Magazine Your Unique Estate
December 20
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contents 05 07 10 12
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IMPORTANT CONTACT DETAILS FROM THE ESTATE MANAGER
IMPORTANT DATES WHAT IS TRENDING IN INTERIORS THIS SEASON? 16 HISTORY OF THE RIETFONTEIN FARM
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PETS IN THE SPOTLIGHT
WHAT YOUR HOME IS REVEALING ABOUT YOUR PERSONALITY
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WHO IS TAKING CARE OF FLUFFY? STAYING ENTERTAINED REDUCE YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT
THE BRICKS OF BUILDING A BEAUTIFUL HOME
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TSHIDZO ART HOW TO ATTRACT WILDLIFE TO YOUR GARDEN 43 LIST OF BIRDS IN THE HILLS
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Contacts
important
Main Gate 079 079 4711 Levy Enquiries Bianca van Niekerk 011 214 5200 biancav@trafalgar.co.za Netcare Pretoria East Hospital 012 422 2300 (Antivenom) Gym Manager Francois de Beer 062 608 1814 thehillsfitnesscentre@gmail.com
Advertise your business in our e-magazine Layout & Design Tobia von Zwiering tobia@k-studio.co.za | 082 962 8255 Sales Jandrie van Jaarsveld sales@k-studio.co.za | 074 111 2068
Estate Manager
Johan van Schalkwyk 082 711 8732 johanvs@trafalgar.co.za
Environmental Officer
Hannes De Wet 082 551 6015 hannesd@trafalgar.co.za
Security Manager
Jaco van Wyk 072 258 2239 jacovw@proteacoin.co.za
Carlita’s Restaurant 062 808 0015 | carlitasrestaurant@gmail.com
Disclaimer: This Newsletter is produced especially for residents/owners of The Hills to provide updates and useful information. It is produced by K-Studio on behalf of Trafalgar Property Management (Pty) Ltd. Although every effort is taken to ensure accuracy of content, Trafalgar Property Management (Pty) Ltd and/or the Publisher, cannot be held liable for any inaccurate information, and may not agree with all opinions expressed in this publication.
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from the Estate
MANAGER
W
ith several houses being completed recently and families who have moved into their properties, we would like to extend a warm word of welcome to all our new residents and their families. The Hills family is growing rapidly with around 200 houses currently completed and occupied.
We also welcome to the HOA team Laurel Filander who will assist with the administration. For any general enquiries Laurel can be contacted on 012 9413703 or emailed on LaurelF@Trafalgar.co.za. It is also noticeable how quickly the building at the school has progressed. We look forward to the imminent completion thereof with the 2018 school year just around the corner. With the opening of the Atterbury Gate and all systems going well, it is noticeable how much residents appreciate the difference that entrance brings to their daily activities. The gate is currently operational from 05h00 in the morning till 20h00
at night. The fibre network installation is complete and is currently in full use with around 120 users connected. Should anyone have questions please send us an email so that we can take up the matter with Telkom representatives. As the year draws to an end we generally experience several challenges and final arrangements. The
Pretoria East Area is being targeted with armed robberies taking place at Estate entrances. The perpetrators follow close behind and once the owners stop and open their windows to use the access control system he/she is approached by armed men who then rob them of valuables and in some instances their vehicles. It is clear from the information gathered from neighbouring estates and the CCTV footage, that
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ESTATE NEWS
these individuals are particularly targeting high value jewellery and have a keen interest for Rolex watches and Porsche vehicles. All the Estates in the vicinity and as far as Woodhill, have set up a working committee with the SA Police and all the security companies in an attempt to prevent similar incidents from occurring. Several security measures have already been implemented. We urge residents to be vigilant at all times, especially now leading into the festive season. For your own safety and those around you, a word of advice would be to avoid wearing jewellery that attracts attention. While we experience armed robberies at entrances, the actual identification of a potential target takes place at shopping malls and the individuals are followed from there.
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Should any resident that approaches any of our two entrances, suspect that they might be followed please switch on your vehicle hazards as you drive towards the entrances and blow your horn/hooter when you are close to the gate prior to you stopping dead still. This will be the signal for our security team that you might be in danger and they can react according to emergency procedures. The average time in which these robberies take place is between 15 and 30 seconds and only once the resident comes to a standstill.
