Pro Landscaper Africa January Edition

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DESIGN, BUILD, AND MAINTAIN

January 2019

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Welcome

2019!

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t’s a new dawn, it’s a new day, it’s a new year… and we are feeling good!

We are thrilled to announce that we will be publishing 12 jam-packed issues this year, and so, to kick-start our monthly editions we thought we would present something a little different, with strong focus on design trends for the upcoming year and with special interest paid to interior greening in commercial and mixed-use spaces.

Iyer associates tackle the topic of Street Furniture Design and what needs to be addressed, reimagined and considered moving into 2019.

5 industry influencers highlight their 2019 top building material moodboard’s and we look at Design Trends for the upcoming year with pieces written by Head Interiors, Paul Pamboukian (on lighting design) and interior plantscaping trends are discussed by life Indoors.

We have quite a bit on the go this year and we are committed to pushing boundaries, creating experiences and ultimately connecting the industry at large. If you have ideas for campaigns, projects, opinions or want to get involved please be sure to get in touch.

We look at terrariums in urban settings and discuss the “Faux” movement of artificial greening in commercial spaces. We look at case studies and offer tips as to where you might consider using this foliage in up-coming developments and projects.

Subscribe to our newsletters and hard copy and become an industry member in the know!

Green walls have consistently offered many benefits to interior spaces and urban environments, so be sure to visit the dhk thinkspace and Living Green Walls collaboration in the project section. We also have an incredible project from London based firm Gustafson Porter + Bowman that looks at greening contemporary urban environments and highlights the power of plants in design. Planting playing an integral aspect in this build, which can be found in Singapore’s Marina Bay financial district.

Pro Landscapes January 2019 Quater Ad.pdf

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Our product focus in this edition is on planters. We have found some of SA’s top planter designers taking the planter scene by storm and showcase some of their best products.

@ProLandscaperAfrica

Download our app to read the issues for free. Search "Pro Landscaper" in the app store.

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Cover image: Gustafson Porter + Bowman

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Light Controls

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Loudspeaker

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Shuffle Connecting people to their social environment More efficient. Smarter. Interactive. Connected. The digital revolution is here to serve people in a more and more challenging world. The Shuffle is much more than a lighting column. It connects people to their environment. Always.

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CONTENTS

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Moodboards Industry professionals’ top picks for products, planting and building materials, 2019.

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Faux is the new black Contours Design Studio showcases their new faux flora range in different applications.

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Stary Stary Light Pamboukian Light Design on exterior lighting

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Direct Axis Green Walls dhk thinkspace and Living Green Walls revitalise Direct Axis’ working environment and corporate setting.

Designer Trends for 2019 Pro Landscaper catches up with Head Interiors’ Michael 30-33 The Green Heart Harrison, to hear more on designer trends for 2019 that

Pro Landscaper features Singapore’s renowned Marina One can be adapted into exterior landscaping projects.

development, with design by London based firm, Gustafson

Porter + Bowman.

Bigger is Better Life Indoors’ Leanne Meyer, on interior plantscaping 34-36 The Future of Street Furniture Design trends for 2019.

Iyer’s Lee Burrell and Clive Tsimba on ‘The Future of Street

Furniture” and key considerations.

Let’s Talk Terrariums We catch up with Denny MO, Angles + Earth Terrariums Director, to find out more on his new automated 38-39 Focus on Planters terrarium invention and the power of terrariums in design.

We showcase some of SA’s leading planter designers and

their ranges available to the discerning market.

Fabulously Fake Pro Landscaper speaks to the founder of Distinctive Spaces, Andy Scrivener, to find out more on some of their stunning design and installation projects.

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no mess. no mowing. no water.

087 3510 129 Pro Landscaper3.indd 1

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www.easigrass.co.za 2019/01/18 4:47:48 PM

MOODBOARD

INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS' TOP PICKS FOR PRODUCTS, PLANTING & BUILDING M ATERIALS FOR 2019

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JARRED PINCUS Architect @ Paragon Group 1. Street Lighting: 140 West – custom Street Light in collaboration with Lighting Innovations 2. Pavers: Bosun Brick’s Urban Slimline Paver (Stone White/ Granite) & Venetian Paver 3.Pool/Fountain Mosaics: Douglas Jones’ Hexagon Porcelain Tiles. White Gloss 4. Tiling: Supergres Tiles. (mix of colours) 5. Furniture: The Igneous Concrete Range: Benches, Tables, Bollards, Planter Boxes 6. Lighting Bollards: Regent Lighting Solutions Piazza Bollard 7. Accent Materials: Treated Balau Timber

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MOODBOARD

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Green and Serene

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7 RAY HUDSON Landscape Designer @ Keith Kirsten Horticulture International 1. Anastrabe integerrima 2. Apodytes dimidiata 3. Loxostylis alata 4. Heteropyxis natalensis 5. Searsia crenata 6. Syzigium pondoense 7. Coleonema pulchellum ‘Pink Diamond’

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HERMAN DE LANGE Director at cndv Landscape Architects 1. Anodised metal sheet cladding 2. Polished / honed exposed aggregate cast in situ concrete with a blue-grey aggregate 3. Off-shutter concrete with a percentage of white cement 4. Corten steel, aged to have a blue-grey hew 5. Laminated bamboo products 6. Lazer cut mild steel plate, galvanised plate, brushed stainless or aluminium 7. Honed grey granite or hornfels paving / elements

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new 21-colour palette for our full catalogue

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MOYNENE BREDENKAMP On behalf of Spazio Lighting 1. Neo – Buried LED fitting in 304 Stainless steel body and glass diffuser. Constant Voltage LED driver required. Available in 3 sizes as well as 3000K and 4000K. 2. Wave – 1.5m submersible LED fitting in 304 Stainless steel body and glass diffuser. Constant Voltage LED driver required. Available in 2 sizes. 3. Minitommy – Gu10 fitting in shockproof resin and Polycarbonate diffuser. Available in a spike version or with a surface mounted base. Suitable for coastal applications. 4. Pixel - Gu10 fitting in 316 stainless steel and glass diffuser. Available in a spike version or with a surface mounted base. Suitable for coastal applications 5.Cavo – LED bollard with aluminium body and frosted polycarbonate diffuser.

Includes LED driver. Available in 3000K and 4000K. 6. Fold Solar – Solar rechargeable bollard with aluminium body and clear polycarbonate diffuser. Available in 3000K and 4000K. 7. Vertigo- Solar rechargeable bollard with die-cast aluminium body and clear polycarbonate diffuser. Available in 3000K and 4000K.

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MOODBOARD

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CHARLDON WILKEN Director @ Fiedworks Design Group 1. Pavers: Bosun 900x600 XXL Urban Pavers – Granite. 2. Grass blocks and brise soleil: Terraforce Terracrete Wet Cast Hard Lawn Pavers 3. Timber paneling & brise soleil: Lunawood 19x92 LUNA SHP 4. Gravel: 9-13mm Brown stone crusher 5. Mulch: 9-20mm Decorative Bark Nuggets 6. Gabions: 150-200mm Burgandy/Brown stone in a 75x75 3mm galvanised gabion mesh, with 10mm rebar trim.

7. Grassland plant mix: Melinis nerviglumis, Aristida junciformis, Eragrostis racemosa, Aloe verricunda, Aloe cooperi, Kniphofia linaerifolia, Bulbine abyssinica.

8. Cladding: Safintra Saflok 700 - Thunderstorm 9. Steel: Mild steel rectangular tubing, sprayed with black oxide paint.

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Pro Landscaper Africa | January 2019

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Stary Stary Light Paul Pamboukian on Trends in Exterior Lighting Design 2019

F E AT U R E D

W

e are involved in many hospitality and leisure projects, very often in pristine wilderness areas where the smallest light source creates a huge statement in the undisturbed darkness. In such cases I feel very responsible and guilty of being a cause, however small, of the impact that the newly introduced light creates on the global light map which is here to stay and marks the trail of the invasion of pristine night. We carve more and more into the night and crave greater intensities of light and it is beginning to impact adversely on the night life of the planet and our relationship with the starry skies.

According to BBC Science reporter, Victoria Gill, in a report published on November 2017, a study of pictures of Earth by night has revealed that artificial light is growing brighter and more extensive every year.

A team published the findings in the journal Science Advances. Their study used data from a Nasa satellite radiometer - a device designed specifically to measure the brightness of nighttime light.

issues as it is our responsibility not to perpetuate a trend that is already on route to spiralling out of control.

So, environmental and health sustainability which goes hand in hand with energy conservation are certainly, in my mind, factors that define the tends for exterior lighting for 2019.

LED technology has given the exterior lighting designer access to a palette of light sources, never before available, to illuminate landscapes, hardscapes, building facades street and urban areas etc. How can we make best use of the technology with minimal impact on the broader environment? Here are a few general hints.

Glare and contrast restrict efficient night vision.

Glary streetlights, pathway lights, bollards, tree uplights etc produce excessive contrast and thus hamper efficient night time visibility. Low level, downward directional bollards, well baffled uplights and low glare streetlighting assist night vision and require less light and energy usage.

There is a fine balance between sparkle and glare and this needs to be defined in usage e.g. fairy

lights in trees sparkle but spotlights in your eyed, glare.

One should select a range of luminaires with a similar relative output. This enables one to use lower wattages and outputs, still enabling efficient vision. It is the metaphoric candle lit dinner which is shattered by the introduction of a 100W lamp. The candlelight was adeqaute but is rendered useless by the high wattage lamp which creates the need for a new platform of relative higher wattages.

Orchestrating exterior public spaces with light When developing an external lighting plan we always plan around points-of-view and direction. Circulation needs to be defined around vertical lighting that will create enough facial recognition so as to create a sense of security and communication.

Again, this does not require intense light levels but mainly well placed, well designed low glare fixtures which blend into the relative lighting scenario.

Between 2012 and 2016, the planet's artificially lit outdoor area grew by more than 2% per year. Scientists say a "loss of night" in many countries is having negative consequences for "flora, fauna, and human well-being".

The report showed that changes in brightness over time varied greatly by country. Some of the world's "brightest nations", such as the US and Spain, remained the same. Most nations in South America, Africa and Asia grew brighter.

The article goes on to describe in more detail how we are causing damage to our health and the environment and our experience of the starry night skies that have always been a positive source of inspiration to humanity.

Through negligent overuse of upward lightspill, emitted by our ever-growing cities via road lighting, lighting of buildings, light spill from apartments and dwellings and even car lights, the experience of the starry night skies has been reduced to a dull sky glow. The boast of Times Square being so brightly lit that it is clearly visible from the moon, is no longer anything to be proud of. As professional lighting designers and other allied professionals active in the design of lighting in exterior public spaces, we need to be cognizant of these

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F E AT U R E D

Posts may be interspersed with custom, overhead catenary lanterns throwing soft patterns onto pathways or moon lighting from trees lining walkways with compositions of tree groups and soft lit low-level planting beds with spheres or downward glowing bollards, creating edges and borders to the lighting horizon.

Again, low levels of light are sufficient. The aim of the masterplan is to be able to create a nightscape that exudes atmosphere without overriding the darkness of the night while maintaining a feeling of security and direction.

The composition should feature the salient aspects of the landscape design which should be painted with light to reveal the hierarchical logic of the design. Do not over- light. Shadow and darkness should be embraced as part of the beauty and mystery of the night. This is light orchestration Direct light where it is most effective and reduce skyward scatter.

Large evergreen trees with heavy foliage may be uplit into the density of the tree but in general, especially with large deciduous trees, “moonlighting” from luminaires positioned high up in the tree, lighting downwards, is often a more striking solution which also throws evocative shadow patterns onto the ground below and can double as pathway and area lighting.

With building facades, only uplight with elliptical or narrow beam angles into roof eaves or overhangs and recesses to contain upward light. Selective downward washes can be effectively used but ideally, the façade or structure should be designed with light in mind and integrated solutions are always best.

Lighting as an afterthought is seldom very effective.

Ambient area lighting should be shielded from upward spill and be as glare free as possible.

Colour and colour temperature The colour of light is most important in creating intimacy and atmosphere. It can also assist in mimicking shadow and creating depth and perspective.

In nature, firelight gives intensity to the night. It is only very recently in the history of humanity that fire has been replaced by electrical sources, so you may say that we are still very much

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programmed to expect warm artificial light at night. Warm white light is psychologically and physiologically more conducive to human interaction than cold, blue spectrum light. The prevalence of blue rich LED sources in modern streetlighting (and more so in internal lighting) has spurred discussions on the effect of bluerich light on the human (and animal) circadian systems and the health issues resulting from this. However, one may use to great effect the technique of using cool lights to emphasise distance or colour-contrasting tree lighting where a tree may be lit with a cool light on one side and contrasted with a warm light on the opposite side to create a light, dark effect which enhances dimension and perspective. One may also have low level warm light and taller trees lit in cooler light. This is based on the premise that cool light recedes while warm light embraces, much like the way a red poppy in green field pops out!

The night sky as the ultimate backdrop Like other global sustainability challenges that are symptomatic of our age, the problem of light pollution is obviously a far reaching, complicated issue that cannot be simplistically solved overnight and in our urban environments will not be easily reversed. However, an increasing consciousness amongst practitioners can alleviate part of the problem and perhaps develop a greater awareness towards lighting schemes that address real conservation issues that could be held as examples of a new approach to responsible light techniques that are human friendly in all aspects.

Light emissions from cities will be near impossible to control but our suburbs, countryside and wilderness could be protected by new and more efficient legislation.

The usual view of a typical urban sky-scape at night is one of a rather sickening orange skyglow that hangs like a ghostly aura above our cities where some inhabitants will never have the opportunity of seeing a starlit sky. Surely, a view of our skies is a basic right?

ABOUT PAMBOUKIAN LIGHT DESIGN Pamboukian Light Design is a product neutral, independent lighting design studio founded in 1990 by Paul to provide bespoke and integrated lighting solutions to the built environment. Over the past 28 years PLD has worked on a variety of projects, in various countries across the spectrum, with the aim of activating intrinsic visual and brand value through a sensitive application of light. To date, the company has completed close to 400 projects. To us the creative process constitutes the delicate management of aesthetic, technical, environmental, sustainable and financial considerations. www.ppald.com

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Lifestyle College Training Division AgriSeta Funded Training to Green Industry

ALL COURSES OFFERED ARE: • Registered with South African Qualification Authority and Agriculture Sectoral Education and Training Authority (AgriSeta) • Tailormade to suit the requirement of each client • Completed at your premises of choice • Trained on site • Fully administered by Lifestyle College Training THE COURSES: • Vary from a Learnership (8 months course) to short skills courses (few days/weeks) • Are conducted by trainers who are qualified facilitators & assessors We come to you and we complete all the admin involved on your behalf.

All you must provide: • Learners • Company details

Lifestyle College Training also offer horticulture courses and advice on horticultural work to companies of all other industries across South Africa.

Our trainers are qualified facilitators and assessors who are passionate about imparting their knowledge. Regular training programmes keep our facilitators up to date with new training methodologies and ensure that we set a high standard of training.

Lifestyle College Education Division des

ign Educa ers ting for ove landsc r 26 ape yea rs

Learn a new skill, up skill yourself and your staff or satisfy a new interest. Lifestyle College caters for qualified professionals, the keen gardener, the hobbyist, the newbie enthusiast and for students who are looking for a career change to learn a new skill or to enhance their knowledge base.

VARIOUS SHORT COURSES OFFERED • Landscape Design 1 • Horticulture 1 • Irrigation • Computer Aided Design

• Pruning • Fruit and Vegetable Gardening • Lawn Management

Lifestyle College has been educating landscape designers for over 26 years and has experience in personal and professional education in the green industry.

C O L L E G E Lifestyle College at Lifestyle Garden Centre, Cnr. Beyers Naudé Drive & Ysterhout Ave, Randpark Ridge, Randburg • Tel: 011 792 8244 • email: enquiries@lifestylecollege.co.za • www.lifestylecollege.co.za

F E AT U R E

TOP DESIGN TRENDS FOR 2019

Pro Landscaper catches up with Head Interiors Michael Harrison, to hear more on trends for 2019 that can be adapted into exterior landscaping projects.

With over 38 years of experience, interior design firm Head Interiors is renowned for their impressive portfolio of work encompassing corporate offices, hotels and the most luxurious homes.

Co-founder Michael Harrison regularly travels the globe to seek out new inspiration and uncover the latest designs which mirror the company’s elegant yet contemporary approach to design.

Here is his take on the design directions we’re headed in 2019 with a particular emphasis on the exterior.

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UNDER THE SEA Ocean inspired décor, patterns and objects have long held a thrall for interiors.

This year though, the interest shifts from traditional blues and greens towards the vibrancy of marine life in all its diversity of colour, texture and shape. No wonder Pantone has marked its colour 16-1546 called Living Coral as the colour for 2019.

The colour company calls this “an animating and life-affirming coral hue with a golden undertone that energises and enlivens with a softer edge” and this most optimistic of colours will usher in a new playfulness into the home.

Caution, though, against washing entire rooms in this boldest of hues – consider introducing key elements such as a striking vase or an accent wall in Living Coral to revitalise your space.

ART PARK South African art has been experiencing a resurgence of late, with a new generation of local artists drawing local and international acclaim. And gone are the days where outside sculptures only belong in public spaces.

Like a distinctive water feature, consider introducing a bronze or two to the garden to add a new element of interest and style. Be careful though, about going the whole hog and hanging your entire art collection outside – when it comes to outdoor paintings, it is best to stick to acrylics which are sun and rain resistant.

THE HOME AS HAVEN SPREADS OUTSIDE In our increasingly frenetic lives, the home has become our sanctuary from the outside world. And with technologies enabling us to communicate on our smartphones, live stream movies, work and even shop online there are even fewer reasons to step outside the front door.

In South Africa, blessed as we are with the most incredible climate for many months in the year, we spend a lot of time outside whether it’s on the balcony or the patio.

Chances are, your Wi-Fi connection covers these spaces so why not make the most of it by creating an extra living room outside to snuggle up and watch your favourite series on your tablet. Outside furnishings are no longer cookie cutter style but come in a host of different styles to allow you to infuse this space with the same personality you have introduced inside.

CURB APPEAL Set the tone for your home by putting more thought into the atmosphere you can create as guests arrive. Whether it’s a distinctive gate which opens as visitors drive up, or a strikingly covered foot path leading to the front door, guests will appreciate a grand entrance.

Consider introducing a contrast splash of colour as a feature to create a contemporary mood.

And with a host of fabrics now treated to withstand the elements you don’t need to worry too much about the harsh rays of the sun. Make the most of the space by introducing elements like a nostalgic swing finished off with plush cushions, and assortment of tables and comfortable chairs to make this a space where you can linger a little longer.

WICKER GOES WILD Remember those old beige wicker club chairs that seemed to be the hallmark of outdoor furniture circa 1970?

Well, woven-work is set to see the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow in 2019. Think a kaleidoscope of colours, patterns and styles which matches the interior design maximalist mood which is set to become one of the biggest design styles this year. www.prolandscaper.co.za

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INTERIOR PL ANTSCAPING 2019....

BIGGER IS BETTER

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ife Indoors, a division of Life Green Group Pty Ltd, have been providing interior green solutions since the conception of the Company in 2005.

The interior plantscaping division is headed up by Leanne Meyer with support from Oscar Lockwood and Deighton Clegg who are the co-founders of the group. The management team have been involved in the interior plantscaping industry over the past 30 years and are passionate with extensive experience in providing, installing and maintaining indoor plants for corporate clients.

Did you know... By incorporating live indoor plants into interior spaces, it has been proven

by NASA researches to have psychological and physiological benefits on humans. Environmental psychological studies have shown obvious links between well-being psychological stability, stress level, other aspects of human life and environmental factors. All studies indicate that nature – such as plants can and do offer important contributors to the reduction of stress.

It starts in the workspaces where people spend around 80% of their awake hours in all to nature barren offices and this extends to our homes, especially those controlled with air conditioners. Due to the constant improvement of sealing off the outside environment to increase energy conservation, many buildings are more vulnerable than ever to toxic build-up and stagnant air left inside. Plants absorb carbon dioxide (the stuff humans exhale), increase relative humidity, reduce airborne dust, and

reduces interior pollutants such as formyldehyde, benzene, and nitrogen dioxide. To sum it up plants clean and purify our air.

Generally, people react positively to indoor plants and form a positive and close relationship to them, especially in the concrete dessert known as towns.

Proven benefits of indoor plants: •

Air purification (removes carbon dioxide and produces oxygen rich air)

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Improves air humidity levels

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Reduces fatigue and stress hence increasing productivity

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Enhances morale as humans are known to have a positive reaction to plants

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Improves appearances of living areas

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Reduces noise levels

Step inside a building where greenery breathe life and plants flourish in seemingly impossible spaces, where flower arrangements look like a work of art and nature is enjoyed indoors and this is what you will find in all the new trendy corporates around town. People are understanding and believing that the benefits of having indoor plants in human spaces out way the initial cost and fear of keeping them alive.

Now onto Trends Trends for plantscaping going into 2019 is “Bigger is Better." This is being created by groupings of different size planters with a variety of specimen plants. Mixing up how your plants are displayed by using different coloured pots in different sizes, playing with scale by using pot stands,

bookshelves and existing shelving as well as hanging plants from the ceiling is a definite winner. Use tall mature big leafed plants for maximum impact with rich shades of green, luscious leaves and thick foliage as the main plant and group this with smaller plants. This allows you to create a dramatic focal feature for any interior space.

Another exciting trend for corporates is to combine cupboards with built in planter boxes to offer the beauty of greenery and at the same time provide privacy.

Greenwalls are still a much sort after décor craze which creates a beautiful live work of art while giving off all the necessary benefits of indoor plants and taking up very little floor space.

Planters are being made from steel, wood, concrete, glazed ceramics, macramé and polyethylene. Often a combination of 2 different products creating a uniquely designed planter.

2019 is going to be an exciting time for us as plantscaping specialists as the trends of having indoor plants inside buildings leave an open palette to being creative with a fun bold element, using a wide combination of planters and plants to create and enhance indoor spaces.

LIFE INDOORS Leanne Meyer Interior Plantscaping Divisional Manager www.lifegreengroup.co.za

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L ET’S TA LK TERR A R IU MS As interior landscaping is becoming increasingly popular in both commercial and mixed-use settings due to the numerous benefits, we turn our attention to terrarium’s. These low-maintenance, space-saving wonders can create micro environments to suit the aesthetic of any space and can join the likes of green walls and atriums as interior landscaping options for upcoming projects. Pro Landscaper catches up with Denny Mo, Director at Angles+Earth Terrariums to find out more about this growing trend.

What is a Terrarium?

A terrarium can quite briefly be explained as a sealable glass container, containing soil and plants, and can be opened for maintenance to access the plants inside. However, terraria can also be open to the atmosphere rather than being sealed. Terraria are beautifully decorative items. Closed terraria create a unique environment for plant growth, as the transparent walls allow for both heat and light to enter the terrarium. The sealed container combined with the heat entering the terrarium allows for the creation of a small scale water cycle.

Terrariums contain their own micro environment which you get to choose. Unlike pots which house plants, the glass casing of the terrarium allows you to control and maintain an environment allowing you to grow whatever you like to suit the aesthetic of a space. You can use it to capture a piece of forest, a desert or even a river.

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Best plants to use in a terrarium?

Denny Mo at work.

This will depend on whether it is a closed or open terrarium...

Closed terrariums are best suited to tropical plant varieties, such as mosses, orchids, ferns, and air plants, because the conditions are quite similar to the humid and sheltered environment of the tropics. The sealed nature allows for the circulation of water. Closed terraria require a ‘peat-lite’ ( peat moss, vermiculite & perlite typically ) soil mixture to ensure the growing conditions are good.

Open terraria are suited to plants that prefer less humidity and soil moisture, such as temperate plants. Not all plants require -or are suited to- the moist environment of closed terraria.

For plants adapted to dry climates, open, unsealed terrariums are used to keep the air in the terrarium free from excess moisture. Open terraria also work well for plants that require more direct sunlight, as closed terraria can trap too much heat potentially killing any plants inside.

Tip: Make sure you group the same type of plants together, don't plant succulents with indoor plants as their soil, water and sun requirements are different.

Projects you would like to work on in the future?

Where is a Terrarium best suited?

All terrariums should be placed in a spot where they can receive some sunlight and fresh air (open window). If there is no direct sunlight, they won’t perform very well.

Tell us about your new automated terrarium & its unique aspects?

My automated Briolette terrarium is my proudest invention.

Since I've been building terrariums, I've been comparing them to what the world has on offer in the space of geometric terrariums. Geometric terrariums are made using a traditional technique called stained glass. The art of this comes down to the complexity of the shape. My briolette terrarium is a unique design that is made nowhere other than right here in Cape Town. The shape is so complex it took a little over a year to get the geometry correct and is delicately pieced together from 130 faces of diamond shaped glass, taking 2 weeks to assemble. Coupled with an automated lighting and ventilation system where wires are hidden within the joins of the solder, this is the most complex geometric terrarium I believe, that has ever been built.

This terrarium will revolutionize the market as typical terrariums do require manual maintenance.

This however is fully automated and can be controlled via an app on your smartphone. www.prolandscaper.co.za

Perhaps this is good platform to discuss our idea, which is relatively simple... To create Africa's first Bio-Dome. One giant terrarium.

We've been plotting and planning for quite some time. Our team hopes to collaborate with the right people to make this a reality.

You can spot some of Angles+ Earth’s projects around South Africa with one of their biggest clients being the Raddison group (various locations). Denny Mo explains that "the spaces are filled with our terrariums. They also have a maintenance contract with us so we come in once every two weeks and we keep their terrariums healthy. It's been well over a year now and the terrariums are doing well. We are certain the clients enjoy them too.’

ABOUT ANGLES+EARTH TERRARIUMS Angles+Earth is a terrarium company based in Cape Town, South Africa. Their work revolves around the medium of glass and micro environments.

They strive to modernise the art of terrariums and glass by combining various techniques, research and functional design. Everything is handmade right here in South Africa. This company is obsessed with nature, so much so they find ways to contain it. To create a terrarium, they believe you must first understand the macro-environment-then you can recreate it. Their goal is to revolutionise the art of glass and create glass suitable for landscapes.

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FABULOUSLY FAKE Pro Landscaper speaks to the founder of Distinctive Spaces, Andy Scrivener, to find out more on some of their stunning design and installation projects. Distinctive Spaces consists of Distinctive Silks, Vertical Gardens and Distinctive Interiors. Their products and services transform environments to welcoming spaces filled with rather happy customers. Distinctive Silks, designs and installs custom-made indoor trees using pre treated natural wood and silk leaves. Vertical Gardens is the division within the group that specialises in instant greening solutions in the form of it’s “Insta-green“ products.

Here we visit some of Distinctive Spaces projects seen around southern Africa.

THE GLEN SHOPPING CENTRE The Glen Shopping Centre undertook a revamp of their food court early in 2018. The brief was simple. They wanted a big tree in the middle of the Food Court. The team discussed this with the architect who then proposed it to their client, Hyprop.

After a further consultation, Distinctive Silks decided on a 6.0m Mediterranean olive tree and to make it a central point where patrons can sit under it and relax. The architect added striking wooden elements in the roof, a curved pergola and “tree lights” as part of the overall look and feel.

Another part of the brief was to make Insta-green hedges for custom made curved steel troughs.

These were used around the base of the tree and in strategic spots around the tenanted areas.

In addition, realistic vines along with creepers in intermittent areas to soften the pergola were added. The team then accessorised the pergola with hanging fern and green orchid balls.

WAGS HEAD OFFICE CENTURION PRETORIA This large head office belongs to a fast-growing automotive parts company, who outgrew their previous space due to their explosive growth.

Distinctive Silks had originally been involved with thier previous head office, so consequently, were called in to attend to this new project.

It is essentially a warehouse with an office attached to it, so the feel is very industrial.

The brief was to soften the reception with planting. There is a large staircase in the middle of the reception, taking staff and customers to the boardroom and meeting rooms upstairs.

There was however a bland double storey wall imposing on the right-hand side of the reception.

As the company is fairly conservative, the wall was kept tastefully subtle, installing only the Insta-green Privet to soften the wall. There were windows creating cut outs which worked well with the industrial look. It is an understated way of bringing the outdoors in and has created a bit of an oasis to this industrial site. This Instagreen product works very well within this space.

This is a cost effective option and requires no maintenance.

The installation was challenging, especially trying to build a tree amidst all of the construction.

From start to finish it took just over 4 weeks.

The overall effect has made a huge difference to the food court. The owners of the shopping centre were escatic with the impact that the planting had made.

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F E AT U R E

SANDTON CITY FOOD DISTRICT The team were originally given the brief approximately 9 months before the project commenced by MDS Architects in Sandton.

The design inspiration is aligned with the idea of artisinal food, green design and the contrast of old and new to create a bespoke food district.

Distinctive Silks brief was a more on-going consultative process over the 9 months but the overall theme was to bring in a more botanical feel to the Food District.

Distinctive Silks were tasked to do 2 main elements of planting, namely silk planting on a contemporary gazebo and giant columns plus incorporate planting elements into the signage.

Although it was a tough installation over 4-5 weeks, it was a fun and very rewarding project.

Andy explains that “all of our products are sourced overseas in components and we then assemble most of it locally. So timeous planning is always essential for all the items to be imported.”

The silk planting mostly consisted of Ivy and watermelon creepers which needed to be installed with high scaffolding for the columns and ladders for the gazebos. Hanging botanical balls were also installed.

Most of the signage elements either had the Insta-green product as a backing or tiny succulents encased inside custom-made closed display units. The entrance signage pylons came out spectacularly well, as did the ablution signs.

The welcoming “Food District” sign was certainly the “main event”. The planting used here is preserved moss. This was a fairly contentious issue as the budget was annihilated by the moss.

It is a very large signage area that announces the Food District to its patrons. It was made in 4 large sub panel boards and then installed on an existing base and surrounds. Finally, a sheet of glass protects this magnificent green wall.

Overall the client was very happy as they now have a world class Food Court their customers can enjoy.

SALLY WILLIAMS MELROSE ARCH This was the first store that the brand Sally Williams opened as a chain of family ice cream palours/milkshake/coffee shops. Each offering naturally promotes the use of their famous nougat.

Andy explains that "full credit goes to the design team at Dakota Designs for the store concepts.

They really have managed to capture a magical and whimsical atmosphere that appeals to all generations.

We were called in to assist with the design and installation of green walls / vertical gardens for the stores. We installed our very popular privet leaf Insta-green product and added a wave of silk planting to give it more texture and layers.

In addition, we then filled the window boxes with a very realistic silk fittonia hedge."

The overall effect of the planting provides the store with warmth and is very pleasing to the eye which encourages customers to come in. This is the ultimate goal of any good design. This store is well worth a visit!

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Distinctive Group has showrooms countrywide in JHB, PTA, CT, Durban. www.distinctivedesigns.co.za 011-7087878 | 0662206819 bd@tzgroup.co.za

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FAUX IS THE NEW BLACK Don't be fooled! Faux is the latest trend for greening up your interior and exterior spaces, possibilities for using synthetic plants in landscaping projects are reaching new heights, quite literally! Pro Landscaper catches up with Contours Design Studio, who have been hard at work developing a range of artificial green walling options that are hard to tell from real plants. Their new products from the Faux Flora range suit many applications and here you will find some tips of where best to consider using them.

Of course, we are well aware of the many pros and water-saving benefits of going fake in certain landscape design situations. With that thought in mind, the Faux Flora range has been carefully developed and honed, by the teams in-house Landscaper and qualified Interior Designer, Sasha Schafer, to tackle the problems of the ongoing water crisis as well as to bring greening into more difficult settings and spaces where real plants generally won’t thrive. There are 4 distinct types of artificial greening solutions that have specific application requirements.

Reception backdrop at Pier Place in Cape Town, beautifully greens the modern architecture and adds a softer, quieter feeling to a busy office. Designed using our Standard Range with some loose 3D plants added for more textural interest 24

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PORTFOLIO

STANDARD RANGE The Standard Range offers solutions to flat surfaces, either vertical or horizontal, that require greening that is hedge-like or more uniform.

The product comes flat on a plastic backing, and there are 3 different types you can choose from, depending on the look you need. The Buxus variety has a small leaf that is well suited to using for faux box hedging, but is limited to using mainly in a square or rectangular format. There is also the larger leafed Myrtle and Laurel which would be perfect for using against a fence as a faux hedge, which is UV resistant and never needs clipping or watering. The team at Contours Landscape Studio have used these products in a variety of settings, including as a dramatic backdrop to a reception area, as rectangular box hedging in bespoke timber planters at restaurants or as green partition screens for offices. The three types can be used together to create bespoke designs that have more than one texture very effectively.

Examples of walling and box hedging by Contours Landscape Studio that can be done with our Standard Range. Best suited to flat vertical or horizontal surfaces these products are UV coated and can be used to create a hedge effect where it is difficult to grow a real one. Bespoke planters can be designed to contain the hedging or it can be applied to a wall very quickly and easily.

EXCLUSIVE RANGE The Exclusive Range offers greening solutions that are more 3D, that incorporate 4 to 5 different artificial plant species and have a far more realistic and textural feel, making them more versatile making them more versatile, greater for use on a variety of different structures and walls, even working well on curved structures. There are three types on offer, and, each are made up of different plant type species, giving each of the three a different look.

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Valley Green - A tropical feeling with a combination of 3D lush plants, larger leafed ferny type plants and grasses and a white flowered leafy plant. A few loose plants can be added in easily to create more possibilities.

Can be used on curved structures.

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Forest Floor – A foresty feeling with ivy-like plants, large pops of ferny plants and smaller leafed fillers. Again a few loose plants can be added in easily to create a customised palette. Can be used on curved structures.

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Riverine – The most customisable and most realistic option, this product is made using loose artificial plants, attached to a PVC coated wire mesh backing which is rigid. This type therefore needs to be only used on flat structures as it can’t be bent. Combinations of different loose artificial plants are used with about 80 plants packed in per m2, which makes these look very lush, unique, more 3D and very realistic with a large variety of plants and leaf colours and textural effects to choose from.

DESIGN Contours Design Studio also source a wide range of loose, larger artificial plants that are great for use in indoor settings like restaurants, shopping malls, in pots, large planters or even in the outside landscape where a few dramatic plants are needed where water and light are in short supply. Large Aloes, Agaves, Buxus balls, small topiary trees and more realistic looking shrubs and trees are available. These can be supplied with or without standard or bespoke pots that we design and make in house.

The possibilities are wide for the use of these fake plants which look almost real, which are perfect for use in restaurants, the home or business settings where irrigation is impossible but where the green and beauty of plants is needed.

Images and info: Contours Design Studio products@contoursgroup.co.za (021) 300 3398 | 082 482 4994

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2019 COMING SOON

FIND YOUR CLOSEST SUPPLIER CALL US TODAY ON: 021 465 1907

T H E O R I G I N A L R E TA I N I N G B L O C K S

P R O J E C T

O N E

DIRECT AXIS GREEN WALLS

Project size: ± 20 000m² Tasked with: 2 x green walls Green wall project duration: 3 months cost: R500 000

PORTFOLIO SUPPLIERS Living Green Walls Sean O'Connor (Director) - 079 907 1521

TSK Interiors Thato Setati (Managing Director) 079 876 8213

dhk thinkspace were tasked by Direct Axis to revitalise their existing premises. A space they had occupied for the past 10 years.

The brief was to bring a more contemporary, uplifting and energised working environment to their staff, encouraging a culture of collaboration and productivity in the work place.

It was clear to both the project architects and Living Green Walls design team that there was need to liven up the entrance atrium as well as the first floor within the building interior. The idea of including living walls was the perfect solution to these spaces.

The area dhk thinkspace identified for the green wall is a common area that is used by both staff and clients, it has a triple volume atrium.

Allowing the height to create the wow factor impact that it achieves so successfully.

The pop out meeting room was designed half way up the wall to meet both aesthetic and client requirements.

By combining concrete, aluminium, glass and LED lighting with a natural evergreen foliage, dhk were able to achieve the perfect balance of the urban lifestyle and the natural environment that is often missing form commercial spaces.

The presence of which has a very calming and uplifting effect.

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Two main challenges Sean's team faced were the curved nature of the atrium walls as well as the complex height access without making internal changes in the building.

The curvature of the wall meant that the team had to reconfigure the versatile Modular Vertical Garden (MVG) system. With the use of a custom made collection trough they were able to install the backing structure and pot system comfortably. Without the luxury of heavy machinery such as a scissor lift or rope access they came up with the idea of detailing a support structure for a series of ladders.

These would enable to maintenance teams to servicing the Living Walls safely and with relative ease while still reaching the height of over 6 meters.

As with most projects of this nature, the coordination of multiple trades was the greatest challenge. With an installation of this size and magnitude, the base structure of the green wall needed to be perfect. As a result, the structure and waterproofing had to be tweaked on several occasions. This left less time for the final part of the installation, the plants. With a push it was completed within a couple days.

Even with these challenges and time pressures the team was extremely proud of the space created.

ABOUT DHK THINKSPACE A BESPOKE INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE STUDIO. Founded in 1992, they are managed by 6 partners and supported by 24 dedicated specialist team members.

They deliver client focused, tailored, business solutions through cutting edge design and management processes. An “on time, in budget� approach has enabled them to complete more than 300000m2 in turnkey projects in the last 5 years alone.

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Social Event

PORTFOLIO

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PORTFOLIO

P R O J E C T

T W O

THE GREEN HEART Pro Landscaper features Singapore’s renowned Marina One development, an exquisite indication of modern living and the power of plants in design.

This innovative and sustainable development where interior and exterior design is seamlessly intertwined can be found in the Marina Bay financial district and upholds the city’s ambition to become a City within a Garden.

London based Landscape Architectural firm Gustafson Porter + Bowman excel with this design – which mirrors the context of the building quite perfectly.

An inspiring urban space across multiple levels Marina One is an innovative, highly sustainable, high-density building complex in the Marina Bay financial district which upholds the city’s ambition to become a “City within a Garden”. Comprised of four-towers arranged around a central courtyard, the scheme integrates an extensive planted landscape into the fabric of the building.

Gustafson Porter + Bowman’s design for the central ‘Green Heart’ unifies the sculptural and planted elements of the building’s architecture.

While the outer face of the four towers (designed

by Ingenhoven architects) adhere to the city grid, the maximised inner space allows the building to hold a densely-planted garden within.

Conceived as one of the largest public landscaped areas in Marina Bay, the Green Heart creates an inspiring and multi-functional space for public use. Visitors enter at ground level from four entrances into a central garden. A large reflecting pond reflects the sky and a threestorey waterfall animates the space. The garden is traversed by intersecting paths, whilst 240 trees and plants are placed underneath the drama of the building’s undulating louvres that extend down to the central courtyard. A winding ramp rises gradually into the building’s form, making a visual and physical connection between the most important levels. www.prolandscaper.co.za

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PORTFOLIO

Strands of water and light fall from above on either side, adding sound as the water falls into the pool below. This engaging and immersive journey allows visitors and residents to ascend skywards through tropical vegetation, experiencing the changes in climate across different levels which resemble a rainforest valley: From the Green Heart, through the Cloud Garden, rising to the mountain’s peak.

Landscape ascending skywards Developed in collaboration with ICN Design International, the planting concept at Marina One varies with the building’s height.

Initially covering the 3,700m2 Green Heart, the building contains over 160,000 trees and plants, comprised of 350 species.

Canopies of trees create a sense of enclosure, supported by an understorey layer of textured, overhanging plants with generous foliage that echo the forms and intimacy of the rainforest.

In the Cloud Forest, one can escape the activity and movement of people at ground level to be surrounded by scents from plants that drift through circulation spaces and capture the spirit of the clouds. Plants were also chosen to attract insects and butterflies.

At the mountain’s peak, one is above the clouds. Here, the planting is comprised of small delicate plants and soft grasses with a gold and silver colour palette and trees and shrubs with crooked stems.

Wooden walkways, stone paving, and bronze tones used for the louvres and interior spaces complement the garden’s natural aesthetic, which is further augmented by a bronze Fortune Bowl located along the main path.

Conceived to bring luck, prosperity and joy to residents and visitors, the design references the lucky number 8: A smaller diameter circle is superimposed in a larger circle and inscribed by an oval form.

The development is located within Singapore’s Marina Bay financial district, a 360-hectare expanse of reclaimed land on the city’s waterfront. Marina One’s towers meet the “LEED Platinum Pre-certification” and the local “Green Mark Platinum” standards for their sustainable design.

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PORTFOLIO

ABOUT Gustafson Porter + Bowman is an awardwinning landscape architecture practice that has received public acclaim for creating authentically engaging spaces within a global portfolio. The development of their design work has continuously pushed the boundaries of what constitutes the field of landscape design and is known for its sensual and sculptural features.

Established in 1997, Gustafson Porter + Bowman’s designs draw inspiration from the uniqueness of places and are typified by the use of advanced computation tools in the development of topographical landforming. gp-b.com

Client: M+S Pte Ltd. Singapore, a company owned by Khazanah and Temasek.

Project duration: 2011-2017 Size: GFA 341.000 m², Ground level landscape: 3,700m2 Status: Completed January 2018 Team: Architect - ingenhoven architects, Project architect - Architects 61, Singapore, Landscape Architect Gustafson Porter + Bowman, London, Collaborating landscape architects - ICN Design International, Singapore, Main contractor - joint venture company owned 60:40 by Hyundai Engineering & Construction and GS Engineering & Construction, Structural and M&E Engineers -BECA Carter Hollings & Ferner, Singapore Residential Interior Designer - Axis ID, Singapore, Facade Consultant - Arup, Singapore, Lighting Consultant - Arup, Singapore, Piling Contractor - Sambo E&C, Singapore

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ingenhoven architects is internationally recognised for sustainable architecture and has won numerous first prizes in international competitions and architectural awards. Established in 1985, the practice has realised projects of almost every type and size worldwide. All projects were and are designed according to the highest ranking of the respective Green Building Standards, such as LEED, Green Star (Australia,), BREEAM (UK), DGNB (Germany) and CASBEE (Japan). The practice won the the International Highrise Awards 2012/2013 for 1 Bligh, Sydney, he Global Holcim Awards Gold for the Main Train Station in Stuttgart, the RIBA International Awards for the European Investment Bank, Luxembourg in 2009 and for the Lufthansa Aviation Center at Frankfurt am Main Airport in 2008. ingenhovenarchitects.com

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THE FUTURE OF STREET FURNITURE

F E AT U R E D

T

he future of public space depends on us as designers to rethink modularity and generic inputs. Society is developing at a dizzying pace, yet our South African public spaces still contain furniture which has not been rethought since the turn of the century. We are in an age of increasing social, environmental and economic uncertainty making the urban landscape a complex and daunting space to navigate. Our urban spaces need to inclusively enhance the user experience by defining public identity, creating spaces of meaning, and utilising tools to optimise wayfinding.

Our only certainties are that we are living in post-apartheid, spatially divided cities in an ecological and societal time bomb. Resultantly, we need to address the development of smart cities considering long term viability by future proofing our designs.

Many trends or paradigms we have seen gaining increasing traction are in response to this time bomb. These include user co-creation, inclusive spaces, rethinking public identity, and the use of renewable energy in our designs.

In South Africa, one of our biggest challenges we face is the consistent threat of crime: to the user and to our designs. Ultimately, one needs to consider treating the cause prior to treating the symptoms of the angst of the population. As designers, we need to combine ever developing technology, art and the user to create designs of meaning. This entails optimising public infrastructure, enhancing connectivity (both in terms of public transport and WiFi) and providing data to enhance urban user experience.

Current trends in street furniture design are expressed through progressive ways of thinking, which are gaining popularity.

Street furniture is being adapted to address more inclusive groups of people to ensure a democratic urban landscape. This includes but is not limited to designing for the mentally & physically impaired, the elderly, as well as the previously unrepresented. It is expressed through the continually growing legislation and the importance of implementation thereof for universal access. It is seen through the removal of oppressive statues. It is seen through the rethinking of public identity as a whole.

At IYER, we implement these ideals by ensuring user co-creation throughout the design process, and particularly beforehand as well as challenging the norm. In Pietermaritzburg (image 1) we rethought the red of the

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Victorian style architecture, and implemented it in contemporary bespoke seating, bins and bollards made by Igneous Concrete and lighting all designed by the firm. The streetscape also includes Corten steel sculptures which create character and identity.

We are designing towards smart cities, and smart cities require smart street furniture which need to solve our current and future issues.

In South Africa, crime is a serious issue and designers need to really consider the safety of users as well as the robustness of furniture to withstand theft and vandalism. This can be seen within the Germiston CBD where strong unconventional steel elements were used which also represent the manufacturing history of the city. The attempt to consider all of these factors as resulted in generic and modular designs which hamper contextualising projects and creating unique public spaces. These spaces become targets of crime. We have seen this first hand in Johannesburg where every bollard, street pole and wall is littered with advertisements and graffiti; however, where there is the user co-created artworks on walls which remain clean as a sense of pride exists and spaces are protected by the communities (Image 2). Our public parks and streets are marked by the archetypal steel or concrete bins and benches (image 4) which are not only targets for recyclers but are also uncomfortable and the epitome of modular generic design.

Therefore, we should aim to combine art

and furniture to create something ever new and intriguing, furniture that is interactive such as Schouwburgplein, Rotterdam (imgae5) encourages social interaction.

The ever-increasing urban densification and and cost to live in the city, with little to no green space, has in turn forced people to engage less with public spaces such as libraries, parks and plazas and more with quasi-public spaces such as shopping malls. Consequently, we need to challenge the accepted typologies and scopes of street furniture to allow for the users’ everchanging needs.

The evolving requirements of society need to be addressed with a synergy of technology, society and art. We are designers, not specifiers. An effective and aesthetic design requires a wellinformed team in order to create holistic design.

The increasing demand on public space requires designers to challenge the scope of street furniture. Should we be considering creating quasi-domestic-style amenities in the public realm? It is near impossible to find an accessible space where we can fill up a water bottle, wash our hands or charge a laptop or phone in the public space. These are everyday needs for the modern urban civilisation, and we should not have to pay coffee shops to access these services. Moving forward we are going to need to design in teams of computer scientists, engineers, artists and urban sociologists.

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F E AT U R E D

The inspiring product of merging academic circles can be seen in Ross Atkin Associates and Marshalls joint venture to design responsive street furniture in London. The furniture physically adapts to the needs of the users walking around it by picking up signals from the users’ smart phones or fobs (Image 3). Should the user be impaired in anyway, they would fill in an online form specifying their preferences and needs. This sort of progressive thinking has been seen with BEKA’s new shuffle lights which rethink the typology of a light. They have options to include speakers, WiFi, and more which create safe spaces for any modern-day user.

What are the future trends in street furniture?

We need to address the issues of certainty using a synergy of art, technology and society throughout the design process. Issues are ever changing, but there is no denying the consistency of crime, accessibility, connectivity and sustainability. Good design is one that can address all of these while being aesthetic and functional simultaneously. These designs need to be future proofed by using simple, adaptable systems with technology of the modern age.

So maybe currently responsive street furniture might be the way for our current needs but should be adapted as our needs change. We need to stop specifying, and start designing.

Designing to create safe and accessible public space which the community is proud of. It is more important than ever to design public spaces in which our users feel at home.

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References:

By: Lee Burrell and Clive Tsimba

Image 1: The firm’s role involved the conceptualisation, detail design and construction management of the Chief Albert Luthuli Street and Langalibalele Street within the Msunduzi Municipality. (www.iyer.co.za) Image 2: Westbury bridge artwork by Lorenzo. The artwork has stood the test of vandilism (www.iyer.co.za) Image 3: Responsive street furniture. http://www.rossatkin. com/wp/?portfolio=responsive-street-furniture Image 4: Typical steel street and park bin Image 5: Melk landscape arcitecture urban design https://www.melk-nyc.com/work-portfolio/s portfolio/ schouwburgplein/

ABOUT IYER Iyer is an innovative interdisciplinary design studio specialising in urban planning and design, architecture and landscape architecture. It has a proud history of planning sustainable city regions, delivering inspired public spaces and designing buildings with a pulse that remains timeless and true to both people and place.

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PRODUCTS

Focus On: Planters

TUBER by Haldane Martin Celebrated South African designer Haldane Martin is renowned for his iconic design.

Seamlessly integrating indigenous craft, biomimicry, geometry, sustainable production and digital design, he creates compelling, innovative works with an intelligent contemporary aesthetic.

His TUBER planter was designed for INDIGENUS as part of an urban greening concept (other planter designers include fellow designers Gregor Jenkin and Laurie Wiid van Heerden and architects Stefan Antoni and Greg Truen.)

Haldane believes that iconic design must marry innovation, beauty, relevance and timelessness.

His Tuber planter, designed exclusively for INDIGENUS, is a masterful expression of this philosophy.

The Tuber is crafted from Iroko wood – a durable African timber often used for boat building, flooring and outdoor-furniture. Individual pieces of Iroko are bolted together with stainless steel pins and hand-assembled into an impressive form that is then turned to create a sensual, soft finish.

Over time, if used outdoors and left to weather naturally, the Tuber will age into a beautiful silvergrey hue. As the name suggests, the shape of the planter is a simplified expression of the part of the plant that is usually hidden from us – the roots.

Haldane is a strong believer in biophilic design – the word ‘biophilia’ literally means a love of life or living things. “As humans we have an intuitive and deeply ingrained attraction to nature, and a biological need for contact with the natural world, especially in our built environment.” – Haldane Martin www.haldanemartin.co.za

Plantr’s Bespoke Planters Plantr is new to the market, looking to revolutionize the design and manufacture of a variety of planter related products. Though they are relatively new, their designs are rather polished and refined, servicing both the home owner and the discerning trader.

Visit their online store to browse their many offerings. This is a young, vibrant and innovative company making use of many trending shapes and materials which include Corten Steel (Weathering Steel), Stainless Steel, Aluminium, Exotic Woods (Garapa, Balau, Iroko), Concrete and more. Planter has been featured in renowned commercial magazines throughout 2018, and, with plans to collaborate with local designers to bring some new inspiration to the scene, we look forward to seeing their designs featured in projects around South Africa. www.plantr.co.za

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PRODUCTS

Terra Range by Laurie Wiid Van Heerden Indigenus has previously worked with Laurie Wiid van Heerden of Wiid Design, creating the popular Soma range in 2015. Peter van der Post approached Laurie again on a new design where the focus was placed on mid-century modern planters on stands. Laurie chose to give the rectangular planters the signature rounded corners of his studio’s own designs and gave them a solid base made from Iroko timber.

The result is sleek and light combining the sensuality of pale curved concrete with the warm tones of carved wood.

The Terra planters stand well on their own, or, in a mid-century modern style, lining a wall.

Laurie Wiid van Heerden, creates products & objects that can be seen as the interface between art and design - where materials are transformed into life enriching and durable products. Wiid Design has won many accolades and awards and has exhibited globally at Guild and 100% Design South Africa, 100% Design in London, Design Days Dubai, Design Miami/Basel in Switzerland and Design Miami. www.wiiddesign.co.za

Steen

By Stefan Antoni and Greg Truen of SAOTA As leading architects of the world-renowned practice SAOTA, Antoni and Truen are known for their uncompromising contemporary design with a philosophy of simplicity, restraint and refinement of materials.

For Steen, which means ‘stone’ in Afrikaans, they took their inspiration from the dramatic boulders found on the coastal cliffs around Cape Town. The range features an unusual horizontal orientation in stylized forms which are powerful and bold, yet delicately poised.

Made from glass-reinforced concrete, which is lighter than regular concrete the Steen range has been given a beautiful buffed suedelike finish in concrete grey, limestone white and boulder black. The three sizes work particularly well when grouped together and can be endlessly configured to dramatic effect. Their chiselled profile works beautifully at eye level however they are at their best seen from above offering an endless dance of potential placement. www.saota.com

The Bhaca Design by Andile Dyalvane A completely personal and original range of concrete planters the Bhaca design reflects ceramicist Andile Dyalvane’s connection to his South African Xhosa roots while celebrating his mastery of an elemental material of choice - clay. He originally worked the designs in wet clay and then up-scaled them to cope with the rigours of being a large planter. The chosen work focuses on Andile’s signature scarification style, reflecting the Xhosa tradition of cutting or marking skin – hence the name “Bhaca”, the Xhosa word for scarification.

Bhaca planters are perfect as sculptural statements in a garden or interior space. Finished in a fire-pit black, ash grey or a bleached white their scarification is applied on all sides of the planter.

The twist of the form and the slashing strokes create a dynamic form making them ideal as independent pieces which can be seen from any angle. But set in a cluster they create a commanding spirit. www.indigenus.co.za

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STEEN

Greg Truen & Stefan Antoni of SAOTA

BHACA

by Andile Dyalvane

SOMA

by Laurie Wiid van Heerden

TERRA

by Laurie Wiid van Heerden

Indigenus design and manufacture beautiful, durable architectural planters developed to uplift and enhance residential, hospitality and corporate environments. www.indigenus.co.za