Property
Est. 2004, Issue 265
KWAZULU-NATAL
MAY/JUNE 2012
decor, trends, luxury, design & real estate
Winner of 10 publishing awards
NATIONAL DIGITAL EDITION FOR iPAD
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LIVING IN … MORNINGSIDE INDULGE IN FOOD, DECOR & SHOPPING
URBAN-HUB
HOT COMMERCIAL SPACE
Creative spaces Adrienne Hersch’s Rule of Three
RSA R34.95 (incl. VAT) Other countries R21.90 (excl. Tax) On Show: Thai-style home, Zimbali Golf Estate
AT PLAY AT WORK
KBX110-55
KBX110-45
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NEW KUBUS UNDERMOUNT RANGE The new Kubus undermount range offers a sleek, ultra-modern look within the kitchen. The Kubus range with iconic good looks, features deeper bowls and is the ultimate geometric shape for solid surfaces. Three different sizes are available, an assortment of bowls may be added to fully optimise your kitchen environment and to suit your requirements.
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www.franke.co.za
25
Contents
12
D DOWNLOA AL N IO OUR NAT N IO EDIT FOR iPAD from Zinio
DECOR
LUXURY
7
8
HOT DECOR & DESIGN
37
LADY OF THE LAKE
43
11
mountain views in Cape
Adrienne Hersch’s
Above the realities of street
Town tempts buyers
formula for success
21
KZN: RESIDENTIAL
Living on, listening to and
Refined community living
looking at water in its myriad
at Mount Edgecombe
confectionery heaven in the
guises is the joyful note
Country Club Estate,
middle of KZN
which plays in and around
exclusive residences
this Thai-inspired home
at the Gates at Hilton
WHAT’S ON Where to be this month
42
THE URBAN LIFE
and seafront homes on
LUXURY WIN Win a romantic getaway for two at Hotel Izulu worth over R25 000
Margate Main Beach
45
12
in Durban’s beachfront areas speaks volumes
A HAPPENING HUB A hybrid of old and new design at a Cape Town
46
office space in Bo-Kaap
HELP DESK Meet the experts in office furniture and interior design
18
DESIGN HEIGHTS Our exciting stand wows at
We look at the coolest accessories for your office space
25
CREATIVE CAPITAL Advertising agencies’ inspiring office interiors
AFRICA A decor feast at Palais Namaskar Marrakech
48
Decorex Durban 2012
TREND WATCH
KZN: COMMERCIAL Renewed investment
DESIGN
on the hill, not over it
for for thedetails. full story.
44
We have died and gone to
Morningside ensures we’re
@ Maison. Golf Estate. Turn See to page page1121
SHADES OF THAILAND
HOT PLATE
living on the Berea or in
56
A lakeside home with
THE RULE OF THREE
LIGHT RELIEF
reside here, the energy from
ON ON THE THE COVER COVER
new spin on architecture
REAL ESTATE
Durban Families (ODFs)
TheThai-style Kitchen &home, Tasting Zimbali Room
The Creative Axis puts a
Indulgences for your and your wardrobe
No matter how many Old
40
HOT INDULGENCE
the rhino, we have it all
offers a world of its own
10
AXIS OF EXCELLENCE
jewellery box, your pets
life Umhlanga, Little Havana
6
33
From pretty lights to saving
TRENDS 5
8
SOUTH AFRICA A rugged getaway in the Karoo
50
MAURITIUS Leisure investment opportunities
thepropertymag.co.za | 1
ED’S LETTER THE PROPERTY MAGAZINE ONLINE
Photograph Grant Difford
Kitsch or cool?
VISIT thepropertymag.co.za for the latest features. FOLLOW US on Facebook and Twitter: facebook.com/thepropertymagazine twitter.com/thepropertymag
‘I have worked for Russians with money so new, even they don’t know where it’s from …’
Nicky Haslam wears a number of colourful hats. Author, events planner, writer (you may remember his quirky words from The Telegraph and Hello Magazine). He has even tried his hand at music. But his ultimate passion lies with interior design, and this is where he makes the world of decor and design spin. Love his style or hate it … Kitsch or cool …? The jury is still out, but there is no denying that Nicky is a character and he has had an incredible influence on this industry. I met him at the St Leger and Viney Design Focus morning, and despite playing the diva and missing our midmorning meeting, I later caught up with him and watched his lecture, which had me chuckling in the aisles. Nicky has led a life that is certainly worthy of the autobiography, Redeeming Features, that he has already published. Born in the UK, he has lived in many places and followed many paths, always hanging with the jet set. Today he can boast as past clients Mick Jagger and Bob Geldof (who, he says, ‘have great taste’) and Bryan Ferry, all of whom he now calls friends. He once decorated a morning room for Rod Stewart. ‘He doesn’t have good taste; I gave it to him,’ he exclaims about the rocker. From wearing riding chaps made from bear fur on his hunting farm to creating events for the royal family, Nicky courts controversy and inspiration and does it well. Between projects and homes he has decorated, Nicky reminisces on his friendships with photographer David Bailey and artist Andy Warhol, who, he says, ‘took me to Park Avenue and made me smart’. The unique pair actually made a movie together, called Kiss (‘Watch it if you are bored enough,’ Nicky laughs.) Fashion and design have always gone hand in hand and so it’s no surprise that Nicky dabbled in this world. He reveals that some of his fondest memories are of working for US Vogue when Diana Vreeland was at the
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helm: ‘Those were the days of whisky first thing in the morning, 15 cigarettes in the office, and looking at pretty clothes pictures.’ Nicky later took on the role of art director at a magazine called On Show, where he shot icons like the Beatles and Barbra Streisand on her one and only modelling shoot. He talks casually of his famous acquaintances, including the Duchess of Windsor, better known to us as Wallis Simpson, the woman who caused King Edward VIII to abdicate. According to Nicky, she decorated Buckingham Palace in pink and silver and liked to play poker with Churchill. ‘I am better for knowing her – she wasn’t shunned like everyone thought,’ he says. When it comes to decor, Nicky believes rooms should be pretty and exude comfort: ‘Everyone should look good in their room.’ At the end of his talk he showed us a photo of his dream home: a giant yellow house with an elaborate shell on top: ‘Anything with shell is fabulous, and I worship caterpillar fringe. Don’t you?’ Some of us nodded and some of us vehemently shook our heads. His style is certainly not for everyone. However, the span of his career proves his ability to shape this world, and with Nicky declaring his love for gold gilding and walls made solely of tassels – kitsch or cool – there’s no denying this man has stayed true to his vision and is a decor powerhouse, fur chaps and all …
Nicky Manson, Editor
This month I would love to indulge in …
The gorgeous Looking Glass collection of mirrors
Vamp’s Yellow Nest of Tables. Vamp is in the
Eclipse’s new High-Gloss Chair collection. I love the
from Sobeit Studios. With quirky names, such as
business of giving old furniture a new lease of
collection’s Spider Chair – an adjustable barstool,
‘Alice’ and ‘Dian Fossey’, they come in a variety of
life. Simply inspirational. +27 (0)21 448 2755,
in black and white. Available from Eclipse stores
colours. The showroom is in Muizenberg, Cape Town,
vampfurniture.blogspot.com
nationwide. 0861 325 4773, eclipsegroup.co.za
but Sobeit delivers nationally and internationally. +27 (0)21 788 9007, sobeitstudio.com
2 | May/June 2012
Property EDITORIAL Editor Nicky Manson nickym@medianova.co.za KwaZulu-Natal Bureau Chief Anne Schauffer anne@medianova.co.za Chief Subeditor Yaron Blecher Features Writers Genevieve Fisher (Western Cape) André Fiore (KwaZulu-Natal) Writer and Online Coordinator Catherine Riley ART Art Director Warren Uytenbogaardt Senior Designer Keverne Morland Junior Designer Chané Joemat Senior Retoucher Tim Lake CONTRIBUTORS Candace King, Tammy Sutherns PHOTOGRAPHERS Val Adamson, Nic Baleta, Sally Chance, Michael Glenister, Tim Lake, Fiona Barclay-Smith, Roeland Smith PRINTING Unity Press ADVERTISING Sales@medianova.co.za Sales & Marketing Director Shanee Smart Johannesburg Sales Milos Kovacevic, Tracey-Lee Schuster Johannesburg Sales Assistant Bianca van Deventer Western Cape Regional Sales & Marketing Manager Michèle Jones
thepropertymag.co.za
Western Cape Sales Tharien Nel, Susan Erwee KwaZulu-Natal Regional Sales & Marketing Manager Jenni McCallum KwaZulu-Natal Sales Assistant Liezel Barnard Pretoria Sales Lorna MacPhail Directory Sales Amanda Faas Media Coordinator Tamlyn Pasqualie Traffic Assistant Portia Mbele PUBLISHED BY MEDIA NOVA (PTY) LTD Managing Director Tony Vaughan tony@medianova.co.za PA to Managing Director Taryn Townsend General Manager Mark Pettipher markp@medianova.co.za Associate Publisher Namibia Mynard Slabbert Associate Publisher Pretoria Obed Sealetsa Financial Manager Leanne Cox leanne@medianova.co.za Finance Assistant Eleanor Scipio Credit Controller Anthea Odendaal IT Coordinator Adrian Petro Drivers Themba Gumede, Joseph Khoza, Willem September
SAPOA Property Journalism Awards 2011: Winner – Best Property Publication Nedbank Property Association Awards 2010: Winner – Mover & Shaker Award (Tony Vaughan) PICA Awards 2009: Winner – Special Award, Overall Publishing Excellence PICA Awards 2008: Winner – Consumer Magazines, Largely Free Distribution, and Highly Commended: Editorial Excellence, Public Interest Writer of the Year (Ed Suter) 20th SAB Environmentalist of the Year & Environmental Journalists of the Year Awards 2008: Winner – Merit Award, Print & Internet SAPOA Property Journalism Awards 2008: Winner – Best Property Publication, and Special Mention – Property Feature Journalist (Ed Suter) PICA Awards 2007: B2B – Publishing Excellence, Leisure Mondi Magazine Awards 2005: Winner – Foresight SAPPI PICA Awards 2005: Winner – Philip Tyler Trophy for Innovation in Magazine Publishing Brandhouse Media Owners Challenge Awards 2005:Winner – Innovation in Publishing SAPPI PICA Awards 2005: B2B – Highly Commended Mondi Magazine Awards 2004: Industry – Finalist Launch Edition: April 2004
WESTERN CAPE 3rd Floor, 33 Bree Street, Cape Town, 8001. PO Box 50601, The Waterfront, Cape Town 8002. Phone +27 (0)87 230 0101 Fax +27 (0)21 421 7891 GAUTENG 49 6th Street, Parkhurst, Johannesburg, 2193. Phone +27 (0)87 230 0101 NAMIBIA Phone +264 (0)61 248 161 Fax +264 (0)61 245 942
SUBSCRIPTION ENQUIRIES Email subs@ramsaymedia.co.za Online magsathome.co.za Local Phone 0860 100 203 Fax 086 670 4101 International Phone +27 (0)21 530 3255 Fax +27 (0)21 531 7303 SMS 41871 with reference ‘Property Magazine’ (R2/SMS) for subscription enquiries EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES General editorial@medianova.co.za Society socials@thepropertymag.co.za Hot Property hotproperty@medianova.co.za Published monthly in three regional issues: Western Cape, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal Current ABC Audited Circulation (Q4 2011, October–December): Western Cape – 23 175, Gauteng – 23 536, KwaZulu-Natal – 13 750, Total Nationally – 60 461 Web Stats: Property Club Members – 24 884 AMPS National Readership (2011A): 287 815
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ON THIS MONTH’S COVERS Western Cape: On Show, Waters Edge Estate, Big Bay Gauteng: Urban Hub, Bo-Kaap, Cape Town KwaZulu-Natal: On Show, Thai-style home, Zimbali Golf Estate Pretoria: Menlyn Maine, Pretoria South Africa (National Digital Edition): Urban Hub, Bo-Kaap, Cape Town
Disclaimer The publisher and editor of this magazine give no warranties, guarantees or assurances and make no representations regarding any goods or services advertised within this edition. Copyright Media Nova (Pty) Limited. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written consent from Media Nova (Pty) Limited. The publishers are not responsible for any unsolicited material.
P. LE GRANGE & SEUNS/SONS
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You tell us Property involves us all. What’s your view? Email readers@medianova.co.za. CHURN OF THE CENTURY ‘Randy with brandy’ is an odd title for a brief note on the Roundhouse Restaurant in Camps Bay! Please query the claim that this building served as Lord Charles Somerset’s hunting lodge in the 18th century – he only arrived at the Cape in 1814! With the exception of the last five years, the Dutch controlled the Cape for all of the 18th century. It’s most unlikely that they would have allowed an English nobleman to go hunting there! Alan Campbell, via email You’re correct on the history front! The Roundhouse was built as a guardhouse by the VOC in 1786.The present-day proprietor’s website goes on to say: ‘Since then, the building has also functioned as a hotel, dance hall and, most famously, Lord Charles Somerset’s hunting lodge.’ As you point out, that would have been in the 19th century. As regards the title, the focus of the piece was the Roundhouse Restaurant’s brandy-pairing menu.
