Pro Landscaper Africa Coffee Table Edition 4 by Paper Plane Publications

COFFEE TABLE EDT.

INTRODUCING

THE NEW

S-SERIES RIDE-ON

LAWN MOWERS Driving the green revolution, together.

Contact your Dealer for details Terms and conditions apply. Available at www.deere.com/sub-saharan.

New model numbering

Easy-read fuel gauge

New styling on hood, dashboard & bumper

15â&#x20AC;&#x153; seat with split-back design

You can depend on both to be faithful and true, but only one is good for your lawn. Believe in greater

www.deere.com/sub-saharan africa@johndeere.com Customer Care: 0800 983 821 John Deere Africa

SALI SHIELD OF EXCELLENCE WINNER 2020

Concept to Conclusion - Innovative solutions for unique problems Dune Management // Restoration // Eco Landscapes +27 82 564 5748 | admin@vula.biz | www.vula.biz

BUILT-IN QUALITY FOR LASTING VALUE.

MODEL FEATURED

126V with 1320mm cutting deck

Deliver a reliable, professional quality cut in less time with less fatigue. Grasshopper True ZeroTurn™ mowers are designed for durability with lower maintenance and lower operating costs for superior performance, season after season. Responsive steering and control with dual swing-out levers and “no gears” pump-and-wheel-motor drives.

Fuel-efficient, professional-grade petrol or diesel engines.

Extra-deep, 140mm decks with durable reinforced leading edge.

PROUDLY IMPORTED BY: DURBAN FIND A LOCAL RETAILER AT: grasshoppermower.co.za

F E AT U R E

SO MUCH MOWER...

Since 1969, The Grasshopper Company has focused on manufacturing a complete line of zero-turn riding mowers, PowerVac™ Collection Systems, and turf-renovation and grounds maintenance equipment that are highly productive, supremely comfortable and easy to maintain. These fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly products provide easy operation, versatility and timesaving performance – zero-turnmaneuvering productivity solutions for turf care professionals, government entities and large-acreage estates. A division of Moridge Manufacturing, Grasshopper is an industry-leading manufacturer of commercial zero-turn mowers. In the 1960s, no “off-the-shelf” components were available for developing the first Grasshopper mowers. Company engineers had to design and fabricate components from scratch – testing, re-testing and refining – and integration of emerging technologies has been instrumental to the precision manufacturing required to improve product performance, quality and durability. That spirit of innovation and dedication to technological advancement continues today, with the company employing state-of-the-art laser cutting and robotics processes operated

by a skilled and dedicated workforce in Kansas, the heartland of the United States. Among major firsts for the zero-turn mower industry, Grasshopper is the originator of dual swing-away control levers for mowers as well as the PowerFold® Electric Deck Lift and Height Adjustment. PowerFold raises the outfront cutting deck at the touch of a switch and provides infinitely variable, on-the-go cutting height adjustment; it is a standard feature on all FrontMount™ Grasshopper mowers. Grasshopper was the first manufacturer to introduce a diesel engine in a zero-turn mower in 1983, and the company continues to perfect diesel-powered mowing equipment with engines that are emissions-compliant, save fuel and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 20 percent compared to gasoline and propane mowers. Every Grasshopper product is designed, engineered, fabricated and assembled at the company’s headquarters in Moundridge, Kansas, USA, and Grasshopper is committed to lean and clean manufacturing practices that limit raw material use and reduce impact to the environment. These commitments have been recognized by local and regional authorities such as the Wichita chapter of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

In 2020, Grasshopper was honored by the U.S. Department of Commerce with the prestigious “E” Award for sustained increases in export sales over a four-year period. In fact, nearly one of every 10 Grasshopper mowers manufactured is destined for an international market. Grasshopper products can be found in more than 40 countries worldwide, including the United Kingdom, France, Finland, Italy, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Grasshopper mowers and equipment are used by turf care professionals, government entities and discerning estate owners around the world. Grasshopper has been the mower of choice for the grounds maintenance crews at The White House in Washington, D.C., since 2003, and at the world-famous Burghley House park near Stamford, England, since 2015. In South Africa, Grasshopper mowers are proudly imported by Tandem Lawncare Equipment in Durban and found at several participating retailers nationwide.

Learn more at grasshoppermower.co.za

ELEVATE THE EXPERIENCE WITH BATTERY POWER

HUSQVARNA PROVIDES THE TOTAL SOLUTION Get your hands on the power, reliability and innovation of Husqvarna. When using our battery-driven machines you'll appreciate not only the absence of direct emissions and the minimal need for maintenance, but also the relief of working with almost silent motors. Husqvarna delivers professional results. Learn more at WWW.HUSQVARNA.CO.ZA

LEADER

hat a year this has been! 2020 has been exceptional in many ways, with COVID-19 teaching us how to adapt, diversify, evolve, mobilise and in many ways has changed the way we do business. Amidst all of this uncertainty, one thing is sure, that it has left a significant mark on us all.

We are generally, as editors, rather optimistic in our “year ahead” predictions, assuming growth within the industry, despite pivotal speed bumps along the way and we are generally confident of the trends in the market for the year ahead. This time around I will safely predict a movement towards green space in cities, with a lingering note of sustainability, environmental impact and mental and physical health being brought to the fore in all aspects of daily life. These are not new concepts, but certainly will be embraced in the coming years. This speaks volumes to the value of the landscape architect and professionals within the built industry moving forward. Amidst this year of evolution, we as the South African built environment professionals, have still been able to celebrate significant builds across all sectors. These are builds that are pioneering the ideal that the future of the build environment is already here. Mixeduse developments are becoming increasingly popular for developers and consumers alike and new urbanism in CBD’s is being celebrated. We have seen revitalised skyscrapers and even introduced new Iconic buildings to change shape of our city skylines. We have witnessed rehabilitation projects, exquisite residences and retail developments opening their doors in 2020 which gives us great hope for the year ahead.

COFFEE TABLE EDT.

These phenomenal projects are indicators that the future is already here! This is certainly a Brag Book for all of the professionals listed in our Fourth Annual Coffee Table Edition, so we would like to say a huge congratulations to you all. It is also a reminder that we are taking great strides as an industry. We cannot predict the future, but we can certianly embrace it. Here is to 2021! Published by

Cover Image: Jewel City EDITORIAL Editor-in-Chief & Director: Chanel Besson Commissioning Editor & Feature Writer: Tamsyn Halm ADVERTISING Key Account Manager: Justine Coleman Media Sales Executive: Basheerah De Villiers Media Sales Executive: Amy Aries DESIGN Zoey & I: Sarah Gregg-Macdonald

@prolandscaperafrica

@Pro Landscaper Africa Download our Pro Landscaper app

prolandscaper.co.za

Kromme River. Architect: Ber t Pepler Architects. Interior : GDF Designs. Ande Irregular Hand-Scraped finished with WOCA Denmark 2K Lacquer - 20/6 x 220 x 2200mm

...hand-scraped oak flooring

in beautiful spaces. Cape Town: 021 510 2846 | Paarden Eiland Johannesburg: 011 262 3117 | Parkhurst Durban: 031 000 1000 | Umhlanga nick@oggie.co.za www.oggieflooring.com

CONTENTS

Coffee table edition 34 CAPITEC HO

01 MIXED-USE / COMMERCIAL / HQ

Client: Capitec Architects: dhk Architects Landscape architects: Planning Partners

40 DELOITTE HO

Developers: Atterbury and Attacq Limited Architects: Aevitas Group Landscape architects: Daniel Rebel Landscape Architects Landscape contractors: Countryline Africa

48 KATHERINE TOWERS / 1 PARK LANE

20 JEWEL CITY

Developers: Divercity Architects: GASS Architecture Studios Landscape architects: Daniel Rebel Landscape Architects Landscape contractors: Bidvest Top Turf

26 THE LEONARDO

Client: The Legacy Group and Nedbank CIB Architects: Co-Arc International Architects Landscape architects: Landmark Studios Landscape contractors: Greenacres Landscapes

Developers: Alchemy Group Architects: Paragon Landscape architects: Ochre Office Landscape contractors: Life Landscapes and Life Indoors

54 UMHLANGA ARCH

Developers: Multiply Invest Architects: Craft of Architecture Landscape architects: Uys and White Landscape Architects KZN Landscape contractors: Countryline Horticulture

prolandscaper.co.za

CONTENTS

78 ONE ON WHITELEY

Developers: Amdec Group Architects (Hotel): Bentel Associates Limited Architects (Apartment): Osmond Lange Architects & Planners Landscape architects: Daniel Rebel Landscape Architects Landscape contractors: Bidvest Top Turf

84 THE HOUGHTON HOTEL

Client: Asvid Holdings / Leading Hotels of the World Architects: Boogertman + Partners Landscape architects: GREENinc Landscape contractors: Life Landscapes

60 OGGIE SHOWROOM

Client: Oggie Flooring Architect: C76 Landscape designer: A Forgotten Garden Landscape contractor: Grassland Nursery

66 SANDTON GATE

Developers: Abland and Tiber Architects: Boogertman + Partners Landscape architects: Landmark Studios Landscape contractors: Countryline Africa

72 PARK LANE WEST

Client: Menlyn Maine Investment Holdings and Barrow Properties (Pty) Ltd Architects: Boogertman + Partners Landscape architects and contractors: Bertha Wium Landscape Development

prolandscaper.co.za

02 PUBLIC / HERITAGE SITES / UNIVERSITIES

92 DURBAN POINT PROMENADE

Client: Durban Point Development Company Architects: Cox and IYER Landscape architects: IYER Landscape contractors: Leitch Landscapes

100 !KHWA TTU SAN HERITAGE CENTRE Architects: KLG Architects Landscape contractors: Vula Environmental Services

