Blue Hills Equestrian Estate | September 2018

Magazine YOUR UNIQUE LIFESTYLE

September 2018 | Issue 5

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contents SEPTEMBER 2018

04 05 07 09 10 13 17 19 22 23 26 29 31 32 33 37 39

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IMPORTANT CONTACT DETAILS FROM THE ESTATE MANAGER FAREWELL TO PERCY UPCOMING EVENTS SALES UPDATE IDEAS TO CREATE A STATEMENT STAIRWAY SECURITY UPDATE ESTATE MAXIMUM SPEED BUILDING TIMELINE TROPICAL SPRING PARTY IT IS TIME TO PLANT YOUR HERBS REASONS TO BUY ORIGINAL FINE ART AGM MEETING WATER AT MOPANE ROAD BEAUTIFUL LIVING SPACES GLOBAL TRENDS CHRISTMAS IN JULY

IMPORTANT CONTACT DETAILS ESTATE MANAGER Percy Manenzhe 083 512 2005 SALES MANAGER Musi Motsuenyane 082 806 1735 / musi@century.co.za SECURITY SITE MANAGER 076 771 9082/ 061 704 0111 Bluehills@thompsec.co.za

Publisher: K-Studio (P ty) Ltd on behalf of Blue Hills Advertising Sales: tobia@k-studio.co. za sales2@k-studio.co. za Editor: Tobia von Zwietring | Chantel du Plooy Design & Layout: K-Studio (P ty) Ltd e tobia@k-studio.co. za t 082 962 8255 f KreatiefStudio

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EMERGENCY Eskom 086 0037 566 JHB Water 0860 562 874 Police 10111 Ambulance 10177 SPCA 011 265 9935 SNAKE CATCHER Mike 083 448 8854

BLUE HILLS EQUESTRIAN ESTATE MANAGEMENT BODY The Blue Hills Equestrian Estate management body has been developed to ensure that should you have a query or wish to address anything on the Estate, we have a team of individuals you can refer your concerns to. This committee goes beyond our monthly Directors’ Meetings, and is instead aimed at ensuring that the running of this Estate is handled with all due care.

THE BOARD IS MADE UP OF: • • • • •

Nick Crow, Century Ugen Govender Joel Mokgohlwa Caesar Mtetwa Kanyane Mathibe

THE COMMITTEE IS SUPPORTED BY TRAFALGAR WHO ARE REPRESENTED BY: • • • • •

Michael Schaefer / Director of Trafalgar Shahiem Carr / Director of Trafalgar Ella Louw / Estate Portfolio Manager Percy Manenzhe / Estate Manager Head office support Birdhaven

Should you wish to be involved and have a spare couple of available hours per month, please contact Percy and he can put you in contact with the relevant Committee Heads.

Disclaimer: This Newsletter is produced especially for residents/owners of Blue Hills Estate to provide updates and useful information. It is produced by K-Studio on behalf of Blue Hills Estate HOA. Although every effort is taken to ensure accuracy of content, Blue Hills Estate HOA and/or the Publisher, cannot be held liable for any inaccurate information, and may not agree with all opinions expressed in this publication.

ESTATE NEWS

From The

Estate Manager’s Desk

Dear Owners, Welcome to our newsletter which is packed with tips and ideas as well as information regarding the activities in the Estate.

Over the past 17 months,Blue Hills Equestrian Estate has seen progress on a lot of fronts, thanks to the partnership of the Home Owners Association board and Trafalgar Property Management for contributing towards the success of the Estate to date.

The progress on the sale of the stands on the Estate has been tremendously encouraging. Despite the economy of the country showing limited growth, sales on the Estate continue to increase at a steady rate. The progress on the sale of the stands on the estate has been tremendously encouraging.

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Despite the economy of the country showing limited growth, sales on the estate continue to increase at a steady rate. As of July 2018, 97 of the 128 stands have been transferred with a further 6 in the process of being transferred. This leaves only 29 (22%) stands that are still available for sale. In 2017, 16 homes commenced with construction.

There are currently 11 completed homes and a further 26 under construction.

We look forward to many new owners moving into the Estate in the next 12 months which will further entrench the high value of all properties on the Estate

With the last bit of winter air still around, kick back with a cup of coffee a cosy blanket and sink into the pages of this issue. I would like to encourage members to give us their feedback with regards to the newsletter and activities within the HOA, to ensure we meet everyone’s expectations.

