Rob Barnes qualified as an Architect in 1990 and was a partner / director of an Architectural and Town Planning firm in Paarl for 18 years before starting his own company 2 years ago. He has gained vast experience in residential, commercial and industrial development and has worked on various projects, ranging from Hospitals to Hunting Lodges, in South Africa and as far afield as Namibia. Since st
arting his own company, Rob has focused more on the energy efficiency of buildings and low carbon foot prints required by legislation in the building industry. As a result, he has been experimenting with alternative energy efficient materials, products and design. The RedEspresso HQ, also in Zandwyk Park, being a prime example of this, was built using polystyrene blocks filled with reinforced concrete, double glazed PVC doors and windows were used, LED lighting, solar heating for hot water, DuctSox (recycled fabric) air dispersion ducted systems, natural light is made use of and reclaimed rain water is used for toilet flushing systems, etc. Although the regulations governing the construction industry and built environment have changed in recent years, enforcing energy efficiency and the use of green building, low carbon foot print materials and methods, requirements can still be met to a large extent through conventional building practice. There is however, a minimum standard required in order to satisfy these regulations. Rob’s mission statement is “Innovative Design Excellence” and he strives in all aspects of his work to achieve this goal, from personal relationships with clients, consultants and contractors, through design and drawing stages, on the construction site and during the contract period to final completion of the project. He provides a hands-on professional architectural service to his clients.