106 HOUT BAY DUNE REHABILITATION Client: City of Cape Town Landscape contractor: Vula Environmental Services

CONTENTS

112 WESTBURY TRANSFORMATION CENTRE

Client: City of Johannesburg Architects: Ntsika Architects Landscape contractors: Vertical Landscapes

03 SPORTS

118 JAVETT ART CENTRE

137 PLANET FITNESS OLYMPUS Architects: W Design Architecture Studio Landscape contractor: Tree Traders and Intle Garden Creation

Architects: Mathews + Associates Architects Landscape architects: GREENinc Landscape contractors: Servest Landscaping

126 SOL PLAATJE UNIVERSITY: STUDENT RESOURCE CENTRE

Client: Sol Plaatje University Architects: Designworkshop Landscape architects: Insite Group Landscape contractors: GreenSight Landscapes

132 UNIVERSITY OF MPUMALANGA: SCIENCE RESEARCH FACILITY

Architects: Ludwig Hansen Architects and Urban Designers Landscape architects: kwpCREATE Landscape contractors: Likhutsa Projects

prolandscaper.co.za

CONTENTS

05 RESIDENTIAL 160 CHEETAH PLAINS Architect: ARRCC Landscape contractors: African Secrets Management

168 TWO CLOSE BETWEEN Architect: Abon Studios

04 RETAIL 144 CONSTANTIA EMPORIUM Client: Checkers Shoprite Group Architects: SVA International Architects Landscape designers: GBI Consultants

148 NEIGHBOURHOOD SQUARE Architect: Boogertman + Partners Landscape architects: Landmark Studios Landscape contractors: Countryline Africa

152 FERNDALE ON REPUBLIC MALL Developer: Ferndale on Republic Consortium Architects: MDS Architecture Landscape architects: Daniel Rebel Landscape Architects Landscape contractors: FSG Property Services, Landscape Division

CELEBRATING

52 YEARS

IN THE INDUSTRY

172 DELAIRE GRAFF ESTATE Architects: dhk Architects Landscape designers: Keith Kirsten Horticulture International

178 THE GATES AT ELALENI

Developers: North Global Group Properties (Pty) Ltd. Architects: Bloc Architects Landscape architects: Uys & White Landscape Architects KZN Landscape contractors: River Projects

CITY MASTERPLANS | URBAN DESIGN RESIDENTIAL & RETIREMENT ESTATES STREETSCAPES & PUBLIC PARKS ROYAL PALACES | REHABILITATION INDUSTRIAL | AIRPORT | RESORT

www.landscapearchitect.co.za 032 947 2401 | lucas.uys@gmail.com

Mixed-use / Commercial / HQ

prolandscaper.co.za

PORTFOLIO

Jewel CITY

A reinvention Location: Johannesburg CBD Size: 20 000m² commercial office space 7 000m² retail space 40 000m² brand new buildings Completed: September 2020

ewel City is an exciting new vision for Jozi’s CBD. It is a residential, commercial and retail development which has been developed by Divercity (a partnership between Atterbury, iThemba and Talis). Pro Landscaper catches up with Gass Architecture Studios, the firm responsible for the reinvention of this precinct to the status of “The heart of Jozi’s CBD.” Jewel City is a massive urban redevelopment project on the outskirts of the Maboneng Precinct in Joburg’s eastern CBD, breathes new life into the previously walled-off former centre of the diamond and precious metals trade industry in Johannesburg. The complex consists of six city blocks of industrial buildings, some dating back to the 1930s. The entire area was closed off to the public in the mid90s and has remained an isolated and forgotten node for decades. Jewel City includes the reinvention of this pre-existing industrial complex as an open, vibrant mixed-use precinct that introduces a more sustainable dimension (socially and economically) and new diversity to early inner-city rejuvenation projects such as the Maboneng Precinct. Divercity sees Jewel City as a catalytic project that will enhance the eastern CBD’s urban potential, introducing crucial facilities that include new affordable residential space, a school, healthcare and retail facilities such as a pharmacy and a supermarket and other recreational facilities that help to sustain an inclusive, prosperous and wholesome urban social, economic and cultural life in the inner city. Jewel City has been envisioned as an opportunity to undo apartheid-era spatial divides and transform the inner city in a way that also addresses much needed access to resources and economic opportunities in the face of a dire need for housing. prolandscaper.co.za

PORTFOLIO

The blocks The architectural brief involved repurposing the existing industrial buildings, which includes the conversion of Block 1, The Diamond, into apartments, Block 2, The Ruby, into a commercial building and Block 4, The Amber, has been converted into a retail block. Block 5, The Sapphire, has been upgraded and remains the main commercial building in the precinct. Block 3, a commercial building, received minor refurbishments and will form part of a second phase along with the redevelopment of The Amber. Block 6, The Onyx, previously an empty city block used as a parking lot, now houses a 13-storey residential building that stands as the Flagship building of the Jewel City precinct. The existing buildings were not substantially altered externally, although their facades were refurbished and adorned with local artwork throughout the precinct. Particularly in the residential conversion (The Diamond), the central shafts have been enlarged through punching additional openings into the existing central cores to improve the quality of light and ventilation for the apartments. The new residential units include a wide range of

apartment types, from micro-studios to family-size two-bedroom flats, encouraging not just economic diversity, but also social diversity. The new residential building also adopts a similar approach in its unit mix over 11 storeys overlooking the Johannesburg skyline. Jewel City comprises of apartments, commercial spaces, various retail spaces, offices, a school, a medical facility and a 5 a side soccer club among other. The industrial heritage of the buildings are honoured not just through the lightness of the architectural interventions to the façades by exposing the expressive minimalism of their industrial materiality – off-shutter concrete, brickwork and steel – but also through the naming of each building, which includes refence to their former incarnations as a centre of the diamond and gold trade, but reframed as more inclusive and representative of South Africa’s broader history. The Jewel City complex has been reintegrated with the existing urban fabric, mainly orientated inwards to create and sustain a new pedestrianised section of Fox Street as its central axis (further enhancing the link between Maboneng and the Iconic ABSA Precinct). This urban intervention will help to

support a safe, friendly and open pedestrianfocused public environment and urban infrastructure characterised by shared public space. All the buildings along the central axis on either side of Fox Street includes retail pockets to encourage activity along the spine from east to west. Other interventions are woven into the architectural fabric, which introduces a layer of heritage through artworks, signage, and interpretive panels. The involvement of local artists and artisans has been a priority, symbolically introducing the idea of the city’s new era of prosperity being anchored in its people rather than reliance on mineral wealth, while substantiating that theory with an economic injection into the local art economy. GASS Architecture Studios has placed major emphasis on the precinct’s public realm. While they have made pragmatic provision for vehicle access at key points around the SUPPLIERS: Lighting: Regent Lighting Solutions 011 474 0171 Fives Futbol Sports Turf and Field Construction: Turftech – 087 087 4168 Product used: Rhino Turf PT45 Rubberised flooring and play equipment: Lifestyle Turf and Play – 011 660 2634 SUDS: Bera Gravel Fix and Grass Fix Eco 083 449 3954 Pavers: Corobrik - 011 871 8600 Bosun - 011 310 1176 SmartStone - 010 442 0377 Jewel Signage: Microzone Trading 980 CC 011 665 2819 Water Feature: Greenacres Landscapes 014 576 1925 Nurseries: Tshala Plant Brokers - 071 683 1177 Just Trees - 021 871 1595 Concrete Seating and Bins: Gallo Precast - 012 546 6067

prolandscaper.co.za

PORTFOLIO

peripheries of the precinct, where there’s safe parking and drop-off areas for deliveries and services off the busy main arteries, the precinct is largely pedestrianised along its central axis. The quality of the shared public space has been enhanced with single-level sidewalks, subtly broadening the walkable space on a level plane. The introduction of lighting, trees and vegetation, seating and easy wayfinding prompts further humanises the streetscape. The asphalt and cobbled areas have been designed so that they can be utilised as a canvas from time to time to introduce new themes or to celebrate a season, once again involving local artists.

MEET THE TEAM: Client: Divercity, Atterbury, Ithemba Architects: GASS Architecture Studios Projects Information: GASS Architecture Studios Quantity Surveyors: Matla Quantity Surveyors Electrical Engineers: Eksteen & Le Roux Structural Engineers: EDS Engineers Wet Service Engineers: Izazi Consulting Engineers (Pty) Ltd Fire Engineers: Fenco Fire Engineers & Consultants Building Contractor: Nomad Group, WBHO & Motheo JV; Pentacon Civils Landscape Architects: Daniel Rebel Landscape Architects (Pty) Ltd Landscape Installation: Bidvest Top Turf Photography: Louis Van Zyl & Monograph

The Onyx, the second of the residential buildings, features a large public square and urban park, flanked with trees and retail space as well as a safe children’s play area that spills out on to the square, animated by fountains and public art. The zero-level fountain will be easy to deactivate so that this central piazza can be used for events, including concerts, conferences, exhibitions and markets. The quality of the public space and the broader architectural character of the precinct is designed not only to catalyse and support a greater diversity of people within the precinct, but also to invite and encourage further investment into the CBD. The peripheral areas and sidewalks along the busy Commissioner and Main Streets have been repaired and upgraded, and additional lighting has been introduced to create a cleaner, safer space around the precinct. More broadly, the development opens up the potential for other key nodes of urban development such as Maboneng, the planned Absa Precinct and further developments along Fox Street to merge and form an integrated walkable city. Sustained by a belief in the transformative potential of urban design and architecture to catalyse economic and social energy, dignity and prosperity, Divercity and GASS Architecture Studios has re-envisioned this allbut-defunct industrial complex into a series of thoughtful interventions that breathe new life into Johannesburg’s CBD, while remining respectful of its heritage. The Jewel City redevelopment broke ground in November 2018 and was completed in September 2020. It opened on Heritage Day, 24 September 2020.