We would like to encourage you as homeowner to be involved as a community and take part in all the fun activities, therefore we are launching our first competition and planning to have something exciting in issues to come. Read through the publication to be sure you don’t miss out!

Feel free to write your comments or share your news with our new community by e-mailing: percym@trafalgar.co.za

Percy Manenzhe

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A FAREWELL TO

Percy Manenzhe "Life is meant for spectacular adventures. Let your feet wander, your eyes marvel, and your soul ignite."

We regretfully annoucne the resignation of our Estate Manager Percy Manenzhe, he will be leaving end of August. We will miss you, but realize that exciting opportunities and challenges await you. It has been an honour to have you as our Estate Manger for the past few years. We have all benefited from your wit and wisdom and wish you every success on your career path.

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WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS SPRING Red Bull Cart Race 2018 16th of September

The Red Bull Box Cart Race is a global event for fearless, fun-loving and foolhardy amateur drivers racing soapbox carts.

The handmade racing machines are non-motorised and teams are judged for their speed, creativity, and showmanship.

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The Soweto Wine Festival 1 to 2 September

Over 100 South African wineries come together for over 6 000 wine lovers to taste from the available wines.

Venue: University of Johannesburg Soweto Campus, Chris Hani Rd, Power Park, Pimville, Soweto

www.soapboxrace.redbull.com

www.uj.ac.za

FNB Joburg 10K CITYRUN 24 September

Jeremy Loops in the Garden 8 September

The annual FNB Joburg 10K CITYRUN features a path alongside a 10km route for guests to compete on or just run for fun.

Venue: Mary Fitzgerald Square, Newtown Time: 8am Cost: R170 – R850 Book tickets

Kicking off the first-ever Sunburn and Wonder event, the Pretoria National Botanical Gardens transform into a playground, as Jeremy Loops and a host of other bands take to the stage for a live event for the whole family.

Book tickets

ESTATE NEWS

UPCOMING EVENTS Blue Hills Estate represents the ultimate in country living, included in this lifestyle is the numerous events that play host to residents and their guests.

We will be hosting an exciting colour ride and run for the kids in spring so time to get fit and join in the fun!

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ESTATE NEWS

SALES UPDATE

If you have been looking at investing at Blue Hills Estate or know somebody who has, now is the right time as property sales are extremely strong.

The long-term value of the Estate is set to make it an unprecedented investment. Contact us now to experience this wonderful Estate which is On Show daily 9am-5pm.

Contact Musi now on 082 806 1735 or musi@century.co.za for more information or to arrange a viewing of these new stands. This is your opportunity to build your dream family home in this incredible Estate!

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Ideas to create

a statement stairway

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LIFESTYLE & DÉCOR

A

stairway is not just a flight of steps leading to the next level of your home.

At least, it can be so much more.

Even if it is narrow, it is a space you pass through frequently, so make more of it. Utilise the area with some clever design and décor tips and tricks that are not only fun but cost-effective too.

Stairs Paint: Paint the step risers a striking colour, or better yet, paint each step riser a different colour. Ombré steps are trending at the moment.

Tiles: Mosaic and other decorative tiles are ideal on step risers. They can give your home a 14 BLUE HILLS SEPTEMBER '18

European feel and complement your staircase.

Runner: A staircase runner is a great way to bring some warmth and character into your home. And, because you’re not committing to any fixtures, you can change it up whenever you like.

Pot plants: If you have a wide enough stairway, adding a pot plant to every second step is a great way to make a statement.

Walls Hanging pot plants: With kids or pets in the house, pot plants placed on the staircase could become somewhat of a hazard. But if you are keen to bring nature into your stairway, try hanging pot plants against the wall.

Alternatively, add a few floating shelves and add pot plants on top.

Wall treatment: The simplest way to make an impact on your staircase is through a wall treatment. There are many options to consider, including: Painting it a solid colour, opting for two or more colours, or painting patterns etc. o Giving it an exposed brick look. o Adding wood panels. o Tiling your walls. o Using wall moulding.

Walk-through gallery: Use your stairway as a walk-through gallery where you showcase things that tell a story about you i.e. a gallery of family portraits, art pieces, travel souvenirs, vintage or music instrument collectables.

