THE LIVING BEEHIVE

DURBAN BOTANIC GARDENS

PRESENTED BY
ROB YOUNG DEREK THOMAS
PrEng CEng,
PrEng, CEng MSc(Eng),
MSc(Eng) DIC,
DIC FIStructE,
FIStructE FSAICE,
FSAICE MICE B.Arch.Dip
B Arch Dip Arb.Pr.
Arb Pr Arch
 DESCRIPTION
• structural living wall shell

• indigenous plants

• an elevated walkway within a living tunnel of plants

• beehive association with nature

• sustainability of structural steel

• all working in harmony with the productivity of nature

 INTRODUCTION
• November 2011 - (COP17) United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change

• A platform for South Africa to profile ideas on green issues.

• SANBI initiated an innovative project – “The Living Beehive” .

• A 6 metre high
g and 17 metre diameter steel structure and living-
living
g-walls, in
the
h shape
h off a traditional
d l Zulu
l hut.
h

• focus discussion on the role ecosystems and biodiversity play, in climate

bl
stability, h and
green economic growth d development.
d l

• Opened by Trevor Manuel in the presence of the world media.

• A permanent installation at the Durban Botanic Gardens.

• In the traditional design of the African “Beehive”
Beehive hut construction
construction,
the roof framework was designed as a series of orthogonal arch
frames.

• In this case, structural steel radiused tubes were the only practical
and efficient steel section to satisfy structural stability.
• 3D structural framework software simplified, the geometric
complexity for fabrication and site connections.
connections

• The coating utilizes an epoxy based system.

• Structural steelwork is acknowledged as a sustainable material,

since between 40% and 80% of new steel is made from recycled
scrap steel worldwide
worldwide.
• The structural steel framework compliments the sustainable “green”
objective of this installation.
installation

• Stainless steel mesh sheets were clipped over the tubular

framework

• A fabric, combining plastic sheeting/ hessian netting enclosed

growing medium/ hydroponically fertilized/ completed the living
surface.
 CONCLUSION
• A ppermanent public
p use installation,, symbolizing
y g the link between
natural systems, engineering solutions, human culture, development
and achievement.

• Uses range from school children educational activities to wedding

photographic shoots

• Just a pplace to contemplate

p the interaction of Structural Engineers
g
with the green role nature has to play in facing the threats of
climate changes.
 May the Living Beehive serve as a source of
inspiration for all our people, reminding us
of the development solutions that are
available by harnessing the power of people,
engineering
g g and biodiversity.
y

“PEOPLE + ENGINEERING + BIODIVERSITY = CLIMATE CHANGE

SOLUTIONS”
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
• CLIENT : DURBAN BOTANIC GARDENS
TRUST

• DEVELOPER : DEPT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS

SANBI

• OWNER : DURBAN BOTANIC GARDENS

/ETHEKWINI MUNICIPALITY

• DESIGNERS : DAVIDSON DESIGN SOLUTIONS

LEON KLUGE GARDEN DESIGN

• STRUCTURAL ENGINEER : YOUNG + SATHARIA

• PROJECT MANAGER : THOMAS PROJECTS

• CONTRACTOR : REED SIMPSON

• STEEL CONTRACTOR : IMPACT ENGINEERING cc.