prolandscaper.co.za

Leader in Natural & Synthetic Turf Technology

JEWEL CITY FIVES FUTBOL

Turftech Installed 2x 5 A Side Courts For Fives Futbol

Turftech Recently Completed 2 x 5 Aside Courts for Fives Futbol With Lighting, Fencing System and Our Rhino-Turf PT45 Artificial Turf That Has Been Designed Specifically for 5 Aside Soccer. These Amazing Courts Overlooking The JHB Skyline, What an Unique Setting For Soccer. Turftech (Pty) Ltd is a specialist in the construction, development and maintenance of sport facilities including fields that have natural and artificial turf such as football and hockey fields, hard courts for tennis, basketball and netball, we also do athleti tracks. Telephone No.: 087 087 4168

Telephone: 087 087 4168Â

Email Address: Phillip@turftech.co.za

Email: phillip@turftech.co.za

www.turftech.co.za

The Leonardo SANDTONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SKYSCRAPER

prolandscaper.co.za

PORTFOLIO

Level 7 Pool Terrace: 1,500m² Level 7 Creche and Chef’s Garden: 700m² Level 7.5 Gym and Spa Roofs: 280m² and 240m² Total Landscaped Area: 2,720m² Completed: March 2020 FACTS R3 billion investment 56 floors in total, including ground floor 234m high Building area 125,500m² 1,251 parking spaces 6,050 steps to get to the top of the building The Leonardo is a mixed-use development currently completing construction in the heart of Africa’s richest square mile, Sandton, Johannesburg. This is now South Africa's tallest building, rising 234m from the street below.

This iconic 55-storey building is the latest venture by the Legacy Group, built in partnership with Nedbank CIB. The Leonardo serves as a beacon of hope, not only for the city, but the country as well. Built at a cost of R3 billion, the Leonardo contributed to almost 2,000 direct employment opportunities, as well as between 18,000 and 20,000 indirect employment opportunities, through materials supply chain, manufacture and industry. The Leonardo has not only redefined the city’s skyline, but also how we view the concept of sustainable urbanism with options to work, live and play in one place. A true mixed-use development, the Leonardo houses retail tenants on the ground floor, as well as, Leo’s Lounge, Bar & Deli, and the Leonardo Conference Centre on the third floor. On level 7 of the building you will be met by the building’s recreational facilities which include the AURUM restaurant, Nature and Nurture Montessori Pre-School, an outdoor pool and deck with a gym and spa, five daybeds, and the wood-fired meal offering in Octo Bar – this level takes centre stage. Rising above this is the tower itself, with premium grade offices on the lower section of the tower and the upper section being purposed for residential apartments. The seven top floors accommodate eight duplex penthouse suites with the building crowned by the third level, the 360° view Leonardo Suite.

prolandscaper.co.za

SUPPLIERS: Artificial lawn: Belgotex Grass – 010 615 0099 Play flooring: Complete Floors SA (installer) 0861 932 776 Product used: Playsafe (impact Protection Slabs) - 0861 782 789 Play structures: Modular Play Systems - 011 474 6930 Timber decking installers: Truestyle Hard Landscaping Solutions – 011 768 1305 Timber decking and cladding: Rhino Wood – 084 580 6406 Cobble pavers, columns and interior tiling: Marble Classic – 011 392 6700 External tiling: Dekton – 010 500 2131 Pool installation, pump and tiling: Water Dimensions International – 083 448 8283 Interior wall mural: Chryso – 011 395 9700 Product used: VerticArt Irrigation installer: Mainline irrigation – 011 444 4454 Product used: Netafim – 021 987 0477 Rain Bird controllers Mature trees: Just Trees – 021 871 1595 Bark: Culterra – 011 300 9913 Planters: Art 2 Date – 011 444 5077 Planting: Tshala Plant Brokers – 071 683 1177

prolandscaper.co.za

MEET THE TEAM: Client: The Legacy Group and Nedbank CIB Architects: Co-Arc International Architects Landscape architect: Landmark Studios Landscape contractor: Greenacres Landscapes

prolandscaper.co.za

PORTFOLIO

Measuring 3,000 m² – 1,900m² under roof and 1,100m² of terrace, the Leonardo Suite is the most sought-after home in Africa and has redefined the opulent sophistication of modern African luxury lifestyle living. The structure is topped off by a viewing platform and future Sky Bar, with 360° views of the Johannesburg skyline. Design of the Leonardo was driven by principles of sustainable development and green building with acclaimed architects, Co-Arc and interior designers Steven Falcke and Varoom, tasked to create Africa′s ultimate living experience, embracing the latest in technology and energy efficient luxury living in the sky. All of this is supported by original works of art created by some of South Africa’s established and upcoming artists. Co-Arc explains their appointment onto this iconic build as the consequence of a lifelong professional relationship and history of successful development with the client. Using an approach that establishes the economic, social and environmental parameters for each new building, the tower is an appropriate response to climate and social factors, as well as a highly innovative commercial model, designed to be complete and viable at a variety of heights. The structure and servicing are expressed in the form of the building, resulting in an articulated slender tower that exceeded commercial expectation. The orientation and layout of the plans provide flexible floor space at every level, maximising views and minimising climatic effects. With due regard to South Africa’s high level of unemployment, to maximise safety and labour utilisation, the building is largely constructed from concrete and aerated light-weight concrete blocks and drywall partitioning with the external skin consisting of transportable components, assembled and erected from the inside. Its groundbreaking use of engineered 'stone' as a cladding material allows for a lightweight perimeter skin that forms a weather shield and creates shaded deep recesses for glazed balconies at every level. The refinement, detailing and careful consideration of materials results in an apparent simple yet timelessly elegant facade. The public is welcomed into the building via a triple-volume arcade and a series of ground public rooms to a variety of public facilities including a seventh floor podium terrace and 57th floor sky deck. prolandscaper.co.za

PORTFOLIO

The landscape architects, Landmark Studios, were appointed to the Leonardo in 2015. Although design began in earnest at the beginning of 2018. The landscape installation was largely complete at the end of 2019, with the approximate duration of the landscape contract reaching two years. The client’s brief for Landmark Studios was to work in collaboration with Co-Arc to develop a contemporary roof terrace, inclusive of large lap pool, edge planters, bespoke timber gazebos and shaded structures. To complement this, high-end terrace, the roofs of the gym and spa building were designed as ‘green’ roofs, and an abstract geometric pattern was used in the application of a variety of carefully selected succulents. On the southern crèche terrace, Landmark Studios assisted the playground contractor in developing detail drawings for the focal play mound, as well as developing the planting palette for the chef’s garden. Following presentations to the client and consultant team, the focal trees were chosen through discussion with the landscape contractor, Greenacres. Special care was taken to ensure the trees were wind-tolerant, frost hardy, evergreen, and of a species that wouldn’t shed fruit or have invasive root systems. The planting palette was selected to be fit within the urban Highveld context, whilst still providing the luxury feel required by the client. Belgotex was approached to provide the artificial lawn, as their high performance product is available in a range of colours that added whimsy and vibrancy to the children’s play area. In terms of complications, the elevated paving to achieve effective stormwater mitigation meant that the timber decking had to be carefully designed to avoid interfering with this drainage. The timber decking material, Rhinowood, was chosen after various samples were presented in order to ensure a natural look with low maintenance. Certain planting species were also chosen for the perimeter planters to achieve a trailing garden look over time. This is still in the process of establishing itself. This iconic building is a key indicator for the development potential in South Africa’s built industry and is a brilliant addition to the Johannesburg skyline.

prolandscaper.co.za

ABOUT LANDMARK STUDIOS Landmark Studios is a cuttingedge landscape architectural practice that carries out exceptional work internationally. A trusted name in the industry, Landmark Studios is known for its remarkably talented team and commitment to excellence throughout the design process and project execution. Landmark Studios was formed in 1986 by Mark Young, one of three shareholders along with Glenn Wagner and Juan Jacobs. The close relationship between the Landmark Studios team and the developer results in a collaboration par excellence. Understanding the vision and feel of projects and designing to support these, the Landmark Studios team continually delivers classy and prestigious work, fulfilling and exceeding briefs.

Redeﬁning Surfaces. Redeﬁning Kitchens.

Homes evolve, and kitchens do too. They become social spaces in which we do not only cook, but live in. We have created a resistant and durable material with unlimited designs and possibilities, to create spaces without labels.

