Concept to Delivery
DESIGN, BUILD, AND MAINTAIN
May 2018
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MORE MOWING, LESS DUMPING The combination of a powerful auger compressing the grass, and a large-volume collector, is the secret behind the superior collecting capacity. The RC318T Rider can hold twice the grass volume of a conventional collecting machine, so you can mow a larger area before it’s time to dump.
For next level mowing, visit WWW.HUSQVARNA.CO.ZA
LEADER
Concept to Delivery
DESIGN, BUILD, AND MAINTAIN
May 2018
DESIGN, BUILD, AND MAINTAIN
Welcome to the May Edition of Pro Landscaper Africa 2018. Our Agenda section highlights some new categories and key considerations our readers feel major associations and committees should consider for our next industry awards of excellence!
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inter is certainly settling in nicely here in the Western Cape, which can only be a positive indicator for the months to come and our rain predictions. We have yet another chock-full edition, which we are sure will delight both the eyes and the mind! Our May edition has quite a strong commercial feel and features some wonderful new developments from all around South Africa. Kicking off our May issue is a neat news section- highlighting the SA show gardens for the up-coming RHS Chelsea Flower Show along with Association news by OPPASA and The Clay Brick Association.
We profile Chryso South Africa and consider their diverse decorative concrete range for architectural and contractual projects and we chat to Highland Paving’s Director, Derek Anderson, as he expresses some key considerations for the design and implementation of commercial paving. Our Landscape Architects Journal features two brilliant articles. Reconfiguring the Burnt Scar, a dissertation by UCT Master of Landscape Architecture student & winner of top Corobrik award, Louise Brukman and a project in its design phase for the University of Pretoria by Gina Switala of Sprout Landscapes. Our portfolio section highlights some wonderful projects which we are thrilled to be sharing with the industry. The Statistics South Africa Head Office by Daniel Rebel Landscape Architects is followed by Nicolway Shopping Centre and Office park in Bryanston, Johannesburg by Bertha Wium Landscape Development. We then visit Insite Landscape Architect’s new development, Table Bay Mall and finish our South African
projects with a gorgeous residence in Mooikloof, Pretoria, by Hortcouture Landscape Architects. We then feature a wonderful international project, Arnhem Central Station in the Netherlands to round up this section. Our Nurture section is growing month on month which we are thrilled about. This edition features ‘Grouping Trees’ as its focus, with suggestions and recommendations by some of the top growers in the country. We also feature GreenAcres in the Designer Plants section of the magazine followed by a piece titled Why I #LoveHorticulture by Siyasanga Yenzela. We visit the Multi Power Imports Factory in our Trading With section as well as showcase some wonderful pieces of machinery for up-coming months. We are so grateful for the direction in which we are heading and would like to thank our wonderful audience, contributors and suppliers for getting behind our Green Industry and supporting our platform. Until next month, keep growing.
021-300 3398 I www.contourslandscapes.co.za
BUILDING FOR TOMORROW TAKES SUSTAINABLE THINKING. HERE’S TO THE BUILDER IN YOU.
www.afrisam.com
Creating Concrete Possibilities
CONTENTS
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News Shed & Association News Industry news from around South Africa
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The Agenda What are some categories and key considerations we feel major associations and committees should consider for our next industry awards of excellence?
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Profiled Product The art of all things concrete: We look at Chryso Southern Africa’s decorative concrete range available for traders
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Key Considerations for Commercial Paving Pro Landscaper chats to Derek Anderson, director of the renowned Highland Paving, on key considerations when it comes to the design and implementation of commercial paving
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Landscape Architects Journal Pro Landscaper catches up with Louise Brukman, UCT Master of Landscape Architecture student & winner of top Corobrik award, to find out more on her winning dissertation
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Landscape Architects Journal : Roosmaryn Square, University of Pretoria Sprout Landscapes, headed by Gina Switlala, are appointed to develop a specific site next to the historic Roosmaryn building on the main campus in Hatfield
www.prolandscaper.co.za
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PORTFOLIOS 26
Department of Statistics South Africa by Daniel Rebel Landscape Architects
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Designing Nicolway by Bertha Wium Landscape Development
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The New High Street by Insite Landscape Architects
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Nature Takes Preference by Hortcouture Landscape Architects
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Arnhem Central Station by Bureau B+B Urbanism and Landscape Architecture
NURTURE
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Grouping Trees
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Designer Plants: Softscaping at its best
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Why I #LoveHorticulture: Siyasanga Yenzela
EQUIPMENT
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Trading With: Multi Power Imports
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Latest Machinery
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Little Interviews
Pro Landscaper Africa | May 2018
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KAZELLE EFFICIENT, DISCREET, ELEGANT The Kazelle’s minimalistic and modern look is designed around the compactness of the LED engine, blending into your landscapes. At the same time, sustainable lighting solutions are provided that dramatically reduce energy consumption and improve visual comfort for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. Reliable, efficient, discreet and vandal resistant, the Kazelle luminaire emits a pleasant, glare-free light. It has been designed for easy installation. With virtually no maintenance required, the Kazelle guarantees long-lasting performance and massive savings. Simply turn it on and enjoy your new landscape!
FOR MORE INFORMATION: @BEKASchreder | +27 11 238 0000 www.beka-schreder.co.za/kazelle
NEWS
“A saving of a couple of Rand per load of material is not worth the risk to our people and surroundings. We therefore call on our landscapers to contact Aspasa, the Department of Mineral Resources, the Police and / or Municipalities to report potentially illegal operators and help snuff-out harmful and illegal quarrying practices,” says Nico.
PAYING ATTENTION!
Sand is key to sustainable landscaping
Legal requirement He reminds landscapers that nobody can excavate and remove sand, stones or soil for resale or private usage without valid permissions and permits no matter how big or small the operation is. This includes so called “borrow pits” used by some municipalities and construction companies, as well as sand from rivers, beaches etc. “There are rules that need to be followed whenever the removal and relocating of natural sand and stones is required. If suppliers are not in possession of the required permissions, it is your duty to report them and prevent our surrounds being ruined for the sake of a few individuals’ gain.
Landscapers need to pay more attention to the origins of sand and stones used on projects to ensure that they are derived from legal quarries that uphold legal requirements for worker safety and environmental stewardship of the aggregate reserves being exploited. Surface mining industry association, ASPASA, urges landscapers to support the industry’s ongoing attempts to eradicate illegal sand and stone mining and only to support quarries that can produce documentation that shows they have a legal mining licence, as well as upholding Government’s strict policies on mine health and safety, as well as water usage licences, environmental management compliance, as well as necessary permissions from local councils among others. Considering the important role that sand and stone plays in landscaping, suppliers should also uphold strict quality standards to produce all the products supplied. Although the process of qualifying suppliers is onerous it need not PLAdvert 1.pdf
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be if procurement is done through one of the hundreds of ASAPSA certified member quarries throughout South Africa. False economy According to ASPASA director, Nico Pienaar, members of ASPASA are bound by comprehensive legislation regarding mining rights, royalties, health, safety and environment, as well as water usage right and rehabilitation requirements that ensures they are well run. In addition, members also must adhere to the association’s own strict requirements and are audited on an annual basis to ensure compliance. They also strive to be good neighbours and get involved in all manner of social upliftment schemes. They also encourage communication and try to work with communities to give them good quality landscaping materials, at a reasonable price, without jeopardising the health of workers, the environment nor the sustainability of the industry.
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“Illegal operations undermine the excellent work of legal quarries who have to comply with strict mining legislation to sustainably extract sands and aggregates and rehabilitate the land when quarrying operations are complete. Right thing This compliance naturally comes at a cost to the legal fraternity and allows unscrupulous illegal operators to undercut prices and jeopardise the livelihoods of legitimate operators. As a result, ASPASA calls on concerned landscapers to be on the lookout for suppliers that do not seem to be well run, that pollute the environment or that are not good neighbours, as these may well be illegal. ASPASA, Nico Pienaar, Tel: (011) 791 3327, Fax: 086 647 8034, Email: nico@ aspasa.co.za, Web: www.aspasa.co.za
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www.celpaving.co.za
info@celpaving.co.za
t. 021 905 5998
NEWS
BEST IN SHOW As the annual RHS Chelsea flower show approaches, and designers have their eyes firmly set on the top accolades available. We take a trip down memory lane to bring you the last 10 gardens to take home the big one – Best in Show.
2008 – Laurent-Perrier Garden – Designer: Tom Stuart-Smith – Relying on a palette of greens, along with a few dots of white from peonies, this garden was created to epitomise tranquillity and inner peace. 2009 – The Daily Telegraph Garden – Designer: Ulf Nordfjell – Taking a great deal of Nordic inspiration, Ulf Nordfjell created a subtle, yet complex garden. When asked about his inspiration for the garden, he said: “I know what tugs the English heartstrings.” 2010 – The Daily Telegraph Garden – Designer: Andy Sturgeon – This contemporary garden incorporates plants from across the globe, including Mexico, Chile and California. 2011 – The Daily Telegraph Garden – Designer: Cleve West – A sunk garden that explores the juxtaposing themes of timelessness and change in a mysterious setting. 2012 – Brewin Dolphin – Designer: Cleve West – Costing a hefty quart-of-a-million pounds, celebrating the 250th anniversary of Brewin Dolphin, this garden spared no expense in its grandeur.
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2013 – The Trailfinders Australian Garden – Designer: Phillip Johnson – Challenging garden conventions, this garden has a host of environmentally conscious features including water capturers, recycled materials and solar panels. 2014 – Laurent-Perrier – Designer: Luciano Giubbilei – Making extensive use of naturalistic planting, Giubbilei’s garden combines modernism with pools and rills. 2015 – Chatsworth Garden – Designer: Dan Pearson – Chatsworth’s Chelsea debut bagged Best in Show with its views from all sides highlighting a small part of the 105-acre Chatsworth garden.
2017 – M&G Garden – Designer: James Basson – Utilising materials from a disused limestone quarry, this garden delivers a profound message regarding Malta’s natural landscape vulnerability.
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South Africa is ready to take its green fingers to the world stage once again this year, when the annual Chelsea Flower Show takes place from May 22 to 26. Iconic Landscapes is the theme of the Kirstenbosch-South Africa Chelsea Flower Show exhibit 2018, and Leon Kluge’s first creation for SANBI-Kirstenbosch. South Africa is a treasure-house of iconic landscapes. They abound in nature and the natural environment but also in the cultural landscapes that contain and define them. The exhibit takes the viewer on a journey around the sub-continent, where the design team has taken a rather light-hearted approach to the style in which the landscapes are presented, by using the very powerful and iconic forms of contemporary township art that depict cultural life in these landscapes.
2016 – The Telegraph Garden – Designer: Andy Sturgeon – Inspired by the wildness of nature and a Jurassic theme, the garden’s deconstructed charm helped the garden scoop the Best in Show award.
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SOUTH AFRICA AT THE RHS CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW 2018
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South Africa will also be showcased by designer Jonathan Snow, who was behind the Trailfinders: A South African Wine Estate display, which features a Cape Dutch veranda. “The winelands of South Africa’s Western Cape are instantly recognisable and strikingly beautiful,” the entry reads. “In this garden is a snapshot of a traditional South African wine estate. A charming Cape Dutch homestead with its pretty veranda, leading down some steps into a formal, romantic garden, and then through a gate to a vineyard, provide the backdrop to a representation of that country’s wild and beautiful fynbos landscape.
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Pro Landscaper Africa | May 2018
www.prolandscaper.co.za
NEWS
ASSO CIA TION NEW S RESERVE YOUR SEAT AT CLAY BRICK ASSOCIATION’S (CBA) FREE NATIONAL ROADSHOW FOR THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT PROFESSIONALS
and then assesses the impact of this on specific environmental aspects such as human health, climate change, and damage to ecosystems. The independent study was conducted by the University of Pretoria.
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Topics Covered • The clay brick industry Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) results • Changes to SANS 10400-XA regarding masonry construction • 2017 and 2018 Legislation on carbon tax and emissions • Designing homes for improved thermal performance to save electricity
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The CBA's National Sustainability Roadshow is an education initiative to encourage fact-based decision-making on building and operating sustainable, energy-efficient green buildings. In 2017, the Clay Brick Association of Southern Africa produced the country’s first industry-wide Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). An LCA quantifies the resources consumed and emissions produced over the product’s entire life cycle,
This event will also introduce the CBA’s exciting 3-year sustainability project which is co-funded by the European Union "Promoting inclusive sustainable practices in the South Africa Clay brick sector."
THE OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT INDUSTRY OF SOUTH AFRICA (OPPASA)
displayed visible from the entrance and an up to date membership certificate visible at the service counter. Clients of the landscaping trade can search for approved OPPASA members on their website.
