09 APR

The opening ceremony was held on the 4th april as previewed!
It was a fantastic moment and a good organization to get all this done by this time.

In the opening was present Ian Mills (sfw), Cornelia Genoni(fifa), GDM (centre host), government representatives, sports and education department, immigration department, police department, ocodema (local ngo for the sustainability), municipality, dancing group from the community, children and Manica community, lots of friends and the 2 design fellows from afh (Paulo and Alina).

The speeches started with centre host's director Short Chikwa that is also a very known and important musician in Manica. It was a very interesting speech about how is fundamental in a project like this the cooperation between all the stakeholders.

For us it was an amazing moment to hear Short recognizing that they are really happy with the result achieved and thanking for all the big efforts done and the big challenges overtaken. This was only possible because a fantastic link was created between design fellows and centre host.

Ian Mills (sfw) and Cornelia Genoni (fifa) followed the speeches about the importance of a program as FFH and these kind of projects in Africa and how they were enjoying the special connection between the building and the community.

The government and municipio showed that are interested in continuing suporting centre host in more activities on site and to help them to grow the project. And promised to help with the electricity connection...

A heavy rain started some moments before the opening, what was looked by the community as a blessing! Luckly the speeches sesssion was already prepared inside in the multipurpose room and the acoustics worked very well. It was a good test for the building functionality.

Because it was made a huge work in the exterior through paving, gardening, protecting slopes, planting scrubs, grass and trees to prevent soil erosion, the site was actually not very muddy and water drainage worked well.

Almost 500 people were present in the opening ceremony and the centre host organization was excellent! Food preparation, the dancing and music.

Centre host and Manica community were very excited and happy to open this project and to continue their bigger ambition, the creation of FutEco Park.

By our side, we were very happy to assist to this ceremony after doing this huge work. We think that it will be very realistic to the centre host to achieve their dream of creating a park that connects sports and ecology together, because they are giving solid steps in that sense.

They will continue to produce these local bricks with a low ecological footprint to build houses for the players and community and visitors, getting new ways of income as well as respecting nature.

For us it was very good to see that there is a special connection with the community and that we were not imposing a different type of architecture, but one related with their dreams, improving it.

Our work is almost done in Manica. After the training workshops, brick shelter building, bricks production and testing, more training and building done, we just need to get all the licenses approved (already going) and electrical supply solved.

It was a very interesting experience sometimes with some unexpected challenges and difficulties but good moments and assistance in important moments as well.

Thank you to all that believed in this project and the way of doing it and for the huge work that involves so many people in so many countries.
Thanks Manica for supporting us and receiveing us so warmly.

Maytabassa Shamwaris!

12 MAR

Lighting poles and turf are officially installed!
Thanks to everyone and specially to Malvern (Samansco) and Hendrik (Greenfields) for doing such a nice job and so fast!

Everyone is very excited in Manica for having the pitch!
Building is progressing with all the strength and power to finish soon.

Water supply was direct because centre host has a well on site but we are still waiting for the electrical supply asked some months ago to EDM. This can take several weeks or a month. This is the biggest challenge!

Meanwhile lots of works are getting done simulateously such as exterior works, landcaping and interior ceilings, wooden doors, plasters and roof details and lockers.

Contractor doesn't have a site director since a month ago, so we are on site daily to supervise and organize these last but very important works.

21 FEV

It's the 7th week of works and the building is going at a fast pace.
The deadline is very close and we are trying to make all the efforts to arrive at time...! But there are always last minute suprises...

The second site engineer went out and the third one will arrive...possibly next week or ... well...

To compensate this absence we are going to site daily to organize works and to avoid delays.

GDM (centre host) is really excited because lighting poles are already instaled in the pitch and working at 100%!

The pitch installation was delayed because of some last moment changes in the kickboards.

In spite of the heavy rain in the last 2 weeks everything is going in a good rhythm and trying to recover delays normal in the rainy season.

The roof is being installed and lot's of small works can be done now, such as electricity, wooden doors, etc...

The building and pitch are very well integrated in the landscape.

Clock keeps running!

21 JAN

This is the third week of work after holidays.
The works are progressing well and a new site director is already working ith us.

The former was replaced by contractor due to some difficulties in accepting long term planning.