Flooring/Worktop Dekton Chromica Baltic Wall Dekton Liquid Embers

COSENTINO SOUTH AFRICA 9 Gerhardus Road, Elandsfontein, JHB Tel: 010 500 2131 (JHB) / Tel: 021 385 1866 (CT) / info.za@cosentino.com Follow Us: F @CosentinoRSA ò @CosentinoSouthAfrica

25 years Dekton Warranty Find your inspiration at cosentino.com

Home of

Capitec

Simplicity, Innovation, Collaboration

prolandscaper.co.za

SUPPLIERS: Fencing: Amabamba Fencing - 021 905 1600 Lighting: Province Lighting - 021 464 4661 Paving: Highland Paving (installers) – 021 521 1480 Pavers: Inca Concrete – 021 904 1620 Revelstone – 021 761 9739 Ubuntu Concrete Works – 010 020 0075 Interior furniture: Creative Comforts - 011 673 9333

PORTFOLIO

Capitec Bank's new headquarters by dhk features innovative interior architecture that drives productivity and operational efficiencies Capitec Bank Head Office Location: Stellenbosch, Western Cape Size: 21,500m² Completed: June 2020 Capitec Bank, one of the largest and most progressive banks in Africa, has unveiled its innovative new headquarters, iKhaya, meaning ‘home’ in Xhosa. Designed by multidisciplinary studio, dhk Architects, the three-storey curvilinear building is defined by its dynamic interior architecture, which embodies the company’s progressive outlook and embraces the concept of agile working. Striking and otherworldly, dhk’s holistic architectural approach considers both the exterior and interior to optimise corporate expenditure, internal flow and sustainability - demonstrating that commercial offices can be innovative and cost-effective while driving operational efficiencies. Capitec’s success and growth over time meant that the company came to occupy numerous offices. These offices were geographically dispersed, resulting in departments becoming increasingly isolated from one another with the need to move between buildings to meet face-to-face. Consequently, Capitec opted to consolidate its staff and facilities into one operationally efficient headquarters. Located in the scenic Cape Winelands in South Africa, a key driver of the design concept involved capturing panoramic vistas and drawing the landscape within.

of the interior architecture. Wide open-plan floorplates loop around the periphery of the atrium which are connected by a series of dramatic bridges and staircases. This was an intentional design element which inter-connects the various departments, creating opportunities for chance collaborative encounters and personal interactions. Reinforcing Capitec’s brand identity, the company logo is embossed into the ceiling above reception. Overhead, clerestory windows and large roof lights ensure plentiful natural light and further facilitate the connection to the outside world. Meanwhile, touches of timber have been added throughout the office to introduce a feeling of warmth. The new headquarters by dhk fosters a company culture of creativity, innovation and collaboration with a large emphasis placed on optimising internal flow and departmental interaction. The first and second floors, containing the office’s open-plan work areas, are largely void of hierarchal structure and closed-off cubicles. Embracing the concept of agile working, a raised access floor throughout the building facilitates maintenance and future upgrades to services. On each level, a total of four ‘cores’, containing centralized amenities such as kitchenettes, meeting rooms, breakout areas, lockers, bathrooms and fire escapes, serve to augment the floorplates into departmental zones.

Throughout the building’s ‘social spine’ there are a variety of breakaway areas; from a large ground-floor lounge at reception for guests to await meetings and co-workers to engage, to pause areas on bridges, and an internal landscaped courtyard for staff to rest. These spaces fuel creativity and innovation by allowing employees to slip away from their resident desks to enjoy a moment of solitude, conduct a private meeting or brainstorm ideas in small groups. Not only do these breakout areas increase job satisfaction, but they boost staff productivity and efficiency. Furthermore, there is a full-service kitchen and canteen area with ample seating, a small satellite café, and a grand multifunctional stadium staircase/seating area for company presentations and talks. Other useful facilities include a recording studio, Capitec Bank branch and an ATM lab facility. Capitec championed environmental sustainability and employee well-being throughout the building, particularly where it made sense and value could be demonstrated. Natural light is optimised via clerestory glazing, roof lights and internal courtyard windows, while artificial lighting is zoned and activated by sensors. Environmental performance modelling directly influenced the articulation of the façade. The process informed areas of fenestration, glazing specification, glare control measures and solar shading. Performance modelling also informed the primary ordering

The building form optimises the shape and size of the site while referencing the brand’s distinctive curved logo. The three-storey superstructure wraps around itself, which creates a unique ‘doughnut’ shape and forms a central triple-volume atrium - an internal ‘social spine’ at the heart of the building. Contributing to the contemporary appearance, white aluminium panels clad the building’s sinuous form which is further accentuated with continuous ribbons of fenestration. Internally, the design resonates with the company’s progressive outlook - ensuring guests and staff unequivocally feel the spirit of the brand throughout the building. Once at reception, visitors are greeted by a generous triple-volume space that immediately showcases the sophistication and simplicity

prolandscaper.co.za

PORTFOLIO

of the internal layouts. For example, a circulation zone was provided along the external perimeter of the building to distance resident desks from sources of radiant heat. Furthermore, the thermal mass of the concrete building superstructure is exposed in various areas and the basement is naturally ventilated. Other sustainability measures include ice storage to offset peak electrical demands, a greywater system, water-saving fittings, building management system for extensive metering and monitoring, double glazing throughout, use of good quality and low maintenance materials, locally sourced materials, water-efficient heat rejection, zero ODP (ozone depletion potential) refrigerants, use of low VOC (volatile organic compounds) finishes, borehole and rainwater harvesting for irrigation, water-wise planting and refuse management to encourage separation of waste and recyclables. To promote employee well-being, the building is purposefully limited to only two passenger lifts for its workforce of approximately 2,000. This is supplemented by a variety of generous feature stairs to encourage walking and limit the use of confined lift spaces. As such, the fire escape stairs were designed for dual functionality; where the quality of finishes were upgraded, they serve as ‘communication’ stairs. Further promoting employee well-being and to ensure that the needs of universal access were met, Capitec engaged with a disability consultant and an acoustic specialist early on in the design process. The recommendations of both specialists were incorporated into the building.

prolandscaper.co.za

For example, sound-absorbing materials and acoustic separation between meeting rooms were included throughout the building to achieve a specified performance in terms of decibel reduction. Additionally, and beyond the requirements of the regulations, consideration of car parking locations, emergency evacuation, ablutions and vertical circulation, are all examples of how the spirit of universal and inclusive access have been addressed. Furthermore, Capitec rehabilitated a neighbouring area of public open space to be used by staff and the broader community as a recreational area for activities such as walking and running. Fittingly, the building also provides cyclist facilities and purposedesigned showers. Looking forward the development incorporates a car parking structure on an adjacent site that follows iKhaya’s core principles, designed for future adaptation into an office should there be a modal shift towards public transportation and less reliance on private cars. Peter Stokes, a partner at dhk and lead architect on the iKhaya project says: “Capitec is a renowned South African brand that highlights values of simplicity, innovativeness and collaboration. dhk sought to create an extraordinary, world-class office that is progressive and relevant in the South African context – designed to be agile, drive productivity, increase operational efficiencies and ultimately reduce company operational expenditure”.

MEET THE TEAM: Developer: Capitec Properties Architects: dhk Architects Interior Architects: dhk Architects Interior Designers: Collaboration Landscaping: Planning Partners Main Contractor: WBHO Photographs: Dave Southwood and Adam Letch

ABOUT dhk ARCHITECTS: dhk Architects is a design-led multidisciplinary studio incorporating architecture, urban design, landscape architecture and interior design. More than 110 people contribute to the success of the company, making dhk one of the largest design practices in Africa. An integrated approach to design coupled with innovative and cost-effective solution has garnered international recognition and projects spanning four continents.

Deloitte HQ

C R E AT I N G C O M P A N Y C U LT U R E

prolandscaper.co.za

PORTFOLIO

Size: 42,500m2 Cost: R1.5bn Completed: April 2020 Location: Waterfall City, Midrand

A look at Deloitte’s brand new headquarters situated in the sought-after Waterfall City precinct in Midrand, Gauteng. This HQ has joined a number of leading corporates consolidating their operations in what is soon to be South Africa’s leading business destination. Atterbury has developed the new Deloitte Gauteng office on behalf of a 50-50 joint venture between co-owners Atterbury and JSE-listed real estate capital growth fund Attacq Limited. This is a whopping 1.5bn rand development, and was designed by architects Aevitas Group, with landscape architecture by Daniel Rebel Landscape Architects and precision installation by Countryline Africa. The previous Deloitte head office was located in a campus-style development, which fulfilled various different business units and occupied several stand-alone buildings. The brief for Aevitas Group, was to accommodate Deloitte’s space requirements and create and improve company culture, allowing for greater interaction and collaboration between staff, whilst also improving efficiency, reducing costs and allowing for better communication between services.

“Aevitas made a conscious decision to focus on designing a building that put flexibility and adaptability at its core. In this respect the planning works harmoniously with the technology and equips Deloitte to respond to a fast and ever-changing global environment. ” The new Deloitte HQ is on the prominent site at the Allandale interchange on the N1 Highway, thus making it highly visible to commuters who travel daily between Pretoria and Johannesburg on the highway. The building can accommodate almost 5,000 people and consists of seven levels, with a semi-basement structure of four levels which house 2,000 parking bays.

prolandscaper.co.za

PORTFOLIO

MEET THE TEAM: Developers: Atterbury and Attacq Limited (joint venture) Architects: Aevitas Group Landscape architects: Daniel Rebel Landscape Architects Landscape contractors: Countryline Africa The site The site was characterised by a long, east-west facing crescent shape with a substantial fall from west to east. However, a challenge arose from a conceptual point of view, which was to make use of the steep site while mitigating the harsh exposure to east-west light. The design of the building also had to respond to the master plan of Waterfall City, which called for the building to integrate into the future urban fabric of the city. While the building had to express a philosophy of openness and connectedness, it also paid attention to a major pedestrian route between the building and the Mall of Africa. Placing priority on pedestrians, allows the building to seem open to the public with graduated levels of privacy and security, rather than isolating the building behind walls.

“Waterfall City Deloitte’s landscape successfully achieves water sensitive design. The water wise indigenous plant palette is irrigated with storm water harvested from the building roof and with harvested basement seepage water.”