Bookshelves: A very clever and beautiful way to utilise unused space on your stairway walls are by adding shelves for your collection of books.

They will be easy accessible, yet out of the way.

LIFESTYLE & DÉCOR

Landing Bold, statement art: Use this space to showcase a striking piece, or pieces of art. Like a big, bold painting or several smaller pieces of art, sculptures or decorative wall art.

Quiet nook: If you have the space for it, the staircase landing is a good place to create a nook with a chair, small couch etc. with some reading material and complementary décor.

Chandelier: Striking lighting can not only create a wonderful look but also set the mood you want for your landing.

Table décor: Add a beautiful table (it doesn’t have to be big) with stunning décor items. Absolutely anything can work here i.e. plants, copper, porcelain, a striking glass vase with a single King Protea...

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Photo Credit: Pinterest

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SECURITY UPDATE

ESTATE NEWS

We reiterate importantly: Residents of Blue Hills Equestrian Estate who are interested in getting panic buttons, which will be linked to the reaction officer’s vehicle and the control room, may contact Percy or the Security Manager for arrangement of installation at their homes.

Once an owner resides in the Estate, he/she can register on the “Click-On” system in order for their visitors to gain access to Blue Hills Equestrian Estate.

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If ever you are travelling home to Blue Hills and you feel unsafe & suspect that you are being followed, Thompson’s security have offered to meet you at a safe collection point to escort homeowners to the Estate. This option is only available from two spots. The Cnr of R55 & Summit road/Olifantsfontein and from the robots at Crowthorne shopping centre.

Thompson’s site security manager can be contacted on 071 230 1627 (Joe Williams) & 076 771 9082 (Reaction officer) to have your own personal Alarm

system & panic buttons installed for rapid response by the on-site armed reaction officer.

Owners are welcome to contact Percy to arrange to have their fingerprints loaded to the access system for easier access into the Estate.

The Estate has installed a state of the art thermal CCTV system, which is monitored by Thompson’s 24/7/365. Cameras have been strategically placed around the Estate to monitor and report on any transgressions. Thermal cameras have been placed along the wetland area separating Blue Hills Equestrian Estate from Blue Hills Country Estate and these will assist in alerting any transgressions in this area.

s m a e r d r u o y f o y a d i l o h e h t r o l i I’l l ta

TAMARIN SEYMOUR Travel Counsellor 082 877 3603

tamarin.seymour@travelcounsellors.co.za

www.travelcounsellors.co.za/tamarin.seymour

ESTATE NEWS

The Estate's

MAXIMUM

speed limit.

The speed limit is 30Km/h in the Estate.

We don’t have stopstreets in the Estate yet but the HOA is looking at installation of road signs/speed signs throughout the Estate, please ensure that you drive as safe as possible.

There are children walking and riding their bikes to school please ensure that you keep to the speed limit.

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ESTATE NEWS

BUILDING

Timeline

The Board urges all homeowners to begin submitting and finalising their building plans to ensure they abide by the rules and regulations and avoid being penalised. homeowners have been given 24 months to commence building from date of transfer of stand, therefore all home owners need to adhere to this in order to avoid penalties from being incurred.

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LIFESTYLE & DÉCOR

tropical

spring party

It's that time of year again...new beginnings, sunshine, laughter, braais with friends & family, swimming pool fun and bright happy colours! SPRING HAS ARRIVED, and I am overjoyed! Winter was too long, so let's shake it off, and celebrate with a fun filled tropical paradise party to get Summer going!

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Pinterest

I adore natural tones and textures, and even more so when I can combine them with something fun and vibrant.

So for this celebration, don't be afraid to mix and match a little. Create some interest with different textures and try keep the tones all complementary.

Here I have mixed some natural earthy tones, with the leafy greens of a tropical paradise and then included bold brushed metal cutlery and coasters to complete the table.

The glassware has a special touch with its gold rim and ties the entire combination of your set up together nicely. If you use a vibrant printed tablecloth, keep your napkins plain and simple so you don't overwhelm the eye. But if you are using a neutral table covering, go wild with the napkins to create an interesting focal point.

We are going tropical and earthy here, so instead of using napkin rings, tie your napkins with a long leaf or even some twine! And don't forget a centrepiece. Use simple arrangements

of natural leaves or even cream roses.

