Collis & Associates provides an in-depth service investigating, analysing and researching the locally available materials which will inform the design with “materials first, design second” as a point of departure. We believe that the choice of materials plays an integral part in achieving truly sustainable buildings. We believe that building sites offer opportunities for materials which are often overlooked. To maximise the potential of a site, to minimize the environmental impact of a building and the energy required to import materials, we always undertake a thorough investigation into the soil conditions, vegetation and geology of the site and its surroundings. Materials are then tested to see what can be used in the buildings. This is facilitated by our close association with University of Cape Town stemming from Vernon Collis’s role as an honorary research associate in the Civil Engineering Department.

Materials research and expertise includes: