Wrapping things up here...

• Signage: Kickboards, containers, and centre signage package fabrication and installation underway; scheduled to complete early next week
• Yingli: Solar lights installation completed Tuesday, 14 Sept.
• VAT: DF has requested follow-up from SON and Dept. of Inland Revenue
• Final accounts and reconciliation with contractors & consultants underway
• Centre Opening next Saturday, 25 Sept. !
• DF starting to pack for home

Thanks to all,

Tom Calhoun
Design Fellow

Local DF Tom Calhoun has returned after a week off to finalize several elements for the Centre, namely:

• Signage: Kickboards, containers and the centre are all planned for a signage & branding scheme. Kickboards have been approved and the vendor is awaiting initial sfw payment. Containers and centre signs still in progress...
• Yingli: Solar lights are in transit, and Import Permit application is underway. Installation to follow.
• VAT: DF, SON and NPC working in cooperation with Directorate of Inland Revenue to develop necessary documentation for refund approval.
• AOR, DF and QS working together to provide quotes to SON on elements which may receive future upgrades.

And we are still awaiting the first football match... ;)

Tom Calhoun
Design Fellow

Site handover was a success! Present were:

Paul Munting, Architect of Record
Henry Marks, General Contractor
Christian Bohlke, Electrical Engineer
Charles Nyambe, SON
Larochelle (Nani) Schneider (SON)
Tom Calhoun, Design Fellow

On Friday, our great contractor Henry Marks handed the keys to Charles Nyambe and Larochelle Schneider of Special Olympics. Contractor, architect and design fellow all signed the Certificate of Practical Completion. SON was also provided with drawings and contract documentation, and was advised of the warranty protocol for their new Centre. This week, Henry will begin his final clearing of the lot, and will remove the hoarding that has heretofore protected the site and also prevented comprehensive photographs of the building being taken. Surely some nice pictures will be a very welcome site to you all, and I will get them to you asap.

Update follows:

Administrative
• Practical completion and handover complete
• Yingli shipment #2 confirmed, awaiting ETA & other documentation
• NPC letter / VAT follow-up underway
• VAT: DF to follow-up w/ Inland Revenue
• AoR has supplied fencing quotes; SON board discussing options

Building
• Landscaping complete; sprinklers installed; maintenance schedule provided by landscaper
• Items pending: iron gates (on 3 buildings) and gutter in fabrication; fencing/debris removal, container graphics, kickboard graphics, Yingli install

Thanks all,
Tom Calhoun, Design Fellow

Site handover is scheduled for tomorrow!

Update follows:

Administrative
• Yingli shipment #2 confirmed, awaiting ETA & other documentation
• Practical completion & handover scheduled for 13h00, Friday, 30 July
• NPC letter still awaiting final signature; DF to push with SON...this could affect final VAT outcome...
• VAT: DF to follow-up w/ Inland Revenue

Building
• Greenfields install complete
• Water connection complete; E. Marks to finalize plumbing today
• Snag list complete
• Landscaping final work underway; scheduled to complete today
• Final electrical/alarm underway, scheduled to complete today
• Items pending: iron gates (on 3 buildings) and gutter in fabrication; fencing/debris removal, container graphics, kickboard graphics, Yingli install

Thanks to all,
Tom Calhoun, Design Fellow

Special Olympics Namibia is days away from taking over possession of their new Centre. We are all quite excited, and are just working out the final details.

Update follows:

Administrative
• Yingli shipment #2 pending
• Water hookup still pending; SON paying fees in order to expedite
• Snag list issued by Paul
• Practical completion delayed due to water
and all warranty documentation
• NPC letter still awaiting final signature
• VAT response from Inland Revenue received; refund denied
• Security guards appointed & began on site this week
• Container graphics quotes received

Building
• Snag list underway
• Landscaping final work scheduled for next week
• Greenfields install began, to complete 26 July
• Final electrical/alarm pending
• Fencing/debris removal scheduled for next week

Thanks
Tom Calhoun, Design Fellow

Hello all,

Here is the weekly update:

Administrative
• Yingli shipment #1 arrived at WHK; pending FIFA donation letter & Import Permit
• Water hookup pending; SON/ministry to finalize payment to municipality this week
• Master budget provided by QS; AoR & DF to reconcile with AfH/sfw account
• Practical completion scheduled for 21 July; AoR, Consultants, Contractor, DF, and SON representative (Nani), to be present; final steps underway, including insurance policy finalization, and all warranty documentation
• NPC letter still awaiting final signature
• VAT response from Receiver of Revenue expected early next week
• Security: A discussion is underway within SON; it has been recommended that, while iron gates on 3 entryways be included, that an alarm system will be ineffective without security personnel, and that a fence would help in deterring traffic and thus minimizing wear & tear, but alone would not help to prevent theft. It was agreed that hiring a security guard / caretaker will be the only effective method for crime prevention.
• Container graphics being researched by DF
• Greenfields install scheduled for next week; DF coordinating next steps
• Volunteers to help with pitch install, container decorate, DF & SON coordinating
• Existing light-poles (near field) to be kept or removed? SON decision pending
• FFH Centre Opening Ceremony coordination underway; tentatively scheduled for 2nd week in August

Building
• Sub-base work underway; 16 July finish still on schedule
• Wheelchair ramp underway
• Electrical complete (DB installed); awaiting connection (scheduled for 14 July)
• Pitch Light footings complete
• Container footings complete
• Drinking fountain underway
• Windows complete
• Plumbing final complete - pending water pressure
• Sunshades installed
• Exterior finishes complete
• Landscaping near complete (less slope & irrigation)
• Roller shutters delivery scheduled 13 July, to be completed 15 July

Thanks to all for tuning in; almost there!

Tom Calhoun, DF

The centre is looking very nice.

Though we will be finishing a bit later than originally scheduled, I am quite pleased with the progress. Our contractor, Henry Marks, must be commended for his responsiveness, attention to detail, patience and amiability. Everything is coming together.

Update:

Admin:
Revised program issued by E. Marks; July 21 finish date given
Yingli coordination underway
Electrician appointed
Landscaper appointed

Construction:
Landscaping begun
Ceilings installed
Painting/Finishes (Int/Ext) near complete
Window installation underway
Paving near complete
Plumbing fixtures installed

Cheers,

Tom Calhoun

Weekly Update:

Admin:
Claim for Extension of Time to be issued by E. Marks; July 2 Practical Completion date will not be met; program revision to be issued by contractor
Noted Causes:
• Roller shutters (for classroom) delivery delay; ETA 15 July
• Electrician appointment/approval delayed until 24 June
• Landscape budget approval delayed until 21 June
• Sunscreens in fabrication…delivery TBD…
Items still pending on 2 July:
• Roller shutters
• Grounds: small pavers on W side of courtyard; wheelchair ramp
• Sunscreens
• Security gates / ablutions screens…?
• Drinking fountain
• Pitch / Lighting / Containers
Other:
• Light footings: plan made btw. AoR, Contractor, DF; estimated finish date of 16 July given; COR submitted for budget approval
• AFH Payment 1a/b received; discrepancy btw. Invoice & payment; DF to inquire with AFH
• Permanent water connection applied for by Ministry; DF to follow up…
• Unifying element request denied; noted by all
• Drinking fountain detail issued by AoR to Contractor; to be issued to QS also
• Color samples discussed; AoR decisions given to Contractor
• Exist light-poles (near field) to be kept or removed? DF to inquire with SON
• Ablutions: fixtures options discussed
• Entryway gate on hold; DF to inquire with SON
• Electrical approval received from sfw
• Landscaping approval received from sfw
• Greenfields containers arrival; currently in storage; DF to coordinate with Greenfields

Construction:
• Sub-base work begun; 16 July finish
• Courtyard pavers near completion
• Electrical work continued
• Window installation underway
• Office partitions installed

Issues
• Delay (as noted above)
• VAT: DF met with Receiver of Revenue; DF to coordinate next steps & advise AFHSF
• Permanent water connection behind schedule
• Security element previously unaccounted for: door gates on all blocks & ablutions window bars; still awaiting QS quote

Weekly Update:

Construction:
• All roofs complete
• Exterior plaster near completion
• Entryway form-work begun
• Site grading, curbs installed, paver install underway
• Electrical first fix complete