OPPASA prides itself on the fact that its members conduct business in accordance with a strict code of conduct to ensure quality products and quality after sales services to the client of the OPASSA member. Each member of OPPASA is distinguished by its well trained staff and offers the customer expert advice in line with its legal binding code of conduct. The code of conduct is vital as it protects both parties against unfair practice and offers an avenue to resolve a dispute via a dedicated ombudsman. OPPASA members are identified by their legally zoned place of business, comprising a professional showroom and separate equipped workshop, further the OPPASA logo should be www.prolandscaper.co.za
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East London: 8 May 2018 at East London Golf Club, Bunkers Hill Port Elizabeth: 9 May 2018 at 39 on Church, Walmer George: 10 May 2018 at Views Boutique Hotel & Spa, Wilderness. Durban: 29 May 2018 - Venue to be advised Mpumalanga: 30 May 2018 at La Villa Vita, Nelspruit. NB: 13h30 to 17h00.
Registration The event is free but registration at least 7 days before each event is required for all attendees for catering purposes. Please register on the Clay Brick Association’s website www.claybrick. org For further information: The Clay Brick Association of South Africa www.claybrick.org
Dates & Times Registration at each event is at 11h30am, and the presentations finish at 15h30 with refreshments.
On the official OPPASA web page the code of conduct regarding: Fair dealings, Environmental responsibilities, Professional competence, Confidentiality, Discrimination and harassment and in General could be perused. Further the benefits of belonging to the OPPASA, considering: OPPASA business, OPPASA IR & HR, OPPASA ombudsman, OPPASA finance and OPPASA academy can be explored. For those interested in joining the OPPASA, a downloadable application form is available as is the contact details of the relevant regional representative.
to register or alternatively mail the secretary of the association at secretary@oppasa.co.za Annual meetings are held in most regions of South Africa. 2018 AGM’s are being held on the following dates in the respective regions: Gauteng - 19th of May, Cape - 07th of July, Kwazulu Natal - 21st of July and Mpumalanga combined with other regions on the 23rd of June. Meetings have been well represented by the industry in the past but regional meetings are dependent on response to invitations. We urge all to attend. Furthermore, the OPPASA is planning an Industry First Conference on the 25th of August 2018. More on this to follow. Visit www.oppasa.co.za for more.
Invitation: Members of OPPASA and of the industry are invited to register to the events planned on a national scale. The aim of these events is to collaborate on common issues and contribute to a healthy industry. Please visit www.oppasa.co.za
Pro Landscaper Africa | May 2018
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STIHL professional-grade cordless power – now on promotion As a professional, you need tools and equipment that work as hard as you do. The STIHL Lithium-Ion PRO range of cordless power tools all deliver a powerful professional-grade performance with STIHL’s typical robust quality and innovative designs. Enjoy cordless convenience with no messy refuelling, limited noise and zero emissions, plus these models are lightweight for extended use. Take advantage of the current Winter Promotion to get every tool in the PRO cordless range: there are cordless chainsaws, telescopic pole pruners, brushcutters, blowers, hedge trimmers and cordless
lawnmowers. All are powerful and easy to use, with long running time and short charging time, with the total convenience of batteries being interchangeable between all products in the range. The brushless EC motors don’t require servicing so there is no downtime, and STIHL Lithium-ion battery technology ensures that these machines don’t lose power should the battery start to run down. Get superior cordless power at an excellent price during the STIHL Winter Promotion, on at STIHL dealers nationwide until 31 July 2018.
Like any premium item, STIHL products are only available at specialised dealers nationwide, for expert advice and superior after-sales service.
www.stihl.co.za
AGENDA Do we feel, as an industry, that our awards ceremonies cater to every aspect of the project’s process? Or do we feel as though there are certain pertinent categories and design and build challenges that need to be highlighted and applauded?
What are some categories and key considerations we feel major associations and committees should consider for our next industry awards of excellence?
The Institute for Landscape Architecture in South Africa (ILASA) reviewed and revised the evaluation criteria for the ILASA 2017 Awards of Excellence. This decision was informed by academic research undertaken by Ida Breed, the ILASA president at the time. The criteria were revised to assess the responsiveness of project design to each of the four (cultural, provisioning, regulating and supporting) ecosystem services and to a wider range of landscape values including intangible values.
EAMONN O'ROURKE,
President - Institute for Landscape Architecture in South Africa
www.prolandscaper.co.za
services (long term biological process for ecological resilience). These aspects where previously overlooked in favour of the site's cultural benefits (use, aesthetics and experience of the landscape) and regulating processes (of water, soil, climate and pollution).
Awareness of environmental and social issues associated with the landscape will continue to grow. With it, landscape architects will be required, through design, to consider and resolve a wider range of social and ecological issues Previously evaluation criteria and the judging around how the landscape is used, who benefits, process tended to focus on tangible design how it is managed and the associated ecological outcomes, elements of the design that are visually impacts. Issues that may be considered in future observed. Past criteria were broadly stated and might include: whole site design, management left room for subjective assessments based on of waste and pollution sources, and how design overall impressions. The revised criteria for 2017 decisions lock in certain maintenance practices. As were stated more specifically and individually landscapes are designed to be more sustainable weighted to offset subjective impressions. the leadership role of the landscape architect in the project team may need to be elevated New criteria were introduced to assess a project's to ensure whole site design, where all external success at improving the site's provisioning built systems must apply ecologically and socially services (food, fibre, water & fuel) and supporting sensitive approaches in an integrated manner.
Pro Landscaper Africa | May 2018
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AGENDA
DAG WILLEMS
Managing Director @ Trees SA 1.
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• • • • As a discipline where we actively participate in landscaping and landscaping installations, yet continually are overlooked when it comes to the awards of excellence, we feel very strongly that this is valid topic for discussion and thank Pro Landscaper for the opportunity to contribute. Over the past 20 years, we have perfected the art of mature tree growing, relocation, rescue, rehabilitation and successful installation, without the due recognition within the industry. We would therefore like to suggest the following 3 categories for the recognition of mature tree related achievements of significance:
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The award for the most successful installation of mature tree(s) considering the following aspects:
the physical challenge of the installation; the type of tree(s); the speed at which the installation was completed and most importantly; the success rate – have the trees survived?
The award for a challenging and successful relocation and/rescue of a mature tree(s)
We are actively involved in many of the landscaping projects featured in Pro Landscaper, yet our role in the project is overlooked when we often do 95% of the tree installations ourselves and this forms a major aspect to the aesthetic success and quality of the landscaping design and installation. We look forward to growing with the industry and would love to be considered under the canopy of the awards of excellence!
OSCAR LOCKWOOD
Ajudication of sali landscape sites and where gardening is going to
Having being in the industry for 36 years, I feel that the judging process has moved with modern ways of gardening. I firmly believe that the issuing of a certificate regardless of the status of the garden should be stricter. It is not acceptable to award a certificate “just because the contractor paid an entry fee”?! The environmental side of
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The award for the best landscaping design where trees form the primary element or trees are the only element;
Pro Landscaper Africa | May 2018
landscaping/maintenance has become almost as important as the landscaping itself. With this in mind, on-site composting, processing of wet waste and site water retention, especially where these activities have been instituted by the contractor, should receive more credit. Also, the Property Manager can also offer a lot of in site into the contract and perhaps a confidential telephone call or meeting could be of benefit. Innovative landscaping needs greater recognition in different ways. Whilst it is recognised presently, we may need to relook at categories again.
3. HELOÏSE PIETERSE,
Director @ Kainos Landscape Architects Proposed Brownfield Regeneration and Social Upliftment Award Categories Value is added annually to the landscape profession through unique projects in varying stages. Concepts are valuable as it provides the profession with the possibilities of new ideas and technologies. Installed projects are noteworthy as the installed design proved its resiliency and durability. The CorobrikILASA Awards of Excellence succeeded to include every possible type, scale and stage of a project. The ILASA special awards involve any category ranging between 1 - Research, Technology and Publications; 2 - Planning and Design and 3 - Export of Services. It would be invaluable to create a special ILASA award for Natural restoration on Post-Industrial Landscapes/ Brownfield regeneration. Brownfield redevelopment saves up unused space, reconnects spaces and becomes an economic injection into post-industrial neighbourhoods. Notion of this award may urge developers to invest in Brownfield redevelopments. Student awards are assessed on Merit and design excellence with major sponsors such as PPC, SmartStone and Bosun. The SALI Awards of Excellence also covers a broad range of categories under the respective classes of Trophy, Gold, Silver, Bronze and Merit Awards. A runner-up category to the SALI trophy awards could be considered, which consists of the top 5 Gold Award winners to be classed as the Platinum award. Another SALI category under each different class can be ‘Landscape uplifting social wellbeing/ communities’. The intangible value that social cohesion brings to human well-being with the added advantages of passive social security is often overlooked. Brownfield regeneration and Social upliftment projects are categories that should be considered for the next industry award ceremonies.
www.prolandscaper.co.za
AGENDA
5.
DOMINIQUE BREETZKE Freelance Landscape Architect
My answer relates to food security and production systems. Projects relating to food production, agricultural challenges and food security need to be encouraged through the initiation of this much needed potential award- which currently does not yet exist within South African landscaping institutes. It does, however feature as a celebrated award through the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA), Lafayette Greens in Detroit being an inspiring 2012 winner of this category. 105 x 148 6 oct.pdf
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There is an urgent need to change society's approach towards landscaping to include edible crops in order to accommodate growing populations and combat food insecurity. This should be considered the way of the future, and should be integrated wherever possible into our projects. I believe initiating an award such as this would encourage landscape professionals to actively seek possibilities for integrating urban agriculture into city spaces and city life in a way that is participatory, beautiful and productive. Particularly relevant to our third world country; typical entries may include urban agriculture, projects which create food sources within communities, fishing villages, interventions in agriculture production, public infrastructure supporting transportation of food or agriculture networks, vertical gardens,
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land recovery for permaculture systems, lake reclamation for fish farming, edible gardens, urban farming and more. The food system in today’s world is broken, while the health of our cities and communities are at risk. Indeed, access to healthy food is severely limited in many urban neighborhoods, while industrial agriculture is itself a vastly polluting enterprise. Food systems should be encouraged as part of a city’s urban systems network, in order to heal, support and integrate not only the communities living within them, but to promote a new type of productive urban ecology in which citizens are active participants.
6:52 PM
Winner of the SALI Shield for Excellence in Landscaping 2017 In 2017 Life Landscapes received: 12 Gold SALI Awards, 5 Silver SALI Awards, 1 Bronze SALI Award
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Full of life. Life Landscapes is an award winning landscaping company specialising in landscape construction and corporate garden maintenance. We focus on xeriscaping and sustainable garden practices. www.lifegreengroup.co.za
GREEN GROUP
Johannesburg 011 959 1000
Cape Town 021 850 0764
Pretoria 012 644 2152
johannesburg@lifegreengroup.co.za
capetown@lifegreengroup.co.za
pretoria@lifegreengroup.co.za
AGENDA
NEAL DUNSTAN
7. NORAH DE WET
Landscape Architect, Designer & Environmental Planner
Owner @ Peninsula Landscapes South African Landscapers Institute (SALI) Cape Chairperson
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The current criteria and categories of award structures within the Green Industry and BEP’s needs a rather drastic overhaul. The emphasis towards glitzy aesthetics, bland exclusivity and object orientated design rather than addressing the issues of the day, namely resilience/sustainability, climate change, resource depletion, food security, community involvement, biodiversity and urbanisation, prevails. The New Landscape Declaration, The New Urban Agenda and SITES are standards that should be guiding how we, as an industry, acknowledge and promote excellence in our industry. Quite often the most significant changes made to communities and the environment are done at grassroots levels and not at the next mega mall. But more often than not, such examples of work rarely rise to the ‘social stature’ and recognition it justly deserves. Perception and ‘unattractiveness’ of such valuable work often leads to its side-line. Monitoring the effectiveness of design intent, the various forms and scales of planning and green infrastructure are areas that require promotion and recognition. The purpose of awards is to acknowledge individuals/ practices/businesses, for producing a significant contribution or example of work for the advancement of the industry, through peer review. Such awards must be based upon the fundamental cornerstones of our industry and not pandering to popularised ‘eye candy’ and clichéd monotony. Often it seems that by merely submitting an entry, it is giving some sort of reward putting the integrity of the industry into question. Isn’t it time to award the community pavement vegetable garden and not the ecologically irresponsible and unsustainable manicured lawn?