Alternatively, drive to your nearest Police Station. controlled system will be installed so that we enhance our security further. The past month we also experienced water supply In preparation for your well-deserved holiday, issues. This aspect is currently under discussion with please keep in mind that there are certain aspects City of Tshwane in an attempt to institute a workable that need to be arranged prior to you cracking solution whereby the HOA are authorised to allocate open your first cold beer with your feet in the resources to the problem, so that down time can be sand: limited. This will assist in preventing reservoir levels • please advise security on your departure date dropping below the thresholds for the pumps to operate and complete the holiday house register so that safely. The developers are also looking into some storage we can look after your property while you are capacity solutions for The Oval. on holiday.
• should you have someone looking after your garden, pets or house please ensure that those individuals are properly registered for access. • pets should form part of your holiday arrangements and be taken care of properly.
The year is also coming to an end for construction purposes and is it time to prepare all building sites so that they will be neat, clean and safe over the festive season. We request all owners who are currently in a construction phase to address the compliance and neatness with all your contractors Please take note that there are other residents who will be at home over this festive season and who would Residents would have noticed that the old building next appreciate peace and quiet themselves. to the main entrance at Garsfontein Road was demolished and the area cleared. The HOA is in the process of On behalf of the Directors and HOA we want to wish upgrading the entire contractors’ access facility, which you all a Prosperous Christmas with Season Greetings will be in operation when construction starts in January and a very happy New Year. 2018. This will alleviate the traffic build-up entering the Estate as well as cut down on the time contractors spend Kind regards, Johan van Schalkwyk entering the Estate. A fully automated and properly
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ESTATE NEWS
Important dates • • • • •
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13 DECEMBER 2017 CONSTRUCTION CLOSURE 15 DECEMBER 2017 BUILDERS HOLIDAY AND FINAL SITE CLOSURE (ALL NEAT, CLEAN AND SAFE) 04 DECEMBER 2017 CLOSURE ALL ELECTRICAL APPLICATIONS 08 DECEMBER 2017 FINAL ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS AND INSPECTIONS 08 JANUARY 2018 CONSTRUCTION RE-OPENS
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What is trending in interiors this season? We’re talking space, colour, florals, pastels and summer ambiance in what’s trending in interior decor this season. Blush, brass, golds and gorgeous shades of pink have made a grand entrance into the interior space. These colours paired with a calm shade of grey and taupe combine perfectly with metallic accessories like brass, gold, copper and crystal. The colour blush is slowly becoming the next neutral as it can take in stronger colours like navy, greys and corals, blacks. This colourway has a relaxing effect and it’s making a presence in the spa and cosmetology industry.
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LIFESTYLE DÉCOR
In the residential space this trend can be used in bedrooms and private lounges where there is minimal traffic and the sole purpose is to relax. This scheme is easily made elegant by including mirrors, rose wood and marble as well as reintroducing last year’s floral trend in the form of throws, scatter cushions and light curtains. This scheme has worked well with Scandinavian and French theme inspired looks. The interior deco world is ever changing with trends for each season, so it is always best to keep your shell
(which is the walls and the floors) neutral and use whatever is trending for textiles and accessories. We will soon be saying goodbye to this trend, so you can look forward to the multiple shades of green, especially emerald green, which is making its way into the interior space. Green is easily paired with neutrals like beige, greys, taupe and lighter shades of brown. The colour works magic with mustards, gold metallic, camel and monochrome. Green is also known to be one of the most restful colours. You can incorporate it into your study entrance and bedroom.
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It will be seen with the trending reclaimed wood by bringing the outside in this summer. It also represents a green environment for the popular eco living spaces. This colourway has been fabulous with Mid Century and contemporary modern inspired looks, and it will be the trending colour right into the autumn and winter seasons. Christmas is upon us and the latest trends for Christmas decorations have moved from the traditional red and green and have caught on to the copper and gold trend of this season. Christmas trees have become divas! They have turned white; some have turned gold and others silver. A white Christmas tree surrounded with generous decorations of blissful rose pink, copper, gold and silver bells with the traditional fairy lights and crystals will do this festive season. The Christmas table setting must also accompany this fabulous tree. A naked reclaimed wooden table with crystal under plates a bed of lace and lilies, rose metallic cutlery along with gold and pearl candles will set the ambience and do the elegant trick.