The aspect of the walls are really amazing. The quality of work is good but to achieve that, we have to be on site on a daily basis, including Saturdays.

This type of earth technology requires a continuous supervision on site.

Our weekly meeting on site was changed from Thursday to Monday and currently we are doing all the planning, organizing and management work on site, because some inexperience of the manager workers on site.

Since mid December everything is prepared to receive the lighting poles in the pitch but due to some mistake in the poles distribution, our poles arrived to another centre. But new ones are expected to arrive this week to Manica, so everyone is very excited at the Centre Host and in the community!

We gave several workshop training sessions to improve the quality and precision in the work of the masons, because the local quality of work is loosing the good traditional hand labour skills.

Even so and after holidays and 1 week of heavy thunderstorms and rain, the work is progressing well and the building has an amazing relation with the landscape. The walls are really pretty and all the workers are improving a lot and proud of their work.

Deadline is arriving and that is the new big challenge to overcome!

DEC 18

We arrived to the last week of works before holidays.
It was a hard period of work but the results are good!

Centre host is very proud of all the process of work and by the good quality of the bricks.

The amazing red soil of Manica became walls and it's naturally integrated in the landscape.
The workers received training are slowly adapted to this tecnology and start enjoing it.

The pitch position works very well with the surrounding and building and the grading is completed after several corrections. It was made a good work!

Centre host is planning to get some donations for new ideas that developed meanwhile!

NOV 23

It was held the ninth meeting on site.
After 3 intensive days of workshops, explaining mortar mixtures and procedures with the CEB bricks among the 20 workers, bricks are being laid in the building. We can say around 5% of total brickworks.

Lot's of red iron soil but it's not Mars. It's Manica!

At the same time we had to make a big correction in the alignment of the pitch after checking that it was not parallel to the building. But also some corrections in the grading of the pitch.

Next week it's expected to start laying and compacting the first sub base layer with crushed stone.

Samansco sub contractor will be in Manica during next week to mark foundations and start the poles installation.

Brick by brick...

NOV 16

It was held the eighth meeting on site between Design Fellow's and the chief administrator of the Contractor, Mr. Eng. Augusto Mariano (minutes available on OAN).

Was found small corrections on the foundation and plumbing to be done during the next week.

Brick training workshop was successfully performed during the week (pictures available on Overview). Brick walls expecting to start on the next week.

Roof: DF’s requested samples of IBR roofing types available to be chosen on time, before being sent from South Africa.

Sub-base Pitch leveling and soil compression with small last corrections. Excavations for the concrete footing of the precast concrete curb started. Formworks for precast concrete curb are being built. Sub base layers aggregates already being brought to the construction site, to be placed during the next weeks.

Samansco (Yingli subcontractor) expected to arrive in the next weeks to install poles footings. Solar system will be installed later (date to confirm).

NOV 12

Foundation and slab works are finished and plumbing as well.
This was a hard part of the work because Manica is located in a average seismic zone and people were working extra hours during the weekend to achieve this properly. We will start the brickworks this week.

One of the monitors we trained during the brick production is Albert.
He received training during 2 weeks for the brick production and he was one of the main monitors helping managing the team for almost two months.

When we built the bread oven he was the main mason receiving training and managing the students.

He have worked always for GDM/center host as a small private builder but currently he is part of the Malacha's team (contractor) in an agreement made with GDM to him to complete the whole training cycle.

He is happy of being part of a professional construction company and to have the oportunity to learn new things as well as to teach others. Each time he is taking more responsability in the work and developing an important role as a leader inside the group of workers.

Albert is the "real builder"! (see photos on OAN)

NOV 8

Anti-termite treatment at 100%.
Foundation at 100%.
Floor slab at 100%.

Septic tank, drainage filters and plumbing connections at 100%.

Brick walls start were delayed one week due to a shortage of cement in both provinces of Manica and Sofala. Situation is regular at this moment.

Pitch grading with small last corrections.
Expected to be finished during next week.

Samansco (Yingli subcontractor) expected to arrive in the next weeks to install poles footings. Solar system will be installed later (date to confirm).

It was held the seventh meeting on site between Design Fellow's and Contractor, Thursday is the official meeting day (minutes available on OAN).

NOV 1

Foundations at 100%.
Compression for the concrete slab at 100%.
Anti termite treatment and wire mesh for the slab are ready.