Keep it minimal and you'll stay in tune with the flow of your table.

So now you have a natural earthy scene with a touch of elegance. Nothing better than that!

Sunshine and poolside fun calls for a meze of interesting goodies to pick and nibble on as the laughter and chatter keeps everyone entertained for hours. I like to place a long wooden board down the entire length of my table and fill it with interesting goodies. Cheeses, cold meats, fruit, crackers and interesting breads, pâtés, finger snacks, veggies and dips. With a large variety to pick on every guest will find something they love. Throw some edible flowers in the mix and you are sure to have a spectacular colour explosion that will entice all.

I wish you the bests Springtime yet,!

See you next month!

Yours in style & design, Lee xox

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LIFESTYLE & DÉCOR

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

herbs It’s time to plant your

Herbs are so versatile. Chances are if you shop at Checkers you have stacks of seeds waiting to be planted. With planting season starting in August, we think it could be a good idea to get started on your herb garden this month.

It could be a fun family activity for you and the kids.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

Reasons to plant your own herbs: It saves money: With herbs growing

lusciously in your own little herb garden, you will have access to free herbs most of the year.

It’s healthy: Herbs add flavour and are

Ideas for leftover herbs If you’ve cut off more than you need, or if you need to prune your plants, try this with the leftovers: • Wrap it in a moist kitchen towel and place inside a ziplock bag/airtight container and store inside the fridge.

packed with vitamins. Having it available in your garden allows you to use it more in your cooking. Plus, the time spent outside, nurturing your herbs is also good for your mental health.

• Clean and cut your herbs, place them inside empty ice cube containers and fill with olive oil. Freeze and once frozen add the cubes into ziplock bags and keep them frozen. Simply add a block to your dishes when cooking.

It’s beautiful: Herbs are not only

• Create your own herb-infused oil. Heat oil and the herb of choice in a pot on the lowest setting on your stove. Let it go for a while, strain and pour into a bottle with a lid. Store your infused oil in the fridge.

nutritious but attractive to look at too.

Wherever you choose to create your herb garden, it will add to your curb appeal.

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Tip: Any of the above will make a great “gift” for family and friends.

Planting tips

Choose a semi-sheltered, sunny (4-7 hours of direct sunlight), non-windy spot.

Plant your herbs in containers that drain well (drainage is key) using fertile potting soil.

Water regularly the first two weeks, and thereafter only when the first 2 cm of the pot is dry to the touch.

• • • • •

Prune regularly.

During August – April fertilise monthly.

Mulch once a year.

Repot annually.

If you have pests, use organic pesticide.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Recycled herb “pot” ideas You don’t have to start out big or make a large investment at first. Instead, test your skills with these recycled “pot” ideas: •

A shoe organiser

•

Empty tins

•

Pellet wood

•

Gutters

Photo Credit: Pinterest

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LIFESTYLE & DÉCOR

REASONS TO BUY original fine art

Decorating a home is an exciting and on-going project and choosing the right wall hanging to complement your space and style is perhaps one of the most thrilling of the process.

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W

hile there is a time and place for limited edition and fine art prints, it is always a good idea to look at buying original first, and here’s why:

LIFESTYLE & DÉCOR

1. It doesn’t have to cost a small fortune – It is a misconception that only very expensive artworks by well-know artist are worth investing in. As the popular saying goes, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder”, and so also is art. Browse the internet, flea markets, art fairs etc. for paintings by up and coming artists that you adore.

2. You’ll be supporting an artist’s livelihood – Imagine how boring the world would have been if everyone worked in the same industry. The creative industry is extremely undervalued and artists need support from the community to continue doing what they do.

3. It’s unique – With the vast amount of things that are massproduced, it is nice to know you own something unique and one-ofa-kind. It makes it even more valuable.

4. Inspire conversation and thought – Original fine artworks convey a unique story. Not only the story the artist aimed to tell (and how others interpret it), but also the story of how you came to acquire the painting.

5. It is an investment – Original fine artworks become more valuable as time goes by. While this shouldn’t be your main outlook when looking to decorate a wall with art, it is definitely nice to know.

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Pinterest

ESTATE NEWS

AGM MEET ING DATE

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The HOA has set a date for the AGM to be on the 12th September 2018, at Reddford house school auditorium.

