Kwikspace continues to customise its prefabricated buildings with a range of extra capabilities to suit customer requirements. The latest example is the fitting of new built-in underfloor heating technologies in 15 prefabricated accommodation units supplied to Letšeng Diamond Mine in Lesotho.

During the winter, when temperatures can reach -20° C and snowfall is common, this technology will keep the units at a comfortable temperature, whilst also saving energy costs.

“The main advantage of the underfloor heating system is an approximately 50% reduction in energy costs compared to traditional bar heaters,” says Kwikspace’s Gerry de Beer. With a consistent temperature, regulated by means of a control unit, the energy consumption can be monitored and optimised by Letšeng Diamond Mine authorities.

At the same time, it also demonstrates the large scope for customisation offered by Kwikspace for its prefabricated products. The underfloor heaters were fitted in-house, with the unit floors being treated with epoxy to avoid any shrinkage or damage on account of regular temperature fluctuations.

Once fabricated, Kwikspace transported the units from its Johannesburg workshop to the remote Letšeng site in north-eastern Lesotho. In total, from manufacture to delivery, a total of 18 units were supplied to Letšeng diamond mine in just six weeks.

Letšeng is the world’s highest diamond mine (at 3 100 m above sea level), and is known as producing the highest dollar value of any diamond mine in the world, per carat.