DripTech Irrigation has grown its presence in Belgravia, relocating to a new and more prominent location. Previously, the branch was situated at the Belgravia Shopping Centre along Sam Nujoma Street Extension. The new location offers enhanced accessibility and visibility, conveniently situated at 2 Aberdeen Road, which intersects with Sam Nujoma Street (formerly known as Second Street).
The project aimed to establish a contemporary, professional outlet for DripTech, emphasising cleanliness and functionality to enhance customer convenience. Additionally, its strategic placement was chosen to cater to the needs of the north-western suburbs and the primary farming regions, namely Mashonaland West and Mashonaland North.
With a budget of USD 750,000 and a targeted completion within five months, the project reached a significant milestone, achieving full commissioning in November 2023. The on-time delivery was orchestrated by RadX Construction Zimbabwe, which was the project manager and the primary construction company on the site. RadX utilises its experience, supply chain control and effective project management to meet clients’ construction needs.
DripTech collaborated with architects InArc Design Zimbabwe throughout the entirety of the project. The synergistic relationship between DripTech and the design studio played a pivotal role in bringing the project to fruition, ensuring that the outcome not only met but exceeded the expectations set forth.
Nestled within the secure confines of Hi-Viz Fence, supplied and installed by BSi Steel, DripTech Irrigation shares the premises with sister companies TyreZim and One Stop Solar. The combined presence of these companies creates a one-stop destination for various needs, enhancing convenience and customer satisfaction.
DripTech Irrigation founder Bob Henson indicates that the project aspired to
“improve our onsite stock holdings and customer experience through full availability of all stock, whilst providing a congenial atmosphere through adequate access, parking, and a modern service.”
Once home to a bustling pub, the transformed yard now features a durable interlocking paver system that underwent minor changes to its size during the project, seamlessly integrating with the building’s tapered Chromadek roof to efficiently channel stormwater runoff. This elegant solution not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the premises but also ensures optimal drainage, safeguarding the property from water damage and erosion.
The exterior ambiance is further complemented by well-designed landscaping, featuring a manicured lawn outside the perimeter fence and the preservation of pre-existing trees, creating a harmonious blend of nature and modern design.
The DripTech logo has been prominently affixed at the gable facing Sam Nujoma Street. This bold visual statement reinforces the company’s identity and adds a distinctive touch to the building’s exterior.
Below the logo, a functional and aesthetically pleasing balcony extends across the front facade. This balcony not only enhances the building’s architectural appeal but also provides shelter from rain for those on the ground floor.
RadX Construction Zimbabwe, notes that “the main roof was extended and reverse-clad to provide a good level of cover for the upper floor balcony.” The well-designed front layout features three sets of aluminium framed glass sliding doors. Two doors lead into DripTech, facilitating easy access and navigation within the building.
The interior space features a long counter where customers are ably served by friendly sales assistants. Right behind the assistants, the branch manager’s office has been placed on a dais that provides a view of the sales area. Further behind the sales counter are multiple 6-tiered shelves that stock a variety of products ranging from pipes, fittings, valves, and filters. At the rear of the store, an expansive doorway serves as the receiving bay, and another on the side is used for despatching bulky products.
RadX reveals that the concrete floors have undergone precise laser levelling, ensuring a high degree of accuracy, and the slabs have been treated to enhance their abrasion resistance.
The upper floor is accessed via two steel staircases, one at the front and one at the rear of the store. These staircases lead to a storage area for tyres and polypipes. The floor-cum-ceiling for the storage area is made of plywood supported by galvanized beams, ensuring sustainability and durability. The office section of the first floor comprises two large rooms that can be used as an open-plan workspace or a boardroom with an inner office. Both rooms have had laminate flooring installed and each has access to the balustrade-protected tiled balcony.
The third door opens into The Copper Pipe, a coffee shop integrated into the structure, adding a dynamic and inviting dimension to the facility.
Coffee shop patrons can opt for indoor or outdoor seating beneath shaded tables, that have a big mobile water pump on display situated nearby.
The site offers additional facilities such as well-maintained air-conditioned offices, contemporary showrooms, and reception areas, along with clean and hygienic restroom facilities and a canteen area. What adds to the excitement is the fact that the entire complex operates on a dynamic, fully off-grid solar installation.
TyreZim, another component of this multifaceted construction, boasts a purposeful design. Marked by four roller doors, this section grants entry to fitment bays and a wheel alignment area, emphasizing efficiency and functionality. The presence of an air compressor, intelligently mounted outdoors on a steel frame platform, further optimises space within the TyreZim section, showcasing a commitment to streamlined operations and innovative construction practices. The facility offers full service for wheel alignment, and fitment plus a wide range of in-stock tyres for all applications, including agriculture, mining, commercial trucking as well as passenger motor vehicles.
One Stop Solar which offers a range of solar energy solutions for both residential and commercial applications is situated on the northern side of the building, accessible through a connecting door from DripTech or a glass sliding door from the outside. Customers have access to professional advice on cutting-edge solar technology with live demonstrations of off-grid systems, with full stock holdings to allow for immediate installations.
Overall, the building’s framework is composed of a robust steel skeleton, providing structural integrity and stability, supplied and installed by Agristructures. The external walls are meticulously clad with Chromadek, a cost-effective material known for its durability and aesthetic appeal. In certain sections, exposed brickwork has been incorporated, enhancing the architectural diversity and contributing to the building’s overall sophistication.
During the night hours, the yard is bathed in warm illumination, courtesy of exterior lights mounted on the building that automatically activate via a day/night switch.
The move to the new site reflects DripTech’s commitment to serving the north-western suburb community and its growing customer base.
Suppliers List:
Inarc designs
Radx Construction
Pesid Aluminium
Wild Suburban Landscapers
Charles paints
Radx Construction
Agristructures
Global shopfitters Zimbabwe
Delta Africa Contracting
Petukesha Investments
Guard alert