It would be great to see you all there.

ESTATE NEWS

WATER AT MOPANE RD We would like to inform you that Century are currently undertaking a water reticulation project to supply grey water to the Landscaping done at the front entrance of the Estate.

This exercise will take some time as they are planning to extract waste water from the sewage water treatment plant to supply our entrance. The cool seasons grasses has experienced some strain and will die but there is a plan to replace the dead grass. We ask that you be patient during this process.

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BEAUTIFUL LIVING SPACES Article written by Studious Architects

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Make provision for Northern sunlight to enter the building.

Have you ever stayed in a hotel and noticed the difference between the south and north facing rooms? The north facing rooms, generally, have a comfortable climate, whereas the south facing rooms are generally colder.

Herewith some basic tips: As winter is finally turning into spring, we at Studious Aesthetics are working harder than ever to assist the Estate Management, homeowners and their architects in making Blue Hills the benchmark for future residential developments.

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It is of utmost importance that your living areas and bedrooms are orientated to face north, or slightly east of north.

It is a common misconception that northern orientation is required to bring light into a building. Although this is also true, it should be noted that the primary reason for the northern orientation of It is, therefore, my privilege to share some living areas, is to allow direct sunlight to insight and experience on the proses of penetrate the interior of the house, heat the floor and radiate heat into these areas that building your dream home In Blue Hills. are most frequently used.

Having recently completed the construction of my own home, and after living there for The concept of proper northern exposure a few months, I have further developed my should be kept in mind when considering understanding on internal climate control the addition of a new patio or planting and how it is primarily affected by some large trees that could cause overshadowing of northern windows. basic architectural principles.

We as Studious Aesthetics have made it our mission to enhance and protect the value of the Estate and the investment that every homeowner has made.

ARCHITECTURE

Windows are the eyes of the building.

Design and plan windows carefully The lens in the human eye is protected from the sun by eye lashes and eye brows and set back into your eye socket.

In the same way the windows of a building should be protected from over exposure.

Overhangs above windows or glass doors should be carefully calculated and designed to allow winter sunlight into the building but keep harsh summer sunlight out.

A good rule of thumb is that overhangs above large north facing windows or doors should protrude by a distance approximately 1,4 times the height of the window.

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Insulate concrete slabs.

It is required by law to insulate all concrete roof slabs. The thickness of the polystyrene is usually calculated to be 90mm thick and placed on top of the concrete slab before the screed is laid over.

The addition of a 50 mm thick layer of stone pebbles over the waterproofing, as required by the Estate, will also contribute to the insulative qualities of the building envelope.

Proper installation of insulative materials makes a substantial difference in the internal comfort of a room, especially at night, when uninsulated roofs radiate too much latent heat into a room.

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ARCHITECTURE

Make use of performance glass.

Cross ventilation

In recent years, the technology around glass has improved greatly. Many different options are available on the market that allows you to create spaces that feel more open toward the garden area. Your architect is qualified to calculate the specific requirement for performance glass in the building. Please take note that some performance glass has a dark tint or a reflective appearance, which is not allowed in the Estate.

Avoid unsightly and expensive air conditioning units by allowing the building to breathe naturally.

The most effective way to regulate thermal comfort in your house is by means of well planned and executed cross ventilation. Make sure that your architect allows for openable windows on two sides of a room to ensure a sufficient level of air changes.

Window positions can be cleverly designed to bring cool air into the building on a low level from the southern side and expel air on a higher level on the north.

For more tips on thermal comfort and sustainable housing guidelines, please visit our website at: www.studiousaesthetics.co.za.

CONSTRUCTION

global trends shaping the local residential construction industry

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written by HLP Construction

CONSTRUCTION We are all part of the global village, and now, more than ever, it is changing the way we build our homes.

These trending technologies are right on our doorstep: Going Green This trend has now moved past its infancy stage and has created a growing awareness amongst home owners that this is the route to go. Life at the southern-most point in Africa is shadowed by issues relating to electricity supply and security, the quality and supply of water, as well as the reduction of waste. Home owners need to seriously contemplate the advantages that building a resource-efficient building will bring.

On the practical side of things, homes should be designed to optimise the use of natural lighting, as well as adding adequate facilities for waste recycling and management.

Other options to consider are: • Install water-efficient devices such as low-flush toilets.

• Landscapers can incorporate waterwise plants and shrubs, and rainwater harvested for irrigation.

• Heat pumps could be used to heat geysers.

Admittedly, the initial cost could be a bit pricey, but benefits such as being “off the grid”, and creating a healthier environment for people and a less damaging impact on our planet, certainly makes it worthwhile.

Drones Drones are being used more and more on residential construction sites than ever before.

Drone photography from various angles can be used to create a 3D image of the property. This can be used to update a client on progress, in a visual manner, irrespective of whether the client is at the contractor’s office or on the other side of the world.

For the contractor, on the other hand, site inspections can be done far easier than before, by providing quick access to areas that are difficult to come by. Photographs and video footage of possible problem areas can be discussed and analysed afterwards if need be.

Building Information Modelling Also known as BIM, it can be defined as a technology that produces an accurate and exact digital representation of a building in 3D. The precision with which BIM operates, is the key to its success.

Implementing BIM could have the following benefits for all parties involved: • Design flaws (such as a window intersecting with a roof line) and variation orders can be reduced considerably, as changes to the design could be made during the initial stages.

• Construction cost are estimated more precisely, minimising the chance of overbuying of material.

In general, BIM increases effectiveness and collaboration like no other tool.

Virtual Reality Virtual Reality (VR) initially saw the light as a tool for the computer gaming industry. Now VR has moved outside the gaming world and is being implemented in many different industries for various reasons and benefits. Virtual reality is defined as a digital constructed reality, which resembles real life.

3D modelling and BIM programs can overcome their lack of depth, by being adapted to VR tools, whereby creating a fully virtual representation in a new dimension at a relatively low cost.

VR users can see a 3D display through a headset which allows for an “all-round” view with navigation within the interior space of their soon-to-be-built home. Home owners therefore experience the space and may make changes during the design phase, rather than during construction, which saves time and money.

The process of building a home can now be more rewarding and pleasant than ever before, to the home owner as well as the contractor, as the residential construction industry in South Africa is changing right before our eyes – literally.

for more information visit

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info@hlp-construction.co.za | www.hlp-construction.co.za

ESTATE NEWS

A winter wonderland comes to Gauteng as Century hosts Christmas in July events Winter is supposed to be cold – but doesn't a winter wonderland in Gauteng seem a little farfetched? And it turns out that thinking Christmas only comes once a year is also completely wrong! Over four weekends in July, residents of Waterfall Estate, The Hills Estate, Blue Hills Estate and Crowthorne and Carlswald Luxury Apartments were greeted with a magical winter wonderland.

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The clubhouse areas of each of the estates were transformed into a Christmas snow scene with frosted white winter trees with bright red lollipops dangling in the falling snow. Children laughed with joy and delight on a white jumping castle to the tune of classic Christmas carols with free hot chocolate to shake winter's cold nip. In the artsand-crafts marquee, children decorated paper Christmas trees. In the centre of the arena was a large Christmas tree with two big gift boxes – one for animal donations and one for human donations.

Whilst the Christmas in July events were free for our residents and their children, we did ask for them to donate to our nominated charities Kitty and Puppy Haven and Yenzani Children's Home, both located in Midrand.

It was Century's honour to collect and handover the 3 carloads of generous donations. On Wednesday 1 August, we visted both charities to deliver the collection of food, blankets, toys, clothing and cash. It is the residents of our various developments who are the heroes for donating so generously, THANK YOU! Kitty and Puppy Haven based in Midrand was our nominated charity to receive the animal food

ESTATE NEWS and items donated. Kitty and Puppy Haven is a prolife sanctuary started in 2000 with the sole purpose of rescuing neglected, abused and abandoned animals. Their aim is to provide the animals in their care with the best medical attention, dietary requirements and above all love and attention while they nurse them back to health before placing them in suitable, loving homes.

Yenzani Children's Home was our nominated charity to receive the food items, clothes and toys we received.

Yenzani is a registered children’s home, Public Benefit Organisation and Non-Profit Organisation/Company operating since 2002. They rescue children from the court system and provide a safe, loving home for them to flourish until adulthood. The home currently supports 12 children, all of whom attend school and are just the most pleasant and appreciative kids.

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