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Lindiwe Mabizela
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IN THE KNOW
The history of the Rietfontein farm 375 JR farm begins with Daniel Elardus Erasmus (born in 1815) who was known in the family as Oupa Doornkloof. He later died on the Doornkloof farm but before his death owned various farms in the East of Pretoria, which became well known suburbs. Rietfontein was one of the farms he obtained in 1856. After Daniel’s death his sons sold a big part of the Doornkloof farm to Alois Hugo Nellmapius who started developing the land. This farm ultimately became known as what we currently refer to as Centurion. Mr Nellmapius named the western part of the farm after his daughter, Irene which is where we derive the name of the Irene, residential area of Centurion.
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Oupa Doornkloof bequeathed the southern part of the Rietfontein farm to his son, General Daniel Elardus Erasmus (born in 1854); and the Northern part (currently known as Mooikloof) to his other son, Stephanus Petrus Erasmus. Excluding various other farms, General Erasmus also owned the following farms: Grootfontein, Tierpoort, Bashewa, Tweefontein (near Bapsfontein) as we well as Onbekend. All of these farms would in later generations develop into complete or partial small holdings. General Erasmus was buried on Grootfontein (the farm next to Rietfontein).
General Erasmus bequeathed his part of Rietfontein to his daughter, Sibella Margaretha (Ouma Sybel) who married Jacobus Gerhardus Opperman (Oupa Koos). The General’s wealthy brother, Stephanus, bequeathed his part to his only living son, Daniel Erasmus (Blink Dael). He never married and was according to rumour an extravagant man. Evidence of this was the lavish parties he held on his farm, Rietvlei (which was later flooded by the Rietvlei dam). It was well known that he lent money to the Republic of South Africa’s Treasury, when there were insufficient funds to pay the government officials and that the House of Assembly as well as the whole Transvaal offered surety for the loan. Later on in his life he faced financial difficulties and sold his part of Rietfontein (Mooikloof) to his nephew-in-law, Koos Opperman. When he died he was buried in an unmarked grave in Frankryk. This is how the whole of Rietfontein came into the possession of Koos Opperman.
During the development of the golf course on The Hills their remains were relocated to Pretoria east cemetery.
In 1898 Koos and his bride-to-be Sybel, started building a house for themselves on Rietfontein. Koos was drafted when the Anglo Boer war broke out and they to rather get married after the war. During the Boer War, the English burned down the partially finished barn, which Koos and Sybel rebuilt after getting married. This is the same barn that is currently on Rietfontein. Koos and Sybel were both buried in the Rietfontein cemetery.
The farming on Rietfontein consisted mostly of sheep and cattle but not excluding agriculture. This included mielies, corn, oats, beans, lucerne as well as cultivated grazing fields. Up to the time of the development of The Hills, Danie and Renette Opperman farmed with cattle and agriculture whilst Gerhard and Madalize Bredenkamp started a riding school as well as an eco-tourism enterprise. Foreigners even hunted on the land.
Part of Rietfontein was developed as the Rietfontein Landbouhoewes and the next generation who farmed on the remaining part of Rietfontein was their son; Daniel Jacobus Opperman (Danie) and his wife Elizabeth Catharina Van der Walt (Bessie). They in turn bequeathed the farm to their three children Anna Eleanora Cornelia (Nora) Jacobus Gerhardus (Koos) and Jacobus (van Der Walt). Koos and his wife Magdelena Elizabeth Fourie (Lena) lived in the old barn. Koos Bought Van Der Walt’s share and after Koos’ death the farm was subdivided in 1993. Nora sold her part of the farm, which was developed as Mooikloof Heights and Koos’ two children Daniel Jacobus Elardus (Danie) and Magdalena (Madalize) further farmed there.
