Towards the end of Term 2 the first year Architectural Draughting students had the opportunity to visit the offices and production site of African Trusses & Timber in Kuils River.

“African Trusses & Timber (PTY) Ltd is a leading roof truss manufacturer in the Western Cape.

The company specialises in the design, manufacturing of timber roof structures and roof construction – using the MiTek design system – as well as the supply of structural timber and laminated beams. All timber is SABS approved, sized and treated.”

As part of familiarizing the students with the professions, the visit formed part of the students Architectural Elective and allowed them to better understand the design and fabrication process for Roofing Systems in Southern Africa. After visiting this site, students could develop an understanding from the struggles the roofing engineers undergo with the architects designs to the actual fabrication and manufacturing.

Students had to summarize what they learnt on site about the design processes, software used, different types of timber and treatments used as well as the general health and safety precautions they learnt about in class that they could see on site.

We strive in not only teaching our students the theoretical side of design but also taking them out to sites in order for them to gain as much practical knowledge as possible! This all contributes to the student’s awareness in the industry.

Visit our interactive site, www.cad4all.co.za, for more.