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Pro Landscaper Africa | May 2018
The SALI Awards of Excellence encourage emerging trends by redevelopment of existing landscapes towards a more sustainable approach. Through the decades of its existence, the Awards of Excellence programme has been a valuable tool to allow the association to benchmark the work that our members are doing against the specifications that guide the quality of work expected from a SALI member. As our industry faces the realities of climate change, so SALI has become aware of implementing greater awareness around how water is used in our landscapes. The Awards programme has started implementing a compulsory ‘Water Wise’ component to all categories of entry. This encourages our members to focus more on how water can be saved and managed
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in a responsible manner. The ultimate goal is to have landscapes that no longer use potable water but rather convert to the use and storage of rainwater harvesting and grey water systems. Further examples of how water usage could be managed on site is by grouping plants in zones according to their water requirements (hydrozoning), the application of mulch in plant beds, fitting rain water sensors and soil moisture sensors to the landscape’s automated irrigations systems. One cannot responsibly manage this limited resource without metering, measuring and monitoring the usage of water to the garden. By fitting a water meter to the irrigation system, and the use of technology, one can monitor water usage in the different hydrozones of planting, identify leaks and irrigation problems early and this can conveniently be communicated to your mobile phone or computer. Our Awards programme recognises these practises by appointing a winner of a ‘Water Wise Trophy’ that is sponsored by Rand Water at our annual Awards of Excellence ceremony.
JOHAN BOTHMA
Senior Land Use and Closure Consultant, Landscape Architect (PrLArch (SACLAP), MLArch)
Space, like time, is an “ultimate” commodity, as it is finite. Barring extending humanity’s habitation footprint beyond the confines of earth, we only have the space available on the planet with which to sustain ourselves. But as a species we are consumptive and use up resources - including the space available to us - at an alarming rate. The natural and built landscape is the canvas on which we are painting humanity’s story, but much of what we do with this space sterilises it for future use, either intentionally or as a direct consequence. Development projects that through intentional design seek to liberate this “dead” space for beneficial use, especially in our cities,
should therefore be applauded and rewarded. Landscape architectural design is a key component of many such projects. Bold and large-scale brownfield redevelopment projects turn mining and industrial land into multibillion-rand, mixed-use urban precincts. Urban greening projects subtly transform derelict properties and the spaces left open after planning into essential inner-city parks and urban green corridors. Retrofitting existing building exteriors with roof gardens and green walls brightens the monotonous and glum façade of the city and helps to create liveable places. These projects also often face significant challenges posed by technical, financial and social considerations, which makes the achievement of an implemented project even more remarkable. Greater recognition should therefore be given to projects that seek to resurrect space, in the form of special landscape industry merit awards. www.prolandscaper.co.za
Cordless Innovation for a Greener Future!!
SYNTHETIC LAWN the grass for all seasons
Synthetic Lawn is a Synthetic Grass Brand which offers the supply & installation of synthetic grass products & services throughout South Africa. In partnership with Synsport we have developed a range of top end synthetic grass landscape products to service the Synthetic Grass market. The Synthetic Lawn brand is aimed at landscaping, residential and commercial applications while we can service any sporting synthetic grass requirement through our Synsport brand.
Give us a call if you wish to transform your next project. 021 987 1441 info@synsport.co.za | www.synsport.co.za
COMPANY PROFILE
The Art of All Things Concrete As we all know, Decorative concrete solutions can raise the aesthetic value of both new developments and renovations, and CHRYSO South Africa has taken on the challenge to provide leading edge expertise and products to customers in the region. Since a well-known French decorative concrete company became part of the CHRYSO Group, its offerings have significantly enhanced their range of concrete additives. It has also added certain technologies to SA-based a.b.e. Construction Chemical’s various market channels. The results are marvellous!
What are some products you have on the SA market that will appeal to our industry? For new concrete, CHRYSO’s solutions vary from stamped concrete and sanded-effect concrete, to exposed aggregate concrete and luminescent concrete – to name just a few. 1.
The CHRYSO® DuraPrint process creates unique horizontal surfaces of stamped concrete in applications like pavements and playgrounds, resembling natural materials like stone, wood or paving stones.
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A non-slip sanded effect is also on offer for new concrete; CHRYSO® GraniStab® which makes a concrete slab look like a continuous granite surface.
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CHRYSO® ColorStab® gives a stabilised sanded effect that is great for heavy footfall.
4.
For both aesthetic and safety value, luminescent concrete contains particles that glow brightly in the dark – making CHRYSO® Lumin P and P+ the perfect solution for pathways, pool sides and patios. The range of products for new concrete developments also includes shaped, pervious and coloured concrete solutions.
RenoPrint – creates the appearance of natural materials but measures only 6-10 mm thick. An even thinner coating of just 2 mm is available with CHRYSO® Texture Top® – suitable for esplanades, pavements, terraces and paths; the textured surface over old concrete is anti-slip and provides excellent mechanical resistance. The products for concrete renovations include a quick-drying resin finish for outdoor (CHRYSO® ResiCoat), patina’s for restoring colour (CHRYSO® ColorTop Patinas) and ink dyes for dense and polished concretes.
As you can see, the variety of product for both public and commercial use makes our solutions incredibly versatile and ready to take on any space. Can clients utilise your products for renovation of concrete? The products are ideal for renovating old concrete surfaces, with effects and screeds to rejuvenate the look and durability of worn or damaged concrete. Our Microscreed process, a thinner alternative to stamped concrete, on offer with CHRYSO®
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CO N TAC T Elrene Smuts 011 395 9700 elrene@chrysosa-abe.co.za www.za.chryso.com
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COMPANY PROFILE
Learning About Admixtures
We chat to Norman Seymore (NS), C.E.O. of CHRYSO Southern Africa, the leading admixture producer, to learn more on the now virtually indispensable role of admixtures in concrete design
Q : What exactly are admixtures? NS: Admixtures, basically, are chemicals used to modify – and enhance - concrete’s freshly mixed, setting or hardened properties. They are added to the batch before or during mixing.
Q : Why were admixtures developed? NS: There has been a change in building practice over the past few decades with more expected of concrete than ever before. The trend now is to use fluid concrete that can be fitted and moulded into any shape. However, concrete strength is non-negotiable and that it why chemicals such as admixtures were developed to enhance concrete without sacrificing strength.
Q : How do admixtures improve concrete performance?
NIGHT
DAY
NS: Admixtures can improve workability, develop high early strength, increase ultimate strength, compensate for temperature fluctuations, and improve resistance to corrosion, shrinkage, or freezing and thawing. They are also used to overcome placement emergencies such as equipment failure and other unexpected delays. Admixtures also reduce the cost of the concrete mix and compensate for poor aggregate properties.
Q : What are the main categories of
admixtures used in concrete mixes today? NS: Admixtures can be classified into five main categories: plasticisers, super-plasticisers, air-entrainers, accelerators, and retarders.
Q : And what are the individual
characteristics of these admixtures? NS: When plasticisers are added to the concrete mix, they enhance workability by www.prolandscaper.co.za
repelling binder particles and distributing the particles more evenly throughout the concrete. Super-plasticisers can reduce the required water content of the concrete mix by 15 to 20%. Air-entrainers introduce bubbles into the concrete mix to provide maximum protection against freezing and thawing and increase workability when the mix lacks fines. Accelerators speed up the chemical reaction of the cement and water and consequently the rate of hydration improving the setting or early gain in the strength of concrete. Retarders, on the other hand, slow the chemical reaction of cement and water, providing longer setting times and slower initial strength gain.
Q : What exactly was 'new' in CHRYSO's
New Generation range of admixtures which have been around for a few years now? And how radically did these relatively 'green chemicals' change the fortune of admixtures not only in this country, but worldwide? NS: The new generation admixtures are based on specific raw materials or polymers (poly carboxylates). These raw materials and formulations radically improve the performance of the admixture in terms of water reduction /workability retention and strength development compared to traditional or old generation admixtures. A key benefit for Chryso is that we produce our own raw materials for the formulation of our New Generation products.
Q : Which sectors of the construction industry are the main users of your admixtures?
NS: Ready-mix concrete users mainly use admixtures to adjust the workability retention of concrete; precast users use admixtures to speed placing and setting times so that they can get faster turnaround time of the moulds and improved surface finishes, and for onsite mixing for new construction, different admixtures are used to meet a project’s specific needs.
Pro Landscaper Africa | May 2018
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COMING SOON! Pro Landscaper Africa is proud to present a first ever for our green industry. On the 1st of November 2018 we will be launching FutureScape Africa Trade Event at the Cape Town V&A Waterfront's LookOut venue. With this beautiful venue and a full day of free seminars for industry members, we are certain that this event will include every member of our diverse profession. Our aim is to bring the pages of our magazine to life by connecting various associations, trade members, municipal heads, landscape architects, landscape contractors, grounds maintenance companies, installers and industry suppliers under one roof for an event you will book into your diaries annually!
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F E AT U R E
PAVING. AESTHETICS, ENGINEERING & COST The 3 Key factors in the design of paving for commercial installations.
Derek Anderson
Most people will look at a new commercial paving installation and only really admire the overall look the paving gives, but there are so many considerations when choosing the right combination for various sites. Aesthetics • Colour • Shape • Surface texture • Type of material (clay, concrete, granite etc) Engineering • Strength • Material type • Pattern Cost • Does the chosen combination fit into the development budget? www.prolandscaper.co.za
In a commercial installation, the aesthetic of the paving is far more important than in an industrial installation. The designer needs to look at the facade, colour and shape of the office block or shopping centre he is designing and ensure his paving design will integrate seamlessly into the overall look and feel of the finished building. The paving, landscaping and building facade create the first impression for anyone viewing the development. Currently, Landscape Architects are using combinations of several colours, sizes and textures in different areas. This not only takes the “boring" look out of the paved area, but also acts to give the paving depth and character. Twenty years ago, it was not uncommon to just use one or two colours to do the entire roadway, parking and pathway for a commercial development. Today an up-market office complex or shopping centre will use between six and ten different types of pavers in various combinations and patterns.
It is very important, however, to consider the patterns used when mixing various types and shapes of pavers. It helps if they are modular, but if not, then careful consideration should be given to where bands and cuttings will be placed to keep the overall look neat. Cuttings can often "make or break" the paving area. We recently completed a stunning commercial space where the Architect used rectangular granite cobbles in light grey and white banding to create a stunning multifunctional "urban square". Due to the quality of the paver, this area became the centre piece of the development. The pedestrian pathways were laid with light charcoal square cobbles around the urban square and red clay pavers to the paths adjacent to the roads. The roads were laid in a brown stone exposed aggregate paver, with one section of the road in a combination of light grey and dark grey exposed aggregate pavers to tie in with the granite cobbles in the square. Pro Landscaper Africa | May 2018
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F E AT U R E
Each paver defined its use with colour, texture and shape, as well as being fit for the purpose. The overall effect was incredibly impressive and tied the three very different buildings surrounding the square into a stunning precinct. The designer must take the use of each area of paving into consideration. While pathways may seem a simple design, the texture for pathways at a shopping centre needs to be reasonably smooth as trolleys will be trafficking over these paths. A highly textured finish can cause very uncomfortable vibration and lead to an unpleasant experience for the shopper. At entrance ways into shopping malls, the strength of the paver is of paramount importance. This is where the highest concentration of shoppers will be found and is constantly trafficked. A paver with a high abrasion resistance is required. It also, however, needs to define the entrance and lead the shopper into the centre and this is where the designer can use colour, shape and patterns to his advantage.
At delivery areas where heavily laden trucks will be off-loading goods, it is important to use a high strength paver that can withstand heavy loads. The pattern used should be a 45-degree herringbone and a darker in colour, to disguise oil spills, tyre marks and other stains. The use of a sealer to aid in the cleaning of these pavers should also be considered. Delivery areas cannot always be "hidden away" in the development and an industrial paver that can similarly match the colour and texture of the surrounding areas should be integrated into the design. In the parking areas of shopping centers a nd commercial buildings, the trend is to differentiate between roadways and parking bays with different colour pavers and use a third colour to define the parking bay line. A different laying pattern between the roadway and the parking bay is also used. It is advisable to use a 90-degree herringbone pattern in the parking bays as this allows the parking lines to be laid without excessive cutting which also gives a far neater finish.
It is very important for the Landscape Architect to consult with both the engineer as well as the laying contractor when considering his designs. We have several Architects who regularly consult with us during the design process. Our experience of matching various products together and ensuring that the overall paved area will stand up to the purpose it was designed for is evident when viewing these installations many years later and seeing them in fantastic condition. Finally, the best paved installations are where the Architect/ Landscape Architect has blended the paving into the landscaping and building using a combination of natural products which are not overwhelming, but rather combine seamlessly using colour, pattern and textures in moderation, while still accentuating the various areas sufficiently.