Admin:
• Greenfields contract signed by E. Marks, awaiting final appointment from GF
• Greenfields container arrival; storage arranged
• Sub-base work to begin Monday, 21 June
• Yingli coordination in progress; pending footings quote from QS
• Iso-Board ceiling en-route

Issues
• VAT issue still un-resolved; DF following up
• SFW appointment of electrician pending
• Security element previously unaccounted for: door gates on all blocks & ablutions window bars; still awaiting QS quote

Complete update follows:

Construction:

• Ablutions block structure complete; plumbing finish pending
• Ring beams complete on computer & office blocks; all trusses installed
• Courtyard in-fill begun; paver installation pending

Admin:

• SFW approval of sub-base contract sum; pending contract from Greenfields; work scheduled to begin Monday 14 June
• Landscaper appointed for works (less slope); scheduled for 21-30 June
• Yingli coordination in progress; pending final quote from local contractor (Solar Age)

Issues:

• Iso-Board ceiling delivery delayed; awaiting shipment from Johannesburg
• VAT issue un-resolved; DF meeting with accountant scheduled for Monday
• SFW appointment of electrician pending
• Security element previously unaccounted for: door gates on all blocks & ablutions window bars; awaiting QS quote

We are still on target for project completion by July 2, 2010. There are several items still under consideration, which may add to the project scope and thus extend this deadline: Unifying Element, Electrical Sub-Contract. Complete update follows:

Construction:
• 3 block brickwork nearing completion
• Window & door bucks installed
• Electrical work on floors complete
• Floor slabs poured
• Ring beams being formed
• Ablutions block trusses installed

Admin:
• VAT status critical: deadline of Friday, 4 June 2010, given for finalization of “Zero-Rated” status; Stay-C to follow up…
• Application for payment issued by E. Marks to QS; Certificate of Payment issue scheduled for Monday, 7 June 2010.
• Application for permanent water connection relayed from E. Marks to land-owner (Ministry); 1 week deadline given
• Security: QS requested to quote iron door gates & x-mesh on ablutions windows
• Unifying Element: quoted by QS; E. Marks awaiting final drawing from Paul in order to schedule works
• Seating: VE drawing & price issued to DF; COR to be issued to sfw
• Landscaping: approval pending
• Container footings work issued by Paul
Issues/Delays:
• Greenfields containers delayed in SA, due to arrive Walvis Bay 25 June 2010

Sub-base & Pitch:
• Following meeting with Greenfields, E. Marks to submit new scope & price by end of week
• Contract signing tentatively scheduled for next week; DF to check with Greenfields on any details/legalities that may need to be addressed
• Sub-base work to begin 14 June 2010, finish 2 July
• Pitch installation tentatively scheduled for week of 5 July

Other:
• Site Ceremony & Fundraising Gala went off without a hitch

Construction:

Foundation brickwork was completed this week, and brick crews began laying up the walls. Since getting off to a slow start, the contractor has been struggling to make up for lost time, and we shall see how fast the walls go up, scheduled to be nearing completion by end of week.

Admin:

• Awaiting quotes on unifying element, seating alternatives, security solutions, landscaping
• Electrician to be appointed tomorrow, May 11
• Kickboard printing quotes received; being processed by sfw
• Container footing Change Order in process
• Fundraising Gala organization underway
• Greenfields contract talks still underway...

Thanks,
Tom Calhoun, DF

This week, all 3 foundations were poured in tandem, allowing the contractor to make up lost time due to lack of concrete and water. His plan is to also begin setting foundation bricks on all 3 buildings at once, and has increased his crew accordingly. There are currently 15 workers on site (up from 8 last week).

First Progress Meeting scheduled for tomorrow, Thursday April 29.