In the heart of the building there is a large, multi-volume atrium which allows for natural light to penetrate deep into the building, whilst also creating a more open and breezy connection between staff, and aiding in a single company culture. The building is made up of two ‘wings’ on either side of its main axis, allowing for ease of access. A combination of glass and aluminium were used to create a liquid appearance which emphasizes the form of the building. Highspec double glazing was used throughout to minimise the heat load and maximise visibility and natural light. Sandwich-insulated aluminium panels were used in harsh-light areas to give the building its distinctive patterning on the façade. Building plan: The ground floor is accessible to the public and is characterised by public and social activities. It includes facilities such as a coffee shop, staff restaurant, convenience store, training facilities and a bar. Most external meetings can be held in this area, therefore, making it unnecessary for visitors to access the upper floors. This also encourages employees to use the public facilities more, and meeting and interacting in the communal facilities, thereby growing conversation. On the podium level, the four corners of the building were used to create a series of outdoor

Photographs: Infrastructure Photos

COUNTRYLINE spaces which are spill-out areas that integrate the building with its urban surroundings. The outdoor eastern side – which faces the highway – allows for large crowds, without overcrowding, allowing for breaks between meetings. The north-west corner spills out onto the city, providing optimum views. The southwest corner is dedicated to the staff restaurant and forms an ideal space for outdoor dining and large outdoor functions. Entry to the ground floor of the building is made up of a combination of pedestrian entrances, escalators and shuttle lifts for all four parking levels. On the ground floor, all staff and visitors are directed through the grand atrium area and past access-controlled turnstiles. On each floor, more public meeting facilities are located around the atrium core to encourage interaction, but also to create a progression from public to private areas. Each floor circulation can be regarded as a 'race track' around the atrium edge. This means prolandscaper.co.za

PORTFOLIO

departments can rearrange themselves as efficiently as they please. To facilitate movement between the 'race track', two bridges were designed to span 20m across the atrium. These bridges hang from 2m deep beams on the roof, allowing for the ground floor to be columnfree. The general workspaces are located in the corners of the building, allowing for a more private office. Silver LEED Status The building has achieved a Silver LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) for this design. This means that at least 20% of building materials contain post and/or pre-consumer recycled content and 75% of construction waste has been reused or recycled. Enhanced ventilation, views and use of low-emitting materials ensure occupant wellbeing. Environmentally friendly features include; double-glazed windows throughout; a smart, automated blind system which links to the building management system; a 300kVA solar photovoltaic panel installation on the roof of the building; and a sophisticated water harvesting and filtration system which stores all rainwater and runoff water in a 300,000 litre tank, from which it is purified into high quality potable water which gets fed back into the building. Smart building: The importance of smart buildings that have the ability to make use of proptech and sophisticated artificial intelligence (AI) systems to react and adapt to a number of variables, is more important now than ever. Deloitte was adamant that it wanted a smart building. Members of its team visited its sister offices in cities such as Amsterdam, London and Frankfurt to look at the different technologies that are being employed for their smart buildings. Deloitte implemented some of this cutting-edge technology in this building. In this respect, the building has been future-proofed in terms of the digital antenna systems, fibre conduits and other technology that will give Deloitte the ability to upgrade its technology as it goes. The landscape Daniel Rebel Landscape Architects explains that the Deloitte building fits into the Waterfall City urban fabric by allowing the principle of inclusive design, championed by Waterfall City, to bleed into its own landscape. Ramp access to the building podium, a combined walkway and cycle route, a transition from public to semiprivate space and the pedestrian link with the Mall of Africa provide comfortable visitor access to all building entrances.

prolandscaper.co.za

From the beginning, the building’s large ground floor podium provided an opportunity to develop exciting spill-out spaces associated with the multiple openings in its completely transparent façade. This transparent façade allows the landscape to be enjoyed from inside the building as well as outside.

SUPPLIERS Clay pavers and header course: Corobrik – 011 871 8600 Grey and charcoal pavers: Bosun – 011 310 1176

On the ground floor podium, there are six main outdoor spaces packed close to the building. These six spaces define Deloitte’s landscape design.

Granite paver: C.E.L Paving – 021 905 5998

The three-oval spill-out spaces east and west of the building feature granite planters filled with an exciting array of plants. Large evergreen trees combined with Helichrysum petiolare, Gazania tomentosa, Plumbago auriculata, Elegia tectorum and other shrubs are almost within touching distance of boardrooms and offices, inviting employees out of the building and into the landscape, furnished with modified wood benches and decks for comfortable informal gathering.

Paving: Infraset – 011 876 5100

The canteen area spill-out space extends the building’s canteen out into the landscape. Lots of deck space for restaurant-style eating outside, oval planters at seating height and an outdoor pizza oven provide a functional, yet enjoyable, outdoor eating space surrounded by large Harpephyllum caffrum and Dombeya rotundifolia trees standing in lush beds of Agapanthus sp, Plectranthus ciliatis, Plumbago auriculata and other shrubs. The southern contemplation space features a truly beautiful long-curved seating wall with custom tapered concrete copings, on which building employees can sit and enjoy spectacular views of the Johannesburg skyline to the south. The stars of the planting mix here are the large Erythrina lysistemon trees nestled in the curves of the seating wall and framed by agapanthus species, ornamental grasses, and sedges. Two oval grass mounds with straight timber clad benches situated in the flat space between the seating wall and the building façade really add to the visually inviting character of this space. The northern contemplation space is a biodiversity garden with all-seasons evergreen lawn and straight timber clad benches providing a contrasting foreground to three bio-diversity mounds. Each mound contains plants from a different biome. One mound features sedges, another features fynbos, and the last one features highveld grasses.

Cobbles: SmartStone – 011 310 1161

Grass blocks: Vanstone – 012 541 2056 Granite: Marble Classic – 011 392 6700 Wood decks, benches and steel bench frames: Truestyle – 011 768 1305 Bins, bollards and bicycle racks: WilsonStone – 011 615 6212 Stainless steel drainage cover and frame: Expand-A-Drain – 011 053 6574 Façades: Façade Solutions – 011 614 3510 Compost: Organic Compost Sales - 083 602 9731 Mature Trees: Trees SA - 021 842 0003

PORTFOLIO

prolandscaper.co.za

A meandering pathway bordered by a beautiful curved seating wall wraps behind the mounds, separating them from the veld grass landscape situated furthest from the building. Countryline Africa did a sterling job in the installation process, explaining that they are often involved in large, interesting projects, but, as Deloitte is a landmark in the Waterfall Precinct, they looked forward to the unique challenges that it presented. Throughout the installation process, information management and quality control were monitored to ensure compliance to all requirements- this is imperative as it acts to avoid reworks and the negative cost and programming consequences that might creep in if a careful eye is not kept on the implementation process. The scale of the project presented the opportunity to have up to 10 separate teams dealing with different aspects and areas simultaneously, thereby allowing for specialist pavers, tilers, carpenters, earthworks teams and planting teams to work independently but closely co-ordinated to meet target dates. Trees were personally selected for size and form at various suppliers and the large Combetum erythrophyllum which are mostly towering at 6-8 metres in height, were â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;hand selectedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; from Trees SA in Stellenbosch. The placement of trees and plant species within planting mixes was co-ordinated closely with the Landscape Architect to ensure that the envisaged feel was achieved and to ensure that trees were grouped and positioned to provide the required aesthetic or shade function. From concept to delivery, this project is exquisite. A B O U T DA N I E L R E B E L LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS Through a holistic design approach and collaboration with other built environment professionals, the team creates memorable spaces and environments, and 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. They specialise in the following fields of landscape architecture: public open space development; urban landscape infrastructure projects; mix-use urban developments; residential estates; corporate campuses; and office precincts.

prolandscaper.co.za

REAL CLAY PAVING With stylish, timeless appeal and impressive sustainability credentials - the enduring hues and textures of clay brick are low maintenance and look beautiful for a lifetime. CBASA represents clay brick & paver manufacturers across Southern Africa and drives inclusive, sustainable practices in the industry. We inspire energy-eďŹ&#x192;cient, contemporary architecture and paving that supports our local producers, landscapers and architects. Free technical and construction guides for clay bricks & pavers at www.claybrick.org THE

IC EO

Y F THE CLA

SECURE CK

IN D U S T RY

SAVE

SUSTAIN

STYLE

1 PARK LANE HOME OF BIDVEST BANK

prolandscaper.co.za

PORTFOLIO

Completed: Mid-2019 Erf: 21,000m2 Size of landscaping: 2,000m2 Cost: R2.59 million Location: Sandton Client: Bidvest Bank Landscaped zones: Street level (sidewalk) Ground lobby (indoor green walls and planting) Basement strip planters (levels 2-7) Reception (terraces and indoor atrium planting) 1st floor (terrace) 4th floor (courtyard) 5th floor (terraces) Designing one of the tallest buildings in Sandton posed a challenge for Paragon Architects not only in interacting with the street level, but also with the iconic surrounding buildings, which included Discovery and Sasol Place. The distinctive façade of the 20-storey 1 Park Lane was effectively ‘softened’ by incorporating planting in the façade design, project lead Dhiraj Ramsaroop explains. With a lot of the newer buildings in the Sandton area being imposing glass-and-steel structures presenting a hard skyline, Paragon Architects wanted to ensure that 1 Park Lane had a unique identity. “As we ran through the different façade iterations, we quickly realised it was becoming quite a hard-physical mass. Our design was a glass-covered building, with aluminium fins on the east and west side. In order to soften our façade treatment, we decided to incorporate planting,” Ramsaroop elaborates.