ABOUT DEREK ANDERSON
Derek Anderson is the founding member of Highland Paving. He started the business in 1994 after completing his Civil Engineering Technician studies and gaining experience working with Murray & Roberts. He was the past chairman of the Brick Paving Institute. Highland Paving has completed a huge number of prestigious projects including the Cape Town Stadium and urban Park, Canal Walk Shopping centre, Crystal Towers Hotel, Century City Urban Square and most recently the Table Bay Mall Shopping Centre. www.highlandpaving.co.za | derek@highland.co.za | 021 521 1480 | 083 252 1166
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LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS JOURNAL
Landscape Architect’s Journal: Reconfiguring the Burnt Scar
Pro Landscaper catches up with Louise Brukman, UCT Master of Landscape Architecture student & winner of top Corobrik award, to find out more on her winning dissertation titled “Reconfiguring the Burnt Scar” which uses the Knysna fires of June 2017 to inspire her exploration into solutions that could prevent this type of disaster from happening in future.
Introduction: Globally, we are seeing devastating effects on the built environment caused by wild fires. In the last year catastrophic wild fires have been reported in Portugal, California, Sydney and Knysna, South Africa. It is evident that as the urban edge encroaches on surrounding open landscapes and the natural state of these landscapes are altered, the risk and effects of uncontrolled wild fire is increasing. I have experienced these devastating effects first hand. In June 2017 the infamous Knysna Fires almost destroyed my family home. My parents risked their lives to save the house which by a miracle mostly escaped the inferno. Others, including many people close to me were less fortunate. These events inspired me to research Landscape Architectural solutions that could prevent this kind of disaster. I felt there were opportunities within the realms of Landscape Architecture to assist in repairing what was damaged and potentially preventing future catastrophes on such a massive scale. My dissertation titled “Reconfiguring the Burnt Scar”proposes an integrated Landscape Architectural
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system directed at the protection of both urban and rural areas from micro to macro areas. Management and Maintenance Ecological Burns. In South Africa we are especially vulnerable to wild fires due to the nature of our Fynbos vegetation and our susceptibility to drought, among other factors. Studies have shown that while almost all Fynbos species are adapted to cope with fire, each species has a different preference in terms of fire frequency and intensity. Scientists widely believe that Fynbos plants' biodiversity is maximized and best maintained if the vegetation is a mosaic of different aged stands that burnt at different times of year and under varied conditions. Most importantly when Fynbos islands are not burnt at their appropriate times the island becomes overgrown and becomes thicket, thus significantly increasing the fuel load (burnability). A paradox ensues: A landscape that requires fire to prevent fire. It is thus critical to implement controlled ecological burns. A major contributing
factor to the scale and intensity of the Knysna Fires were the unmanaged Fynbos stands. Scheduled ecological burns are often aborted due to the complexity of coordinating management and fluctuating environmental conditions. Forming part of the proposed integrated fire management scheme I have established a mapping system that will aid in coordinating these variables. The mapping system compartmentalizes the landscape according to specific landscape features (vegetation type, land-use, aspect, slope, historic fires etc.), thus the entire Knysna region is divided into a mosaic of manageable pockets between 10- 20 hectares in size. The reason for this is multi-fold. One is able to safely monitor specific vegetation types, water systems, alien invasive species, erosion and the allocation of labour services to deal with these processes. Specifically, the mapping system sets out a time frame indicating when each compartment should be burnt and who is responsible for the implementation of management and maintenance.
Pro Landscaper Africa | May 2018
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LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS JOURNAL
Plantations and Landscape Character Vegetation types behave differently in the face of fire. For example, Pine trees are extremely burnable whereas Milkwood trees and most Outeniqua Forest species are fire resistant and generally do not burn. It is no coincidence that the origin of the Knysna fire was within the vicinity of the Pine plantation. The vast stands of Pine plantations were burnt leaving bare soil and the opportunity to re-imagine the commercial plantations of the area. I propose the introduction of new commercial tree species that are fast growing, commercially in demand and fire-resistant. The plantations will instead act as fire-breaks for the surrounding urban fabric as well as a self-regulating plantation fire-break. Additionally, some of the naive Outeniqua Forest species will be re-introduced. These areas would be further protected by the implementation, the Mediterranean Cypress which is the most fire resistant of all trees and will act as guardians of the plantations and the urban fabric. In Landscape Architecture the aesthetic quality of any intervention should always be considered.
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Even a fire management system, which may seem purely ecological, has design and aesthetic implications. The proposed reconfiguration and introduction of the new deciduous tree species would create an alternate textured and multicoloured landscape. Much like the vast agricultural rolling hills of yellow canola fields during spring along the Garden Route, so the new deciduous tree stands will add in the Picturesque productive landscape character of the extended region. Urban Intervention Another aspect of the proposed integrated fire management scheme is a set of guidelines and applications to be implemented within a micro area, like a domestic garden. The guidelines present a fire-resistant planting palette as well as specific planting spatial arrangements according to fire risk. As a case study to illustrate the diverse design opportunities the guidelines can yield, a number of erven from an area burnt in the Knysna fires were redesigned. The intention of this system is that it allows home owners to
can take matters into their own hands to protecting themselves and their homes. The cumulative effect when a number of these fire-resistant micro areas are banded together is a relative fire-break. Essentially, it forms a protective mechanism, retarding and containing the spread of fire to proximate and surrounding area. Conclusion While the dissertation focused on the Knysna region, the principle behind the concept can be applied to various regions globally, with slight adaptations made to vegetation types depending on the nature of the area. The concepts set out in my dissertation are readily capable of practical, economic and effective application.
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LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS JOURNAL
Landscape Architect’s Journal:
Roosmaryn Square, University of Pretoria Casteletto
Roosmaryn
Sprout is a Johannesburg-based practice providing a landscape design and consultation service for a wide range of projects. Gina Switala founded Sprout in 2015 and has worked on projects of various scales. Existing Site
Smart Cube with Slate Paving in front
New Trees
Red Brick Paving
letto
ont
Roosmaryn
Pedestrian Crossing proposed as Connection to Thuto Building
New Trees
Paving allows for movement on predominant desire lines connecting spaces
Seating Walls Stormwater detention pond, lined with packed stone, behind Seating Walls
Red Brick Paving
Roosmaryn
EXISTING SITE
w Trees
Red Brick Paving
Stormwater detention pond, lined with packed stone, behind Seating Walls
The University of Pretoria appointed Sprout and a consulting engineering firm to develop a specific site next to the historic Roosmaryn building on the main campus in Hatfield. An urban area was required to accommodate high student traffic because of its location in relation ement onto lecture buildings and access points of the es connecting spaces university. Other considerations to be made in the design were how to incorporate spaces for work or relaxation for students and to deal with large volumes of stormwater entering the site from the neighbouring parking area.
es
Stormwater detention pond, lined with packed stone, behind Seating Walls
Design proposal The proposed design formalises existing Seating Walls pathways across the site and uses seating walls to define spaces as a means to accommodate both the movement of students as well as provide opportunities for them to relax. In addition, three "SmartCubes" were incorporated into the design. These are container like structures that the University has developed
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Pro Landscaper Africa | May 2018
and that serve as a Wi-Fi hotspot where students can work. A stone lined detention pond was proposed to slow the water down and allow for infiltration before entering the stormwater system. The landscape Roosmaryn has an Seating surrounding Walls historic layer in the form of heritage paving that is a black slate material. In order to respect and reveal this element small triangular pockets of slate paving adjacent to the SmartCubes will be incorporated, allowing for a slower movement pattern in these areas. The main square is proposed to have a red brick paving material and is hoped to allow for other spontaneous events such as art installations, student gatherings, dance etc. The area also provides a usable space for the Casteletto building, a student day house. An important consideration for Roosmaryn Square was to connect to the Thuto building and therefore a pedestrian crossing over Roper Street is proposed and the existing hard
landscaping language will be repeated in order to maintain uniformity. The square will be well lit at night with the standard lamp poles used throughout the University. The site already has several large trees and these will be retained and incorporated into the design. New trees, a small area of lawn and indigenous waterwise planting will be added to soften the large amount of hard landscaping. This proposal hopes to add to the existing urban fabric of the campus as well as create a space that is both functional and enticing for its users. CO N TAC T 083 745 6015 gina@sproutlandscapes.co.za www.sproutlandscapes.co.za
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Natural and rehabilitated area: 25 800m2 Intensive Landscape area: 11 500m2 Total landscaped area: 37 300m2 Timeline: 1 year Cost: +- R14 million Location: Pretoria
P R O J E C T
O N E
THE DEPARTMENT OF STATISTICS SOUTH AFRICA Here is a look at the R1.4 billion Department of Statistics SA offices in Pretoria. Under construction since 2014, the new offices were a joint venture between government and JSE-listed Wilson Bayly Holmes-Ovcon (WBHO). These new headquarters house approximately 3 000 Stats SA employees, with the land that the new building occupies, encompassing a 60 000 square metre piece of government-owned property between Koch, 6th Street and Pretoria Station in Salvokop. The tender to build the offices was won by Dipalopalo Consortium, of which WBHO is a shareholder. Daniel Rebel Landscape Architects were commissioned to design and implement the landscaped space, rehabilitate distressed areas and provide means to harvest rain water for this iconic project.
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PORTFOLIO The Brief The Project brief in short, was to create an indigenous waterwise landscape, incorporating the natural Bankenveld environment into the design. The disturbed areas were to be rehabilitated and all invasive species removed. Irrigation was to be done by means of harvested rain water. All street furniture was to be provided and branded with the Stats SA logo. The Landscape design was presented to the Client and landscape plans of the various areas along with perspectives, sections, material samples and proposed street furniture were also presented to the client for approval. This process provided valuable feedback and brought about the design as it appears currently. Design The landscape design for the Department of Statistics SA was informed by three core components. These include the outer landscape, the inner landscape and a central spine that orders the exterior environment. Outer landscape: deals with the perimeter of the campus and responds to the public realm, such as the streetscape, public square and pedestrian access. Inner landscape: deals with specialised and controlled open space within the campus and supports the function of the buildings. It provides environments for relaxation, social interaction, heritage and nature conservation as well as places of contemplation. Central spine: is a ‘ribbon’ that connects the inner and the outer landscape with the surrounding urban context. It entails a progressive movement from the Public Square, through the Campus to the Heritage Village and Salvokop Freedom Park. Landscape Design Concept The site had a number of unique opportunities and constraints. The site layout and landscape design was informed by the following: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
The Freedom Park Museum Freedom Park access road The NZASM heritage court Pedestrian access from the railway station Surrounding urban development pattern A relatively level portion of land towards the northern and eastern portion of the site A disturbed steep slope towards the southern part of the site the site that was to be rehabilitated and all alien vegetation removed.
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Particular challenges were the views over the railway yards, as well as the neighbouring apartment building in very close proximity to the NZASM heritage court. The design concept is a progression of various spaces that are linked like beads on a string and that are interwoven along a central spine.
feature welcomes pedestrians and visitors onto the Campus. Erythrina lysistemon trees were provided in the Arrival court or parking area. The seeds of these tree were used as beads in necklaces relating back to the design concept. Atrium Street
From the public interface at the Public Square in the northern corner of the site, the design flows through an Internal street with Private Courtyards towards a multi-functional transition space that connects the new built form with the restored NZASM Heritage Court, from where it moves through a rehabilitated Bankenveld landscape that connects to the Freedom Park Museum.
A weather protected Atrium street, with a leafy urban street feeling, directs visitors and employees to the various facilities within the campus. Acclimatised Ficus street trees, seating and textured tiles are provided along the internal street that acts as a spine linking the public realm with the inner campus landscape.
Landscape Design Narrative
Three east-facing courtyards, with distant city views, are accessible from the Auditorium, meeting rooms, internal street or canteen area. These spaces are optimally designed as small-scale pedestrian environments for social interaction, outdoor meetings and contemplation areas. Composite decking, paving, gabion walls with seating and vegetation are optimised to create pleasant and intimate spaces for entertainment and retreat.
Public Square A multi-functional pedestrian space forms the gateway from the railway pedestrian bridge into the Campus as well as the Salvokop precinct. In future the public square will be further defined by future buildings along the northern edge. The space provides for hard surfacing, shade trees, seating, exhibition space and and the Tallystone sculpture which served as inspiration for the design concept for the development, Arrival Court There is a seamless transition from the public square to the arrival court. Although access controlled, the arrival court forms part of the public realm as this space can facilitate largescale events. Generous steps, high impact graphic landscaping and a cascading water
Private Courtyards
NZASM Heritage Court The criss-cross network of pathways etched in the landscape as is evident in the archival aerial photographs was captured in the new landscape design of the Heritage Court. Exposed aggregate footpaths, lawn and informal clusters of existing and newly planted trees will reinstate the space back to its authentic pattern.