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Pets in the spotlight After a long day at work, his face is the happiest to see you. He is never in a bad mood and even if you take yours out on him he will forgive you, no questions asked. He’s your furry best friend and if you love him as much as you say you do your camera roll is probably filled with hundreds of pics of him. Share them with us! We would love to get to know the pets that live on our beautiful Estate. Email photo with caption to: tobia@k-studio.co.za
On the tip of my tongue
Kersfees Is H i
er
ft i g r You
x o b e h t n i s i
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LIFESTYLE DÉCOR
home WHAT YOUR
is revealing about your personality
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With Pinterest, home décor magazines and interior decorators behind many of our home décor inspiration, a home’s style reveals more about personal preference than it really reflects your personality. However, there are a few of our subconscious décor and layout decisions that psychologists refer to as “behavioural residue” that may reveal more about ourselves than we may think… 1. The colour of your front door
The blue door, such as the one we adored
so much in the movie Notting Hill, says that you are easy going and at ease, a red door reveals that you are someone that says what you think and a green one says that you are someone who believes in tradition. A black door, on the other hand, exposes your reserved personality.
2. Scatter cushions
Who doesn’t love a few scatters on a couch or bed? If your home boasts many on the couch it reveals that comfort is an important goal and you want your guests to linger when visiting. Scatters with bold stripes say that you are confident; polka dots indicate your fun side, while animal prints suggest that you are creative and geometric designs that you have a need to be in control.
3. Motivational posters/stickers
Do you have motivational stickers, posters or wall hangings? If so it could reveal your inner anxiety and neuroticism in life. Surrounding yourself with inspirational quotes help you get through the day, psychologists believe.
4. Seating for many
A home that over caters when it comes to space and seating in the living room,
dining room and even at the breakfast nook indicate that you have an inviting personality and love social gatherings.
5. Bare counters
Even though the toaster and other appliances are used daily you won’t find it on a Type A person’s counter. A home with bare counters suggests that appearance is more important than practicality.
6. Colour choices
A home that favours bright yellows and orange tones reveal your optimism in life, while blues and greens show you have a laid-back personality and jewel hues such as emerald and purples reflect your creative side. If you prefer neutrals in your home you are probably a peacemaker.
7. Fridge door
The kitchen is perhaps the room in the house that gets the most traffic, which makes the fridge the most used appliance in your home. This could be why fridge doors often display an array of nik-naks. Nik-naks that reveal something about you. Inspirational magnets say that you are an optimist and life experiences are important to you.
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door decorated with kids’ art pieces show your sentimental and arty side. Photos of family and friends indicate that you are a hopeless romantic who value social gatherings. Sticky notes and reminders reveal your hectic schedule while a bare fridge says that you are a neat freak who is never late for an appointment.
Have a look around your house and the homes of friends and family to find out if you agree.
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contact us:
082 774 0934 hello@l-con.co.za
LINCOLN C INTERIORS
,luxury is in each detail ,
25 hubert de givenchy
Who is looking after “Fluffy” this holiday? SMALL FLUFFY R150 PER DAY BIG FLUFFY R200 PER DAY Book a place now to Avoid disappointment Purfect Paws | Jacqueline Kleinhans 079 873 3953 758 Niewhout Str | Garsfontein
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The holidays are literally around the corner, which means sun, sea and sand for many Gautengers. When it comes to living in The Hills, however, going on holiday isn’t as simple as just lock-up-and-go. Many of us have luscious gardens and adorable pets that would need minding while we are away. Please don’t leave organising a pet-sitter or your pet’s place in a kennel until the last minute as spaces fill up extremely quickly this time of the year. Your pets have been good to you in 2017 and deserve to have a great Christmas too. Plus, they will be devastated without you and the kids to play with during the day. Be sure to keep this, and the fact that December is one of the highest rainfall months of the year, in mind when deciding what to do with your pets when you are away.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Staying entertained
THIS FESTIVE SEASON Soweto Art & Craft Fair Saturday, 2 December 2017 & 6 January 2018 This monthly event, which takes place at the Soweto Theatre is a relaxing event for the whole family. From great arts and crafts to beautiful clothing and accessories can all be browsed while listening to talented musicians and tasting some delectable food and drinks. Prawn & Beer Festival Sunday, 3 December 2017 Kick-off the jolliest month of the year by attending the Prawn & Beer Festival at Nasrec Expo Centre. Although this may sound like an event for grown-ups only, it boasts a lot of entertainment for young and old, including helicopter rides, motorcar and bike shows etc.