LETTER o f the Month
Our�hallmark�is�the�unwavering�commitment�we have�to�designing�environments�that�shape�the�way people�live,�learn,�work,�and�play. ”You�Fabricate�The�Dream,�We�Bring�It�To�Life”
PIPING HOT
hans coetzee architect Commercial Industrial Residential
We appear to be locked into the use of natural and manufactured tiles for many of the high-traffic surfaces in homes today. I’m somewhat surprised that recycled and synthetic options with a low carbon footprint have not yet come to the fore. A guilty party of note, we have homes with sandstone shipped in from India, manufactured floor tiles from Italy and Brazil and granite from as far afield as China. With hot water solar heating in one home and LED and solar lighting in most, there must exist a brand-new application for low-carbon-footprint home surfaces. Up on the Pipe Track in Cecilia Forest above our Constantia home is a bench made from some kind of recycled plastic which shows no signs of weathering after years of Cape rain, wind and sun. Now that material is an option for a chopping board surface in any modern kitchen! Andrew Pollock, Newlands Village
Tel: 031�566�5750 Fax:�031�566�0007 Mobile:�+27�83�650�9775 Web: www.hcarchitect.co.za E-mail�: hans@architectsche.co.za
WIN WITH DAVID GREEN Remaining true to his mission to create eyewear that resonates with the environment, David Green has designed the Leaf Collection, a range of sunglasses inspired by nature. Each piece is precisioncrafted to incorporate in its frame a fallen leaf – dried, dyed and fashioned within a natural cotton-based acetate material. The leaf design is available in a variety of colours and forms, each one reflecting a unique identity. David Green is giving away four pairs of this unique eyewear to the total value of R6 000 to four lucky readers of The Property Magazine. Write to us and stand a chance of winning eyewear that is as unique as you are. Send your letters to readers@medianova.co.za. Include your full name and contact details, and put ‘David Green’ in the subject line. (Not all letters will be published.) 0861 114 852, greeneyewear.com
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HOT PROPERTY
HOT space
1
3
2
Light relief
Above the realities of street life Umhlanga, Little Havana offers a world of its own
I
Using a palette of tactile neutrals, Greg and
t usually takes an exotic location to get
Roché Dry of Egg Designs have created a crisp
fine seafood and steaks, join interesting salads
at Little Havana, in its airy and very fresh
combination of glossy cement-grey and green
and smalls, such as Norwegian salmon and
Umhlanga setting, it’s just a trot upstairs,
walls, slick copper panels, glass, grass, good
shrimp fishcakes, home-cured gravadlax, and
lines and good linen.
pear, Gorgonzola and green bean with toasted
and there you have it.
Beyond the looks, there’s a brand-new
Right from the entrance, with its oversize
pecans in cider and honey vinaigrette. Little Havana came into being after much
mirror strung strategically with a belt strap,
Havana kitchen with in-house butchery, where
grass-scented coir matting, tall vases and
Havana’s free-range, hormone-free meats are
planning and was strongly motivated by many
leather easy chair, there’s a little bit of Cuba, a
processed and aged. And the cellar … A very
‘North-based’ patrons of the Suncoast Havana
dash of plantations and a hint of colonial. As is
inviting, walk-in experience.
who wanted Havana’s offerings closer to them
For the new restaurant, owners Martin
that feeling in the light and the air that comes Words André Fiore Photographs Sally Chance
Havana’s popular specialities, including
that holiday feeling. And a long flight. But
with being somewhere else.
Lombaard and Jose Goncalves have created
and their businesses. With 180 seats, a private dining and
a menu that offers both old Havana favourites
conference room and a spacious outdoor deck,
this is a clean and clever space. And one that
as well as contemporary new additions geared
this new space has been styled and groomed
can be almost completely unzipped to allow
towards the upbeat Umhlanga market. The
to bring an enticing culinary offering to the
diners to dine breezy-balcony al fresco when
wood-fire oven – no, not for pizza – is used for
Umhlanga market, and it’s doing just that.
the weather’s perfect, and out of the breeze
producing new delicacies, such as duck and
when it’s not.
slow-roasted pork belly.
+27 (0)31 561 7589, havanagrill.co.za
Perched above the street, slow fans turning,
The contemporary entrance with an exotic feel. 2Slow fans and a balcony that can be completely
1
Visit thepropertymag.co.za for other
unzipped encourage al fresco dining. 3A slick and exciting combination of modern materials.
stylish restaurants in your neighbourhood.
thepropertymag.co.za | 5
HOT PROPERTY
HOT PLATE
Heavenly confectionery to tempt your sweet tooth, and a party spot on the dock JACQUI REY
is Food Matters,
a successful catering company that’s based in Ballito yet services all corners of the country and beyond. Elected by the brides themselves, she holds the title of Best Caterer KZN 2011/2012 from the Africa Bridal Industry Academy.
Q How did it all begin?
I’ve been cooking since age nine! I was always a hungry child and wanted to eat. Not much has changed! I trained at the Royal Hotel, travelled, studied and worked in the UK for four years and taught at Christina Martin School of Food & Wine for three years (she was a huge source of inspiration for me) before venturing out on my own.
Q What appeals to you about the industry?
Every day’s different, and that suits my personality. I like detail, so attention to small things is very important to me. And I love that every event, party, wedding or corporate function is individually created and styled with those clients in mind.
PARTY HEAVEN Buds on the Bay has expanded to include a new function venue, BayShak, which has been specially created for vibey street parties, shisanyama and the like. With upcycled furniture and decor and happening menus, this is a let-your-hair-down dockside spot. +27 (0)31 466 6100, shak.co.za
CHOCOLATE HEAVEN Your mugs will love Koko’s addition to its range of decadent chocolate treats. These Dippa sticks are now available in Belgian milk chocolate with hazelnut, chilli, mint and orange options as well as in the original dark, milk and duo flavours. Pop them into a cup of hot milk, or coffee for a chococcino, and stir. +27 (0)83 389 9866, kokochocolates.wordpress.com
Q Your trademark meal?
One of our signature dishes is a confit shoulder of lamb. I don’t know of another chef who does this.
Q Essential ingredients?
Olive oil, coconut oil, beans and lentils, lemon, ginger, cream, butter, vanilla pods, chocolate and fresh herbs.
Q What’s the most bizarre request you’ve had? To cook a whole baby camel for an Arabian queen. I refused. Who has an oven that big, anyway?
TOFFEE HEAVEN It’s called Sweet Temptations Toffees, and from the toffee to the packaging, the Cape- based brand is oh so sweet. Now available in KZN, Sweet Temptations Toffees recently won the prestigious DSTV Food Network Eat-In Award for Best Small Producer (Confectionery). The collection of toffees burst with nostalgic flavour that will take you straight back to grandma’s kitchen. Exciting new flavours include Midnight Indulgence
Three things: being organised is key, non-negotiable; lists, lists, lists, checked and rechecked; and always under- promise and over-deliver. +27 (0)82 331 5969, foodmatters.co.za
6 | May/June 2012
(very dark chocolate toffee with white chocolate chips) and a KZN special just for us: Madeira Toffee, which was created for local spice lovers and is filled with light-roasted almonds and pecan nuts and infused with a blend of cinnamon, white cardamom, nutmeg, black peppercorns and star anise. To stock your pantry – or for a fabulous little gift – you’ll find the toffees at Glenore Kwikspar in Glenashley, at Vintage Rose in Kloof and at Two Acres Tea Room in Hillcrest. +27 (0)83 445 4510, sweettemptations.co.za
Words André Fiore
Q Your secret to success?
HOT PROPERTY
HOT DECOR & DESIGN
From pretty lights to saving the rhino, we have it all
STEPHANIE WOODHOUSE has been designing interiors in KZN for over 40 years and is well recognised for her contributions to commercial, retail
RHINO IN A CERAMICS SHOP
and residential design in the region, including her involvement in the original
We love these white rhinos. Part of the Ardmore Travellers range, they have been specially
design for Durban’s ICC. Wowhaus
created to raise awareness of the plight of this animal. Each piece is hand-sculpted by Alex
Design has a healthy collection of awards
Sibanda, and some of them have been auctioned to raise funds for rhino protection. The
to its name, including Best Small Stand
white Ardmore Travellers range will be exclusively available from Plumbago in Florida Road.
and Best Large Stand awards at Decorex
+27 (0)31 303 8730, ardmoreceramics.co.za
in Durban and Cape Town
IN THE CLEAR It’s not often that a security screen makes these pages, but we’ve given the thumbs up to Trellidor’s new Clear Guard, which forms an invisible screen even when it’s closed, while retaining all the strength that the brand is known for. Good stuff for those who don’t like bars and beams. trellidor.co.za
Q Wowhaus is involved in furniture design as well as general interior design …
Yes. It started when I opened my first decor shop and was so bored with the available furniture and fittings that, with the generosity of skilled artisans, I learned to design pieces that pleased me and it grew from there. Our current work embraces the most current decor trends, including upcycling and designing new furniture from recycled materials.
Q What other trends influence your work? ABRACADABRA New in SA and being distributed out of Durban, the dinky little VuPoint Magic Wand is all about dynamite in small packages. This amazingly portable handheld scanner can scan a page in less than a minute, is suitable for colour and monochromatic documents, has 300dpi, 600dpi and 900dpi settings, can convert scans to editable text, and is compatible with smartphones and iPads. Suitable for use with images or text, at home, at school or at work. +27 (0)71 684 8414; vupoint.co.za
BRIGHT SPARK There’s always something new and worth a smile from Hellooow Handmade. The ceramic Twinkle Light joins Hellooow’s Shine range. Made from hand-rolled clay, this little number creates a beautiful ambience and works equally well in a romantic setting or in a kid’s room. Hellooow’s pieces are made by HIV-positive women learning new skills. +27 (0)84 465 1845, hellooow.co.za
Gardens are moving deeper into homes, with plants hanging from the ceiling and growing on walls, making for a calmer, more peaceful environment. Currently, we’re enjoying winter’s hottest colours: hot pinks, tangerines and acids, brought down to earth with contrasting dirty colours, chalky hues, putty and donkey. Textures, too, are myriad: crochet, knitted, knobbly, smooth and quirky.
Q Would you say you have a distinctive style?
Yes, based more on my English upbringing than my years in SA. I love modern classic, extremely contemporary settings, and yet a building close to the earth, not disturbing the environment, with natural simple finishes, is beautiful. Good design, beautiful proportions and sensitive lighting solutions all make for an environment in which people feel special – a setting that produces calm, reflection, joy and peace for the soul. +27 (0)82 461 6846, wow-haus.blogspot.com
thepropertymag.co.za
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7
HOT PROPERTY
HOT INDULGENCE
Indulgences for your jewellery box, your pets and your wardrobe. And that’s just for starters
MIND THE GAP Gap Inc. recently opened three stores in SA – in Jozi, Cape Town and Pretoria. These launches mark the much-loved American clothing brand’s first foray into sub-Saharan Africa and we think it’s about time too. Find your nearest Gap store at Sandton City in Joburg, at Tyger Valley Shopping Centre in Cape Town and, soon, at Pretoria’s Brooklyn Mall. +27 (0)21 914 1390, +27 (0)11 783 5212; gap.com
SWAP MEET Started by an entrepreneur who is passionate about travel, LoveHomeSwap.com takes scenes from the blockbuster movie The Holiday to new heights. Realising early on that kids and hotels don’t mix, Debbie Wosskow, a career mom who still wanted to travel with family in tow, decided that a home away from home was the way to go. And so came about LoveHomeSwap, a labour of love that allows like-minded individuals or families to swap their homes via the website, ensuring cost-effective travel – and absolutely no hotels. Debbie has identified four groups of people who would benefit from this service: empty-nesters who have time to travel; second-home owners who swap holiday homes instead of renting; families who need more space than a hotel can offer; and first-time homebuyers who can’t afford a holiday. It’s similar to social networking – you join via the website, browse the properties and then build up trust with the owners of those properties. A luxe subscription rate gets you a dedicated travel and concierge team as well as a soon-to-be-released identification product and bespoke insurance product. Take out a trial membership and discover grand mansions in the English countryside or compact apartments in New York City. Happy holidays!
ENGRAVED IN THE STARS London-based jewellery designer, Kirsten Goss, is so hot right now. We love her new Geo-Grafik
ADD ANOTHER DIMENSION L’Oréal Paris has introduced the latest in eyelash technology with its new
collection, with its clean geometric lines and names
mascara False Lash Architect 4D Black Lacquer. Not content to navigate the
inspired by the ancient disciplines of geometry and
world of 3D, Lash Architect tackles women’s desire for more volume, more
astronomy, names such as the Orion necklace, Pyxis
length, more texture and more curl. This revolutionary mascara does it all for
studs and Octavia earrings. Available from Kirsten
you at a simple flick of a wand. Available too in waterproof, so your gorgeous
Goss stores in Joburg, Durban, and soon, Cape
lashes won’t be affected by water or sweat. Released last month and available
Town. +27 (0)31 312 7573, +27 (0)11 447 2234;
from L’Oréal Paris stockists nationwide. loreal.co.za
kirstengoss.com
8 | May/June 2012
HOT PROPERTY
WIN WITH LOOFTLIGHTER! There’s nothing like the weekend. And when that weekend involves time spent around the braai, it’s guaranteed to be a good one. This Father’s Day, help Dad take the stress out of braai preparations with the amazing new Looftlighter, a Swedish patented device that lights your braai or fireplace in 60 seconds – no lighter fluid or braai lighters needed! With its powerful hot- airstream system, the Looftlighter is safe and environmentally friendly, cutting down on toxic fumes from petroleum-based products and providing Dad with a safe alternative to conventional firelighters. +27 (0)21 880 0074, info@looftlighter.co.za, looftlighter.co.za
WIN! Stand to win one of 12 Looftlighter hampers valued at R1 060 each, including a Looftlighter, basket, apron and braai tongs. Email readers@medianova.co.za with your details and put ‘Dad’ in the subject box. Ts and Cs apply.