Pro Landscaper Africa | May 2018
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PORTFOLIO
SUPPLIERS Landscape Contractor Servest 011 608 3377 Hardscaping Contractor East rand Paving - 011 743 1377 Paving Bosun - 011 310 1176 Smartstone - 011 310 1161 Concrete Furniture Gallo Precast - 012 546 6067 Tallystone Sculpture Artist: Andre Prinsloo Manufacturer: Gallo Precast Furniture: (Benches and Litter bins) & Paving and planter Copings WilsonStone - 011 615 6212 Pots & Seating Ottomans, Pebble Seats Igneous Concrete - 011 827 7425 Parking Area Paving Aveng Infraset - 011 876 5100 Irrigation design Controlled Irrigation - 011 608 0767 Composite deck Truestyle Hard Landscape Solutions 011 768 1305 Envirodeck - 011 087 6200 Insitu cast Concrete Paving Danvon Landscapes - 011 743 3003 Horticare - 011 024 2480 Gabion Construction Danvon Landscapes Water feature mechanical installation Alfred Whittaker (Aquafeatures & Pumps) 011 433 2710 Rock Cladding to planters PVS Construction Internal Tree Planting Bidvest Execuflora - 086 111 3247 Lighting Regent Lighting Solutions - 011 474 0171 Voltex - 011 879 2000 Fencing Cochrane - 011 394 1788 Images supplied by GLH Architects 28
Pro Landscaper Africa | May 2018
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PORTFOLIO
The original well has been restored and replaces the plaque and water feature as well as the formal pathway system that was introduced in the 1980-renovation. A buffer zone of indigenous trees wrap around the heritage court in order to ‘embrace’ the space and to screen the neighbouring development as far as possible. Restored Bankenveld landscape From the Heritage Court the space continues into the restored Bankenveld landscape and joins, by means of a pedestrian path, with the terrain of the Freedom Park Museum. This landscape has been rehabilitated from its previous disturbed and invaded status, into a natural Bankenveld landscape as part of the Salvokop foothill slope. The fluid design of the central spine becomes more rigid and quirky at the historical hall building where the landscape makes a transition from the urban to the natural form. An indigenous natural landscape was established, the natural slopes restored by means of stone gabion terraces, and a pedestrian pathway leads to the southern point of urban connectivity at the Freedom Park Museum. Sustainable Water Usage The landscape design aims to reduce- as much as possible, the amount of potable water used for irrigation. Harvested rainwater will be used to irrigate the landscape. Only when the irrigation demand exceeds the harvested rainwater storage capacity, will potable water be used. The landscape is divided into two irrigation zones namely the Irrigated landscape as well as the rehabilitated or natural landscape. The latter comprises more than 75% of the site. Water savings is achieved by making use of mulching, drip irrigation with soil moisture
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sensors, introduction of robust and indigenous water wise planting and through adding water retaining additives to the soil. Sourcing Materials Paving materials were selected in conjunction with GLH Terra Ether Architects. There was a vision to what the end product should look like. The building inspired the use of paving materials. The rocks used in the construction, were taken from the site to complement not only the building, but also the natural character of the Gabion walls were selected to complement not only the building, but also the natural character of the area. The neighbouring Transnet site will be accessed from 6th Avenue and along the Paul Kruger street axis. Indigenous waterwise plant material was selected based on what was growing in the area. Erythrina lysistemon trees were planted in the arrival court/parking area, which in itself is quite a phenomenal focal element. Nuxia florubunda as well as Harpephyllum caffrum were provided due to the fact that they are evergreen. Some of the other trees used were Celtis Africana, Combretum eruthrophyllum, Ehretia rigida, Dombeya rotundifolia, Buddleja saligna, Olea europaea subsp Africana, Seersia sp. The plant palette consisted of the following species: Aristida junciformis, Chondropetalum tectorum, Kniphofia species, Agapanthus sp, Crocosmia sp, as well as Strelitzia reginae and mandelas gold, Asparagus sp, Jasminum species (used as creepers), Freylinia tropica, Carissa macrocarpa and Tecomaria capensis. Cynodon dactylon lawn areas were provided in and around the NZASM Heritage courtyard while all season evergreen lawn was used in the courtyard areas where sunlight is limited. This also has the advantage of looking lush throughout the year.
Pro Landscaper Africa | May 2018
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PORTFOLIO
ABOUT DANIEL REBEL LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS ( P T Y ) LT D ( D R L A )
Through a holistic design approach and collaboration with other built environment professionals, we create memorable spaces and environments, designs that are accountable, site specific, environmentally responsive, and that are constructed on time, within budget but above expectation. DRLA is well positioned to render a personalised and professional service of an exceptional high standard, to all its clients. We specialise in the following fields of: • Landscape Architecture: • Public open space development • Urban landscape infrastructure projects • Mix use urban developments • Residential estates • Corporate campuses • Office precincts 30
Pro Landscaper Africa | May 2018
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P R O J E C T
T W O
DESIGNING NICOLWAY Bertha Wium Landscape Development (Pty) Ltd were commissioned to design and link two aspects of this beautiful development in Bryanston. Creating cohesion between the Nicolway Shopping centre and Office Buildings making up the site’s expanse, this is a wonderful example of discerning design and pristine maintenance.
Cost: +- 2million Garden Areas: Shopping Centre 3217m² Eastern Offices 1157m² Western Offices 1011m² Project Completion with ongoing development: 2012-2015 Location: Nicolway Urban Development, Bryanston
PORTFOLIO
SUPPLIERS Topsoil, Compost and Potting Soil Earthworm Organics - 087 151 3374 Trees, Shrubs and Ground Cover Malanseuns - 012 549 2128 Tshala Plant Brokers - 071 683 1177 Pots on Slab (Shopping Centre) Gallo Precast - 012 546 6067 Pots on Slab (Offices) Igneous Concrete - 011 827 7425 Irrigation Bidvest Top Turf - 087 286 5625 Cobble edging Vanstone - 012 541 2056 Lighting Regent Lighting Solutions - 011 474 0171 Paving Aveng Infraset - 011 876 5100 Technicrete - 011 674 6900 Bosun Brick - 011 310 1176 Union Tiles - 011 663 2000
The Brief for this project was to provide a high end landscaped environment suited to the surrounding Nicolway development. Creative greenery needed to be incorporated on the basement slab with building entrances accentuated by layering of plants. There needed to be cohesion between the entire Nicolway Bryanston Development with the Shopping Centre and Offices blending into one another and representing the same design ideals. Project Description The retail landscaping became the base from which the design concept developed and extended to the offices. The garden of Nicolway shopping centre showcases linear planting, shaped in perfect hedges to display foliage contrast with strong level variances. The repetitive use of species choice strengthens the design and links the Shopping Centre and Office Buildings within the garden expanse. The linear placement of rectangular and square pots all the same dimensions, forms the main
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element on the vast parking slab, crossing the full extent of the Centre’s elevation. The placement and combination of the pots amongst the traffic islands, filled with an ornamental silica gravel, gives an interesting design pattern. The pots were designed and custom manufactured for the project. Ficus microcarpa standard trees with matching stem heights were selected to form hedges on stems within the pots. The crowns of these trees were grown into square or rectangular blocks depending on the pot configuration and number of stems per rectangular pot. Trachelospermum jasminoides (Star Jasmine) forms the base to the Ficus Trees. Igneous concrete pots with Murraya exotica (Orange Jasmine) line the outer patio/walkway area in front of the continuous line of restaurants. All the restaurants open over the full length of the building façade and onto the outdoor patio and inner ring road as part of the adjacent parking area.
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trees flank the entrance road from the lower road entrance on Wedgewood Link. The planting in this section ties in with the planting theme of the two adjacent Office Buildings, with strong linear hedge projections and plant layering. The entrance off William Nicol Drive draws the eye through repetitive large flat Viburnum sinensis (Sweet Viburnum) patterns.
The atmosphere created by the flow of one restaurant to the next, with only a minimum indoor demarcation, is amazingly vibrant. The trees in the concrete pots within the traffic island flanking the circulation road adjacent to the building, form an important layer of height and greenery, adding to the indoor/ outdoor atmosphere. The same concrete pots with trees were repeated in the traffic islands on the outer section of the parking slab, accentuating the layers leading up to the building. Igneous pots announce the entrance to the stand-alone restaurant area on the north-eastern corner of the parking slab. Standard Ficus Trees and Star Jasmine were the planting of choice in these pots and link to the slab planting. The announcement gardens from the two road entrances – from William Nicol Drive and out of Wedgewood Link, lead the visitors and shoppers in. Ekebergia capensis (Cape Ash)
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Wistringia rosmariniformis (Coastal Rosemary) hedges in the open ground planting areas of the Centre and the Office Buildings are flanked with double rows of cobbles to emphasize the projected hedge patterns with ground cover blocks in-between.
Main project constraint The placement of heavy concrete pots in a perfect linear design between the traffic islands on slab, necessitated the building of podiums to ensure level placement within ornamental gravel areas. The weight restriction onto the slab during the placement process limited the mechanical haulage plant that could be used. The pots were suspended using a mini telehandler and straps were tied onto concrete hooks cast into the pots for this purpose, with the pots placed one by one.
Podocarpus falcatus (Outeniqua Yellowwood) trees, on the northern boundary, screen the Western Offices from the neighbouring building. Igneous troughs accentuate the building entrances to both Office Buildings, planted with Syzygium paniculatum (Water Berry) shaped onto high blocks. Syzygium columnar blocks form a strong rhythm along the inner section of the entrance road from Wedgewood Link to the Shopping Centre. The same columnar blocks are repeated on the prominent high curved wall off the William Nicol Drive entrance. The view from the lower offices in the Western Offices onto the high southern concrete retaining wall, necessitate a creative planting solution with hedges on the lower level, followed by Ficus pumila (Tickey Creepers) onto the concrete wall, with a standard Viburnum rhythm on the upper level.
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ABOUT BERTHA WIUM LANDSCAPE DEVELOPMENT
Bertha Wium Landscape Development (Pty) Ltd represents an integrated practice of Landscape Architecture and Landscape Contract installation, offering a high level of Landscape Development, including quality Landscape Maintenance to achieve the design goals of each project. The Company was established in September 2006 and has been involved in the design, management, installation and maintenance of pristine landscape developments around South Africa. Due to the Company’s attention to detail, projects evolve into aesthetic, functional and sustainable assets for its clients. www.bwlanddev.co.za
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PAVED SUCCESS With over 16 different applications of paving available, Technicrete is able to meet your requirements for any paving project, no matter how big or small. Concrete precast products are used throughout the world to provide an aesthetically pleasing and functional surface, and Technicrete is able to comfortably supply these affordable, locally manufactured solutions to South Africa. Suitable for:
Available in:
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paving | mining | masonry | erosion protection retaining walls | drainage | kerbs | precast products www.technicrete.co.za
Technicrete is a subsidiary of ISG, a leading supplier of innovative infrastructure products to the construction and mining markets in Southern Africa.
Tel: 011 674 6900 Maxi call: 0861 266 267
specialist suppliers of large scale, low maintenance pots & planters | bench & wall panelling | seating & furniture | bollards, bins, public space installations custom design +27 (011) 827 7425 info@igneous.co.za www.igneous.co.za
innovators in all weather, lightweight polyconcrete
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Size: 40 553m² Timeline: November 2015 - September 2017 Soft landscape cost: +- R13,7 Million Location: Table Bay, Cape Town
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T H R E E
THE NEW HIGH STREET A look at the indigenous landscape of the new Table Bay Mall development on Cape Town’s West Coast, situated between Blouberg and Melkbosstrand. Insite Landscape Architects together with Life Landscapes bring the soft landscaping to life whilst Vivid architects create an aesthetic and functional hard landscaped area, culminating in a space where the whole shopping experience is elevated.
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T
he landscape design compliments Table Bay Mall with a totally indigenous landscape, focusing on creating colourful effects within the landscape. Planting lines are clean and minimalist, acknowledging the architecture they surround. The indigenous landscape includes very strategic plant choices owing to the potential high wind conditions of the site, as well as sandy soils and drought conditions. This strategy was adopted to ensure that the plants develop and adapt to their full potential and a fair percentage of the plant choices are plants that occur naturally in the area. Coral trees were used to colourfully frame the main road entrances to the mall off Berkshire Boulevard, and to give these approaches visual importance. These entrances are also highlighted with sculptural Bain’s Aloes to accentuate the experience of arrival. The mall is further framed by a mass planting of trees on all sides (759 exterior trees) comprising of different species of Waterberry trees, Ficus, Willow, and Coral trees. Wild plum trees were planted as an avenue along the southern facade of the mall with its various shopfronts and so was specifically used to highlight the character of the road as a ‘shopping high street’. Here to, the mall entrances are accentuated with Bain’s Aloes planted in sculptural planters, carrying the theme through.
Space Nic Cloete, project architect, explains the hardscaping design and implementation of the outdoor spaces. “One of the primary hard landscaping features of Table Bay Mall is the front façade and internal boulevard. The main elevation of Table Bay Mall is an active edge with outward facing shops, with a cantilevered canopy providing weather protection for shoppers. This elevation lines the primary internal circulation road that was intended to feel like a public street. The walkway along the shopfront line is finished in a stone like porcelain textured anti slip tile, designed in a two-colour diagonal pattern that was inspired by centuries old Italian and Spanish public squares. The dynamic two-tone pattern is sophisticated and quite graphic and defines the public walkway as well as providing and easy to clean and maintain surface for the landlord. The tiled walkway is kept fairly narrow at 2.5m wide, and a border on the kerb side, created by a few rows of cobbles is intended as a safety zone to keep shoppers and especially those with trolleys away from the road edge. The main boulevard picks up on the diagonal theme of the walkway, although the pattern is larger in scale and subtler in the combination of aggregate paver colours. The pattern does help to create something special without a significant increase additional cost.
The feature pedestrian crossings again emphasise the diagonal pattern but here the combination is created with contrasting concrete pavers that again look much more expensive than would be the case without the pattern. Custom in situ cast concrete benches are also placed along the main façade walkway, serving both as seating as well as bollards, preventing vehicles gaining access to the pavement. Street lighting was custom designed for the project, including vertical LED feature fittings that were used to highlight entrances and pedestrian crossing. In situ cast planters at the entrances provide seating and structure for tree planting and ground cover and again these emphasise the entrances into the mall. The aggregate pavers were also included on the entry roadways from the pubic street, with the intention of providing a more upmarket look and feel to the centre from the moment customers enter the precinct.” Space Leading contractors, Life Landscapes discuss their role in bringing this project to life. “Due to the extreme drought and water restrictions one would assume landscaping has been put on hold in most instances, however with careful planning and design it is quite possible.
The remaining tree species are planted in mass around the building, and in time will create a welcome picture frame around the mall, and shade for cars and create environmental zones. Indigenous groundcovers and shrubs (26 species of groundcovers (23 892m²) excluding veld grass. Including veld grass = 27 species (40 553m²)) are planted under the trees and on the site. These species were chosen to achieve pretty flower effects and for the plants natural occurrence and sustainability in the landscape. The interior of the mall has pot planters throughout that consist of both trees and groundcovers. This brings the landscape into the mall and the greenery adds to and compliments the striking interiors. The Table Bay Mall Landscape will develop into a colourful and picturesque setting that differs from other developments in the area and adds to the shopping experience.
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SUPPLIERS Lighting Province Lighting - 021 464 4661 Fence Betafence - 021 868 7300 Tiling Mirage Norr Paving 50mm Wet-cast Cobble: Modern Granite 75mm Wet-cast Cobble: Modern Granite 50mm Polished paver: Granite Fine 50mm Bond paver: Charcoal C.E.L. Paving Products - 021 905 5998 INCA Concrete - 021 904 1620 Project Landscape Architects Werner Venter Michael Watson Neal Schoof Fritz Coetzee Architect: Vivid Architects Landscape Contractor: Life Landscapes - 021 851 5110 Water feature: Waterscapes - 074 541 5605 Trees: Just Trees - 021 871 1595 Trees SA - 021 842 0003 Plants Hortiflora - 0843142005 Nonke Plants - 021 887 6972 Tshala Plant Brokers - 082 415 0165 Indoor Plants CJM Growers - 032 945 3472 EcoFlora - Airlery Farms Compost Reliance - 0861 888 784 Fertiliser Talborne Organics - 013 933 3172 Zeoplant - 021 788 1202 Hardscaping Bollards and Pavers Blueportwetcast (Pty) Ltd Irrigation Turfmanzi Irrigation - 021 975 5578
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PORTFOLIO
As we all know, there is a demand for shopping complexes and the time constraints to complete a project like Table Bay puts a lot of pressure on the entire team. Although, Group Five need to be commended as well as the professional team on site. In the planning and implementation process we had to adapt areas to accommodate the current climate, such as:
BEFORE
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Reducing veldgrass areas to gravel at high focal points at all entrances
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Boulders and pebbles were placed as an alternative to planting areas
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Water retention products were added to all trees
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Changes to some species of more drought resistant plants
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With water usage being scrutinised by governing bodies we had to find sustainable means with which to irrigate the +- 30 000m2 landscaped area. Water engineers and diviners had to identify a sustainable water source in order to drill into the underground water resources. We were successful in drilling two holes, one at 9000 litres per hour and the other at 2000 litre per hour.
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A water treatment plant had to be erected as the quality of water was not suitable for landscaping use. Turfmanzi our preferred and nominated irrigation contractor had to import this treatment plant from Australia. This added an additional element as we had to supply the mall with water for public restrooms and the grey water systems. We irrigated twice a week with the treated water and the remaining days were irrigated with grey water.
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A variety of indigenous plants nominated by the landscape architect were planted with great success.”
Brad Straw from Waterscapes explains the challenges from their perspective on this project. “The challenge was to create 2 water features that were installed on the base slab above the entrance to the underground parking. As parking and retail space is very expensive, we were forced to design a feature that would create a natural environment and establish a small www.prolandscaper.co.za
ecosystem to ensure a natural balance. This was achieved by calculating the ratio between the volume of water and the surface area of the filter media and ensuring that this calculation was supported by the circulation of the entire body of water of water through the filter media. The water features were waterproofed using a cementitious system to ensure a good substrate for the granite cladding and all penetrations were sealed with a special “blocking mix” which expands if water is present in the substrate. The water feature is operated by pulling water through a suction manifold, then reticulated through a cartridge filter and returns to the feature through simple bubbler points to create slight movement on the surface. This is known as a close circulation system. They are operated naturally by using special bacteria that are added on a monthly basis to control the growth of algae and this also conditions the water. Maintenance is of utmost importance and the systems are serviced every 3 weeks.
ABOUT INSITE LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
Insite is a landscape architectural practice with world class experience in creating inspirational, dynamic and authentically engaging spaces within a local and international portfolio. They believe that landscape design creativity adds value to any project and therefore strive to implement innovative design solutions. Insite are a creative ideas company, passionate about landscape architecture and conservation, with the ability to deliver excellent services within the entire spectrum of landscape architecture. We have a proven track record in the delivery of multiple prestigious projects nationwide and internationally.
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Size: 7500m2 Timeline: 20 Months Cost R2.6 million Location: Mooikloof, Pretoria
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P R O J E C T
F O U R
NATURE TAKES PREFERENCE Hortcouture designs a space to reflect the architectural vernacular of this beautiful residence in Mooikloof, Pretoria. With emphasis on its natural surroundings and designing to accommodate the landscape, this garden represents great architecture whilst simultaneously emphasising its surrounds.
The Brief The brief was relatively short in that the landscape had to reflect the architectural vernacular, as well as make use of similar materials and aesthetics. The site held serious challenges in that it sat on a 1 in 20 slope with underlying geologybeing shale (ouklip) in abundance. All the excavation was done by excavator and TLB. The site also contained very little viable topsoil as it was part of a rocky outcrop. This presented an array of challenges. Sourcing of materials was related to the architectural cues and materials used in the building. Hortcouture incorporated rusted steel sheeting, rock on site for gabions, Rusted weldmesh for gabions. Other materials such as timber for the dam boma seating and corten for the fire box were all intended to connect the landscape with the house. A natural approach was presented to the client and professional team where the landscape design did not attempt to dominate the landscape but rather connect with the larger surrounding landscape. The horizontal platforms ran with the contours of the site and further emphasized the lines of the building. The landscape further blended the house into the landscape rather than isolating it. Eragrostis was decided as the primary plant species where the site was seeded with veld grass in most areas. Only immediate surroundings areas around the house were planted in detail to again emphasize natural dominance. Scattered Buddleja saligna were intended to punctuate the landscape rather than overplant with trees in an environment where trees were generally and naturally absent due to the rocky conditions. Stormwater was collected and diverted to a dam lined with geotextile and emulsified bitumen. The 350 000lt dam was used as a reservoir for irrigating the property and topped up by a borehole. The use of Eragrostis further reduced the overall water requirements of the site meaning that the dam acted as a visual as well as functional element. The boma and seating with fire pit were designed to feel as though they are submerged into the dam with eye level being the same level as the water height, so that once again, the emphasis was to be in the landscape rather than dominate it. A small island was designed into the dam which accommodated a small putting green with artificial surface. Pro Landscaper Africa | May 2018
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PORTFOLIO SUPPLIERS
The Team: Architect – Nico van der Meulen Project Manager – Nick Smallwood Landscape contractor Design In Garden - 072 282 0446 Steel supplier NJR Steel 012 803-7162 Lighting StreamLight 011 440 4142 Timber Decking: Dorsett Decking 082 377 2302 Irrigation Supplier Wetec 011 708 7950
DURING
Artificial Turf Andrew Baranyay 082 554-2222 Duraturf 033 897 7500 Gabion & Rock Supplier Gabion Baskets 011 882 5788
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PORTFOLIO
The small island was a continuation of the scattered lawn platforms around the site. Lawn platforms were constructed from galvanised structural gabions first, with an outer carefully hand packed skin of local rock. The outer gabion skin was held in place with rusted weldmesh and capped with a bent and rusted mild steel detail to fully conceal the structural gabions and maintain architectural consistency. Access to all lawn platforms was by means of a raised rusted mentex expanded mesh walkway. The design allowed for Eragrostis to grow through the walkway where pedestrian traffic would effectively trim the veld grass and keep the pathway clear without the need for mechanical maintenance. The raised walkway was further intended to minimise disturbance of the site as vertebrates were noted inhabiting the property and general area. Lighting to the walkways were provided by Bollards adjacent to the walkway for a beautiful evening effect and of course to highlight access points and pathways.
ABOUT HORTCOUTURE
Hortcouture have passionately been defining exterior spaces and places for the past 18 years on a variety of projects being residential, commercial, industrial and hospitality. Hortcouture works to provide innovative and aesthetically pleasing environments for people to enjoy, while ensuring that changes to the natural environment are appropriate, sensitive and sustainable. Hortcouture are a small sized consulting company, offering holistic solutions in the disciplines of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning & Consulting for the past 20 years. Undertaking a variety of specialised projects in the residential, commercial institutional and industrial spheres. This company has competency in all aspects of Landscape Architecture, and Environmental planning and consulting. They collaborate closely with landscape contractors, as well as other professionals, especially architects, town planners, environmentalists and people working in surveying and engineering sectors.
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Dorsett Decking have been successfully decking Gauteng for more than 25 years. Working closely with Architects, Landscapers and builders, designs are formulated to achieve aesthetic results. For decking, ballustrades, cladding and associated pergolas in timber and/or composite contact Peter Dorsett (based in Northcliff) on 082 377 2302 or 011 678 5667. Visit our gallery at www.dorsettdecking.co.za or Facebook.
WELCOME TO RAMBRASS INTERNATIONAL
Established in 2000, Rambrass International custom designs, manufactures, installs and maintains a full variety of play equipment for parks, schools and public areas. For 20 years we have worked closely with clients from planning and design right through to manufacturing and final installation of custom fabricated equipment. Our current operations are primarily located in South Africa, but we are structured and able to deliver a comprehensive range of services throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. We also recently opened a branch in Cleveland, United States of America
082 417 7397 |
076 062 0405 | www.rambrass.co.za | info@rambrass.co.za
PORTFOLIO
P R O J E C T
F I V E
ARNHEM CENTRAL STATION
ARNHEM, THE NETHERLANDS BUREAU B+B URBANISM AND LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
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A rnhem Central Station is located next to the city centre. The area was previously isolated by a main road which surrounds the city centre and prevented interaction on the human scale; people often had to ask for the way in the chaotic setting between city and central station. The nondescript building, built in 1954, was hidden behind the bus terminal and a car park, and the structure of the area purely reflected the functional character of the train station, ignoring its potential to be an energetic and social city hub. Brief In the Nineties, the municipality of Arnhem and the Dutch Railway Company decided to build a new station to improve the surrounding public space. UNStudio designed an iconic building that was shaped to accommodate the flow of passengers, and Bureau B+B integrated the hub into its urban context. The brief for the landscaping was to transform the area into a lively public space, facilitating the movement
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of the 65,000 passengers who use it every day and guiding travellers intuitively in order to make using public transport as easy and stress-free as possible. The central station had the potential to be a multifunctional public place, rather than simply a transportation hub, with facilities and meeting places to serve as spaces of encounter for users and passengers. It also had to be carefully unified with the urban environment – knitted into the fabric of the city. Design The station area lies on the slopes of the Veluwe hills, dipping into the lower landscape that flanks the River Nederrijn. This results in a 20m height difference that has to be bridged in public space. The space has thus been designed as a continuous flowing landscape, with all the different height levels and streams of transportation seamlessly connected. Natural stone pavement is laid in various directions, following the undulating ground surface.