Makers 4 to 10 December Makers aka Kamers Vol Geskenke is on at the start of December in Irene, Pretoria. Whether you are buying presents for others or spoiling yourself – this is the place to do it. All of SA’s most talented creators of anything for anyone will showcase their products here, not to mention the food and drink stalls... Save up this is a must! 5th Vintage Picnics Saturday, 9 December For music lovers, Lido Hotel in Johannesburg will host this year’s Vintage Picnics. As always expect diverse people and artists including bands, DJs etc. Family Colour Run Saturday, 9 December Another fun family event is the 5km Family Colour Run, which will take place at the Weekend Market on Nasrec Road. Start this holiday with a healthy bang of colour! Michael McIntyre Big World Tour Saturday, 20 January 2018 If you are worried that January-blues might get you under, think again because Britain’s hilarious Michael
McIntyre will be at the Dome on Saturday the 20th. Laugh your way into the New Year. Bridal Expo 27 & 28 January 2018 Tying the knot in 2018 or 2019? Or simply curious about what is happening on the bridal front these days? Head to Oakfield Farm in Muldersdrift at the end of Jan for all the inspiration you need. Various vendors and a fashion show to look forward to. At the Dino Expo Various dates & times in December 2017 & January 2018 Entertaining the kids is tough, especially during long holidays such as this one. But don’t fear, the Dino Expo will keep them busy for hours. Just take them to the Flora Mall in Roodepoort on the various dates the exhibition will take place on and see their minds literally blown through life size realistic animatronic dinosaurs. A documentary, tour, fossil display, digging, colouring, painting and more are included in the general ticket. If you can spare a little extra this event can entertain them even more.
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
How to reduce your
With the end of the year nearing it is, as always, time to think about some New Year Resolutions to take on in 2018.
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However, for some real inspiration as to why it is important for us to change the way we think about global warming, visit the Before the Flood website and watch Leonardo Di Caprio’s documentary. Making eco-friendly adjustments in your lifestyle isn’t as easy as it may sound because unlike most New Year Resolutions, this is one that has to last. Where should you even begin? In changing too much too quickly you might run the risk of many of the changes phasing out as the months go by. If you don’t know where to start, follow our Action Plan. In this edition of the newsletter we look at Steps 1-3 you can implement. In the few upcoming additions we will add steps to the list so that you have time to make it part of your (and your family’s) lifestyle before including more changes.
Step 1: Drastically reduce water usage. Yes, we are perhaps tired of hearing this but even though Gauteng receives more rain than other areas, South Africa is still a water-scarce country. Plus, by reducing the amount of water you are using you are reducing your carbon footprint, as less water needs to be handled as a result. In other words, in mastering this step it will have double the amount of benefits. • Use grey water in the garden and/or install a rainwater tank. • Flush the toilets less often (“if it’s yellow, let it mellow” idea). • Brush your teeth with a cup of water instead of running the tap. • Time your showers and keep them under 5 minutes or run a narrow bath in which more than one person in your family bathes. • Wash clothing less (inspect every item before just washing it) and wait for a full load before running a quick wash. • Use waterless hand sanitiser instead of washing hands.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
The drought and peculiar weather we are experiencing in South Africa is perhaps reason enough to try and reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 2: Work from home once a week/carpool/public transport Talk to your manager and try to arrange to work from home one day of the week. According to research done by American company TelCoa, 272-million litres of fuel could be saved annually if 32-million people worked from home once a week. It is a saving of 423,000 tons of greenhouse gas. In other research compiled by Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), telecommunication will also save 9 to 14 billion
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kilowatt-hours of energy every year. In a study where 3,609 people started working from home full-time, 9,600 tons of carbon emissions were prevented. It isn’t doable for everyone to telecommute. So if it is out of the question in your industry try to carpool with someone to work. Also: • try to reduce the amount of trips you take with the car in general; • avoid traffic; • don’t speed; • check tyre pressure regularly; and • ensure that your car is serviced when needed.
Step 3: Enjoy Meat-free Mondays (or any other day/s of the week) Did you know that by eating less meat and dairy you can help the environment? It is because the industrial raising of livestock requires large pieces of land (and water) making it an industry that generates as much greenhouse gases as the entire automobile industry. A diet that consists of large amounts of meat (including chicken and fish) and dairy is contributing towards pollution (soil, air, water) as well as ocean dead zones. • Shop organic/sustainable meat, fish and dairy. • Shop local.