MEET THE TEAM Architects: Paragon Landscape architects: Ochre Office Landscape contractors: Life Landscapes and Life Indoors Developers: Alchemy Group

prolandscaper.co.za

SUPPLIERS Interior pots Indigenus – 021 488 9909 Igneous Concrete – 011 827 7425 Irrigation Controlled Irrigation – 021 551 0355 Product used: Rain Bird Steel planters on street level Tass Engineering – 011 975 0647 Custom tree grilles WilsonStone – 021 701 7655 Timber decking and slats for seating Eva-Tech – 010 593 9221 Paving Aveng Infraset – 011 876 5100 Exterior benches BVM Projects – 072 719 5800 Green walls Vicinity Green Walls – 011 321 0196 Planting Tshala Plant Brokers – 071 683 1177 Interior Plantscaping Bidvest Execuflora - 086 111 3247 Soil Culterra – 011 300 9913 prolandscaper.co.za

PORTFOLIO

Another striking feature of 1 Park Lane is that, while the nine parking levels with 1,000 parking bays are treated as a separate element, they are nevertheless integrated seamlessly with the 11 office floors. From the exterior of the building, it is virtually impossible to distinguish between the office and parking levels. In addition, all of the parking is above-ground and was utilised to give the building an identity within the precinct. Another factor to be taken into account was that an existing low-rise office building had to be demolished before the site could be prepped for the new project. Before Park Lane was registered officially as a road, the building was referred to as Katherine Street Towers. Now 1 Park Lane is a flagship of the Katherine Street Mixed-Use Precinct, a 23,000m2 GLA P-grade office development by Alchemy Properties taken over largely by Bidvest Bank as its new head office. The other major tenants are Peregrine and Citadel, which take up the balance of the space at 1 Park Lane. The building envelope consists of a mixture of A2-rated aluminium composite panels (ACP) and unitised glazing in a single energy-efficient system. In terms of sustainability requirements, with the building aiming for a 4 Star Green Star rating, a certain percentage of the east and west façade was blocked out to reduce the heat load on the interior, which in turn, improved the efficiency of the HVAC system. These ACP panels were integrated into the façade design by using current technology to variate the design, which was workshopped extensively with the façade engineers to ensure that the desired building aesthetic was achieved.

prolandscaper.co.za

Natural ventilation is used for the parking levels, as opposed to the far more energy-intensive alternative of having to install a mechanical ventilation system. This was achieved by cladding the parking levels themselves with 30mm by 40mm aluminium slats, powder-coated in varying shades to add texture to the design. The visitor entrance is from Park Lane itself, into a common lobby and reception area that also features a coffee shop. Unique features of the lobby are the planted walls and the extensive use of planters and large, free-standing trees that effectively blurs the boundary between the interior and exterior, where streetscape landscaping continues the lush theme. The brief for The Ochre Office was adjusted a number of times through the lifespan of the project to accommodate the vastness of the build. At the onset, both the client and architect had designed for a multitude of outdoor and indoor green spaces, envisioning that the user of the building would encounter plentiful garden edges throughout the levels. As the project developed, however, adjustments were made to suit tenant requirements, feasibility, practicality and budget. This lessened the amount of natural greenery envisioned for the terraces, facades and street edge, but the team endeavoured to keep as much planted space as possible. Challenges? An example of a challenge would be the final change in the brief for the planters on the street and terrace levels at quite a late stage in the project. The introduction of the triangulated green walls in the ground floor lobby at a late stage of the project, with special angle and the lighting requirements, made for a

tricky challenge. Logistics of getting materials to upper levels were also challenging – the team had landscaping on the reception, 1st, 4th and 5th floors above the 7 basement levels. How were these addressed? At a late stage, terrace and courtyard levels required adjustment to tenant requirement. Construction detailing and revisions to planting and irrigation needed to go out quickly in order to reach completion within the contract dates. The only way to solve this was to get the right minds together and ensure well-managed co-ordination through the late stages of the project. Vicinity Greenwalls was able to give us the basic layout and requirements for the installation, and then it was up to the contracting and professional teams to make it all work and ensure the successful installation of waterproofing, structure, services, lighting, reticulation system, planting as well as finishing framework. Unfortunately, this fell to manual labour. Much of the fill and the planting had to be lugged by hand to the various levels – an outstanding job done by Life Landscapes and Life Indoors, a rather committed team! Karen Marais of The Ochre Office explains her favourite concept through the project has been the interaction of planting with the street. The architect wanted to bring a fresh look to the pavement edge, whilst remaining within the urban design guidelines of the precinct. Together, the team managed to wrap planting around the north and east of the building, the eastern passage becoming particularly unusual as the building cantilevers over the shaded and greened sidewalk.

www.lifegreengroup.co.za

Environmental Solutions for a Sustainable Future.

Life Green Group specialises in greening human spaces through interior plantscaping and landscaping, enhancing the natural environment and reducing carbon footprint through organic waste management and composting. JHB 011 959 1000

PTA 012 644 2152

KZN 031 502 2954

PROUD MEMBER OF:

CT 021 006 5032

H C R A a t o g o N n s â&#x20AC;&#x2122; n a l u D h Um on fo A

prolandscaper.co.za

n Ic

rba

t r h C as

PORTFOLIO

Location: Umhlanga, KZN Cost: R1.3 Billion Phase 1 completed: October 2020 Size: 45,000m²

Bringing the idea of mixed-use living to life, the Umhlanga Arch aims for excellence across the board. This is the opportunity to live in luxury apartments and experience the Arch lifestyle. Umhlanga Arch is the place to be, with unique and eye-catching architecture by Craft of Architecture, equaled by the landscape architecture by Uys & White and implementation by Countryline Horticulture, this development was an obvious candidate for the Pro Landscaper Africa Coffee Table Edition. Here you can work in AAA-grade office spaces in the state-of-the-art glass Arch and stay in the South African flagship Hilton Garden Inn. Here you can explore the European-inspired high street, home to bespoke retailers and iconic The Baron restaurant, you can even savour new tastes at Legacy Yard food hall and share drinks with friends at Back Yard rooftop bar, Umhlanga Arch has it all. Just four years since announcing the revolutionary concept of Umhlanga Arch, this development has redefined city living, introduced a dynamic lifestyle to South Africa and transformed KZN’s landscape. Since the breaking of ground in October 2017, locals and visitors alike have watched this catalytic development rise from the ground up with much anticipation. As a joint venture between The Multiply Group and Devmco Group, the development officially opened late 2020, marking the first phase of Umhlanga Arch. On the 1st of September the residential tower welcomed residents and visitors into smartready apartments. The Legacy Yard and Backyard will also be a hive of activity as the food hall serves up exquisite cuisines and flavours from around the world. The European-inspired high street will have a number of bespoke, local retailers open shop, namely proudly South African fashion and jewelry stores Amanda Ferri, Mark Gold, Holiday Harbour, Breazies and The Gentry; as well as beauty and wellness specialists Hello Hunny, Skin Renewal and the Moustache Barbershop. “This is the moment we have all been waiting for and we can’t wait to welcome homeowners and the public to what has become one of South Africa’s most iconic developments to enter the property market. Umhlanga Arch was initially an idea roughly drawn on a napkin, to think that this idea inspired the development of a world-

prolandscaper.co.za

PORTFOLIO

standing and game-changing property that has challenged conventional architectural trends and ultimately raised the benchmark,” shares Marc Rosenberg, Umhlanga Arch visionary and Executive partner of The Multiply Group. “Umhlanga Arch has been a success right from the very start, claiming AAA-grade status, introducing South Africa’s first flagship Hilton Garden Inn, pioneering smart technology, introducing an awe inspiring European-inspired high street, and was even named the best marketed development in Africa in 2017. We know that this trend of success will progress into the operation of this definitive development,” shares Rosenberg. Within the first two months of development, Umhlanga Arch had curated 400 permanent jobs, thereafter the numbers peaked at 1,300 individuals working on the site everyday throughout most of 2018, 2019 and into 2020 up until COVID-19 lockdown in March 2020. Work resumed in June 2020 with 1100 workers onsite daily. SUPPLIERS: Clay paving and concrete cobbles: Corobrik – 011 871 8600 Decking: BestDeck - 011 463 7948 Concrete planters: Igneous Concrete – 011 827 7425 Lighting: BEKA Schréder - 011 238 0000 Decorative concrete: Lafarge Artevia- 011 657 0000 Artificial plants: Francisco Plant Couture - 082 449 1105 Timber contractor: Tuscan Landscapes and Construction – 076 721 8242 Product: MOSO Africa - 0861 114 971 Pool: Poolwise - 032 946 2663 Nurseries: Shaka Nursery - 083 210 8474 Zululand Nursery - 035 474 2666 Irrigation: Controlled Irrigation- 031 569 1984 Product: Rain Bird

“Our goal was not only to introduce a revolutionary development but to change the lives of the community. Throughout the project development The Multiply Group and Devmco Group have actively engaged with city leaders, businesses, and communities, to ensure that local and foreign investors realise the vast potential that KwaZulu-Natal has to offer. This R1,3 billion development has far-reaching effects in bolstering tourism, stimulating investment into the region, further elevating Umhlanga and greater Durban to a world-class standing, and has already facilitated significant job creation to date,” says Rosenberg. The structure of Umhlanga Arch has been curated and carefully considered, now it’s time to bring this development to life as Umhlanga Arch welcomes homeowners, visitors and locals, bespoke and proudly South African retail tenants and restaurants.

Pro Landscaper caught up with landscape architecture firm Uys & White to find out more about their brief and input on this development. What was the brief from the client? The client requested the feel of a natural ground level garden on the podium level, three stories up from the road. This had serious cost implications and effected the choices we had with regards to real lawn and heavy planters. Wind protection as well as orientation, are always a challenge. With extensive roof garden experience, we turned the initial ideology of peripheral decks and external use to become a more protected space by making a courtyard that provides some wind protection. Although this is a more

sustainable approach, one cannot help but think of the effectiveness 3-6m high glass balustrades will have in creating a less windy space. In terms of challenges, wind is the biggest factor within The Arch’s setting, a lot of design had to change in order to work with the North Coast winds. What was the site like upon arrival? The terrain was an open urban grassland (mowed veld) with pristine views that spanned from the Umhlanga beach front all the way through to Durban harbour. Countryline Horticulture explains that the site has over 30 stories so it was a challenge to get soil and materials to all of the levels required. Over 1,000 cubes of material were moved to the upper level with limited access to the tower crane on site so the team had to build a conveyer belt and use mobile cranes in 1 tonne bags and skips. Large 500 litre trees needed to be lifted by crane into position and moved across the podium by gantry. The majority of the landscaping was on built podiums so there was a challenge with coring and infiltration of walls into these areas. The phases of the project were over an extended period and the team had intermittent access to the site. COVID-19 lockdown and related issues around the pandemic meant that installations were interrupted and the team had to make relevant adaptions. Of course, the sites proximity to the sea also resulted in landscaping being exposed to high-speed winds coming off the ocean so trees and plants needed to be well supported. The challenge was to utilise plant species that fitted the brief and were wind resistant, but in the end the project came together beautifully to earn its rightful title as the icon of Umhlanga.

