UPDATE: East student, architect to represent TUT in national competition
VIDEO: Ruan Janse van Rensburg won the regional award in January for his plan to make buildings using bricks containing hemp (cannabis).
The TUT student who will represent his University at the 32nd Corobrik Architectural Student of the Year Awards had admitted to equal measures of anxiety and excitement “taking over his life”.
Ruan Jansen van Rensburg pocketed a cool R10 000 first prize at the regional competition earlier in the year for his plan to build with bricks made from hemp.
On Sunday, Ruan will join eight students from different Universities throughout country to exhibit their work at the awards.
“I am slightly stressed and excited at the same time to exhibit at the Corobrik awards,” he said.
He said his project explores hemp as an alternative construction material, while improving the socio-economic issues society faced.
Hemp is a variety of the cannabis sativa plant species grown specifically for the industrial uses of its derivative products.
ALSO READ: East student, architect wins award for ‘hemp building materials’
His study looked into cannabis sativa plant fibres as an affordable, accessible and alternative resource.
“The use of hemp fibres and hurds in industries have been widely applied in various forms, ranging from rope and construction material to medicinal products,” he said.
Based at Eerste Fabrieke, Mamelodi, the project found that hemp had the potential to greatly benefit users, especially those from disadvantaged communities.
Jansen van Rensburg said he has made several additions and alterations to his original idea ahead of the exhibition.
“So far everything has worked out according to plan, I am sure the rest will too,” he said.
“ My friends and family are as excited as I am to see the final product, so far everyone has only seen bits and pieces.”
The 27-year old said his research on his competitors found that competition would be tight.
“The competition seems tough and of a high standard, all the Universities have sent the best, but as they say “steel sharpens steel.”
“I believe it is going to be an interesting competition and I wish my fellow competitors good luck.”
Jansen van Rensburg year-long project was submitted for and earned him an M Tech architecture: professional (structured) degree last year yet he was quick to point that the competition was by far the hardest goal he has ever set himself.
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“Just competing is already an honour and personal achievement I never thought I’d achieve, and winning the Corobrik award would be a monumental achievement in my life,” he said.
With the backing of friends Lohan van der Walt, Alex Evdemon, Micheal Allen and Stefan du Plessis, the TUT community and his family, Juan said he could only be destined for success.
“It’s surreal to have as much support as what I have had in the past few months. I specifically want to thank the TUT Architecture department for arranging funds that help me design the exhibition I set out to deliver to the Corobrik awards,” he said.
“Hopefully it pays off.”
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