Good luck following the Action Plan. In the next The Hills edition we will share the next step in the Plan.
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LIFESTYLE DÉCOR
THE BRICKS OF BUILDING A BEAUTIFUL HOME
By Gillian Holl Veld Architects
At the outset of a residential project, the various components to be considered in order to realise a successful and valuable product, can be daunting to a client. A team of building professionals, with the principal goal to assist you through the process, are vital for transforming this potentially daunting process into one that is exciting and rewarding.
Often the temptation to jump straight into the building project overshadows the importance of the planning that needs to take place prior to starting. The sooner you can get the contractor to start laying bricks, the sooner you’ll be done, right? Unfortunately, it doesn’t work out that effortlessly without some essential planning up front; and often this could result in a scenario of being penny wise and pound foolish.
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Building a home is very personal project and most likely one of the biggest investments a client will make in their lifetime.
Who are the key role-players in a building project and how do they contribute to the success of a project? There are five important role-players to consider, with the clientarchitect relationship being central to the project from the outset of the brief. With years of education and experience in the design field, architects carefully formulate a brief according to the client’s requirements and lifestyle, in order to guide the crafting of a unique and innovative spatial solution that complements and positively contributes to the everyday life of the clients. This same commitment to quality is carried out by the architect, throughout the documentation, to the construction process on site. This includes liaising with the structural engineer to ensure the structural integrity is met, by still retaining the desired aesthetic conception. Consultation with the quantity surveyor guarantees that all design
decisions are accounted for in the contract value of the project, as well as ensuring that the best contractor are appointed for the specific design. During construction the architect will works closely with the contractor to ensure the design to be accurately realised. Experience and a positive working relationship within this team of building professionals enable the anticipation of potential red flags and therefore prevent unnecessary costs and delays. Lastly, the expertise of a landscape architect is imperative to the relationship between the building and its surroundings. Ecological conscious decision making starts at the home and the expertise of the architect and the landscape architect combined, can assist with achieving this effortlessly.
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Harmonising sustainability and aesthetics When carefully considered from the outset of the project, sustainability can truly enhance the harmonisation of the house with its immediate environment. The context of a home provides ample inspiration of natural design and processes that can be translated to the architecture. Architects, landscape architects and specialist consultants work together throughout the design and construction process to effortlessly marry sustainability principles and aesthetics of the project. It is only when applied as an after-thought that these systems unfortunately look the part. The harmonisation of the architecture with its environment start at the initial consideration of orientation and form of the home. Planted pergolas and indigenous courtyards between living spaces can soften the threshold between the interior and exterior and invite the natural splendour into the home. Non-negotiable passive strategies for a comfortable indoor environmental climate includes basic principles such as adequate natural light and ventilation throughout the spaces. Material considerations of the home can ensure an envelope that avoids fluctuating indoor temperature conditions. More specialised systems such as harnessing solar power for the electricity of the home and recycling rain-, storm-, and grey water can minimise domestic water usage and the recycled water combined with sun energy can be utilised for ecological conscious heating and cooling strategies. When it comes to choosing the right team of building professionals, a little insight and some useful advice can be a rewarding investment and positively transform your lifestyle!
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LIFESTYLE DÉCOR
Tshidzo Art 36
“Bringing to life vivid images of the beauty, mystery and force of Africa”
I began my career as a self-taught contemporary artist over a decade ago. I discovered my talent “by chance� when I started selling hand painted T-shirts and other merchandise, just to make some kind of living. I have always drawn, from an early age, so I knew I had some talent. While I have always been inspired and driven by the stories and faces of the African people, my interpretation and expression of that has consistently grown more assertive. Raised in Hazyview, Mpumalanga, I have been greatly influenced by my own diverse heritage, and the steep, rich culture of my country, and Africa as a whole. I consider myself a storyteller of sorts, bringing to life vivid images of the beauty, mystery and force of Africa. I have participated in various successful group and solo exhibitions, local and international, throughout the years, and I am always drawn to projects that involve and impact the communities around me. I have also enjoyed various commission projects from both private and corporate collectors.