MEET THE TEAM: Developers: Multiply Invest and Devmco Group Architects: Craft of Architecture (COA) Landscape architects: Uys and White Landscape Architects Landscape contractors: Countryline Horticulture

At Francisco Plant Couture we believe beautiful plants completely transform spaces. As Interior Plantscape Designers we guide design options for each space, working with Interior designers and Architects to deliver the ambition and vision for each project. We specialise in artificial plants and are direct importers which gives us complete control of the range of products and the quality we supply. www.plantcouture.co.za | ciska@plantcouture.co.za | 082 449 1105 Images: Legacy Yard Umhlanga Arch

TUSCAN LANDSCAPES & CONSTRUCTION, COMPOSITE DECKING SPECIALISTS Umhlanga Arch Legacy Yard is another great opportunity for us to showcase our quality and variety of work. Here we installed a MOSO Bamboo X-treme deck and a Massaranduba deck, Balau pergolas, Massaranduba seating and tables and custom MOSO Bamboo moveable planters to mention a few. We are proud of our highly skilled teams and this fabulous outcome. Tuscan Landscapes and Construction was established in 2007. We specialise in Composite and Wooden Decking, Pergolas, Screens, Lasercut aluminum powder coated screens, Balustrades, Luxury Tier Internal Laminate Vinyl Flooring and Custom designs and landscaping. Our main focus are the commercial and residential sectors alike. We guarantee our unmatched quality materials, workmanship and excellence on each site. To back us up we boast a magnificent portfolio including some prestigious sites such as; Gateway Theatre of Shopping, Pavilion Westville, Pinecrest Mall, The Atrium Mall Eshowe, Bluff Towers, Premier Hotel Umhlanga, Protea Hotel Umhlanga, Cabanas Hotel Umhlanga, Umhlanga Pearls, Blue Waters Hotel Durban and City Lodge Umhlanga to name a few. We are based in Durban and work throughout KwaZulu- Natal. Our premium decking and screening options come with a superb 10 to 30 year manufacturers warranty. Our composite* materials are virtually maintenance free with no yearly sanding or sealing, 100% splinter and rot proof and installed with a hidden clip system for a superior finish.

MOSO® is the leading supplier of high quality bamboo products in more than 60 countries. With 20 years’ experience in the relatively young bamboo industry, MOSO International is the pioneer in innovative bamboo solutions for indoors and outdoors. MOSO® is recognised as the global A-brand in bamboo because of its focus on sustainability, product quality and innovation. MOSO® has been supporting architects and manufacturers in their project development for many years. With Bamboo X-treme®, MOSO® has developed a truly ecological and durable alternative to increasingly scarce tropical hardwood. MOSO® uses a unique process to enhance the hardness, dimensional stability, fire resistance and durability to a level superior to the best tropical hardwood species.

MOSO Africa 0861 114 971 contact@moso-bamboo.co.za

Tuscan Landscapes & Construction Werner Bakeberg: 0767218242 | Jone Swanepoel: 0649051416 werner.bakeberg@gmail.com | jswanepoel942@gmail.com

THE

O G

prolandscaper.co.za

GIE OASIS

Located at 31 Sixth Street, Oggie’s new showroom is undoubtedly the hottest address in Parkhurst, exemplifying contemporary design and functionality while showcasing Oggie’s extensive range of oak flooring and outdoor Nørdic Thermowood cladding and decking. The design of this build is by visionary architects C76 with inspired interior design by HK Design Studio. A Forgotten Garden were the landscape design firm tasked with landscaping in this exquisite project and implementation was done by Grassland Nursery.

PORTFOLIO

Oggie Showroom Location: Parkhurst, Johannesburg Size: 495m² Completed: November 2020 Nestled amongst the leafy northern suburbs of Johannesburg; the new 6th Street Parkhurst showroom of the Oggie hardwood flooring company, seems to unfold and open outwards (in some ways literally!) as it's own retail retreat. With the option of a rentable office above the showroom, the design integrates flexible plans open to integrating a variety of access to, and uses of space. The building is shaped successfully by focusing on featuring Oggie's indoor and outdoor flooring range within an open and customizable commercial space well suited to client interaction and sales. With the small available site footprint (495m²), the building grew upwards, as well as creating basement parking for staff below; allowing easy and open street access and parking to the public. The design needed to maximise floor space without feeling cramped, keeping a sensibility of public openness and retail or corporate connection and efficient office space – all while remaining sensitive to the privacy of its residential neighbours. Feeling contemporary, locally inspired and exploring exciting architectural tectonics, the building's primary function was to showcase the Oggie flooring products and host meetings and flooring sales consultations. C76 Architects chose to use a restricted but carefully disciplined palette of materials to create something of a blank box, or canvas in which there’s plenty (varying) spaces left for the products to shine. Brick, steel and wood both reflect the Parkhurst built and natural landscapes, while also reflecting and celebrating Oggie's natural product line and ethos. Smaller spaces are both defined or framed individually through scale and the Oggie range textures, while simultaneously opening up into a larger free flowing connectivity through the building and beyond. Light enters the building through timber screens and the clever use of a patterned brick facade. By turning the bricks at an angle; a lenticular effect allows a large area of natural light into the building, while also acting as a privacy screen when viewed obliquely. This dappling of sunlight and shade is complimented and added to by allowing skylights to bring in corner and above views of the surrounding

prolandscaper.co.za

PORTFOLIO

treetops – all the way to the Hillbrow Telkom tower in the Johannesburg distance. A double volume showroom with a floating loft and two East-facing courtyards, blurring the lines between built and landscape, an indigenous garden and trees connecting natural textures within the building – the green boxes acting to interplay thresholds of open and closed while also incorporating passive cooling and ventilation functions. Soon the trees planted within these courtyards will grow to stretch above the building (and the romantic Titanic-like balcony), while creeping vines will grow along the brick facade and mingle into the timber screening. The building permeates seamlessly onto the street, pairing aesthetic finesse, identity and expression with tectonic resolution of space making and function. The Oggie building responds to context and the public realm, while creating a wonderfully light and open, architectural interesting space that is adjustable, meeting the requirement to easily share the limelight by showcasing Oggie’s product displays. Timber screens soften the brick facade, featuring Oggie’s outdoor product range while keeping corporate signage subtle and unobtrusive – the main Oggie branding, a large stylised 'O' repeats a similarly lenticular effect as used by the bricks, appearing to disappear when viewed at different angle – bold yet subtle (literally depending on how you look at it) avoiding the kitsch self-aggrandizing aesthetic trap of commercial branding. The street facing facade however, is all about showing off and drawing the public

in - two large steel-clad boxes open up southwards - one as a large shop window while the other as the buildings entrance. Each morning, the building is opened to the public somewhat ceremonially – a 7m hydraulic timber security door pivoting (controlled via mobile app) as a new day's welcome. Bold, yet remarkably sincere and subtle merging commercial and retail space snugly through a holistic design approach and response. C76's considered approach to the design process has married the two loves of architecture - form and function into a sincere and beautiful contemporary addition to the Johannesburg built landscape. Pro Landscaper caught up with A Forgotten Garden, the landscape design firm responsible for the landscaping elements of this project to find out more. Both A Forgotten Garden and Grassland Nursery specialise in indigenous plants, combined with ecological gardening practises so it was certainly a collaboration and meeting of like-minded professionals on this project. Oggie’s brief was for soft planting with creepers covering the walls, but not to be overly structured. The brief and the atrium suited the woodland style planting concept. With this in mind, it was designed with the environmental conditions as the driving force of the plant choice. 90% of the plants chosen are

indigenous. Only when indigenous options were not available were exotics used. All plants have similar light, watering and soil conditions and once established will require bi-weekly watering. The undergrowth is evergreen. A few of the trees are deciduous to allow for more light in as during these winter months there will not be any direct sunlight. Plants were primarily chosen for their leaf texture and colour and flowering capabilities were seen as secondary to the leaf structure. This allows for interest and contrast throughout the year. Trees chosen were based on their long term growth pattern, root systems, environmental suitability and compatibility to plant undergrowth. These trees do not have aggressive or invasive roots systems. Maintenance is minimal; regular dead heading, seasonal fertilising and a seasonal cutback will keep the garden in good stead. MEET THE TEAM: Architects: C76 Interior designers: HK Design Studio Landscape designer: A Forgotten Garden (Vanessa Davies) Landscape contractor and nursery: Grassland Nursery Oggie installer: Rocksteady Contracting

Bold, yet remarkably sincere and subtle, merging commercial and retail space snugly through a holistic design approach and response" prolandscaper.co.za

SUPPLIERS: Nursery: Grassland Nursery – 072 952 6454 Bricks and pavers: Corobrik – 011 871 8600 Façade: Oggie – 011 262 3117

SANDTON GATE PRECINCT

Phase 1

prolandscaper.co.za

Location: Sandton, Johannesburg, Gauteng Completed (Phase 1): December 2019 Size: 17,660m² Sandton Gate is a pioneering mixed-use precinct, promoting the health of individuals, the environment and the city. Located on the outskirts of the Sandton CBD in Johannesburg, it is situated along William Nicol Drive which connects the Northern suburbs to the Sandton CBD and the city of Johannesburg. On the other side, it borders on the Braamfontein Spruit, considered to be one of the longest municipal parks in the world. The precinct demonstrates sector leadership in sustainability as it piloted the implementation of the Green Star Sustainable Precincts tool. To get a GBCSA Precinct Rating, one of the minimum requirements is that each building attains a minimum 4-Star Green Star rating. As the first building completed in the precinct, the Phase One building (which includes a gym, retail and office space) plays a critical role in the exposure of the precinct to the public and in establishing its presence in the city. Designed over two podiums, the design makes use of a steep 12m slope and ensures that the view on the corner, created by the new link road and William Nicol, becomes one of the corner anchors for the scheme. Pedestrian and vehicle access are kept on a level site line form this corner with views through to the Braamfontein Spruit below. The large amount of rock on site necessitated design elements to accommodate this. The river edge had to be rehabilitated as water use licence applications required this rehabilitation. A number of indigenous trees on site were transplanted where possible and alien invasive species were all removed as part of its connection to the Braamfontein Spruit and the popular green spine used by cyclists and hikers. By drawing this urban green spine into the precinct and becoming a stop along the cycle trail – with plans for a coffee shop and cycle shop – Sandton Gate’s planning further activates and unlocks the potential of this popular cycle route to function as an urban green spine.