On the agenda:

• Review of works completed & upcoming works
• Schedule review
• E. Marks to present first Payment Request to Architect of Record(AOR)/QS
• Alternative to seating, to be proposed by Paul Munting, AOR
• Container footings COR to be reviewed
• Electrical contractor selection to be announced

Other Notes:

• Landscaping: Namibia Landscapes (chosen by AOR) is currently working on a plan per the wishes and specifications of SON, AfH & AOR. This scheme will include shade trees and plantings which require little water, a soft-scape alternative to the seating, and a basic built-in irrigation system for review.
• Sub-Base: E. Marks researching the sourcing and testing of all soils and materials; contract negotiations btw. E. Marks and Greenfields also underway
• Kickboard Graphics: DF still seeking viable printing solution; working with local vendors...
• In-Kind: items discussed with SON
• SON Fundraising Gala: scheduled for May 21
• Unifying Element: solutions requested from AfH/sfw last week; AOR working on this

Thanks for following the progress.

Best,
Tom

Construction is on-schedule here in Windhoek. Here's the scoop:

Construction:

• 3 foundation excavations nearly complete; scheduled to pour classroom tomorrow & office Friday
• Water reticulation trenched
• Security fencing being installed; behind schedule due to availability of fencing
• Awaiting city water hook-up; municipality behind schedule, which I am told is to be expected

Administrative:

• Contacted SON re: fundraising items,
• Trying to facilitate & establish sub-base contract agreements btw. E. Marks & Greenfields
• Researching unifying element costs
• Researching kickboard graphics
• E. Marks/WMA exploring alternatives to: fencing & seating

Cheers,
Tom

Late last week, all final contract documents received signatures, and E. Marks received their Surety papers...allowing us to begin construction. On Thursday, the contractor's crew began to establish their work site, clearing the lot and delivering storage units. Foundation digging has begun on the Classroom and Office blocks; we are happy to be working under blue skies, and to be on schedule.

While the Namibia contract flew through the air, a few details were addressed:

Drawings were issued to E. Marks by Wasserfall Munting
E. Marks in the process of creating a detailed programme
Coordination for sub-base contract begun with Greenfields
Preparations for a groundbreaking ceremony are underway

We are going into a 4-day weekend, and upon returning, Tuesday, April 6, 2010, E. Marks will hit the ground and begin clearing the site.

Happy Easter,

Tom Calhoun
AFH DF Namibia

Hi all,

It has been an eventful week in Windhoek, as we are nearing the beginning of construction. We are very pleased with the decision on our contractor, as he comes highly recommended, and has been a pleasure to work with already. All final details are being attended to, as noted below.

SFW budget & scheduling decisions made:

• E. Marks chosen by SFW to carry forth Football For Hope Katutura
Center
• July 2, 2010 agreed upon finish date

Pre-construction logistics attended to:

• Letter of Intent sent from AFH to E. Marks
• Contract generated by AOR, relevant changes made per Joyce’s
comments

• Site visit w/ AOR Paul Munting, contractor Henry Marks & DF Tom
Calhoun; issues addressed:
- Temporary power & water
- Setting out & mobilizing; logistics and timeline
- Options for seating, container foundations, fencing
- Pre-pitch drainage
- Programme; Tues March 30 expected hand-in
- Landscaping solutions
- Power sub-station capacity
• E. Marks banking info obtained
• Contract signed by Henry Marks
• April 1, 2010 start date set; contingent upon contract & surety delivery
• Contract en route to AFHSF via DHL; Friday April 2 projected delivery
date

The realities of administering across time-zones and oceans invariably causes delays, and will require that we wait a few more days before construction can commence. As this will be a tight timeline, all involved are quite anxious to begin working toward completion of this project. This has been a long journey for Special Olympics, and we know that they are very excited to see the finished product.

Stay tuned,

Tom Calhoun, AFHDF

Pre-Construction Update:

Yesterday marked the close of Tender Period. These documents are now in the hands of the AOR & QS. These bids came in higher than expected, and so we are set to discuss these findings today, and will proceed with negotiations, value-engineering, as well as scheduling and architectural solutions to address the overages. Beyond this, Tender Results and reporting will be submitted to AFH/SFW as soon as they are reverted from the architect's office...

From Windhoek,

Tommy

Hello all,

Tommy here in Windhoek. I arrived Monday 15 Feb, the same day a preliminary Tender Package was released to contractors by Wasserfall Munting Architects. Though incomplete, due to time constraints, this package was tentatively approved by SFW, upon the provision that all necessary documents will be forthcoming within the tender period. Additionally, this period of tender, adjudication, and contract signing, will be accelerated to 4 weeks total, allowing construction to begin Monday 15 March. Paul Munting and Herman Martins (AOR and QS, respectively) are working hard to produce all necessary drawings and related quantities early this week, so that they may be released to bidders.

