Rhino Rehabiliation Centre
Additional Info
Award Winner : Modular Site Solutions (Pty) Ltd.
Architectural Excellence : The impact of Rhino poaching has had a devastating effect throughout South Africa. Many rehabilitation facilities for baby Rhino’s have therefore come into existence in order to provide care and re-introduce orphaned infant Rhino’s back in to their natural habitat. Modular Site Solutions were contacted in desperation by the Zululand Rhino Orphanage (www.zululandconservationtrust.org) who specialise in the rehabilitation of both white and black rhino. Their rehabilitation facility had to be relocated at short notice following a devastating attack. Modular Site Solutions (MSS) responded to the plea for help and agreed to donate 20 converted modular containers, ranging from sleeping units (for Rhino’s), to medical, office and storage units. The units had to be both portable (in case relocation became necessary or they were needed in another area) and robust enough to accommodate 660-1 320 pound baby Rhinos, in a comfortable and sanitary environment as the risk of infections high.
Cost Energy Effectiveness : All manufacture of these individual units was done in the manufacturing facility in Pinetown, Durban, and transported to a remote location some 300km+ into Northern Kwa Zulu Natal. Units for animal occupation were made of strong durable materials, but also allowed for insulation and preservation of the animal occupants.Stores and offices were mostly of standard design. Over and above the efficient tongue and groove fitment of wall and insulation panels, all other fixings are held in place using rivets. At high strength and low cost, and with no future maintenance, these provide the best solution between function, fit and form. To finish, the units were covered with a tropical roof, supported by natural timber framework. The combination of the green paint finish and the natural timer structure allowed the units to blend well into the natural environment.
With no permanent fixing to the ground, other than electrical connections, the entire facility could be relocated in a single day.
Green Building Description : The use of second had shipping containers for structural purposes already sets the tone for Green Building Sustainability in the Rhino Rehabilitation Centre.
Efficient methods were used for sustainable energy practice: Water saving cisterns and aerated flow taps, dual flush WCS, rainwater harvesting feeding into 2 x 10 000 Litre reservoir tanks, for reuse in gardens, insulated walls and roofs, back up generator, future – installation of PVC cells to roof for achieving off the grid power usage, shading devices – roof overhangs, use of inverter type HVAC units, LED lighting throughout the offices, hydro boils replaced the use of geysers, all offices and populated areas have windows that can open, unlike modern buildings which are closed off for HVAC purposes. Located in the Bushveld, the units had to blend into the environment and have a minimal impact on the surrounding ecosystem.
Installer Firm Name : Container Conversions Pty Ltd
Occupied Date : 3/17/2018
Owner Firm Name : Zululand Conservation Trust
Production Start Date : 2/7/2018
Project Location City : Richards Bay
Project Location State Name : Kwa-Zulu Natal
Technical Innovation : Given the urgency of this project coupled with the need for a robust sustainable solution Modular Site Solutions opted to use converted shipping containers. The durability of the product is well tested and can stand many years of exposure.
Five different types of units were provided; accommodation for the Rhinos, medical and food storage, accommodation, ablution and kitchen facilities for the carers, and office space. All containers were insulated using pre-painted, galvanised sandwich panels. The Rhino accommodation required rubberising on the floor and halfway up the walls. Given the extreme weather conditions prevalent in Northern KwaZulu-Natal special thermal lamps were installed to enable the carers to regulate the temperature for new born Rhinos. Heavy duty steel roller gates were also installed to control access. From a technical innovation & sustainability point, these units can be easily relocated to an alternative destination and re-purposed for alternative uses.
Total Square Feet : 4973