameless glass balustrades with an emphasis on SANS compliance and safety.
Steel Images’ staff experience ranges from workshop and installation experts, research and development, sales and internal admin. Together they strive for growth through training and workshops, empowering their staff members with knowledge that creates independence and greater opportunities for those seeking a career in the industry.
Steel Image works in and around the Mpumalanga area and is proud to have been a part of several milestone projects in Nelspruit. Steel Image will also service the Gauteng area.
Steel Image’s core consists of balustrade safety and ensuring that their systems will withstand the loads impacted on them.
Guarantees:
Form 3 Certificate on completion.
Mission Statement:
Purpose:
To be a leader in the Balustrade industry by providing Quality, SANS Compliant Frameless Glass Balustrades combined with excellent customer service and expert advice.
Vision:
To provide quality services that exceed the expectations of our esteemed customers.
Core Values:
We believe in treating our customers with respect and faith. We strive to always give the best advice when it comes to Our Products, Customer Wants, Needs and Demands.
Fabrication:
Steel Image has become a leader in the fabrication of all Stainless and Mild Steel Products including Frameless Glass Balustrade products.
Research and Development:
By integrating our industry knowledge with our dedicated SANS regulatory research, we can confidently service our clients with the highest quality balustrades.
Consumables:
Steel Image stocks a wide range of high-quality Stainless Steel materials and consumables, as well as cleaning kits for Stainless and Frameless Glass Balustrades.
Steel Image:
Is continuously growing and changing the way we work through our dedicated research team and strives for creative invention in all aspects of our company.
Notable projects recently completed:
Bakos Brothers, Crossings Phase 2, Ilanga Mall Phase 2, Mpumalanga University, Thabo Moshata Casino, Ehlanzeni Municipal Building
Spiral Engineering
Based in Industria, Johannesburg
The company and its products:
Established in 1990, Spiral Engineering has designed, manufactured and installed structural steelwork, spiral stairs, roof and solar support structures and additionally, frameless glass balustrade systems among their range of balustrades.
Based in Industria, Johannesburg, Spiral Engineering operates throughout South Africa and neighbouring countries. The company’s offering is versatile in terms of their steel and glass products.
With an emphasis on detail, continued innovative manufacturing techniques, continuous training and development and pure dedication, Spiral Engineering is able to offer a range of frameless glass balustrades that are safe and beautiful.
Guarantees: Form 3 Certificate on completion. 2 Year Workmanship guarantee and a lifetime guarantee on all stainless steel materials that are installed by Spiral Engineering
Their vision:
Spiral Engineering strives to improve:
- Our market share
- The professional growth of our workforce through in-service training and development
- Commitment to our clients
- Our positive influencing of the environment where we pursue these high standards
Values:
We are committed to:
- Creating a business environment characterised by high expectations
- A quest for excellence in all areas
- Tolerance, mutual respect and caring for staff and clients alike
- Providing a vigorous training and work programme for all our staff and to foster enquiring and perceptive minds
- Creating an environment in which every staff member is encouraged to develop initiative, self-discipline and the life skills necessary to handle any type of situation which may arise in our business activities with professional empathy
- Raising the level of awareness of our staff so that they become caring and involved citizens of South Africa
Notable projects recently completed:
Sun City Entertainment Centre, Discovery HQ Stairs, Times Square Sun Star, Sasol Head Office, 129 Rivonia Stairs, 140 on West, Standard Bank Rosebank.