EGYPT IN YOUR BAG Designer accessory label, Missibaba, has launched its Autumn/Winter collection, called
POSH PET
Missibaba and the Search for the Golden Scarab, which is inspired by the mysteries of Egypt
Docklands Hotel in Durban has scored a
and the Adventures of Tintin. Taking as its starting points the series of comic albums created
‘bow-wow’ now that it has become the
by Belgian artist Georges Remi (pen name ‘Hergé’) as well as ancient artefacts, sealed
first pet-friendly hotel in the Signature
tombs and woven papyrus, Missibaba has created new bag, belt and jewellery styles that
Life Hotels collection. The hotel has no
will bring out the explorer in you. Plus, in collaboration with jewellery designer
difficulties with extending the welcome
extraordinaire, Kirsten Goss, Missibaba will be opening up a shop in Bree
mat to pets. GM Ellen Aucamp says,
Street any day now. Shop online, too. +27 (0)21 461 1083, missibaba.com
‘We have allocated specific rooms that cater to pets as we have had an increased demand for these facilities, and with the right pet zones and policies in place, we can more than happily look after man’s best friend.’ The hotel has achieved this by introducing demarcated pet zones, pet strolling and social areas and clearly displayed pet policies, and it is keenly observing every facet of operations, from food to health and safety. Signature Life Hotels CEO Alan Vels says, ‘We as a company are all about guest satisfaction. Our success and growth has relied on innovation. In observing overseas hospitality trends
HATS OFF
KZNa fresh and new Hatz by Natz is range d oa br a at offers based brand th ung ned millinery. Yo of custom-desig hing es fl is p am nk ia Stee designer Natash with a for hat fashion out her passion y and fun. ek, stylish, funk range that’s sle tz.co.za 0515, hatzbyna +27 (0)82 528
that tap into new markets, we see that pet-friendly hotels are accepted as the norm in the US and Europe and we wanted to pioneer it here.’ +27 (0)31 332 8190, signaturelifehotels.com
thepropertymag.co.za | 9
HOT PROPERTY
KWAZULU-NATAL DIARY
Abbamaniacs, 29 May – 24 June Just when you thought it was safe to breathe, they’re back. MacBob Productions presents the return of Abbamaniacs, written and directed by Aaron McIlroy. This uproarious musical comedy stars the irrepressible McIlroy (‘Wake up, my boy!’) as the psychotic wannabe DJ, Nigel Bjorn van Rensburg, an Abba fanatic who hijacks East Coast Radio’s airwaves to flood listeners’ homes with an ongoing string of his idols’ hit songs. Lisa Bobbert, Marion Loudon, Pinkie Mtshali, Clinton Philander and Sean de Klerk are the super-hot talent line-up who join McIlroy onstage at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, where they play a procession of zany characters who wander into Nigel’s studio only to be swept away by the momentum of his hectic energy and the show’s hilarious plot. Nothing is sacred in this affectionately irreverent two-hour entertainment, which combines fun and farce with all-time Abba favourites, including Fernando, Waterloo, Honey Honey, and Take a Chance on Me. Last performed in Durban six years ago, the restaged production features costumes by Terrence Bray, lighting by Michael Broderick and sound by Tim Pullen. Tickets: R150. 0861 915 8000, computicket.com
Discovery/East Coast Radio Big Walk, 20 May One of the biggest family events in Durban, the Big Walk, moves from a one-route event this year to a four-route event, starting at uShaka Marine World, with the following distances: 5km; 10km; 15km; and 20km. bigwalk.ecr.co.za
The Royal Show, 25 May – 3 June This annual agricultural show features craft and home industry stalls as well as livestock and agricultural produce. It is being held at the Pietermaritzburg Showground and offers a lot to see and do. There’s a full programme of family entertainment, including concerts and showjumping. +27 (0)33 345 6274, royalshow.co.za
Dan Patlansky, 28 May Blues legend, Dan Patlansky, is performing one show only at the Barnyard Gateway Theatre. The concert includes material off his new album, 20 Stones, as well as old favourites. Tickets: R120. +27 (0)31 566 3045, barnyardtheatre.co.za
Comrades Marathon, 3 June Starting in Pietermaritzburg this year, the world’s greatest ultra-marathon of 89km will end at 5.30 p.m. in Durban. Support the runners from a spot along the route if you haven’t already started training. +27 (0)33 897 8650, comrades.com
Top Gear Festival, 16–17 June In addition to the live show at Moses Mabhida Stadium, visitors can also enjoy a huge variety of other exciting outdoor activities as the City of Durban plays host to Top Gear’s first-ever street circuit, which is over 2km
Dan Patlansky
long and winds around the streets of Durban. Tickets: from R250. itickets.co.za; topgearfestival.co.za
Send your 2012 event information to readers@medianova.co.za. 10 | May/June 2012
hot property
HOT mandate
Lady of the Lake
1
This beautiful home at Lake Michelle Lifestyle Security Estate offers glorious mountain views and much more
N
o expense has been spared in the design of this beautifully finished home in the Southern Peninsula suburb of Noordhoek in the Western Cape. Situated on an erf of 800m2 alongside the main lake at Lake Michelle Lifestyle Security Estate, the house has a total floor area of 519m2. The welcoming entrance hall of this north-facing home opens onto a large, open-plan dining area with living room, TV room, kitchen and scullery. The kitchen is kitted out with imported Italian wares, such as Smeg appliances and a built-in coffee machine. The home comprises two levels of living space, with three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a guest toilet on the ground floor. The main bedroom suite with lounge and open- plan bathroom as well as the guest suite with separate bedroom, lounge, bathroom and balcony are situated on the upper level. There is also a study in a loft-like layout one level above. The home offers fabulous lake and mountain views from all levels. All the bedrooms feature imported Italian cupboards, and the bathrooms are fitted with top-end imported sanitaryware. 1
The home features a high-tech security and entertainment system. In addition to the alarm there are CCTV cameras that are linked to six wallmounted televisions throughout the home (the largest TV is 74”). Smoke detectors are fitted throughout the home, for added peace of mind. The smart-home technology extends to a central music, Internet and movie hub system that is connected to each room in the house as well as to the outside of the home. The system can be controlled by remote or via an iPad. The views of the surrounding mountains are stunning, particularly from the loft level. In the courtyard is a large wind-protected wrap-around swimming pool area. There is also an outside braai room with fold-away glass doors for uninterrupted views, even in bad weather. The designer garden is planted with three large trees and has direct access to the main lake via the private jetty. The lake is ideal for swimming, canoeing, sailing and fishing. Two and a half garages with automated doors and direct access to the home complete this spectacular property. For more information contact Jenny Shaw at Harcourts Back Wave on +27 (0)84 307 9256 or +27 (0)21 785 5227, harcourtsbackwave.co.za.
The sleek, modern property includes a high-tech security and home automation system. 2The courtyard is
perfect for summer entertaining by the pool. 3Views of the lake and the Noordhoek Mountains.
2
3
If you would like to have your hot mandate featured, email editorial@medianova.co.za.
thepropertymag.co.za | 11
12 | May/June 2012
PRIME PROPERTY
A HAPPENING A new commercial office block, Urban-Hub, in Cape Town’s historic Bo-Kaap neighbourhood, is a hybrid of old and new design aesthetics Words Genevieve Fisher Photographs Tim Lake and Supplied
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prime property
14 | May/June 2012
prime property
S
Opening page Reclaimed wood from the previous building on the site has been turned into an attractive design feature at Urban-Hub, as demonstrated in the reception area. Opposite Some antique furniture provides a contrast to the contemporary spaces and nodes at Urban-Hub. This page, top Individual industrial-style lights have been grouped together to form an interesting lighting feature. Bottom The stairway from the ground floor to the first floor is flanked by the signature reclaimed wood.
tanding in the reception area of UrbanHub, you can’t help but think that this is a place you’d love to work from. As far as commercial office spaces go, Urban-Hub is the antithesis of the stale and clinical corporate ones that most people would imagine an office block to be – harsh fluorescent lighting, synthetic blue carpet tiles, long corridors and vending machines selling goods whose main ingredients start with an E. But walking through the slick glass doors at Urban-Hub, what faces you is as urban a space as can be: industrial chic in the form of concrete, red-brick and original old fire escape doors, a warm ambience, thanks to reclaimed wooden cladding, all of which is pulled together by a thread of cool in the form of contemporary art and furniture, not to mention a node where iPads are lined up for visitors’ use. But this is a place that’s more than just chic, hip and happening. As Jonny Friedman, CEO of Urban Lime, the property investment company responsible for this project, says, ‘It’s not a new development in the sense that it was built from scratch; rather, it is a restoration project, in that we worked with what was there already and transformed it.’ Structurally, there are five adjoining buildings dating from the turn of 1800s to the 1970s, which have been interlinked, to make up Urban-Hub. The oldest of the buildings was owned by the same family since 1904.The newest one is a typical red-brick 1970s design and is now the knuckle of the development, where the modish reception area is. The transformed buildings now accommodate offices spaces ranging from 84m2 to 192m2, hotdesking units, a rooftop deck and garden, a restaurant that Jonny says will serve the best coffee in Cape Town – big props here! – and three retail shops. ‘We wanted to create a place where those working here don’t need to, and more importantly, don’t want to leave,’ says Jonny. From the get-go, Jonny loved the area and had his sights set on these buildings for nearly two years before the transformation began. His company, Urban Lime, based in London and for the last eight years also operating in Cape Town, has garnered a niche for itself in that it targets areas that most developers wouldn’t, finds a site, and turns it into a trendy locale. ‘We’ve had a lot of experience doing these sort of restoration projects and Urban-Hub was in fact modelled on one we did in the now popular Shoreditch area in London’s East End, which was a no-go zone until a few years ago,’ he says. Because he isn’t bashing down buildings, but merely restoring them to glory, Jonny knew about the history of these particular building and was as emphatic about retaining that sense of history as he was about modernising the spaces. And what a history it is. When Jonny enlisted the skills and insight of Aidan Hart, from Inhouse Brand Architects, Aidan and his team started stripping down and dismantling the many layers of these buildings. Backed with research, they uncovered a lot of what went on in them over the years, almost like a visual history book of the buildings and the area. ‘When we started working on one of the buildings in the hub, the old Delos building, through uncovering its many shells, we discovered quite a long and wild history,’ says Aidan. ‘The long retaining wall has as its bottom half an old stone wall that dates back
thepropertymag.co.za | 15
prime property
Above left Retro seating and contemporary artwork in the waiting area. Above right and opposite An old stool as well as wooden beams from the original building enhance the industrial feel of the premises.
to the first Dutch settlers. Above it is another layer of red-brick that is typical of the English colonial era.’ What’s even more interesting is that the original wooden columns have been stripped down to reveal extensive burn marks dating back to anti-apartheid riots that occurred in the area during the ’60s, which have now been revealed and become part of the look and feel of the space. Retaining the history of these buildings was just a part of Jonny’s brief to Aidan. ‘The practicality of making these buildings into one modern and contemporary office hub required a lot of work. We needed to create flow between the interior spaces of the buildings, maximise light and bring in an international feel,’ says Aidan. Jonny had seen Aidan’s work at the Test Kitchen and Carne SA restaurants and knew that he was the man for the job. Aidan’s expertise in spatial effects and his ability to tie nodes together is what Jonny needed in order for this project to work, namely, a special effects artist. Aidan says, ‘My starting point was to ask the question, how would this space be utilised? In other words, starting with the psychology of architecture, or the human aspect of the discipline, which is like figuring out a puzzle.’ The first piece of that puzzle
16 | May/June 2012
was the idea of circularity as opposed to linearity. As he admits, ‘I’m not a fan of long passages or corridors – they’re negative spaces for me.’ The result is that, from the reception area, the voluminous space tapers off towards the back and directs you to other nodes by means of interesting wall features and stairs. On either side of the reception area there are the original metal fire escape doors that lead you into other areas, such as the restaurant on the left and more office spaces on the right. Both of these areas connect on a terrace at the top, with vertical gardens, dramatic views of Table Mountain and the vibrant colours of the Bo-Kaap framing them in the foreground. One of facets of this development that really boosts its credibility is that it is located in the Bo-Kaap, renowned for its Cape Malay history, restaurants, mosques, and most of all, its rainbow- coloured old homes. ‘Urban-Hub is in a great location in the Bo-Kaap: it’s a stone’s throw away from town and the Cape Quarter and is visible from one of town’s main arteries, Buitengracht Street. So far the reaction from our tenants has been fantastic – they love the design, location, and the fact that it is not commercialised yet still a safe area,’ says Jonny, who holds his tenants’ opinion in high regard.
This has been the key to Urban Lime’s success over the last 20-odd years. As Jonny says, ‘We’ve established lasting relationships with our tenants over the years. We really value them and have in some instances built premises to accommodate their changing needs.’ Jonny believes that the tenant mix of Urban-Hub will be the key to the development’s success. ‘The project is aimed at attracting small-tomedium-size businesses that have been around for at least five years and who are in the creative fields. We’ve created a space with a strong emphasis on networking that we hope will make tenants and their visitors linger longer.’ He points out that, although the pricing of units is on the high end, what tenants get for their money is a boutique office environment that includes top-notch security, ample parking, a receptionist and concierge, cleaning service, fast Internet access, and above all, a whole lot of style accolades, thanks to their being able to call this chic, happening hub their office. With thanks to … Inhouse Brand Architects, +27 (0)21 488 2400, inhouse.ws Urban-Hub, +27 (0)82 836 9333, urban-hub.co.za, urbanlime.co.uk
prime property
thepropertymag.co.za | 17
DECOREX
Design
heights Durban’s Decorex celebrated its 10th year with a feast of design, decor and home living ideas
W
ith over 120 exhibitors and 10 feature installations, Decorex Durban 2012 was also a foodie haven.This year’s five-day event, which ended on 25 March, attracted around 19 000 visitors, making it one of the most popular events to date. This year’s theme was ‘Real’, as in ‘Keeping it … ’ A notable drawcard was Plascon’s concept stand. A main sponsor of Decorex, Plascon showcased its Endless Possibility Colour Forecast with the help of four of SA’s top decorators and designers. Another motivational feature was the Inspire Theatre, the place to be to experience a number of talks and demonstrators by various exhibitors. Our favourite feature of the expo was Operation Man Cave, where four celebs, rugby player Ryan Kankowski, ECRadio Breakfast Stack DJ, Darren Maule, surfski paddler Barry Lewin and former pro surfer, Dane Patterson, teamed up with local designers and Wetherlys to design and build their ultimate man cave, all in aid of charity. To round off Decorex Durban, shoppers got to take a little piece of design history home by buying something from the Decorex Designer Collection, an exclusive signature collection of products from nine of SA’s most popular designers and artisans. The items are also available for purchase online. decorex.co.za
The Property Magazine stand at Decorex Durban 2012, designed by Olàlà! Interiors according to the theme, ‘The Basics’, featured design elements symbolising life and growth.
18 | May/June 2012
cording
DECOREX
The
Olàlà!
factor Olàlà Interiors took up our invitation to design our stand and rose to the occasion with its interpretation of our theme: ‘The Basics’
O
làlà! Interiors designed The Property Magazine’s Decorex Durban 2012 stand in accordance with the forward-thinking spirit of the magazine. Using The Property Magazine’s exciting brand colours Olàlà! showcased a copy of designer Arne Jacobsen’s Egg Chair, originally manufactured by Fritz Hansen in the 1950s. At that time, the Egg Chair was considered to be a ‘figment of one’s imagination’ and was priced at about $50 000 each, as this limited edition was designed to remain exclusive. The original chair from Hansen is available and priced from R60 000 (subject to exchange rates and courier charges). It has since been copied and reproduced worldwide and can be found in many beautiful homes today. To offset these acclaimed chairs, a white rural African Bameleki table was placed on the engineered polyurethane flooring – an engineering breakthrough in modern sustainable flooring applications offering a previously unheard of 25year residential warranty. Then, departing from the norm, Olàlà! commissioned local artist and beading craftsman, Rastaman Charles, to bend and bead a fresh take on lighting. Starting off with a basic organic chandelier design, the Olàlà team bent a Potted Chandelier into life (the natural root bowl earths this stunning lighting creation). Every item on the stand reflected synergies and analogies relating to The Property Magazine, from the trees representing the magazine’s growth to the quirky green leaves reflecting our green philosophies.The strong red central column represented the magazine’s pride and strength in the publishing industry and overall leadership in property. Olàlà! Interiors’ design philosophy for its residential projects is to always reflect its owners’ personalities and lifestyles, while its exhibition stands reflect the brand of the commissioning clients. What differentiates Olàlà! Interiors from other design companies is its versatility.The team doesn’t just stick to one style that it’s comfortable with, but is creative in its interpretation of client briefs and is not afraid to play in uncharted waters. The team loves new and unfamiliar spaces, respects and always incorporates good design elements into its projects, and enjoys life and fresh challenges. +27 (0)32 946 0641, olalainteriors.com
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69148 The Prop Mag.indd 1
2012/04/02 12:31 PM
ON SHOW
SHADES OF
THAILAND
Living on, listening to and looking at water in its myriad guises is the joyful note which plays in and around this Thai-inspired home Words Anne Schauffer Photographs Val Adamson
thepropertymag.co.za | 21
ON SHOW
W
hen Madeleine Willsher bought the land in Zimbali Golf Estate in 2005, it was covered in silver oaks. They really couldn’t see the land for the trees, but were captivated by its sensational position – a perfect, fan-shaped plot fronting the lake, with expansive ocean views. A little piece of heaven. Best-laid plans, of course, and once the site was cleared, another, more challenging, picture was painted. Madeleine laughs. ‘To say it was a difficult site for construction is the classic understatement.The land sloped right away, down to the lake. It required a true engineering feat, with 120 reinforced concrete piles sunk into the ground, and we weren’t permitted to lay a brick for an entire year.’ The vision for the home initially came from Madeleine’s sons, Neville and Grahame van der Merwe,
22 | May/June 2012
who were captivated by the breathtaking Sila Evason Hotel in Thailand, particularly the interconnectedness of structure and water. It fell to Metropole Architects to interpret the client brief, one that sketched out a refined, modern, ‘Thai-style’ home promoting laid- back living and ‘barefoot luxury’. Metropole describes its focus as ‘creating a sublime architectural experience in the midst of its breathtaking coastal forest surroundings, realising the potential of a steep and seemingly difficult site with amazing views of the nearby estate wetland and sea beyond, and ultimately embodying a sense of lightness, transparency, tranquillity, coolness and hospitality.’ Client and visitors agree: Metropole honoured this to the ninth degree. Arriving at the home, guests are confronted by a pair of symmetrical roof gables inspired by the
traditional Thai curved roofs with extended eaves. These flank a double-volume entrance portico with a strong visual axial thrust towards the impressive entertainment areas of the home, over the pool and out towards the vista of forest and sea beyond. The large sliding doors to the rear of the living spaces encourage movement and connectivity from inside to out, which supports the clients’ relaxed lifestyle and offers the possibility of combining spaces of tranquillity with those of entertainment and excitement. Water is a major component of the architectural experience. From as early as the entrance doors, a water feature flows towards the open-plan living areas orientated towards the wetland and threads its way through the spaces, creating a veritable ‘dining island’, the impressive centrepiece of the home, on its way through. From here it cascades down to the pool area
ON SHOW
Union Tiles Ballito, +27 (0)32 946 0384
Above The use of beautiful, imported porcelain floor tiles, sourced from Union Tiles Ballito, adds to the exclusivity of this Zimbali home. The rich, earthy shades blend in perfectly with colour palette chosen for the home’s interiors. Union Tiles Ballito offers architects, building contractors and homeowners the widest range of high-end ceramic, porcelain, travertine, marble and granite tiles as well as an extensive choice of top-quality wall cladding.
and beyond, reinforcing the concept of the house as the source of a waterfall connecting the site with the wetland. In one experience, there are calm reflecting pools, slow streams and cascading white water providing a variety of sights and sounds and helping to reinforce soothing tranquillity or excitement and energy, respectively, in the appropriate areas. With five en-suite bedrooms and a significant amount of space both internally and externally, so as to comfortably entertain family and friends, this property can only be termed ‘large’. But Metropole countered that by breaking down the mass of the building. ‘We conceived the single home as a series of “bungalows” at different levels grouped around a pool terrace and interconnected by walkways, passages and staircases. The roofscape is accordingly decomposed into a series of pavilions connected by linking slabs,’
explains architect Nigel Tarboton. ‘The result makes for genuine privacy between the respective private spaces, as well as enhancing even the simplest of journeys up to one’s bedroom from downstairs, and provides for surprise, excitement and interest while maintaining visual connections with inside spaces and also outwards to the surrounding landscape.’ In this extraordinary home, Metropole crafted a design which combines a variety of modern spatial and functional requirements, with cultural and decorative influences, and blended them into an
architecture that, even within the confines of estate design codes and prescriptive colours and material specifications, is unique, impressive and memorable. For the owners, the home connects them intimately with nature: ‘When you’re sitting in those gazebos at night, you could be in the bush. The sounds of birds, the myriad reflections on the lake and ocean and the steady murmur of water running over the ribbon rock, even a buck or two, it’s simply breathtaking,’ says Madeleine. ‘Just add candles.’
Professionals List … Metropole Architects – Architects +27 (0)31 303 7858, info@metropolearchitects.com, metropolearchitects.com Union Tiles Ballito – Porcelain Floor Tiles +27 (0)32 946 0384, georgeh@uniontiles.co.za, uniontiles.co.za
thepropertymag.co.za | 23
DESIGN
CREATIVE CAPITAL Creative capital CREATIVE CAPITAL CREATIVE CAPITAL Creative capital CREATIVE CAPITAL CREATIVE CAPITAL Creative capital CREATIVE CAPITAL CREATIVE CAPITAL Creative capital CREATIVE CAPITAL CREATIVE CAPITAL Creative capital CREATIVE CAPITAL CREATIVE CAPITAL Creative capital CREATIVE CAPITAL CREATIVE CAPITAL Creative capital CREATIVE CAPITAL CREATIVE CAPITAL Creative capital CREATIVE CAPITAL CREATIVE CAPITAL Creative capital CREATIVE CAPITAL
CREATIVE CAPITAL If all corporate environments were to take a leaf out of the advertising industry’s decor and design book, then you’d find your days at the office much more inspiring Words Genevieve Fisher Photographs Supplied
A
dvertising is big business. It is also big on creativity, and in all instances this flair for the creative filters through into the places
these agencies call home. Here we bring you the inside story of how two agencies, one an industry heavyweight, the other relatively young, but destined for great things, have managed to create spaces that reflect their respective cultures and values. We also feature a new agency that has got a lot of heart and is focused on skills development.
Top right Office space at Promise Brand Specialists. Centre Aspiring designers at OFyt’s studio. Bottom right Reception area at King James Group.
thepropertymag.co.za | 25
O DESIGN
OWN IT!
The palatial Woodstock home of 2011’s Agency of the Year, King James Group, is as regal as they come
K
ing James Group has some of the most provocative ads and campaigns behind its name, not to mention some blue-chip clients. But Group Creative Director Alistair King says that for its first 14 years the group had been ‘camping’, because it did not own its own premises. Until now. From the get-go it was Alistair’s and his partner, group managing director, James Barty’s, dream to one day own their own premises. Four years ago, when visiting their auditing firm, which was based at what was then Roodebloem Manor, a heritage property in Woodstock, Cape Town, dating back to the 1800s, Alistair had a jaw-dropping experience. ‘I couldn’t believe that such a property existed, tucked away amongst some very modest houses. The property was nothing short of spectacular. It was like driving into an oasis of impressive lawns, a stately manor house and an endearing washuisie. We told one of the partners there and then that they should speak to us should they ever want to sell, and they
26 | May/June 2012
laughed because it was the furthest thing from their minds at the time,’ says Alistair. When entering the almost-150-year-old main building, the manor house, you can almost hear that laughter reverberating off the walls, pressed ceilings and incredibly voluminous spaces. Alistair and James have created a space that houses all seven of the communications agencies falling under the King James Group umbrella, where the balance between creative thinking, sophistication, history and humour is finely struck. The group is one of the few independent agencies to have garnered exceptional credentials over the years, but as far as Alistair is concerned, owning this new office space is one of the group’s proudest achievements. ‘It’s a profound feeling, owning our own offices. It’s one thing to own property as an investment, but it’s altogether another feeling to have one that feels like an essential ingredient to our company culture. We always felt a little out of character when we were in other buildings, and for the first time ever we now feel
that we’re in a place that mirrors our temperament and brings the right kind of energy to the creative process,’ he says. And talking about ‘the right kind of energy’, Alistair believes there’s been a marked difference in the agency’s growth since it moved to the premises just over a year ago, as evident from the sparkling awards from 2011 scattered around the agency and the fact that the team is now 100-odd people strong. Alistair says that the manor house, its lawns and the old washuis, where the first Jersey cows in South Africa were milked (the agency has a book describing how this was done) and that today houses the agency’s café, all have a dignity about them. ‘We were immediately attracted to it because it’s strong and substantial, and I guess that’s what we strive to be as a company,’ he says. The innate dignity of the property comes from its deep historical roots, made tangible by the 250-year-old fig tree rooted in the front lawn. With history come great stories, which anyone in advertising is tuned in to.
DESIGN
X
Above left and inset The boardroom at King James Group; tongue-in-cheek pen holders in the shape of a sharpener rest on a boardroom table that doubles as a ‘notepad’. Above The agency’s signature purple accents many of its office areas, such as this communal chill pod. Above right and inset The café is located in the repurposed old washuisie; several industry awards adorn the reception desk.
Built in the 1870s, Roodebloem Manor was the home of the Van der Byl family. Fast forward a few decades to when the property was bought by Charles Boyd and converted to the swanky Lord Milner Hotel, named after the governor of Cape Town, who used to frequent the hotel with his ‘companions’. ‘We often wonder what conversations and mischief have taken place between these walls – and we’ll do our best to contribute to that,’ Alistair says, playfully. With touches of the company’s statement colour, regal purple, accenting many of the communal rooms and office nodes, as well as some interesting light features, one thing that you can’t help but notice is the bare walls, save for a few pieces in the front reception area. When the agency moved into the premises it became incredibly busy with clients and so the team decided to do the space up room by room as opposed to doing it all in one fell swoop, specifically, the main communal areas, such as the boardrooms, agency bar and front lounge, whose look and feel was coordinated by
James’ sister, Caroline Drummond-Hay, an interior stylist. In addition to sourcing the furniture and decor pieces, Caroline consulted with Upstart Ventures about specialist office furniture. The result is rooms that are wonderfully warm, with interesting features and some unique pieces, such as the massive glass boardroom table that can be written on and washes off easily. The slow but steady process makes you believe in the virtue of patience. ‘For a company that looks after brand’s identities, we’re notoriously bad at looking after our own. We tend to let our brand evolve as people come and go. We also didn’t have the luxury of time to plan our space before we moved in, so we have started slowly, literally room by room. We made two decisions. The first was to be respectful of the building and not turn it into anything too flashy. The second decision was not to fill it with art that has no meaning to us personally’. An ongoing project of the agency’s is based on its Remember Book, a collection of the agency’s memories that was compiled four years ago. The
project continues with the work produced by the creatives in the form of sketches, storyboards, concept animations and the like, currently being primed for placement on the walls and, in some instances, on desks and other surfaces. ‘We’re very big on memories,’ says Alistair. ‘We’ve decided that everything adorning the walls must come from our staff or be part of our history. We want to be surrounded by the things that define us and have made us who we are.’ With history playing such an integral part in the agency’s culture, it is no wonder that Alistair says ‘the stars were aligned’ when the team got the news that the property was up for sale. Reclining in his chair, he recalls, ‘The first time I walked into the building, I pointed at this space and said “That will be my office!” The man sitting in it at the time, probably one of our auditing firm’s partners, just looked at me as if to say, “Keep dreaming, stranger.”’ Alistair did just that, and now adorning his office door is a golden plaque that reads: ‘His Lordship.’ +27 (0)21 469 1500, kingjames.co.za
thepropertymag.co.za | 27
DESIGN
WHERE
PROMISES A
Promise Brand Specialists of Parktown North in Jozi keeps its promises, not only to its clients, but also to itself, as its premises reflect
key ingredient in creative professionals’ recipe for success is passion. When that wanes or is lost completely, it can be tragic. In some instances, however, as Marc Watson and James Moffatt, executive creative director and managing director, respectively, of Promise Brand Specialists, discovered, it can also be the motivating force to take the plunge and improve on the recipe. ‘James and I got to a point where we were unhappy in our careers, and being in a creative industry it’s so important to love what you do – in our opinion, more so than in any other industry. We felt a strong need to be able to steer our own course and be a part of something that has meaning for us. It was for those reasons that Promise began to take shape in our minds,’ says Marc. The starting point for Marc and James was to uncover the core values that they believed creative brand communications was about, and for them that meant trust, and keeping promises, promises that they as creatives make to clients and those that clients make to their consumers – a circle of trust formulated, respected and constantly encouraged between all three parties. ‘In the early stages of defining the kind of agency we wanted, we had a few inexperienced clients who had never been serviced creatively before. In helping them understand the process, we would discuss how the most important thing a brand communicates to a consumer is its promise – the thing that you should consistently expect from that brand,’ says Marc. The name ‘Promise Brand Specialists’ emerged from this idea and today it also serve as a reminder of their great ambition: to keep the promises
28 | May/June 2012
they’ve made to themselves and ‘to create amazing things and maintain our love and respect for creativity’, says Marc. Fate obviously appreciated this honourable code that Marc and James had set for themselves. Marc recalls standing in a queue at the bank, which looked onto the hip and happening Workshop development in Parktown North, a commercial node bursting with creative businesses, and telling James that that was the perfect location for their offices. Lo and behold, a couple of months later, they moved all their equipment from their dinning room table and were sitting in their new space, ‘a broom closet’, as Marc describes it. ‘We quickly grew out of that tiny premises and moved three times within the Workshop before finding ourselves in the space we are in today,’ he says. They enlisted the help of JP Beukes, interior architect at One Point Zero, to translate their ambition into their work environment. JP had worked on the venue for the previous tenant, and Marc and James believed that his understanding of the space was imperative to its transformation. The team wanted to retain the existing open-plan studio feel of the space, to encourage the sharing of knowledge, encourage everyone to get involved in adding value to their jobs, and to have people inspire one another. ‘Most agencies contain a lot of different departments – client service, strategy, etc. We hate departments! They often have walls that separate them, in the figurative and literal sense of the word. At Promise we try to facilitate the free flow of ideas and conversation,’ says Marc. This fluidity of ideas and creative contributions by staff members has been executed in the form of a 30m-long raw wood table that curves snake-like
throughout the space. Everyone sits at this table at his or her individual workspace. Something else that Marc and James wanted the space to be was a refuge for their clients. Marc says, ‘I told JP that when our clients visited we wanted to make them feel like part of the studio and involved in the process of steering their brands. Part of our ethos is getting our clients actively involved at the relevant stages of the creative process. This has been successful in business terms as well, in that from time to time our clients will work out of our office when they need an escape from their own. It’s a good feeling, knowing that we’ve created a welcoming, happy place where we get a little work done too!’ The result of all the thought that has gone into the space to have it tie in with the group’s values is a remarkably chic and contemporary industrial space that’s warm and loaded with personality. ‘In an industry where we try so hard to distil ideas into their purest form, it was crucial that we approach our space in the same way,’ Marc explains. ‘It’s important that the most relevant and functional parts of the space come forward and everything that is superfluous recedes. The central work areas are finished in light raw woods, with the eye-popping yellow bulkhead above being the focal point and drawing your attention to the most relevant part of the space.’ Although Promise Brand Specialists is a small-to-medium size agency, we’re sure that by remaining dedicated to its staunch vision, it will in no time probably have to move again, to bigger premises, where more promises will be made, and more importantly, will be kept with +27 (0)11 442 2612, unwavering passion. promisebrand.co.za
Clockwise from top left A communal desk helps break down departmental barriers and lets the creativity flow; a comfy, quiet alcove overlooks Parktown; a chill lounge flanks the workspace; a designer Smeg fridge is right at home in Promise Brand Specialist’s modern office; a bonsai tree enhances the tranquillity of this office space.
thepropertymag.co.za | 29
Photographs Roeland Smith
DESIGN
DESIGN
TAKING THE GAP Taking the gap TAKING THE GAP Taking the gap TAKING THE GAP Taking the gap TAKING THE GAP Taking the gap TAKING THE GAP Taking the gap TAKING THE GAP Taking the gap TAKING THE GAP Taking the gap
A new agency in Muizenberg, Cape Town, is filling a gaping hole in the local advertising industry – accessibility and skills development
Top right OFyt has the head lease on the well-known Old Post Office building in Muizenberg, where old industry hands nurture talented creatives from various backgrounds. Centre The colourful interiors of OFyt’s office space strikes a balance between the need for industriousness and the need for relaxation.
A
dvertising is an interesting beast. Not only is it a global, multi-billion-dollar industry, but also, out of all the multibillion-anything industries, it is the one where creative capital is the most treasured commodity. As with any money-spinning industry, accessibility is dependent on high- level skill sets. And we in South Africa are all too familiar with the story of such skill sets being a historically exclusive domain, particularly in a creative and specialised field such as advertising. The founders of OFyt, Gary Leih, Jono Shubitz and Paul Newman, stalwarts of SA’s advertising industry, recognise this. ‘We don’t believe it’s possible for anyone to live in South Africa and be in business here and yet be immune to the serious debates and conflicts that bubble and occasionally rage around inequality, transformation and discrimination. Unless you’re an ostrich, perhaps. We believe that action is needed now, in every way,’ says Gary. The name OFyt stands for ‘Old Friends Young Talent’, which reflects the agency’s business model, namely, to encourage and nurture young talent through the expertise that each of the founders and friends has gained during their
30 | May/June 2012
extensive careers in advertising. Gary is the former CEO of Ogilvy Group UK and an Ogilvy Worldwide board director. Jono is a former Creative Directors’ Forum chairman and Loeries Awards judge. Paul Newman is a former banker turned airline industry marketer. ‘Our operational model is to gather together passionate young talent, which is predominately, but not exclusively, historically disadvantaged, and put it together with experienced old hands – ourselves,’ says Jono. ‘What we’re doing at OFyt may seem like a small thing in the grand scheme of things, but we believe that every step is a worthwhile step. This step will help build experience and momentum in our industry for those who have not had easy access to the industry until now.’ In addition to the three old friends, OFyt comprises 10 permanent staff members and 8 young graduates in the fields of marketing, graphic design and other industry-related fields. Their backgrounds and contexts differ vastly. Some of them are from Gugulethu, some are from Langa and others are from the Southern Suburbs and other areas around Cape Town. There are even staff members from Port Elizabeth. The common thread is the desire to learn, to
experience and to whip out some fresh, original and indigenous work, says Gary. Paul adds, ‘Our young team members are tasked with more than just creating locally relevant work. They also gather intelligence and insights where they live – in townships, the city and the suburbs. In this way they are both a creative resource and an insight factory for our clients.’ Another ‘old friend’ is the premises. OFyt occupies the ground floor of Muizenberg’s Old Post Office building, built in 1932. The ‘young talent’ in this sense is the warm and trendy open-plan interior of dark wood, interesting and colourful wall treatments and red-brick. The extended balcony overlooks Muizenberg beach and a row of surfboards stands waxed and ready should anyone at OFyt wish to hit the waves. Muizenberg is an appropriate place for a fledgling and unique agency: quite off the radar, scenic and, says Gary, ripe with potential. ‘When one looks at trends in urban redevelopment all over the world, including the Woodstock example of the Biscuit Mill precinct redevelopment, when the advertising and design industries move in, things really start to happen.’ +27 (0)21 709 0290, ofcomms.com
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DISTRIBUTORS
DESIGN PROFILE
A IS
This page Views of the Park Station Gautrain access link.
of excellence The Creative Axis puts a new spin on architecture, as its expansive portfolio of public works shows Words Tammy Sutherns Profile photographs Michael Glenister Project photographs courtesy of The Creative Axis
L
ooking at some of the marvellous structures that the Creative Axis has designed, it is difficult for me to imagine the architectural company’s humble beginnings in Lenasia, Johannesburg South, when it had just one director and a couple of staff members. But the core mission of the company has resulted in a bursting portfolio. For example, the Civitas building in Pretoria, which houses the National Department of Health, has been converted by the Creative Axis to a veritable tourist attraction with an impressive, slick glass facade. The firm’s work on the Innovation Hub in Pretoria portrays its founding principles of innovation and sustainability, while its Parks Station project shows how creativity and passion can be made to meet functional design.
For Anil Parshotam and Bhavik Ranchod, architecture is weaved into the very fabric of their identities. Anil studied civil engineering at Wits University but realised very quickly that it wasn’t for him. He went to work for an architect for a year and then returned to university to complete a degree, which forged his path in the industry and eventually landed him the position of director at the Creative Axis (previously branded Naren Mistry Architects). He worked on projects throughout his degree and after his graduation, learning as much as possible about the industry. Bhavik, who was recently made partner at the Creative Axis, always knew that he wanted to be an architect, having been passionate about graphic design, art and buildings when he was a child. He says, ‘Architecture is art and engineering combined. I joined the Creative Axis four years ago
and never looked back.’ Both men have overseas work experience that provided different dimensions to their field. Anil worked in Australia for three years and recommends it for any young architect: ‘In Australia I worked on fairly large projects and everything that I learnt there, I was able to apply here. It changed my perception.’ The Creative Axis makes sure to keep abreast with technological advances in the field of architecture. Bhavik says, ‘When I started studying, we used hand drawings and we were still trained to hand draw. But as time went on, we got onto computers with 3D modelling. Technology now plays a big part in making the client understand the design.’ Today, thanks to Building Information Modelling, 3D software and computers, they are able to model a building in full and see every aspect of it, says Anil. ‘It gives the
thepropertymag.co.za | 33
DESIGN Profile
Above, centre Bhavik Ranchod, partner at The Creative Axis. Left Atrium glazing at 88 Grayston Drive. Right Entrance foyer at 88 Grayston Drive. Below left, top to bottom View of the main facade at 88 Grayston Drive; view of the Park Station Gautrain access link; interior view of the new Park Station north concourse that is currently under construction.
architect an opportunity to spend more time detailing the building, which will give you a better product.’ Anil adds that client communications have improved considerably now that clients can properly visualise the end product. The new technology also allows the architects to see how a building will respond to its environment and gives them greater opportunity to improve the building’s sustainability. Although ‘green building’ is a buzzword in the industry at the moment, it has always been a core and founding principle of the Creative Axis. Bhavik says, ‘The principles of architecture from way back are based on what you build around your environment and on making sure that your building is adapted to the environment. At the Creative Axis, when we start designing a building, we consider those principles.’ Anil adds that technology allows architects access to research that shows the benefits of sustainable building, such as reduced water consumption. Anil says, ‘Sustainability is very important, both in terms of the longevity of the building and the long-term maintenance costs and operational costs. It’s great to design fantastic buildings, but, essentially, when you walk away from the building, you need to look at how the materials perform, how durable the materials are and the operating costs.’ Pretoria’s Innovation Hub, Africa’s first internationally accredited science park, shows just what the Creative Axis team is capable of. Created in a joint venture with M-Architects, the Innovation Hub contributes to the economy through the commercialisation of technology and development of technological capacity, entrepreneurial ability and intellectual capital. The design of the Innovation Hub building includes basement parking for 420 vehicles, the Innovation Centre and multi-tenant buildings separated by a large open piazza for gatherings and
34 | May/June 2012
outdoor conferencing. Anil says, ‘It was about making an iconic tourist attraction, to a certain extent, where people could look up to the skyline and see a building that was different from all of the others.’ The building is spacious and high-tech in its design, with red face-brick, glass and aluminium balustrades and steel staircases. No challenge is too big for the Creative Axis family, who now have offices across South Africa and are expanding into the rest of Africa as well as to Brazil. Anil says, ‘I don’t see any request as strange; I take it as a challenge. It is part of an architect’s responsibility to be daring.’ One of the company’s most challenging projects was the upgrade of Loftus Versfeld Stadium, originally designed in the 1970s, to make it Fifa compliant. Anil says, ‘We were trying to build in areas where spectators were using the building and we were trying to work with a minimum budget. What was also quite a challenge was trying to work on a stadium that is landlocked by a very dense city fabric. We were able to pull that off successfully.’ It is these challenges that keep Anil on the edge of his architectural seat and ready to dive into the next project. He says, ‘What excites me is being able to design a building and explore challenging ways of putting something together. There is always a new solution. Looking at that solution, working it into the building and then building it and then going back to the building three years later and seeing how people are using the space and how the building has responded to the users is a process that we follow.’ For Bhavik, it’s his personal sense of accomplishment that gets him out of bed in the morning. He says, ‘It’s the feedback that you get from clients, when you’re in tune with what they want and you give them something better. It gives you that edge.’ +27 (0)11 854 5922, creativeaxis.co.za
DESIGN profile
This page, clockwise from top left Enterprise Building entrance from the public square at the Innovation Hub; glazing detail at the Innovation Hub; Anil Parshotam, director at The Creative Axis; suspended gatehouse structure at the Innovation Hub; interior view of the foyer at the Civitas Building; view of the exterior glazing facade at the Civitas Building.
thepropertymag.co.za | 35
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LIVING IN
life
THE URBAN No matter how many Old Durban Families (ODFs) reside here, the energy from living on the Berea or in Morningside ensures we’re on the hill, not over it Words Anne Schauffer Photographs Supplied
A
t the moment, we have gorgeous puddles of deep purple blossoms pooling at the feet of tibouchinas. In time they’ll give way to the golden yellow flowers of the tabebuias. It’s one of the joys of these old suburbs (and this was Durban’s first).: Huge established trees line the roads, and even though you’re within sight and sound of the concrete City, there’s lush foliage, birdlife and large green lungs to soothe jaded city souls. Thing is, you’re either a Berea/Morningside person or you’re not. This is not sit-on-the-fence suburbia; it’s for those who want to be close to the action. Defining that ‘action’ nowadays is less straightforward; but still, we resist the pull of the
North simply because we can’t bring ourselves to leave. It’s about a particular urban lifestyle that few are prepared to relinquish. Yes, there are grumblings about the demise of some of the gracious old Berea and Morningside mansions, increasing numbers of which have been torn down and replaced with ultramodern structures, which can be jarring. It’s not so much about the community clinging to old ways, but rather sadness at the dilution of the historical and traditional architecture. The area always had a very clear, much-loved visual identity, and now it’s in a state of flux. Or is that luxe? On the flip side, of course, our suburbs still have superlative amenities in terms of schools and higher education, even sport – we are the home of the
Sharks, and alongside Kings Park glows the iconic Moses Mabhida football stadium. Berea and Morningside are two different suburbs that merge somewhere around Vida e Cafè or Mark Gold at 9 a.m. most days for most of us, but for the purpose of examining living habits, we’re in adjacent patches on the hill for mostly the same reasons: proximity to absolutely everything, and in many good and grim ways, living the gritty reality of our extraordinary life in South Africa.
With thanks to … Tyson Properties, +27 (0)31 312 9500, tysonprop.co.za
HISTORICALLY SPEAKING Janie Malherbe’s fascinating book, entitled Port Natal (1965), is full of gems like this one about ‘Port Natal’ in 1860: ‘In the forest fastness on the Berea hill, the corporation were busy laying out erven. “Such erven,” they advertised, “were just the thing for people who prefer a country residence, a nice view, and ideal habitation.” Prospective tenants could get a 50-year lease on acre lots for 15/- to 20/- per annum. Or if they wanted a house, a wattle and daub one would cost £10, a brick and mortar one a couple of hundred pounds.’ Apparently, says Janie, ‘Durban’s Berea ridge was originally called Patathoogte – Sweet Potato Hill – by the Voortrekkers. The old road from Pietermaritzburg to Durban used to skirt the lands on the southern part of the Berea heights belonging to Henry Ogle and other British and Voortrekker settlers, who grew large quantities of sweet potatoes and its African equivalent, madumbies.’
thepropertymag.co.za | 37
Living In
The agent speaks We speak to Kim Woods, manager of Tyson Properties in Lilian Ngoyi Road, for whom the energy on the Berea emanates from the rich diversity of people and from the fact that anyone can find a property to suit his or her pockets, from simple entry-level apartments right up to some of the uber-magnificent, gracious homes in the upper Morningside area. She says, ‘Statistically, property on the Berea changes hands every seven years, thus creating constant change. While most people would love to stay in the area, it’s often not viable, due to personal needs, budgets or a need for bigger land sizes and proximity to their place of work.’ In Kim’s opinion, ‘Very few areas offer what we have here.’
Q The area has seen some changes over the last few years. What are they, and why did they happen?
Meeting and eating Visit the Essenwood Craft Market every Saturday and the I-Heart Market at Moses Mabhida Stadium on the first Saturday of the month. Indulge in some fine dining at 9th Ave Bistro, Café 1999,
Opening page and above Morningside is characterised by its gracious old properties, such as these two homes in Mentone Road and Nuttall Gardens, respectively.
Harvey’s, Market, Quarters Brasserie, and Spice, or get sociable at Oscars, Mo’s, Spiga d’Oro, Delfi, Freedom Café, Mamma Luciana’s,
Did you know?
Marco’s, Taco Zulu and
The Durban Botanic Gardens was established in
Unity. Cocktails anywhere
1849 and hosts around 500 000 visitors a year,
in Florida Road and curries
many of whom are foreign tourists. It is the city’s
at Little India and Palkis
oldest public institution and Africa’s oldest surviving
complete the picture.
botanic gardens.
Drawcards Living here at the hub, our drawcards don’t (strictly) have to be in our suburbs, because a 5-, maybe 10-minute ride will transport you as easily to free 6 a.m. yoga classes in front of SunCoast hotel and casino or a Sunday sunset concert in the Durban Botanic Gardens as it will to breakfast or a bike ride on our shiny new beachfront promenade. Schools, superb and numerous, private and government, all with histories of academic and sporting excellence, from Durban Girls’ College and Maris Stella to Clifton, Durban High School (DHS) and Glenwood, exist here, as do the University of KwaZulu-Natal and the Durban University of Technology. In the arts department we have the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre as well as Artspace, the Collective, the Elizabeth Gordon Gallery and the Artisan. On the green scene, one can enjoy music, tea and (the best) scones, children’s outings and birthday parties, education, relaxation at the Durban Botanic Gardens, Jameson Park, Mitchell Park and Berea Park. For the more energetic, we have sports galore, thanks to little boutique gyms on every corner, Adventure Boot Camp in the Durban Botanic Gardens, two Virgin Actives and three major swimming pools within easy reach, namely Suttonpark, Kings Park and the saltwater Rachel Finlayson baths. Of course, we also have the beaches, and although we don’t own them, we feel as if we do. From our vantage point on the hill, we can see the state of the surf, so we nab the best waves and the first parking places. The Berea slips effortlessly down the hill into the sea, so whether you’re a surfer, a boogie-boarder, a jetskier or a sailor, you’ll be slip-sliding seawards at some stage in the week.
38 | May/June 2012
Over the last few years, the dynamic of the Berea has changed, and for the better. There’s been a rejuvenation, and we’re seeing far less of a migration north. Instead, people are moving around within the area, due to the excellent schools, nightlife, restaurants and views over the city and to being 10 minutes from everywhere. The upper end of the market had been showing very little movement, but in the last four months, that’s changed. We’ve also seen many old traditional Durban homes making way for grander, more modern structures, thus totally changing the face of the Berea. Everywhere else in the world, old stands next to new very successfully, so why not here? There are very few areas within South Africa where people are investing in their own homes, so it’s positive that it’s happening here.
Q Has there been any appreciation in the value of property, and what are prices like across the board? Historically, property doubles its value every 10 years. But, in spite of economic downturn, our comparisons show that the Berea has outstripped these stats: a house that cost R1 million 10 years ago will now fetch in the region of R2,5 million. Morningside still remains the most prestigious area, but the Berea is chasing it with its high-end modern structures. Upper-end prices range from R8 million to R30 million. Entry level will cost between R350 000 and R600 000 in Musgrave, Greyville and close to the botanic gardens.
ZIMBALI COASTAL RESORT THE EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME
www.zimbalicoastalresort.co.za
Tel: +27 (0) 32 538 4300
Email: liaison@zema.co.za
ASK THE EXPERTS
Don’t quit your job. Change your office
Photographs Val Adamson Location The Old Queen Victoria Hotel
Our guests explore the design potential of the Old Queen Victoria Hotel in Mahatma Gandhi (formerly Point) Road in Durban, which is being converted to an office building.
40 | May/June 2012
Shoot location arranged by Chalupsky Properties
HELP DESK
ASK THE EXPERTS
JARMAN OFFICE FURNITURE
MACPHERSONS OFFICE FURNITURE
MO DESIGN
RED JADE INTERIOR
Neville Jarman, Owner
Kim Black, Retail Manager
Michelle Swart, Owner
Susan Prinsloo, Owner
Tell us about your company. For over 23 years we have been supplying a wide range of ergonomic office furniture to blue-chip clients, including Vodacom, BP, eThekweni Municipality and EPA Architects. We specialise in corporate office planning and design and work closely with architects and designers to create efficient, creative, energetic working environments. We are the exclusive KZN agents for Sit and Sean Williams chairs and tables, allowing us to follow through with creative, inspiring designs for office spaces. The latest office trends? Green products and the use of recycled, reusable materials. A huge office decor trend is white Duco on desks and cabinets with natural timbers and the use of vibrant colours (including fuchsia, naartjie and teal) and geometric patterns on chairs, couches and screens. A recent project that exemplifies your products/services? We were chosen to provide all the furniture for Varsity College, Midrand, and we are hopeful that a national roll-out for all its campuses will start soon. Furniture included our new Connects workstations in white Formica with shutterply with multicoloured storage cabinets, Plexiglass screens, reception furniture, lecture room desks and computer workstations.
Tell us about your company. Macphersons was established 30 years ago and is one of the country’s leading office furniture manufacturers and distributors, with showrooms in KZN and Gauteng and a dealer network around the country. The latest office trends? The latest trends in the corporate office are for a cleanly designed, no-fuss workstation manufactured in the latest colours of melamines and veneers. Your top solution for the office? We have recently developed a benching system workstation that can be linked to any configuration the architect may design, which is ideal for openplan areas. It can be colour coded to match any interior decor. A recent project that exemplifies your products/services? Recently we completed two floors of call centres for an international company. We designed them in a way that maximises the space and takes into the account the curvature of the building. These uniquely styled workstations were colour coded with curved matching screens and seating. Is there a particular workspace that inspires you? Working with diverse designers and seeing their unusual ideas for furnishing and their approach to completing their projects are what inspire us as manufacturers.
Tell us about your company. Michelle’s Office Design has been operating since 1996. I believe the right working environment results in happier, healthier and more productive employees. The services I offer extend from space audits, space planning and design to furniture and finishes selection, implementation and relocation management. The latest office trends? Businesses are becoming more and more aware of the ongoing impact that internal fittings and finishes have on the environment and how designers can assist with sustainable product selection. Your top solution for the office? The chair is the most important investment. Technological advancements have an enormous impact on furniture design together with the cost per square metre. Companies need to get maximum benefit from each square metre so we need to be as creative and economical as possible space-wise to create a great working space! A recent project that exemplifies your products/services. I’ve been working for the multinational Unilever for many years. Unilever focuses heavily on its people and on minimising its carbon footprint. I am working on an ongoing project to maximise efficiency at Unilever’s head office and the set parameters really channel one’s thinking into the best practice available.
Tell us about your company. I’ve been in interior decorating for the past 22 years and have had the privilege of being exposed to all facets of design, across a full spectrum of clients, including corporates, hotels, residential, municipal, hospitals, and police, to name a few. I strive to design around my clients needs. Developing a good all-round relationship with my clients is integral to the successful completion of any project. The latest office trends? Trending in 2012 is the use of unique colour combinations and the freedom to use bright and dark colour mixes, simple lines and adventurous design ideas. Comfortable design, vibrant colours and luxurious fabrics are back in favour, as are sleek surfaces, cheerful prints and furniture with interesting detail. Combinations, such as wood, marble, metal, glass and recycled materials, are being used to create an inviting and interesting environment. Layers of various natural smooth and textured fabrics and wallpapers in eco styles are extremely popular too. Your top solutions for the office? Seating and furniture. It’s imperative that ergonomics be taken into account. Seating and equipment must be designed for comfort, efficiency, safety and productivity. Yet, it must also be trendy, durable and practical!
+27 031 569 3997
0861 742 527,
+27 (0)83 228 6062,
+27 (0)83 320 8093,
jarmanoffice.co.za
macphersons.co.za
michelle@modesign.co.za
redjade@vodamail.co.za
thepropertymag.co.za | 41
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thepropertymag.co.za | 42
R O IT rsch ED e T eH ES nn U ie G Adr
Real estate
residential & commercial
The Rule of Three After 21 years in real estate, there’s one question I’m asked constantly: how’s the market?
Main image 123rf.com Portrait photograph Supplied
A
sk the sellers who priced their properties correctly, chose the right agent and took all the essential measures to make sure their homes were attractive to buyers, and they’ll join me in my response: the market’s good! This doesn’t only have to do with the banks’ releasing their tight grip on bonds. I believe the market will continue to improve if we internalise just three monosyllables: know your worth. It’s a simple creed, but a profound one, and it applies to agents, sellers and buyers, equally. Agents need to understand the value they add so that they don’t compromise their worth. Sellers need to understand the value of their property and maximise its strongest features. And buyers need to feel that they’ve landed their dream home at a fair price. All three are achievable. Collectively, they are my definition of success in this exciting and ever- evolving industry. Most people ask about the market because they’re trying to gauge whether their property will sell. How soon will it sell? Will it sell at the right price? What is the right price? You’ll be glad to know that the banks and the economy don’t have all the control in property sales today. Much depends on the seller’s
approach. One of the biggest mistakes many sellers make is overpricing the property. Overpriced homes will sit on the market for far too long, will not be attractive to buyers and will cause the seller a lot of angst. Eventually, the seller will have to reduce the price, which will often be much lower than the price it would have been had the home been priced correctly from the start. If sellers understand the value of their home and are proactive in optimising its strengths, the property will sell. Quickly. Selling a home successfully means giving the right agent the right mandate at the right time. I realise it’s not that simple. Selling one’s home is, for the vast majority of homeowners, a highly emotional decision. Both psychologically and financially, we invest an enormous amount in our homes. Hearing that the price you want is neither reasonable nor possible can be disheartening. A good agent will remain abreast of all new trends and changes in the industry (such as current bank criteria), educate and support the seller, strive for the right price and keep clients informed about how they can get involved. While the right price may depend on factors beyond everyone’s control, there is one important process in which the seller should be fully engaged:
dressing a home for sale. As a woman in real estate, I’ve learned that dressing for success doesn’t just apply to my wardrobe. Here are my two top tips. One is in direct accordance with my wardrobe rules, and the other is … not. First, the finer details go an awfully long way to creating a powerful first impression. Second, leave very little to the imagination. In other words, don’t force potential buyers to imagine what the house would look like if the pool were blue and clear or the garden green and tidy. As real estate professionals, nothing we do is a perfect science. If it were, most of us wouldn’t do it as well or love it as much. But there are certain patterns that seem to emerge every time, no matter the state of the market or the size of the property. In over two decades in this business, I’ve learned that there is a recipe for everyone walking away happy, and it works in threes: sellers, buyers and agents need to internalise the value that each of them adds to a successful sale.
Adrienne Hersch, CEO Adrienne Hersch Properties
thepropertymag.co.za | 43
RESIDENTIAL Real Estate
At this time in the property industry, the matrix is 'back to basics' – agents need to dig their heels in – Adrienne Hersch, CEO Adrienne Hersch Properties
A sense of community
‘The fact that approximately 80% of homeowners are permanent residents of upmarket Mount Edgecombe Country Club Estate is indicative of the high desirability of this ideally positioned community,’ says Sally Cameron, area principal for Pam Golding Properties. ‘This is a high percentage, as many residential estates in SA encompass owners who either use their homes for leisure use or reside there for part of the year. And while the estate is within a key growth node north of Durban, it still offers country-style living within easy reach of beaches and Durban’s city centre, as well as key routes in and around the city,’ she says. There are about 290 homes on Estate 1 and 890 homes on Estate 2, and homeowners are privileged to enjoy green views over the golf course fairways, dams and conservancies. +27 (0)31 539 3174, pamgolding.co.za
Open gates The Gates at Hilton is an exclusive residential village being developed on the Hilton College Estate. The 44ha property, consisting of 81 freehold sites, offers extensive commonage areas and enjoys panoramic views from the Karkloof to the Drakensberg. The generous layout of the sites, which are between 1 800m2 and 2 250m2 in size, will offer residents all the advantages of gracious country living within a secure rural setting as well as easy access to the amenities of Hilton Village, Pietermaritzburg and the Midlands. Residents of the Gates will also enjoy limited access to the amenities of the Hilton College Estate. Described as ‘Natal Dutch’, the architectural code blends Natal farmhouse and Cape Dutch design and incorporates green building principles. Initial sales indicate that the Gates appeals to families and retired couples as well as to parents of children boarding at local schools and city families looking for a secure country retreat. Stands at the Gates at Hilton are priced from R820 000 to R975 000. The residential village is being developed by Gwens Stream Estates. +27 (0)33 383 3014, thegatesathilton.co.za
Surf ’s up Situated within walking distance of Margate Main Beach, the justlaunched Cerf is an attractive complex with a prime seafront position. Handover is scheduled for June this year. The Aldabra Developments’ project will involve the complete transformation of a run-down old building into 14 individually styled one-, two- and three-bedroom units with an assortment of private gardens, decks and Jacuzzis. ‘Priced between R329 000 and R795 000, this is an ideal investment, not only for buyers looking for a permanent seaside apartment but also for those looking to maximise on holiday rental opportunities,’ says Lorinda Papazoglou. +27 (0)39 317 3765, aldabra.co.za
44 | May/June 2012
COMMERCIAL Real Estate
Up north
Corobrik has once again played an important part in the final phase of the Umhlanga promenade upgrade, with the company’s clay pavers being the defining characteristic of the 5km seafront stretch. Completed in December 2011, the R70-million project was funded by eThekwini Municipality’s Economic Development Department and was a combined initiative, with a collaborative team from the City’s Architecture Department, and included walkway paving, promenade linkages, lighting, street furniture, dune rehabilitation, traffic calming measures and increased parking as well as the building of retaining walls and the eradication of alien plants. The Corobrik pavers are an ideal choice for the promenade, and not only for aesthetic reasons, says Mike Ingram of Corobrik. ‘They are extremely durable and skid resistant, making them the
Golden note
perfect choice for an area which is exposed to harsh weather, sea
Scheduled for completion in September this year, the R52-million
spray and high volumes of pedestrian traffic. Furthermore, they are
refurbishment of the 32-storey Southern Sun North Beach marks the
also suitable for long-term maintenance, as they don’t fade, can be
largest private sector tourism investment in Durban’s Golden Mile
matched to new pavers and can easily be lifted or “unzipped” to
since the opening of the Suncoast Hotel five years ago. Hotel manager
gain access to underground services. Replacing the pavers leaves
Samantha Croft says the investment comes in the wake of the eThekwini
no “scar”’. +27 (0)31 560 3111, corobrik.co.za
Municipality’s R200-million upgrade of the beachfront promenade: ‘This is a major investment that we’re making in the beachfront and is the biggest revamp in this hotel’s history.’ The hotel was rebranded Southern Sun North Beach some years ago; however, it is still fondly referred to as ‘the Maharani’ by Durbanites. The revamp will include an upgrade of all 285 rooms and bathrooms, the 200-seat conference facilities, the plumbing and the lifts. It will also include the introduction of an energysaving card access system, to control the lights in the rooms, and for health-conscious guests, a new fitness centre will also be opened. The hotel is still one of the tallest buildings overlooking the promenade and offers spectacular, uninterrupted views. +27 (0)31 332 7361, southernsun.com
Lagoon-side Words André Fiore
Phase 2 of Durban’s beachfront upgrade has just started, following eThekwini Municipality’s massive upgrade in 2010, which saw the area from uShaka Beach to Country Club Beach change dramatically. This second phase will cost in the region of R80 million and will include the extension of the promenade from Country Club Beach all the way to the Blue Lagoon. The upgrade involves new parking areas, landscaping, dune rehabilitation, improved street lighting, street furniture and paving. The upgrade, which is expected to take a year to complete, will also introduce new braai facilities and new paddling pools at Blue Lagoon. +27 (0)31 311 4805, durban.gov.za
thepropertymag.co.za | 45
Africa
investment, real estate, news & leisure
Magic in Marrakech
1
The five-star Palais Namaskar luxury hotel is a decor feast
D
esigned by Paris- and Marrakesh-based architect, Imaad Rahmouni, the recently opened Palais Namaskar is a gorgeous hotel set on 5ha of land between Morocco’s Atlas Mountains and Djebilet Hills. Part of the Oetker Collection, Palais Namaskar comprises 41 exclusively designed villas and suites as well as a Pool Palace, Mountain Palace and Water Palace. It is set within fragrant, manicured, Balinese-style gardens, surrounded by lakes.
3 The hotel is contemporary oriental in its look, with feng shui principles woven into the interior design. Complementing the decor are bespoke, handmade light fixtures by luxury lighting design company, Andromeda Murano. The Italian company’s aim was to create a magical place with reinterpreted modern taste and sensitivity and a unique mix of exquisite tradition and oriental fusions. The overall effect is simply breathtaking.
4 Some of the rooms offer terraces, while others feature Jacuzzis and heated pools. There is also a spa offering guests pampering in the most elegant setting. Dining options include a restaurant, tea lounge and a bar. Surrounded by golf courses, shopping centres and cultural hotspots, Palais Namaskar is only 30 minutes away from Marrakech-Menara Airport. +39 041 736 674, andromedamurano.it; +212 (0)5 24 29 98 00, palaisnamaskar.com
The main swimming pool at Palais Namaskar. 2–3Water features and lakes in the
1
hotel’s gardens. 4Handmade Murano chandeliers by Andromeda adorn the public
Visit thepropertymag.co.za for more business
spaces of the hotel. Imaad Rahmouni was responsible for the hotel’s design.
and leisure news from Africa.
46 | May/June 2012
Words Tammy Sutherns Photographs Supplied
2
africa
Protea Hotel Lusaka
Protea flourishing in Africa
Protea Hospitality Group will be driving US$130 million (about R1 billion) into Africa with the construction of 11 new hotels. The expansion, one of the biggest in Africa by a hotel group, will bring to nine the number of African countries where Protea has hotels. The first hotel will be built in Nigeria. Plans for hotels in Uganda and Zambia are in the pipeline. Protea Hospitality Group CEO Arthur Gillis says, ‘As political stability and business opportunities increase, they create a greater need for the hotels.’ He adds that certain African countries are setting global economic trends in terms of hospitality and that the change of traditional trading partners has resulted in growth for these countries. The new hotels in Nigeria will include Protea Hotel Ibadan, Protea Hotel Select Emotan, Protea Hotel Select Ikeja, African Pride Avalon Hotel and Spa and Protea Hotel Asaba. The new hotels in Nigeria, Uganda and Zambia are expected to create 1 000 new direct jobs in the hospitality industry in those countries. 0861 11 9000, proteahotels.com
It’s raining accolades The hospitality industry is booming across Africa, and big congratulations must go out to Rani Resorts, which won a host of awards at the World Travel Awards Africa and Indian Ocean ceremony in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt. Among the awards that the hospitality group scooped was one for the Leading Resort in Mozambique for its Indigo Bay Island Resort and Spa, while Pemba Beach Hotel and Spa scored it the Leading Hotel in Mozambique Award. Rani Resorts’ Stanley and Livingstone at Victoria Falls earned it the Leading Hotel in Zimbabwe Award. And Matemo Island Resort in Mozambique, the jewel in the group’s crown of African hotels and resorts, was named the Leading Resort in Africa. +258 21 301 618, raniresorts.com
Pyramid dream The prospects for Cairo’s real estate market are looking up, according to Jones Lang LaSalle’s (JLL) Cairo Real Estate Overview. Ayman Sami, head of JLL’s Egypt office says, ‘If the
Indigo Bay Island Resort and Spa
country is able to address its political issues, then we are confident that activity will return to the market relatively quickly, as demand exists across a number of sectors.’ The economic stability of the country is very much linked to the political situation and has had a negative impact on the tourism industry and new investment in Egypt, says Ayman. Despite this, JLL has noted potential improvement in the Cairo real estate market, where there is demand for between 5 000m2 and 15 000m2 of office space and retailers continue to open new stores. Ayman says, ‘Investment opportunities currently lie in the mid-market segment across various sectors.’ +2 02 25777 836, joneslanglasalle.com
Stanley and Livingstone at Victoria Falls
thepropertymag.co.za | 47
South Africa Wide-open
spaces
Sanbona Wildlife Reserve’s Explorer Camp offers a succulent outdoor Karoo experience
1
2
and other wildlife. The enchanting view extends for kilometres, and only the sound of the crickets chirruping in the grass is there to distract visitors from their game- viewing. Comprising 54 000ha of mountains, plains and indigenous flora and fauna, the reserve offers a feeling of total isolation, a place where historic rock faces and caves are decorated with San paintings, and a variety of birdlife guards the skies. The Explorer Camp is a tailor-made safari. The walking trails are chosen by guests, who are then assigned a qualified, armed guide. The trail walks can last up to four hours. There’s an optional game- viewing vehicle for specialist tracking needs,
Sanbona Explore Camp allows guests to get back to a simpler way of life amid the
allowing guests to travel further afield to explore other walking trails and see what game awaits them in different parts of the reserve. Guests select the spot on which to pitch camp. Accommodation comprises three mobile canvas tents kitted out with comfortable camping beds. Each tent sleeps two, has its own bathroom facilities and provides optimal privacy. Meals are enjoyed under the stars, and guests need simply relax, put their feet up, and take in the magnificent surroundings.The Explorer Camp operates +27 (0)41 509 3000, from October to April. sanbona.com
1–3
Visit thepropertymag.co.za to discover other
rugged natural splendour of the Karoo.
fantastic getaways in South Africa.
48 | May/June 2012
Words Catherine Riley Photographs Supplied
F
orming part of the luxury leisure group, Shamwari, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is situated between Montagu and Barrydale on the world-famous R62 and brings a whole new meaning to camping. The reserve’s Explorer Camp offers the more adventurous and active visitor a two-night outdoor tented bush camp along a shaded river line. The experience centres on being on foot in one of South Africa’s largest private game reserves, where the potential to have a close encounter with many different species of game is always a reality. The reserve is home to the Big Five, zebra, buck, giraffe
3
AFRICA South Africa
Waterfront living Pam Golding Properties is marketing Ambermere Estate, which is situated on 300ha of prime land right next to the confluence of the Vaal and Wilge rivers. There are 61 waterfront stands available, each a minimum of 2ha in size and with at least 100m of private waterfront. Plots are priced from R750 000. Building regulations are strict, allowing future buyers two years to build on their plots, and only single-storey homes of a maximum 600m2 in size. All services will be underground, ensuring no unsightly cables are seen, as architectural guidelines are geared towards being sympathetic to the surroundings. In the last few years, more than 10 000 indigenous trees have been planted on the estate and the waterfront areas have been improved, including the building up of embankments and the construction of two marinas. Residents will be able to enjoy outdoor activities, including water sports and birdwatching. The estate is fully fenced and secure, in line with the reintroduction of game into the area. +27 (0)16 371 1377, ambermereestate.co.za
Bargain bay Property sales along the southern coast of KwaZuluNatal are seeing both local and upcountry buyers snapping up seaside property bargains. Deidre Ronnenberg, owner of the Aïda Amanzimtoti office, says the biggest driver of this activity is the proposed R100-billion upgrade of Durban’s former international airport, which is just 11km from Amanzimtoti. ‘The anticipated increase in local property values as a result of this development, plus the fact that the demand for long-term rentals
Interest-on-Sea
here is already increasing, is attracting a far greater
Homebuyers are showing increased interest in properties in the Eastern Cape town
number of investment buyers, and many of them
of Kenton-on-Sea, particularly in the middle-income market. Older, well-priced,
are paying cash,’ says Deidre. The South Coast
well- maintained homes are seen as offering good value or as having that ready-to-
fares well in terms of property values. For example,
move-in feel. Pam Golding Properties Area Principal, Michael Wilmot, says homebuyers
a spacious two-bedroom beachfront flat with
are drawn to the tranquil coastal lifestyle and unspoilt environment, which is ideal
garage costs around R650 000. Further down the
for young children. ‘We are seeing leisure buyers returning to the market, including
coast, there’s strong demand for retirement homes.
middle-income small families and young buyers and a younger generation of retirees,
An estimated 400 000 retirees reside between
mostly from Gauteng, Eastern Cape and Bloemfontein, and they are generally seeking
Umkomaas and Port Edward. Homes in this area are
properties in the range of R1 million to R2,5 million,’ says Michael. The growing number
popular for purchase, either as an investment or to
of young buyers includes parents who intend sending their children to private schools
accommodate new retirees.
in Grahamstown as well as parents whose children attend Rhodes University. Michael
+27 (0)31 916 4215, aida.co.za
says Kenton-on-Sea is a popular holiday destination with relatively crime-free streets and a Blue Flag beach. +27 (0)46 648 1203, pamgolding.co.za
Mall in the middle Middelburg Mall has reopened after a R500 million refurbishment. Moolman Group and Flanagan & Gerard Property Development & Investment say the facelift came about because of increased retail demand. Middelburg Mall is situated just off the N4 in Mpumalanga. The made-over interiors now have modern finishes, higher ceilings, new tiling, a fresh coat of paint and improved bathrooms. The mall has been extended by 10 000m2 to 43 000m2, and there is still room for further expansion. ‘It could eventually exceed 55 000m2,’ says Patrick Flanagan. The mall includes 94 shops, and most of them are let. Tenants include major banks and cellular companies. The anchor tenants are Woolworths, Pick n Pay, Game, Checkers and Edgars. Included in the retail mix are Clicks, Musica, Mr Price and Truworths. Among the mall’s chain restaurants are the household names Spur, Mugg & Bean, Wimpy, McDonald’s and Debonairs. +27 (0)13 244 1404, middelburgmall.co.za
thepropertymag.co.za | 49
Mauritius
investment, real estate, news & leisure
SELLING
1
LIKE HOT CAKES
Properties in Mauritius’ luxury village, Azuri, are being snapped up, revealing a thriving market the scheme in 2008). The IRS law is designed to encourage foreign investment, allowing permanent residency to foreigners when they invest $500 000 (about R4,1 million) or more in designated resorts. Murray says the IRS has definitely promoted investment on the island, but he adds that the high- end real estate market in Mauritius is resilient. Azuri offers seafront properties, including threebedroom garden flats, four-bedroom townhouses and four-bedroom penthouses. The properties are priced from R4 million to R6,5 million. Murray says, ‘The R6,5 million penthouses are already sold out, showing that sales transactions in
upmarket resorts on the island remain buoyant.’ He adds that investors or homeowners are getting good value for money, as the cheapest price for similar developments under the IRS is R7 million. Construction work on Azuri begins this month (May 2012). The 170ha development will be home to 300 residents and will include an elite international school managed by Wellington Colleges, as well as commercial facilities. Although tourism in Mauritius is growing by 8% a year, Murray says, ‘Azuri won’t just be a vacation spot; it will be an evolving community.’ +230 208 8558, azuri.mu
Opaline at Azuri will be situated between the village’s market square and a secluded
1
tropical garden with swimming pool. 2The beachfront Nautil complex will be grouped
Visit thepropertymag.co.za for more offshore
around communal gardens with swimming pools, secure parking and boating facilities.
property developments and investment news.
50 | May/June 2012
Words Tammy Sutherns Photographs Supplied
O
ver 75% of properties at Azuri, a luxury beachfront village to be built 25km from Port Louis, have already been sold off-plan. Murray Adair, CEO of the Indian Ocean Real Estate Company (IOREC) says, ‘We have had over 160 sales since it was launched in September 2011.’ The buyers demographic is made up of about 40% Mauritians, and 60% foreigners from South Africa, France, UK, Canada, China, Singapore and India. Azuri is one of the largest integrated resort schemes (IRS) in Mauritius (eight have been developed since the Mauritian government initiated
2
MAURITIUS
Luxury arrives
Mauritius has gained another gem, with the
opening of Angsana Balaclava in Turtle Bay. It’s part of Angsana Hotels & Resorts, the sister brand of Banyan Tree. The five-star boutique resort offers guests a choice of 51 garden, spa or beachfront suites and a four-bedroom villa. Most of the rooms have a private plunge pool. The resort features an award-winning spa with nine treatment rooms, a yoga pavilion, vitality pool and hammam. Guests can also enjoy picturesque waterfalls set between three overlapping swimming pools in the main public area. The resort resembles a traditional Mauritian village, with thatched roofs, natural stone floors and wrought-iron gates. +230 204 1888, angsana.com/en/balaclava/
Rock-solid investment
Crusader Rock International and its sister company Monarch & Co. International are in the business of assisting South African investors with offshore property investments on three continents. Crusader Rock’s operations are centred on Malta, while Monarch & Co. International offers its clients immigrant investor programmes for residence and citizenship, investment properties and personal and corporate structures in handpicked territories around the world, including Mauritius. ‘The idyllic island of Mauritius and its residence investment scheme is highly attractive for those not wanting to stray too far from the southern tip of Africa,’ says James Bowling, CEO of Crusader Rock International. South Africans residing in Mauritius are given plenty of perks, such as being able to move unlimited capital into residential real estate on the island without being subject to exchange control restrictions and with South African Reserve Bank approval. In addition to the financial pros, a tranquil island lifestyle comes standard in Mauritius. In 2011 the island was voted ‘World Leading Island Destination’ in the World Travel Awards for the third consecutive year. +27 (0)11 883 9028, crussaderrock.com
Island specials
Signature Life Hotels is offering private investors and consortia the chance to buy a stake in three of its prime resort developments, including Fun Club Mauritius in Trou aux Biches. Signature Life MD Alan Vels says, ‘There are a number of encouraging signs that the tourism market as a whole is bouncing back from the recession and we’re looking to grow our portfolio of quality hotel space. To this end, we’re seeking like-minded investors to share our success by buying into three of our top destinations.’ Investors may purchase ‘vacation allocations’, priced from R160 000 to R350 000, depending on the property chosen from the selection of 2 penthouses, 2 villas and 10 apartments. The timeshare-style allocations include a pre-paid holiday for a defined 14-day period a year, for life. The other hotels in which Signature Life Hotels is offering investment opportunities are Jozini Tiger Estate in KwaZulu-Natal and Likweti Hotel and Conference Centre in Mpumalanga. +27 (0)31 312 6250, signaturelifehotels.com
thepropertymag.co.za | 51
PROFILE
H
e has every reason to celebrate, and he’s in the right place to party: exquisite beaches, luxurious rooms, paradisal gardens and the first anniversary of his charge. But Nicolas de Chalain, GM of Long Beach Resort, Mauritius, is always on call, pouring heart and soul into welcoming guests to the hotel. It was with tears of joy that Nicolas greeted the resort’s very first guests just over a year ago. ‘It was a Swiss family that arrived at 11.30 a.m.,’ he recalls about the day that brought six years’ hard work to fruition. Since then, Long Beach has built up a string of accomplishments, such as the wedding of Limpopo property tycoon, David Mabilu, in October 2011. Nicolas says, ‘It was a great achievement for Africa because it was one of the top weddings. We never dreamed of getting it. They came to visit even though they had already chosen another hotel. Long Beach was still under construction, and the couple said “Wow!” They fell in love with it.’ In addition to island romance, Long Beach offers investment opportunities. When it started developing Long Beach three years ago, Sun Resorts Group and the Mauritian government launched the Invest Hotel Scheme (IHS) with the intention of partly financing the development while giving holidaymakers a substantial ROI. Nicolas explains,‘What they get back, besides their share of the room revenue, is 21 nights free of charge on a bed and breakfast basis per year in any of our hotels in Mauritius or Maldives.’ Investors also get a 25% discount on all vacation incidentals, including spa treatments and food and beverages, when staying at Long Beach. Covering 25ha and with 8ha of developable land in reserve, Long Beach resembles a village, but its five restaurants, two bars, lively piazza, thriving nightlife and the exclusive Sea Spa ensure that it retains a cosmopolitan buzz. Nicolas says, ‘This is a new breed of hotel in Mauritius and it offers the client more. It has a different temperament, a different feel and a different architecture.’ Nicolas admits that opening the 255-room hotel during an economic downturn was difficult. ‘It was a big challenge to get the hotel up and running after two years of construction. We built 23 000m2 of building space. But then, when you’re welcoming the first guests, you forget all the stress and all the bad times. Later, I trembled, and the tears just streamed.’ Nicolas was born in Mauritius and grew up in KZN. After graduating from high school he went on to study economics, but fell in love with the hospitality industry while working in Bangkok during his travels. He went on to climb his way up from waiter to GM of a luxury resort that his wife and three children call home. ‘My children live like princes and princesses,’ he laughs. For Nicolas, it’s so much more than a job: ‘I’m a people person. I serve people. I love to be surrounded by people, whether it’s my staff or my clients. You need to be able to give that joy to serve people, and when they’re happy, you’re happy.’ wlh.co.za
The Man from
Mauritius GM Nicolas de Chalain has made it his mission to make people feel at home at the exclusive Long Beach Resort Words Tammy Sutherns Photograph courtesy of Long Beach Resort
Invest Hotel Scheme The government-approved Invest Hotel Scheme (IHS) opens up the R582-million Long Beach Resort hotel to investors. Sun Resorts Group Sales and Marketing Manager, David Martial, says, ‘For foreign buyers, it’s the perfect mix of financial and holiday returns. It’s a secured real estate investment on which the 5% to 7% return on investment is very good for the first year, and rises after that.’ Of the 90 rooms offered, only 15 or so remain for sale, proving the popularity of the scheme. Prices range from ¤225 000 to ¤400 000 (about (R2,3 million to R4,1 million). Contact Long Beach IHS Consultant, Rhoy Ramlackhan, for more information: +230 729 8822; rhoy@thepropertyannex.com
52 | May/June 2012
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30
Directory
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Custom-made chandeliers
084-547-0207 t www.aaart.co.za kerryelliot@aaart.co.za
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Untitled-1 1
2/16/12 10:57:57 AM
TREND WATCH
For a cool and technologically trendy addition to your office space, look no further than these accessories ZOOM IN
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From the Lighting Warehouse comes a new
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range of desk and floor lamps, including this
your computer) as well as a jack for headphones and
Magnifier Clamp Light in white. The lamp
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COFFEE WHEN YOU CAN These Coffee Joulies, available from Mantality, are the ultimate boardroom weapon, helping to keep your cuppa joe warm throughout long meetings. Should you need a jump-start sip immediately, these smart beans help with that, too! Sealed within each stainless steel bean is a phase change material (PCM) that melts at around 60°C and draws the heat out of boiling hot coffee, changing it to a more drinkable temperature. The PCM also slowly releases the heat its absorbed, keeping your coffee warm for longer. Mantality delivers to all major cities in South Africa. Bottoms up! +27 (0)11 462 5482, mantality.co.za
CALCULATING IN COLOUR Brighten up doing your calculations with this range of cute Casio calculators from Office National. Choose from a variety of cool colours. Available from Office National outlets nationwide. +27 (0)11 704 0056, on24.co.za
BOOGIE ON DOWN The Boogie Board Rip, available from Mantality, is both
with the peace of mind that you can save your scribbles and revert to them later. The Boogie Board Rip allows you to save up to 100 pages and even lets you transfer your drawings, lists and ideas to your Mac or PC. Nationwide delivery. +27 (0)11 462 5482, mantality.co.za
56 | May/June 2012
Words Catherine Riley
environmentally friendly and seriously cool. Write down or doodle down your ideas on this touch-sensitive tablet,
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Built-in sound control
With Gyproc’s new high performance SoundBloc, you can create a world where patients heal and doctors can hear themselves think. A world where kids can learn and teachers can teach. A world where business travellers are guaranteed a good night’s sleep and holiday goers can go on partying till dawn. Sounds good, doesn’t it.
1905 It’s a Go | SoundBloc
0860 27 28 29 www.gyproc.co.za
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