Brick walls will start during next week.

Septic tank and drainage filters already coated with cement bricks.
Preparing slab to seal the tank. Expected to finish during next week.
Plumber on site preparing connections for the septic tank.

Pitch grading finished and first layer compressed at 100%.Last corrections are being made.Expected to finish during next week.

Compression tests as in the sub base manual to be made in the next week.
Sub base layers aggregates already ordered and ready to be placed during the next two weeks.

It's being planned and coordinated the lighting poles instalation between Yingli(sub contractor in Mozambique Samansco), DF's and Malacha to be held until the end of November.

The shortage on cement in Manica and Sofala continues but it's under control. Contractor has now a contigency supply to avoid delays.

It was held the sixth meeting on site between Design Fellow's and Contractor, Thursday is the official meeting day (minutes available on OAN).

Df's supervise works on site 3 days per week because it's required a high precision to maintain the quality of work.

OCT 25

Foundations at 90%.
Expect to finish foundations and floor concrete slab during this and next week.

Septic Tank for 150 people and filters wells already excavated and being coated with cement blocks.

Brick training workshop during the week 29th October to 2nd November to anticipate challenges on site due to CEB technology. (delayed due to the cement cure of foundations).

Pitch grading finished and first compressed layer at 90%.
Sub base layers aggregates already ordered.

Works are progressing well but with 3/4 days of delay due to the shortage of cement and 2 days of heavy rain in both provinces of Manica and Sofala.

It was held the fifth meeting on site between Design Fellow's and Contractor (minutes available on OAN).

Foundations were built slow but even so inside of the previewed schedule. These works are important because Manica is located in a seismic region.

OCT 18

Foundations at 75%.
Expected to finish foundations and floor concrete slab during next week.

Septic Tank for 150 people and filters wells are being excavated, now at 50%.

Brick training workshop during the week 29th October to 2nd November to anticipate challenges on site due to CEB technology. (delayed due to the cement cure of foundations).

Pitch grading finished and first compressed layer at 80%.
Sub base layers aggregates already ordered.

Works are in general progressing well but with 2/3 delays due to the shortage of cement in both provinces of Manica and Sofala.

Expected to have things in the normal rythm on Friday 19th October.

OCT 09

Foundations are at 50% progressing as expected in schedule.

Expect to finish foundations and concrete slab in the end of next week (20 October).

Hydraulic connection is being prepared to be made during these 2 weeks as well as the septic tank.

Brick training workshop during next week to anticipate challenges on site due to CEB technology.

Last earth movements and grading on the pitch are finish.
First compression will start simultaneously with the construction of the building.

Greenfields previews arrival to Manica on the 21st December.

SEP 25

The grading of the external areas and the FFH pitch are ready.

Some works of great precision were done, to achieve the stability of the soil and future landscape slopes because there is an existing excavation close to the future pitch.

The pitch has already been marked as well as the main building.
Excavations for the footings are ready, including the ones for the reinforcement of the walls(buttresses).

Foundations and ground beams are expected to start this week.

On site it was open a path to the brick shelter in order to make easier and faster their transportation to the construction site, since it will be one of the next big steps.

We are preparing a 2 days workshop with the workers (part of them come from the brick production as agreed with the contractor) and the contractor to give some technical specifications on the type of mortar to be used (has to be compatible with the bricks) and bonding pattern.

SEP 19

The site was completly cleared and the levels of the project achieved.

The buldozer is currently working on grading the site for the pitch, preparing everything for the end of October to install the poles.

It was marked as well the building and foundations will start very soon.
At the same time a big amount of soil is getting stored for the morter of the walls.

We could keep the mango tree at the entrance, so we will have a "welcome" natural element.

SEP 13

There was made a traditional shona ceremony based on ancestral traditions.
On site there was a local leader blessing the start of the works to "protect" the land, the workers and the building from "bad" outside influences...

I even asked to the priest if we can get help to get things done faster and before the time ;) ...so if that is achieved we will have to sacrifice an ox...

So the priest choose a tree to communicate with the ancestors and evoke protection. Men and Women were separated to do different sounds and rhythms...At the end everyone drank (tree included) a red wine to be protected!

These kind of traditions are very important here and there almost all contractors/companies big or small do accept to start working without making this... so right now we hope that we can flow easily in the process!

The site is cleared already and excavations are on the way!

SEP 10

Contractor has started to clear the site. Are now on preparations to mark and begin assembling the yard.

SEP 04

Everything is prepared in Manica to start building the new Community Center.
The Contractor "Malacha" will arrive this week to mark the site and mobilize the first machines to clear the site.

MAR 05
• Tender documents and BoQ reviewed in Cape Town.
• Tender package submission by Monday 5th March to San Francisco comments.
• DF’s talking with QS in Lisbon, BOQ received on 14th March.
• AoR is reviewing BoQ to adapt for Mozambican prices. Expecting receiving in the end of this week (16th March)
• DF’s talking with Electrical Engineer to simplify the project. Electrical BoQ and project delayed because the propose was too complex and expensive. Expecting receiving in the end of this week (16th March)
• DF’s looking for Tender Building Agreement and BoQ translators (portuguese to English).
• DF's trying to find an engineer for geotechnical testing. Some companies require this test be done for warranty purposes.
• DF's looking for legal procedures for the Exemption of payment of VAT for the construction of the FFHC.

MAR 16

• Tender documents and BoQ reviewed in Cape Town.
• Tender package submission by Monday 5th March to San Francisco comments.
• DF’s talking with QS in Lisbon, BOQ received on 14th March.
• AoR is reviewing BoQ to adapt for Mozambican prices. Expecting receiving in the end of this week (16th March)
• DF’s talking with Electrical Engineer to simplify the project. Electrical BoQ and project delayed because the propose was too complex and expensive. Expecting receiving in the end of this week (16th March)
• DF’s looking for Tender Building Agreement and BoQ translators (portuguese to English).
• DF's trying to find an engineer for geotechnical testing. Some companies require this test be done for warranty purposes.
• DF's looking for legal procedures for the Exemption of payment of VAT for the construction of the FFHC.
• Bricks Production:
> 1st Enable works payment received, still waiting for the second payment.
> DF’s managing the construction of the brick shelter. Expecting to restart brick production
by Monday 19th March.

FEB 03
• DF’s speaking with AoR and Engineer for tender documents and preparing drawings.
• Tender documents in progress.
• DF's contacting and searching for possible contractors.
• Yard set up and brick shelter progressing.

FEB 10
• DF’s speaking with AoR and Engineer for tender documents and preparing drawings.
• QS accepted to review BOQ for Tender documents.
• Tender documents in progress.
• DF's contacting and searching for possible contractors.
• Yard set up, brick shelter and brick production stopped (problem with payment)

FEB 17
• Tender documents in progress.
• DF’s waiting for comments of AoR for BOQ and drawings for tender documents.
• DF’s expecting to send during the next week (20-24 Feb) the drawings to the Engineer for update the structure.
• DF’s expecting to send during the next week (20-24 Feb) the BOQ to QS for review for Tender documents.
• DF's contacting and searching for possible contractors.
• Yard set up, brick shelter and brick production stopped (waiting for payment / rain season starting).

FEB 24
• Tender documents in progress.
• DF’s reviewed tender drawings with AoR, just waiting for final comments for BOQ.
• DF’s waiting for Engineer for update the structure.
• DF’s expecting to send during this week (27 Feb - 2 Mar) the BOQ to QS for review for Tender documents.
• DF's contacting and searching for possible contractors, waiting for more possible company profiles.
• DF's trying to find an engineer for geotechnical testing. Some companies require this test be done for warranty purposes.
• Yard set up, brick shelter and brick production stopped (waiting for payment / rain season).

JAN 13
• DF’s speaking with AoR and Engineer for tender documents. Negotiating with a QS for revising Tender documents.
• DF’s waiting for brick machine. It should arrive to site in the end of this week.
• Waiting for approval for enabling works for Mozambique (CEB machine and brick yard set up)
• Tender documents in progress
• Project is awaiting Design Development Package Approval.

JAN 20
• Design Development waiting for approval.
• Tender documents in progress
• DF’s speaking with AoR and Engineer for tender documents. Negotiating with a QS for revising Tender documents.
• Enabling works for Mozambique Approved (CEB machine and brick yard set up)
• Shelter for enable works in progress.
• DF’s waiting for brick machine. It should arrive to site in the end of this week (27 January).

