Revitalising Student Living: V3’s Refurbishment
In the North West Province, where education fuels agricultural innovation, V3 Consulting Engineers is enhancing student welfare through the Phase 1 Refurbishment of the COY Residence at Potchefstroom College of Agriculture.
As a Level 1 B-BBEE consultancy founded in 2014, our mission to improve the lives of communities through infrastructure delivery inspires projects that prioritise safety, inclusivity, and transformation. Led by Business Unit Manager Mfundo Nkosi from our Pretoria office in the Gauteng Business Unit, this initiative delivers detailed assessments and remedial designs—embodying our values of integrity, accountability, sustainability, and people and diversity.
Our brand promise—Motho Ke Motho Ka Batho (“We are who we are because of others”)—drives our collaborative efforts to create habitable, safe spaces that support South Africa’s future leaders.
Project Scope: Comprehensive Assessments and Designs
The refurbishment involves civil, structural, and electrical evaluations of the COY students’ residence, followed by the preparation of remedial designs and the Bill of Quantities (BOQ) for tender.
Currently in the construction phase, the project is progressing through design development, document procurement, construction, and close-out stages. Using innovative tools such as 3D modelling, our engineers identify defects that affect comfort—ranging from structural weaknesses to outdated wiring—ensuring all works comply with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) standards.
Visual documentation captures the transformation: from early assessments showing corrosion and inefficiencies to remedial designs featuring energy-efficient upgrades. This approach balances environmental responsibility with affordability, aligning with our sustainability value and the United Nations’ goals for safe, resilient habitats.
Impactful Benefits: Enhancing Safety and Longevity
This project directly improves student safety and comfort while extending the residence’s lifespan and preserving property value through proactive maintenance.
As Mfundo Nkosi explains:
“We guide the Department of Agriculture on budgeted approaches to remedial works, supporting both student accommodation and the advancement of agricultural education.”
Transformation is achieved through diverse, multidisciplinary teams and skills transfer, empowering previously disadvantaged professionals. Economic analyses ensure cost-effective solutions—freeing resources that can be redirected towards bursaries, mentorship, and support for underprivileged communities.
V3’s Approach: Innovation Meets Community Focus
Ageing infrastructure presents unique challenges, but we address them through flexible, innovative designs backed by rigorous risk assessments. Ethical practice ensures a transparent BOQ process, fostering trust with our clients and partners.
In the built environment, we balance aesthetics with functionality, promoting student well-being. The benefits extend beyond campus—revitalised residences help attract young talent to agriculture, boosting rural economies. This reflects our motto, as these improvements foster interdependence and sustained growth.
Future Outlook: A Model for Educational Infrastructure
The COY Residence refurbishment reaffirms V3’s vision for ethical, people-centred development. By prioritising innovation, safety, and inclusion, we create environments that inspire learning and living—aligning with South Africa’s goals for a more equitable, prosperous tomorrow.