Likewise, I am working to ensure that all other essential details are ironed out, paperwork completed, and necessary expertise is on board, so the we have a hope of meeting these projections. Amongst these details include: the procurement of electrical and civil contractors to determine services, site details and sub-grade engineering, and filing with the municipalities.

These time constraints to which I have alluded are based on the desire of the majority of stakeholders to see the project completed (or at least to a great degree) by the World Cup kickoff. This gives us a construction period of Monday 15 March to Thursday 3 June. By my watch that gives us 79 construction days (weekends included) or 57 weekdays, best case scenario. We are seeking not only a competent contractor, but one who may be willing to staff through the weekends to pull of this deadline. The final construction schedule will be developed hand-in-hand with this super-hero contractor.

…wish us luck…

Tommy Calhoun
(embedded in Namibia)

Hello!

For all those avid followers of the OAN network, and the fans of the Katatura Football for Hope Center, here's the latest on the Windhoek Saga.

Nina Maritz has declined from being further involved in design of the project, and Paul Munting's firm Wasserfull Munting have taken on the role as architect of record. They have extensive experience in Windhoek and have great confidence in their ability to do a top notch job.

We've started contacting the necessary authorities in regard to getting the VAT and the connection fees waived but have started to get a negative response from those who have tried before, unfortunately we cannot post those comments exactly, but we're trying our best to work around the powers that be in order to cut those costs and apply them where they can used more productively.

Paul has submitted some changes to the design and we as the AFH team have had an amazing design session working out some of the potential problems and solutions that will make the center something unique and special for the future participants. Those are to be costed soon and discussed with the team from Special Olympics Namibia.

So things are moving ahead at a great pace, this time of year is always fueled by the upcoming builders holidays, so stay tuned for future updates as I'm sure you'll see a great leap in design resolution and project initiation.

Until then, I remain your faithfaul updater & motivator.

The Football for Hope Center in Katuara, Namibia has undergone a few changes in the last few months.

The process has been a trying one due to the nature of tying together the requirements from both StreetFootBallWorld and Special Olympics Namibia into a cost effective and productive center for the users and the community.

During the visit to Windhoek last month we met up with Nina and Paul on site and we started to see that we were dealing with a fairly tricky set of problems.

Part of this visit included a stop by Nina's previous project in Katatura ( The Habitat Center, the project explores alternative building materials in an educational and informative architectural display) we saw that alternative building techniques are not always the cheaper option and the problems inherent in their tectonic application lead to further problems down the line.

During these discussions with Nina, Paul and the various local architects and builders we quickly realized that building costs vary quite substantially country to country, Namibia being much more costly to build than other surrounding countries due to its isolated location.

The main purpose of our visit was to discuss the requirements and the program with Special Olympics, Street Football World and the Namibian Government.
During this meeting we outlined and discussed the various needs and future goals of Special Olympics Namibia and how we could possibly accommodate these in a cost effective and long term manner.

From these discussions the various problems became quite apparent:

- the center itself is not going to be used exclusively by the surrounding community as children with disabilities travel from various settlements to take part in the programs and activities provided by Special Olympics Namibia.

- the nature of disabled athletes who require constant supervision and security to protect them from harmful outsiders as well as each other.

These factors led to the re-design of the layout of the site to provide more surveillance easier as well as the addition of a fence.

-the site requires quite a costly foundation structure, this plus the landscaping requirements to accommodate universal accessible traffic areas were quite a factor in the design update.

The result of the main cost drivers outlined above as well as other considerations was the revision of the original requirement list as well as the budget. The updated requirements and costs were considered and the revised schedule of requirement and budget were drafted and put to the client.

Approval for the revised submission has been granted by Street Football World and with that behind us now we can focus on putting together the professional team for the Design Development phase of the project.

We made many contacts on our trip and have a good starting point to get the project moving now. With this new knowledge base and clearer understanding of the Namibian situation we are looking forward to breaking ground in Namibia!

Stay tuned for further OAN updates...

Its been a while since the last update, many important things have happened in that time.

For one the project team has grown with the inclusion of myself and we have had some help from another local built environment professional, Diina Shitula, who is a Quantity Surveyor from Namibia working here in Cape Town.

On my side I have been going through the motions of getting to know the project and understand the situation and the nature of the various difficulties of this specific design.

We have been in correspondence with with Nina Maritz and Paul Munting, the Architects of Record in Namibia and we have set up a dialogue which will sustain the development of this project between Architecture for Humanity, the Client and the Architects involved.

In terms of the project deadlines we have submitted a package to the clients and are in the process of working with Nina, Paul and the Client to refine the design in order to achieve a feesible and practical solution. This is due to the location of the site, which has has proven to be quite isolated and troublesome in general.

Some issues which we have been working through are the escalated costs due to site location, the security of the grounds has brought some concerns and general project management is being dealt with.

Otherwise the project is moving ahead regardless of some minor bumps in the road, hopefully we'll have things flying ahead to give Namibia an awesome Centre that the local community will be proud to have and use.

Jhono out...

Stay tuned for future OAN updates...

Stay tuned for future OAN updates...

1.Successful trip altogether – Lots to be done yet

2.Summary:

-i. Meeting with Ministry required for fast tracking the approval process – phone call required – SON to arrange (Minister not available during visit)

-ii.Meetings with Architects and Quantity surveyors on the ground - Invited available architects selected from the list of the Namibian Architects Institute

a.Nina Maritz and Paul Munting responded and attended briefing on FFH

nina@mweb.com.na t. +264 61 220752

admin@jwarc.com t. +264 61 230271

b.Nina Maritz has a wealth of recourse and talent as an architect, and would like to be reimbursed for expenses only – but happy to be involved – Suggested that the Department of Works never get involved in the process as it will stall for a few years – work through the Ministry of Youth only

c.Paul Munting of Jaco Wasserval Architects to speak to Jaco Wasserval regarding taking on more work – perhaps partnering with Nina Maritz as her suggestion

d.Bob Mould architects (SON suggestion) expressed that they are not interested in the process

e.Howard & Chamberlain Architects - not interested in the process

f.Leon Barnard Architects - not able to take on the project but open to collaborating in an advisory capacity to tie in your development into the city

g.Quantity Surveyors:

-1.Buhr + Fouche (Carel Fouche attended) will do preliminary costing of sub base – need to send information of greenfields – also suggested that the budget of 150USD will be sufficient for a building of 150sq.m – will firm this when we have the final figures

-2.Jordaan Oosthuysen Nangalo (Isak Nahum attended) will also do investigative costings – perhaps will report to seniors – AfH to follow up and check availability

-3.Not attending but found whilst walking – Hendrik Herselman quantity surveyors and project managers – hendrik.hhqs@iway.na – to be contacted and check if they would like to be involved

h.Geotechnical report may not be necessary according to Nina Maritz, will chat to civil engineers that have been involved in the close stadium

-iii.Construction – SON to suggest well performing contractors and set out a call for the expression of interest in December, that will shortcut a public tendering procedure – Patricia suggested that the community contractor be used – SON will send his details

-iv.Clear brief required from SON for the accommodation list for the buildings – and sorting out the business plan for FFH

a.Dr Maloi(SON board) would like to donate dentist chair – and may have other room requirements.

b.AfH delivered the basic structure as per centre proposals, standard briefing – which is flexible – wll deliver after discussing with Jan

-v.SON to ensure that the land will be available as located on drawings

-vi.Land title agreement to be copied to architecture for humanity

-vii.Visited

a.Habitat Research Centre – www.hrdc.org.na – natural building recourses in Windhoek and alternative construction methods

b.School constructed for $N1,5m that didn’t work

3.SON not aware of the construction of the sub-base. This needs to be addressed immediately with all other Center Hosts as there may not be this confusion again.

4.All MOU’s to include site information:

a.Location of building

b.Location of pitch

c.Site allocated boundary lines

d.Site restrictions – if any

e.Placement of the Greenfields Pitch relating to the building

f.Access – and connection to access

g.Electrical and Sewer connection

h.Supply of water (Where applicable)