Client: Municipality of Arnhem Light planning: Atelier LEK Build time: 2006-2016 Size of project: 45,000m2 Project value: R 88.5 Million
1 Transition landscape for encounter and interaction ©Frank Hanswijk 2 New design suggests the feeling of standing within a flowing topography ©Frank Hanswijk 3 Public space guides people intuitively through the area ©Ben ter Mull 4 One continuous flowing landscape, carefully integrated in its urban context ©Frank Hanswijk
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Stainless steel figures subtly mark the height differences and thereby emphasise the area’s relation to the surrounding landscape; greater height differences are bridged by stone ‘folds’ in the plane. Fitted with wooden seating, these folds transform into benches that emerge from the surface like waves or sand dunes; following the flow of the surface, the furniture leads people through the open space, while their concave shape invites people to take a moment of rest. The landscape transition is also expressed in the planting. Along the lower eastern side, shade-tolerant plants lend a sturdily luxuriant quality, while colourful plants that prefer dry conditions define the appearance of higher and sunnier areas. The legibility of the landscape is enhanced by linear illumination integrated into the handrails of steps, and small lampposts close to areas of greenery and seating create attractive settings. In contrast to this sensitive lighting, the main transition spots are brightly lit to enhance orientation and increase safety.
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Outcome Due to the recent economic crisis, the construction of the station and surrounding was seriously delayed. Nevertheless, the area finally came together and is now an Arnhem icon, integrated with the city and surroundings through its functional but sensitive design. During the day and the evening, inhabitants, tourists and waiting passengers use the now multifunctional public space, and its flowing topography and surface has led it to become one of Europe’s skater hotspots. Fortunately, thanks to the sturdy detailing of the ground plane and the durable street furniture, these users are easily accommodated. The central station area transforms the act of waiting for a train or bus into a moment of urban encounter, allowing rest as well as exchange, and enhancing personal health and public life.
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5 Creating intuitive orientation with spaces of flow and spaces of rest ©Frank Hanswijk 6 Sturdy detailing translates overall concept into the small scale ©Frank Hanswijk 7 Scattered on the floor are steel numbers, marking the topography’s height difference ©Ben ter Mull 8 Public space is used in a high frequency during every day time ©Ben ter Mull
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Bureau B+B Urbanism and Landscape Architecture Bureau B+B Urbanism and Landscape Architecture is an Amsterdam-based practice that aims to create clear, functional and poetic landscapes that find answers through inquisitive design. W: Bplusb.nl/en
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We focus on Trees For Grouping in this edition
BRUCE STEWART - PRIME TREES Tree groupings are used in a landscape to accomplish a variety of effects. Both evergreen and deciduous trees can be used effectively when grouped in the landscape for functionality reasons, as well as visual appeal. Adding tree groupings to a landscape requires consideration of the mature tree size, as well as the needs of other landscape plants in the area. Grouping of Syzygium guineense, Syzygium cordatum, Syzygium paniculatum, Viburnum tinus and Viburnum sinensis is a wonderful addition to any garden. Together they create dense screens to create windbreaks, block noise and provide privacy. These trees are evergreen, easy to grow and reliable. Furthermore, select deciduous trees to frame a structure or feature in your landscape. These include grouping of Celtis sinensis, London plane tree, Acacia sieberiana and the Carya illinoinensis. Trees with attractive stems and distinctive bark can also be grouped together to provide dappled shade and will transform your garden into a place of natural beauty with visually arresting textures and colours. These trees include the Vachellia xanthophloea, Lagerstroemia indica and the Caesalpinia ferrea. www.primetrees.co.za
Nuxia floribunda
HEIMO SCHULZER - HEIMO SCHULZER GARDENS Whether it is for screening and a more ‘kept’ feel or a natural clustered planting- the most useful trees prove to be the ones that are most versatile in growth habit and tolerance. These trees should generally also take up little space where space is a premium as we frequently find in Cape Town gardens – I like to use trees that are evergreen, drought and wind tolerant, dense in growth habit, medium to small leaf size to create a textured backdrop and respond well to clipping and shaping if necessary- each with their own unique feature in the grouping - such as flower colour, foliage colour, fruiting, or fragrance. I love using a combination of Syzygium guineense with its new foliage providing reddish purple colour interest in a grouping, Nuxia floribunda with its dense crown and sweetly fragrant flowers, and Diospyros whyteana the smallest of the three with its glossy dark foliage and low branching habit Diospyros whyteana also tolerates a shadier situation being an understory tree making it perfect for grouping. These trees offer the versatility of creating a natural informal planting when planted in clusters as well as the option to formalise their shape with pruning. www.hsgardens.co.za
CARL PRETORIUS - JUST TREES Vachellia xanthophloea The Fever Tree One of South Africa’s most amazing natural forests is the fever tree (Vachellia xanthophloea) forest in Pafuri, Northern Kruger National Park. Their dappled shade and bright yellow/green trucks make for a spectacular effect. Taking a leaf out of nature’s book, one can easily mimic this effect by grouping fever trees in the corner of one’s garden or on a road island between two busy streets. Look no further than the beautifully treed road islands on Heerengracht Street in Cape Town Throw some stones over your shoulder, Patrick Watson style, then plant an odd number of varying sized specimens of these beautiful fast growing trees. In no time you will benefit from their yellow flowers, September to November and the amazing birds that will be drawn to them. This is Treeification at its best.
Fever tree
RUDI NEETHLING – TREECO Podocarpus falcatus - yellowwood What better species to focus on then the giants of the Knysna forest? The Podocarpus falcatus (recently Afrocarpus) aka Outeniqua yellowwood is a TreeCo favourite due to its stunningly unique look. This protected beauty naturally occurs in mountain forests in Malawi, South Africa, Swaziland and Mozambique. Even though they might reach staggering heights in their natural environment of 45 meters, it is highly unlikely that they will grow much taller than 25 meters when used in a landscape project or private residence. Go ahead and group plant the Outeniqua yellowwood in your next open space without fear. They are a quick grower and will have beautiful flushes of new growth that are lighter (bluish/gray) in colour than the dark green mature leaves. We have noticed great flushes of new leaves during winter and spring, which gives an ever-changing feature to this tree. While the Podocarpus falcatus is young, the bark will be smooth and will turn flaky as it matures; another beautiful feature for any landscape. These forest trees are also very well suited to coastal and windy areas as can be seen while taking a stroll through Simonstown, growing compact and up to 15 and 20 meters tall. They are surprisingly draught resistant. Here, at the TreeCo nursery in Wellington, they have fared exceptionally well while we have only been able to water twice per week, we would say that they are a top 5 performer. www.treeco.co.za Liquidamber
YellowWood
CAROLINE DE VILLIERS - THEMBA TREES Liquidamber styraciflua These trees are medium growing trees that become large specimens. They are drought hardy as well as being able to handle wet feet in winter. Due to their large and upright growth habit they are the ideal specimens for avenue trees. They are structurally beautiful in winter when dormant, lush green in summer when in full leaf, and extremely rewarding in the autumn months with their variable autumn colours. They create a beautiful woodland effect when planted in groups. Avenues are best planted with one species, but a woodland effect can be created by planting grouping of Pin Oaks next to a grouping of Liquidambers. These trees can also be planted on large open areas to create a parkland effect. www.thembatrees.co.za
DAG WILLEMS- TREES SA Pro Landscaper Tree grouping: The selection of trees for a site or specific client will greatly be determined by the purpose of the tree, climatic conditions they need to be subjected to and the effect they will eventually create in the landscape. The main purpose of trees would be to create the back bone of the garden in the form shade trees, screening trees and even as a focal feature. We have been involved in many challenging projects over the years and finding the right combination of trees, suitable for each site and objective, is essential. There are no rules or limits to what can be combined thus you can mix deciduous/evergreen and indigenous/exotic. One of our successful projects made use of stepping and layering of trees on different levels. We worked on 3 different levels with 3 different layers: • Lower layer: selected mainly for colour using Liquidambar styraciflua with its showy autumn colour pallet. • Middle layer/step: Selected for screening and privacy, the dense foliage of the Afrocarpus falcatus created the green barrier required. • Upper layer: The overarching shade canopy (12m tall), allowing vista through sculptural stem architecture of the Celtis africana. The final outcome resulted in an effective screen with a variety of colour, texture and architectural shapes. www.treessa.co.za
Cyathea Australis
Gaura lindheimeri
Clivia miniata
Elegia tectorum
Designer
PLANTS
Wachendorfia thyrsiflora
Jeandre’ Steyn of Greenacres Landscaping creates a beautiful cottage garden in Noordhoek, Western Cape.
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The original building was given a new lease on life by being transformed from the old stables to a completely renovated, luxurious cottage for guests to enjoy. As for the building, the surrounding gardens had to match. Having worked with the clients before by landscaping their main garden with ponds, paddocks, waterfeatures overflows and water channels, Jeandre’ was given free rein when it came to the design. The client’s only requirements where they wanted privacy at the back, some sort of focal point and they wanted flowers. Jeandre' started with a blank canvas and upon designing he decided the area needed to be levelled to create more space, structure was too be implemented with a wall and brick edges to clearly define planting beds etc. As with the main garden, the focal point needed to be a water feature that overflows into a channel. Firstly the area was levelled and a retaining wall
was built along with a waterfeature as the main focal point from inside the cottage as well as the outside. Cupressus leylandii was planted at the back for screening and Plectranthus ecklonii in front for colour. To frame the waterfeature a mixture of plants were planted like Plectranthus mona lavender, Duranta sheenas gold and Syzygium paniculatum on the sides with two rusted stands planted with Gaura lindheimeri. Two lawn areas were created for dining or seating with a stone tiled area in between planted with Ophiopogon dwarf. The far sides needed to blend in with the rest of the garden and paddocks with walkways where constructed with plants like Limonium perezii, Knophofia praecox, Eligia tectorum, Hydrangeas etc in a more natural look. In the outside shower area plants like Wachendorfia thyrsiflora, Cyathea australis, Aspidistra elatior, Acorus gramineus ogon etc www.prolandscaper.co.za
Plant Palette
were planted to create a magical feel. Two rusted urn pots where placed at either sides of the front door to create focus and to frame the entrance. Planted with Syzygium paniculatum spheres and Sutera cordata hanging from the side. The garden blends in well with the cottage as well as the surrounding gardens. The clients were most pleased to have an almost hidden away magical space, permanently with the sound of water trickling, colour and smell from the flowers.
"The original building was given a new lease on life by being transformed from the old stables to a completely renovated, luxurious cottage for guests to enjoy." www.prolandscaper.co.za
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Acorus gramineus ogon
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Agapanthus praecox blue
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Asparagus densiflorus meyersii
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Aspidistra elatior
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Clivia miniata
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Cuphea Mexicana white
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Cupressus x leylandii
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Cyathea australis
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Dietes grandiflora
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Duranta sheenas gold
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Elegia tectorum
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Erigeron karvinskianus
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Gaura lindheimeri
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Hydrangea sp
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Kniphofia praecox
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Lavendula stoechas
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Limonium perezii
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Mackaya bella
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Ophiopogon dwarf
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Plectranthus ecklonii
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Plectranthus mona lavender
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Plumbago auriculata
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Raphiolepis x delacourii
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Rumohra adiantiformis
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Soleirolia soleirolii
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Sutera cordata
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Syzygium paniculatum
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Trachelospermum jasminoides
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Tulbacghia violacea
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Wachendorfia thyrsiflora
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Zantedeschia aethiopica
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ROOS WHOLESALE NURSERY Roos Wholesale Nursery is a Quality Plant Supplier to the Retail and Landscaping Markets.
