Local ceiling and partition company Abbeycon has beaten global competition in the Saint-Gobain Gypsum International Trophy competition, which was held last month in Berlin, Germany.

Abbeycon was the winner in the commercial category for its work on the Cradlestone Mall, north-west of Johannesburg.

The competition, organised by construction products group Saint-Gobain’s subsidiaries, recognises and rewards the craftsmanship of drywall and plastering contractors and aims to promote excellence and innovation in the use of sustainable and lightweight plasterboard systems and plasters.

According to a competition judge, Abbeycon was awarded top honours for the unique armadillo-shaped roofline, the flawless finish and high level of acoustic performance of the Cradlestone Mall.

According to interior building solutions group Saint-Gobain Gyproc South Africa marketing manager Kerry Henning, Abbeycon has highlighted the advanced proficiency of plastering and dry lining in South Africa by showcasing its skills and demonstrating its ability to be innovative in using modern plasterboard systems and products to meet the architect’s design and vision for the structure.

“The high quality of workmanship and the level of technical performance achieved by Abbeycon was recognised as the best in the world: the completing buildings which were all impressive. This clearly highlights the major benefits high-performance drywall systems offer when installed by skilled professionals and the enormous future potential of lightweight construction solutions,” she says.

Further, she notes that the commitment of skilled professionals in the South African drywall and plastering industry is reflected by their investment in training, transferring traditional skills and developing project management skills, as well as field specialisation, such as acoustics and fire protection.

She adds that the successful adoption of innovative and increasingly high-performance systems and technologies contributes to driving of standards in the local industry.

The Cradlestone Mall aims to serve the needs of the growing residential and business population to the north-west of Johannesburg.

The architect used the layering of strata as a unique design theme and inspiration for the mall, from the colouring of the exteriors to the jagged, jutting shapes that provide the mall with its dynamic angular appearance.

Henning says all the materials used in the installation had to reflect the design while achieving the high level of acoustic and aesthetic appeal.