Tell us a bit more about your most recent painting, the African portrait of woman in red? What inspired it? My latest work was inspired by the recent overwhelming news about femicide, and every day abuse of women in this country. I felt a need to portray a strong, beautiful and joyful woman, to contrast the pain and deep struggle that so many women deal with. The piece is happy, yet it carries such an intense emotion behind it. It is a piece about overcoming, and triumphing over life’s dips and bends. Which mediums do you prefer to work with? I started out working in charcoal and pastels, and now enjoy flowing
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mediums like oils and acrylic, which allow for spontaneous and expressive palette and brush application, which I prefer. What keeps inspiring you to continue with your work? Passion, and the satisfaction I get when I have just completed a piece. I get to create something out of nothing, and in the end, in front of me is a piece that carries a part of me – something that other people can be a part of, enjoy, and find their own expression in. I love the dialogue that comes from my art. I love seeing and interacting with people enjoying my art, but mostly, it’s a sense
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of wonder at what my mind can conjure up one moment, and my hands turn into something the next. It is wonderful to think that every piece I create will far outlive me. Can you tell us about your studio, where do you like to work and what helps you to focus? I have converted my garage into a working studio. I enjoy it because, depending on my mood, it allows me some flexibility. Some days I close it up and work in solitude, with nothing but the sound of my breath and some music in the background. But I am rather unusual as an artist in that I mostly
love to work with the door open, facing the street. I enjoy the interactions and reactions of people as they walk or drive by. I draw a lot of energy from people and the buzz of life happening around me. How did you evolve since the beginning of your career? I think I have become less concerned about what people think of my art, or who I should be as an artist, and I have insisted on my freedom to create whatever wants to come out. I trust myself more, and it shows in my work. I started out as a “survivalist artist”, so I painted what I thought would sell. Since
then my works have become more reflective of who Tshidzo is today. I play and experiment more. I am still inspired by the same things and so there hasn’t been much change in my subject matters of choice, but I’ve grown through different techniques and applications of my gift. A lot of your work mainly focuses on African portraits and scenes? What continues to draw you to this subject, what inspires you about Africa? Africa for me is layered beauty. I have always been fascinated by the strength and beauty of African women and children. As you know, this very same beautiful continent also continues to be one of the harshest environments for women and children in which to thrive. How long does it typically take you to finish a piece? That really just depends on the day. Sometimes I get woken up with a clear picture of what I want to paint,
and I sit on that painting for a solid 10 hours until it is finished. Often my wife has to force me to take a break to eat something. Other times, which is most of the time, I work on three or four paintings at a time. It then takes me weeks, or sometime even months, to finish a painting. What do you do for fun, outside the studio? I love watching movies and series. I also really enjoy playing with my three children, and spending some quality time with my wife and muse. What exciting projects do you have on the horizon? Well, I’m about to open my own gallery (Yonaka Art Studios), which I am very excited about! As much as I’m an artist, I also really enjoy art in general, and am looking forward to working with other artists, and enjoy their art in my space. I absolutely love interacting with people, so having my own gallery again has been on the cards for some time.
We were just waiting to find the right space and I think we have. We will be opening our gallery at Graskop Gorge Lift Company in Graskop, Mpumalanga. It is a new tourist attraction, which boasts a 51-metre glass lift that will go down into the thick, lush ravine and waterfall below. It’s a stunning site that will attract many local and international tourists, in my home province. Heaven! We open on the 15th of December, so come check us out! How do potential buyers get hold of you and do you have a down payment option available? Clients can reach me on social media. On Facebook and Instagram @tshidzoart. They can also email me at tshidzoart@gmail.com, or call directly on 073 564 1214 or 0823 740 740. Some of the bigger works can be quite hefty on the pocket, so we are always open to negotiate payment terms that suit our clients.