JAN 27
• DF'S at this moment in site.
• Design Development was approved on the 25th January.
• DF’s speaking with AoR and Engineer for tender documents and preparing drawings.
• QS accepted to review BOQ for Tender documents.
• DF’s waiting for brick machine. It should arrive to site tomorrow.
• First and second package for enabling works have been approved (CEB machine, yard set up and tools)
• Tender documents in progress.
• DF's contacting and searching for possible contractors.
• Yard set up and brick shelter progressing.

• DF’s speaking with consultants
• DF’s waiting for bank details of brick machine company to request the machine
• Preparing enabling works for Mozambique (CEB machine and brick yard set up costs)
• Design Development in progress
• Preparing to relocate to site. Expected early January.

NOV 04
• Schematic design ongoing. Expected submission, November 11.
• DF communication with consultants ongoing.
• Civil/Structural Engineer and (Betar-Maputo) have begun work
• AoR is assisting with the baseline costing.

NOV 18
• Schematic design submitted to sfw on 16 November.
• DF’s speaking with consultants
• Civil/Structural Engineer project in progress (Betar-Maputo)
• Water/drainage installation project in progress (Betar-Maputo)
• Preparing enabling works for Mozambique (CEB machine and brick yard set up costs)

NOV 25
• Schematic design submitted to sfw on 16 November. Waiting for FIFA approval.
• DF’s speaking with consultants
• DF’s negotiating with possible brick machine company
• Preparing enabling works for Mozambique (CEB machine and brick yard set up costs)
• Design Development in progress
• Drawing water-net and sewerage with consultant
• Drawing structure with Betar Structures consultant

OCT 07
• Design Brief submitted to sfw / FIFA, still waiting for approval. Expected 7 October 2011.
• Starting schematic design
• DF’s speaking with consultants
• Negotiating with Electrical Engineer
• QS agreement still being negotiated.
• AoR agreement almost complete
• Updating OAN page
• Schematic Design submission expected November 8.

OCT 14
• Project is delayed due to hold ups in approval of Design Brief. Original plans for a fast tracking of approval process for further stages will need to be reviewed.
• Query and responses to sfw / FIFA, still waiting for design brief approval.
• Starting schematic design
• DF’s speaking with consultants
• Civil/Structural Engineer and (Betar-Maputo) in collaboration pro-bono
• QS is done in collaboration with AoR.
• Surveyor waiting by bank account confirmation to start working in, expected next week
waiting for AoR agreement approval on SF
• Schematic Design submission expected November 8. Date dependent upon design brief approval however.

OCT 21
• Project is delayed due to hold ups in approval of Design Brief.
• Sketch amended to design brief submitted to sfw / FIFA, still waiting for design brief approval.
• Schematic design ongoing, adapting to one building requirement
• DF’s speaking with consultants
• Survey ongoing, expected receive the work on 24 October.
• Civil/Structural Engineer and (Betar-Maputo) waiting to start working
• AoR agreement approval on SF received, waiting for banking information to make the intial payment
• Schematic Design submission expected November 8. Date dependent upon design brief approval however.

OCT 29
• Design Brief Package submitted 24th October to AFH San Francisco. DF awaiting response by 27th Oct.
• DF and Centre Host representative George Mamabolo met on 25th Oct. Discussion centered on Design Brief and Concept Design.
• Centre Host issued DF a final copy of the SARCS Strategic Plan for the FFH centre. A copy was issued to sfw also. DF anticipates minor revisions to be incorporated into brief, which will be circulated accordingly.
• Centre Host has endorsed conceptual site layout with minor alterations. DF to investigate.
• Louis Nel Professional Land Surveyor quotation has been accepted, DF waiting to receive Bank Information Form and W8-BEN to forward to San Francisco.
• There is a need to confirm the structure and timeline of the commitment of the local municipality to provide services to the site. (water, electricity, sewerage)

SEPT 02
• DF'S speaking with consultants, working on the first site trip report and design brief.
• Design Brief to sfw/FIFA - Preliminary date of September 30 - October 7, 2011.

SEPT 09
• DF'S speaking with consultants,
• Working on the 1st trip site evaluation and finishing design brief.

SEPT 16
• On initial site visit
• Finishing Design Brief to send to Centre Host