Growing Health
Contact: Gerrie 082 410 7219 | Office: Elsie 011 956 6939 accounts@roosnursery.co.za Growing Health
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healthy soil = healthy plants = healthy people
LGH Pro Landscaper Quarter page May18.pdf
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2018/04/24
18 Waterval Cres, Woodmead, Open Saturdays 9am-12pm www.livingstones.co.za
*Delivery to JHB North only
08:47
NURTURE
WHY I
My love for Horticulture stems from having the understanding that essentially as people we love nature and we love to be surrounded by it. Horticulture is just the science of replicating nature where it would otherwise not be and that is a challenge on its own. That is the reason why I love what I do, it is a process of trial and error, and you manipulate the growing conditions from one angle to another in the hopes that it works, till you perfect the recipe and are able to make plants grow outside of their natural environment. How I got into the field of horticulture I have been involved in the field of Horticulture for the past eight years. I started in the year of 2010 not knowing what I was going to do after matric. I was fortunate in that I found work at the www.prolandscaper.co.za
LOVEHORTICULTURE SIYASANGA YENZELA
Cape Garden Centre. My interest in plants grew as I worked amongst plants day in and day out. I would slowly but surely become more intrigued hearing about how plants aren’t to be thrown out and can be ‘regrown’ and used for ‘cuttings’ material. After working for 7 months at the retail garden centre I had decided to further my studies in the field of horticulture and pursued my degree in horticulture.
justly should be recognised for their efforts. People who have influenced me personally in the industry include Peter Van Niekerk of Cape Garden Centre; as mentioned above Phakamani Xaba of Kirstenbosch NBG; Daryl Sampson of Samgro Wholesale Nursery; and Warwick Bayer of Arboreta Nurseries. It is through their experiences and advice that I have learnt most of my craft.
For my practical’s I was fortunate in that I got an opportunity to work under horticulturist Phakamani Xaba at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. It was through this invaluable experience that my career and plant knowledge in horticulture shot up, here I was working amongst the best possible plants of South Africa and would be learning how they grow in their natural environment as well as how to grow them out of that environment. It was working under Phakamani that I got to learn how plants interacted with the environment, understanding the requirements of each different plant.
Future of horticulture It is without a doubt that the green industry has taken a knock due to the unfortunate drought conditions. The green industry however is an industry that is able to easily adapt. Consumers are now aware more and more of the impact that landscapes have on natural resources and as such still seek beautiful gardens that have striking designs, but the focus has now shifted more towards these plants being more environmentally conscious. Now we are seeing a rise in demand for plants that are indigenous as well as succulents; plants that do not have high maintenance requirements that were otherwise less interesting to consumers but now appeal more to the end user because of their features.
My influencers in the industry There are many people who I feel have made a difference in the field of horticulture and
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COMPANY PROFILE
TRADING WITH: M U LT I P OW E R I M P O RTS Q: What is the full range of products you have available to the landscaping trade sector? A: We Import and distribute a wide range of Premium Outdoor Power Equipment. Our brands comprises of Echo, Shindaiwa, Mitsibushi / Kaaz, Echo Bear Cat Chippers, Hustler Zero Turn Mowers, Billy Goat Turf Products and Bahco Tools. Reliability, durability and performance is the key to our success in the brands we deal in. Q: Are you available countrywide? Where are your head offices and what is your staff complement there? A: Our route to market is through a nationwide distribution network of about 200 dealers. Our authorised dealers provide an excellent after sales and service solution to help maintain our brands in perfect working condition. The brands we deal in are made to the highest standards. MPI prides itself in maintaining a 98% full rate of stock on units, spare parts and accessories. Our Head Office is situated in Honeydew, Gauteng. We have a total staff compliment of 11 people which includes four x Area Representatives and a Technical Manager.
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Pro Landscaper Africa | May 2018
Q: When and how was Multi Power Imports established & how has the business grown from then until now? A: In April 2004, the manufacturers of Echo, namely, Kioritz Corporation in Japan, approached Mr Wolfgang Arp to take over the distribution for South Africa. Wolfgang came to SA from Germany in 1970 to work in the small agricultural equipment business and together with two more partners in the Forestry and Agricultural Industry, founded Cool Ideas 1496 (Pty) Ltd trading as “Echo Africa”.
Hustler has become the leading brand of outdoor power equipment in the Z-Turn mower category in this country. The brand signifies innovation, strength, performance and superior customer care. Our mission is to provide the most dependable, useful and timesaving product in turf care, whilst maintaining unmatched customer loyalty and the best warranties in the market. Q: Do you hire out equipment? Do you offer a servicing option for equipment? A: This service is available to the end user by many of the dealers in our network.
Q: What would you describe as your bestselling brand?
Q: Where do you see yourselves in 5 years’ time?
A: For over 70 years, the Echo brand has been a high performance, commercial quality product. Over the years, many power equipment brands have come and gone, but Echo has thrived primarily because of our commitment to quality. With Echo products, you always get a commercial-grade engine and long-term value.
A: We are continuously searching for new quality products that are affordable for the South African market and hope to expand our product range to suit the needs of both the Landscaping, Forestry and Farming Industries.
The Hustler range of Z-Turns also ranks as one of our bestselling brands.
Q: What is your company ethos and what would you describe as your unique selling points to traders?
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COMPANY PROFILE
A: We are a small, privately owned company and value the close relationships we have with our dealers in order to provide the best service. The quality of our products, stock and spare parts availability is of high importance, as well as the product knowledge of our staff
Q: How is sustainability embedded into your company and practises? A: We believe that the wide spectrum of quality products that we offer to our dealers will ensure not only our sustainability, but also that of our dealers.
CO N TAC T 011 794 1539 sales@multipi.co.za www.multipowerimports.co.za
TIMELINE:
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Pro Landscaper Africa | May 2018
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MACHINERY
- MACHINERY INC R EASE D E FFI CI E N CY. I N CRE A S E D P RO F I TS. If you follow any manual knapsack sprayer out of the store to its destination, you will find an application that could be made more efficient by using a motorised sprayer. The motorised Husqvarna 325S25 sprayer has revolutionised the agricultural, forestry and garden sectors with its rugged durability, reduced downtime and versatility. The 325S25 delivers a consistent spray pressure, which is unrivalled by a manual pump, where factors like operator fatigue result in reduced efficacy and productivity. Droplet size is mainly controlled by the pressure of the sprayer, which is adjustable. A higher pressure reduces droplet size while a lower pressure increases it. To meet the growing demand for motorised spraying, we have added two more models to our local line-up, the 321S15 and 321S25. These sprayers are made from high quality materials such as a brass pump with plated pistons and a stainless steel spray lance, which offer good product lifetime and low service cost. They are equipped with smart features like the transparent water tank, which enables the operator to easily judge if a refill is needed. The harness boasts ventilated back padding and broad shoulder straps for maximum support. The waterproof material used for the harness makes it possible to easily clean the back padding and straps from chemicals. For next level spraying, visit www.husqvarna.co.za
N EW STI HL FSA 130 CO RDL E S S BRUSH CUTTE R In the past mowing and clearing areas of tough grass and scrub were a clear case for petrol brushcutters. But now professional users have an extremely powerful alternative: the new STIHL FSA 130 cordless brushcutter. The FSA 130 combines the robust, high-performance design of STIHL petrol brushcutters with the benefits of STIHL cordless technology. This lightweight machine takes its energy from a powerful and efficient 36 V lithium ion battery and has an adjustable speed setting that ensures a very long operating time. The brushless, electronically controlled electric motor (EC) requires minimal maintenance which drastically reduces down-time and repair costs. Quiet enough for operators not to need ear protection, the STIHL FSA 130 is comfortable to use and ideal for working in noise-sensitive areas.
M AKI TA’ S T W I N 1 8 V CO R D L ESS G R AS S T R I M M ER O U R M O S T ADVANC ED TO DAT E. Cordless garden products are not only quieter and lighter than most of their petrol counterparts but most importantly are environmentally friendly (zero emissions and lower noise levels). The DUR365UZ Twin 18V Cordless Grass Trimmer is different in the fact that it has a compact direct drive system featuring an outer rotor brushless motor that is fitted to the head of the trimmer, and the power is supplied to the 36V motor in the form of two 18V batteries installed in series. The DUR365UZ has a bike-type handle, designed so that the vertical centre line stays aligned with that of the user, creating comfortable posture and resulting in less operator fatigue. It is lightweight and quiet with a sound power level of only 86db(A). This model has a multi-functional control panel for operating main/variable speed control/reversing switches. You have the choice to purchase 3.0Ah, 5.0Ah or 6.0Ah 18V batteries, producing variable runtimes depending on the speed settings used. The battery charging time on a 3.0Ah is 22 minutes, 45 minutes on a 5.0Ah and 55 minutes on a 6.0ah battery using either the Makita single or dual fast charger. The batteries and charger are sold separately to the trimmer. All Makita’s 18V Cordless tools use the same battery platform. www.makita.co.za.
As well as the version with a bike handle and grass cutting blade, the FSA 130 is also available as the FSA 130 R with a loop handle and AutoCut mowing head – ideal for precise clearing along fences, paths and steps or around trees. Both models are impressive to use with perfect ergonomics and loads of practical details. The FSA 130 and FSA 130 R are now available on promotion from STIHL specialist dealers nationwide. www.stihl.co.za
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Pro Landscaper Africa | May 2018
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LITTLE INTERVIEWS
LITTLE INTERVIEWS
KERRY WAFER
TONE ALEXANDER
Landscape Designer and Owner @ KW Landscapes
Owner @ Tone Alenxnder Landscapes
What is your favourite landscaped area in South Africa?
What is your favourite landscaped area in South Africa?
Kirstenbosch botanical gardens
Babylostoren and the Stellenberg gardens in Kenilworth
How is Sustainability embedded into your business practices?
How is Sustainability embedded into your business practices?
“Think indigenous, think waterwise and think organic!” Most of the plants I suggest are indigenous. People sometimes underestimate SA’s indigenous plants. With the ongoing drought we have been experiencing in KZN, waterwise plants are essential. I also make use of only organic composts and fertilizers so as to encourage good microbes in the soil.
I am constantly thinking of ways in which to ensure sustainability in both my own and my clients’ gardens. We recycle and reuse where we can by always reusing stonework, soil, cobble edging etc. We often create wooden blocks and stairs from alien vegetation, such as gum trees. We also try and reuse garden ornaments, harvesting these from refurbishments or in some cases, reclamation yards.
What is one item you cannot live a day without? Sunscreen Who/What is your biggest professional influence and why? My Dad. He always honoured his word. A promise given to a client must always be followed through. What is the moto that you live by? Live life with honesty and integrity. One piece of advice for the landscaping industry? Meet your new clients as a stranger, leave as a friend! Your name will become part of their household conversations and they must know you are just a phone call away. Top Plant? Aloe ferox. No garden should be without this architectural plant and the bonus is the splash of winter colour.
What is one item you cannot live a day without? My mobile phone – it connects me to my teams and clients. Being able to address issues immediately via a call or a whatsapp, makes doing business that much more efficient. Who/What is your biggest professional influence and why? Paul Bangay’s style of structured gardens inspires my work. In addition, regular trips to European gardens, such as Versailles revitalise my thinking. I also try and spend every July travelling through France, particularly Saint Remy, where we stay in a 300-year-old chateau. This time of contemplation in France, serves as inspiration for many of my projects. What is the moto that you live by? If you love what you do and you are passionate about it, then it doesn’t feel like work. One piece of advice for the landscaping industry? Never stop recruiting and look for motivated staff who bring value to your business. Top Plant? Rhus crenata is my favourite plant.
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Pro Landscaper Africa | May 2018
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LITTLE INTERVIEWS
PAUL GORDON Owner @ Ferndale Nurseries
TA N I A KO LOZ SVA R I Landscape designer @ Servest Landscaping
What is your favourite landscaped area in South Africa?
What is your favourite landscaped area in South Africa?
Lourensford Estate, Somerset West.
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
How is Sustainability embedded into your business practices?
How is Sustainability embedded into your business practices?
We practice sustainability on many fronts. Our watering is all done with Borehole water by hand to prevent wastage and our stock beds are open to the ground to allow run-off water to recharge back into the soil. All the green waste produced on the farm is recycled and used in Potting mixes. We collect and re-use empty plastic plant containers returned by our clients and recycle our glass and cardboard waste. With numerous staff exceeding 20 years of service, in-house training and staff wellbeing have been vital in ensuring the business sustainability.
Through a holistic approach to landscape design.
What is one item you cannot live a day without?
.If it’s meant to be it will be.
My note pads, ideas, reminders and deadlines.
One piece of advice for the landscaping industry?
Who/What is your biggest professional influence and why? My family. Having grown up in the Nursery, I witnessed firsthand the level of dedication, passion and sheer hard work that has gone into creating and sustaining our family business now in its 3rd generation and celebrating its 77 year. Seeing my children running around the nursery and taking an interest motivates one further.
What is one item you cannot live a day without? Camera on my cell phone. Who/What is your biggest professional influence and why? The beauty of nature, is awe inspiring. What is the moto that you live by?
Your last job is your best advert, be proud of it. Top Plant? Erythrina lysitemon
What is the moto that you live by? Dream‌Dream Big. One piece of advice for the landscaping industry? A successful landscape installation combines the vision of the client, with the practical experience of the contractor to create a rewarding and sustainable garden. The creativity of the designer should shine through in a personal stamp which differentiates them from the next designer. Top Plant? Protea cynaroides
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