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ESTATE NEWS
How to attract wildlife to your garden In The Hills Game Reserve Lifestyle Estate we are very fortunate to be living and working surrounded by a diversity of wildlife. In the next year I am going to write articles on how to attract wildlife to your garden. Gardening for wildlife is not an exclusive activity for conservation fanatics, but rather of a style of landscaping that enriches the life of the homeowner and supports a fascinating range of creatures that would otherwise be absent. Any garden can be converted into a wildlife-friendly environment. At The Hills every homeowner has a golden opportunity to do this with success because the wildlife is on your doorstep. Just look out of your window and say “hi�. Learning a bit more about the needs of your garden wildlife will empower you to create a garden that will fulfil your own needs as well as the requirements of the birds, butterflies and other life forms that will complement the beauty of the landscape. Creating or modifying a garden to include wildlife is no more complicated or financially taxing than normal gardening. It only requires a bit more background information and a desire to share the garden with a multitude of interesting and often beautiful wildlife species. In this addition I include the official Bird List for The Hills. I compiled the list with the help of Birdlife South Africa. 107 species of birds has been identified in The Hills so far. Seasonal greetings and may you have a wonderful time gardening this holiday. Environmental officer
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Hannes de Wet
LIST OF BIRDSSeen In The Hills 1. Babbler, Arrow-marked 2. Barbet, Acacia Pied 3. Barbet, Black-collared 4. Barbet, Crested 5. Batis, Chinspot 6. Bee-eater, European 7. Bee-eater, White-fronted 8. Bishop, Southern Red 9. Bokmakierie, Bokmakierie 10. Boubou, Southern 11. Bulbul, Dark-capped 12. Canary, Black-throated 13. Canary, Yellow-fronted 14. Chat, Familiar 15. Cisticola, Levaillant’s 16. Cisticola, Wailing 17. Cisticola, Zitting 18. Cormorant, Reed 19. Cormorant, White-breasted 20. Crow, Pied 21. Cuckoo, Diederik 22. Darter, African 23. Dove, Laughing 24. Dove, Red-eyed 25. Duck, African Black 26. Egret, Cattle 27. Firefinch, Jameson’s
28. Firefinch, Red-billed 29. Fiscal, Common (Southern) 30. Flycatcher, Fiscal 31. Flycatcher, Spotted 32. Francolin Coqui 33. Francolin, Red-winged 34. Go-away-bird, Grey 35. Goose, Egyptian 36. Grassbird, Cape 37. Grebe, Little 38. Guineafowl, Helmeted 39. Heron, Black-headed 40. Heron, Green-backed 41. Heron, Grey 42. Heron, Purple 43. Honeybird, Brown-backed 44. House-martin, Common 45. Ibis, Hadeda 46. Indigobird, Purple 47. Kingfisher, Brown-hooded 48. Kingfisher, Half-collared 49. Kingfisher, Pied 50. Kite, Black-shouldered 51. Lapwing, African Wattled 52. Lapwing, Blacksmith 53. Lapwing, Crowned 54. Lark, Rufous-naped
55. Longclaw, Cape 56. Mannikin, Bronze 57. Martin, Rock 58. Masked-weaver, Southern 59. Mousebird, Red-faced 60. Mousebird, Speckled 61. Myna, Common 62. Neddicky, Neddicky 63. Palm-swift, African 64. Pigeon, Speckled 65. Plover, Three-banded 66. Prinia, Black-chested 67. Prinia, Tawny-flanked 68. Quelea, Red-billed 69. Robin-chat, Cape 70. Robin-chat, White-throated 71. Scrub-robin, White-browed 72. Seedeater, Streaky-headed 73. Shrike, Red-backed 74. Sparrow, Cape 75. Sparrow, House 76. Sparrow, Southern Grey-headed 77. Sparrowhawk, Black 78. Spoonbill, African 79. Spurfowl, Swainson’s 80. Starling, Cape Glossy 81. Starling, Violet-backed
82. Stonechat, African 83. Sunbird, Amethyst 84. Sunbird, White-bellied 85. Swallow, Barn 86. Swallow, Greater Striped 87. Swallow, White-throated 88. Swift, Little 89. Swift, White-rumped 90. Tchagra, Black-crowned 91. Tchagra, Brown-crowned 92. Thrush, Kurrichane 93. Tinkerbird, Yellow-fronted 94. Tit-babbler, Chestnut-vented 95. Turtle-dove, Cape 96. Wagtail, Cape 97. Warbler, Willow 98. Waxbill, Common 99. Weaver, Cape 100. Weaver, Thick-billed 101. Wheatear, Mountain 102. White-eye, Cape 103. Whydah, Pin-tailed 104. Widowbird, Long-tailed 105. Widowbird, Red-collared 106. Widowbird, White-winged 107. Wood-hoopoe, Green
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