"Sandton Gate is setting the standard for the mixed-use precinct in South Africa, creating a smart work, live live and play environment that manages to keep a good balance between cost and sustainability."

prolandscaper.co.za

PORTFOLIO

The Phase One building has achieved a GBCSA 5-Star Green Star office design rating through: •

The use of a lightweight external thermal insulation composite system (ETICS) on the building facade with a single glazed shopfront system. The ratio of solid to surface maximises daylight within the office space to lower the requirement of lighting during the day.

•

Employing the most efficient HVAC system available to achieve a 40% saving on electricity. The system is modular, and could be expanded to service the whole precinct as it develops, including residential and other commercial options.

•

Water-saving initiatives such as water efficient sanitary fittings, rain and moisture sensors, irrigation at night to reduce evaporation, drip irrigation and pressure regulation valves. Overall, the water efficiency measures are expected to save approximately 30% over a notional building or 2,740kl of water per annum.

•

The sub-metering of major energy consuming systems through the Edge Building Telemetry System which allows building managers to control and monitor the air conditioning system, lifts, generators, UPS installation, extract fans, basement smoke extraction, sump pumps as well as the fire and security systems through apps on tablets and smartphones.

Phase One includes a large-scale installation of 90 raised white granite pillars sourced from a koppie in the Kalahari, titled The Narrowing by Johannesburg-based artist Hannelie Coetzee. It is visible from William Nicol Drive and is positioned to draw pedestrians through the precinct as much as to enrich their experience. She has also devised a hand-made vertical garden system called WildWall Tiles, which contain water-wise succulent plants, and has used them to assemble a large-scale living pixelated artwork. Landmark Studios explained that the client requested a contemporary, clean, urban design with the use of predominantly indigenous water-wise planting. The design had to be something different by using the Wiliam Nicol road frontage podium as

prolandscaper.co.za

the focal point of the design, a showcase for the new Sandton Gate precinct. It was important that the design made a statement outside as well as being a beautiful usable internal space for the tenants of the building. Water elements were also requested to create an urban calming effect to the podium landscape. The hard edge of the podium had to be softened with cascading plants. The brief was realised through collaboration with Hannelie Coetzee, a local public and visual artist, to assist with a striking public piece to the frontage corner of the building. A series of huge stone slabs placed in a snaking walkway were incorporated into the landscape design with freeform planters and bold striped paving. This theme was carried through to the rear of the building with lower stone blocks from the same quarry. The free-flowing lines of this art were incorporated into the swathes of planting in the planters. TRICKY PROBLEMS TO OVERCOME: With most of the landscape being on structural slabs over the basement, sloped geometric planters were built to provide soil depth for trees on strategic areas. Another big challenge on site was to maintain a strong visual connection to William Nicol Drive to the northeast while ensuring that security is not compromised. This was achieved by placing the security fence in a planted swale, which lowered the fence to below the line of sight and maintaining the security requirement. Sandton Gate is setting the standard for the mixed-use precinct in South Africa, creating a smart work, live and play environment that manages to keep a good balance between cost and sustainability. MEET THE TEAM: Developers: Abland and Tiber (joint venture) Architects: Boogertman + Partners Landscape architects: Landmark Studios Landscape contractors: Countryline Africa Granite pillar artist: Hannelie Coetzee Images: Tristan McLaren

PORTFOLIO

prolandscaper.co.za

PORTFOLIO

SUPPLIERS: Paving ribbon: Kalahari Spring Granite Water features and sculptural columns: Marble Classic – 011 392 6700 Podium paving: Aveng Infraset – 011 876 5100 Custom furniture and dustbins: Badec Bros – 0861 322 332 Custom benches: WilsonStone – 011 615 6212 Water features: Malachite pools – 082 451 1750 Street lights and pedestrian bollards: Regent Lighting Solutions – 011 474 0171 Vertical garden tiles: WildWall Tiles - 082 810 1835

ABOUT LANDMARK STUDIOS: Landmark Studios is a cutting-edge landscape architectural practice that carries out exceptional work internationally. A trusted name in the industry, Landmark Studios is known for its remarkably talented team and commitment to excellence throughout the design process and project execution. It was formed in 1986, by Mark Young, one of three shareholders along with Glenn Wagner and Juan Jacobs. The close relationship between the Landmark Studios team and the developer results in a collaboration par excellence. Understanding the vision and feel of projects and designing to support these, the Landmark Studios team co tinually delivers classy and prestigious work; fulfilling and exceeding briefs.

prolandscaper.co.za

PARK LANE WEST Ahead of the Curve

prolandscaper.co.za

PORTFOLIO

Completed: March 2020 Location: Menlyn Maine, Pretoria East Size: 13,000m² Designing ahead of the curve Current post-pandemic reflection is that many trends that were evolving have been escalated and sped up into becoming a reality. The importance of sustainability has been forefronted and can be expanded into three areas of focus: environment, sociability and flexibility. The design of the Park Lane West building provides increased ventilation and natural light for tenants, prioritizes pedestrian access while encouraging engagement with the Menlyn Maine Precinct, and is structured for flexibility accommodating small and large tenants, including a co-working space. While the building was designed in 2018, all three of the above design features are now, post COVID-19, deemed highly desirable attributes for tenants and building owners which is a testament to good design thinking. Menlyn Maine is a mixed-use precinct located in Waterkloof Glen in the eastern suburbs of Pretoria. All buildings in the precinct adhere to eight strategic green principles (management, indoor environment quality, energy, transport, water, materials, land use and ecology, emissions, and innovation). The seven-storey Park Lane West design furthers these principles with features that contribute to its GBCSA 4-Star Green Star SA Built rating. It delivers 60% more fresh air than is required of green buildings in South Africa and has two air-cooled chiller tanks housed in the basement, an icestorage tank that is ‘charged’ at night during off-peak hours when electricity is cheaper and provides 50% of the building’s peak energy demand during the day. Natural light in the interiors is enhanced through the innovative skylight developed by Leaf Structures. The 465m2 skylight yields over 97% transparency through a three-pin beam design that reduced the need for steel beams and won the Skylight Category in the Southern African Institute of Steel Construction (SAISC) 2020 Awards. The staggered window grid and balcony structures ensure that all tenants, up to six per floor, have access to natural light and an outdoor balcony. A shared roof garden developed on top of the building provides further access to fresh air along with incredible views. The integration of the building into the Menlyn Maine Precinct features a distinctive curved prolandscaper.co.za

PORTFOLIO

façade above the main entrance which provides a welcoming pedestrian experience. It is placed on the green belt in the precinct which serves as one of the main pedestrian access routes in Menlyn Maine to enhance the ‘walkability’ of the precinct and provide a connection to the Menlyn Main retail, health and entertainment facilities. The structure’s generous volumes and aesthetic place it as a desirable landmark destination for business, while the expansive ground floor reception, central shared atrium, co-working space and restaurant that spills out onto a street-facing planted balcony encourages interaction and relaxation. The landscaping and the balcony soften the urban edge of the building and promote street-level activity. An impressive cantilevered feature staircase on the northern side of the atrium seamlessly merges with the curves of each floor's walkway. It promotes the healthy use of stairs over and above the use of lifts and creates a visual landmark and gesture for corridor connectivity and sociability for the diverse range of tenants. It received a commendation in the 2020 SAISC Awards for its innovative offsite construction and onsite installation. Park Lane West addresses demand in the commercial market for the flexibility to provide for a multitude of tenants of varying sizes. The versatility of the design places equal importance on access to amenities for all users. The ability to scale usage as a tenant is increased through the development of the co-working space. In this way, the building can accommodate ‘hotdesking’ entrepreneurs, emerging businesses and larger corporates looking for the vibrancy of being in a dynamic, energised environment while providing the opportunity for customised, unique space. Bertha Wium Landscape Development was involved in the success of this project, offering a turnkey service of landscape architecture – soft landscaping and paving design input, landscape contract installation, irrigation installation and ongoing landscape maintenance onsite. The landscape The design of the exterior landscape of Park Lane West complements the Menlyn Maine Precinct landscape theme. The Bertha Wium Landscape Development concept represents layered plant species choices in linear mass effect. Two indigenous plant species form the green backdrop against the building, transition-

prolandscaper.co.za

ing according to site conditions and creating a different mood moving around the building. Colour choices were limited to white and blue flowering effects – eye-catching in mass display. Tree species were limited to evergreen, lush foliage on two sides of the building and flanking the main entrance; whereas the approach to the main vehicle entrance of the parking area is

announced by deciduous trees with exceptional autumn colours and replicate the same tree species choice in the existing landscape areas across the road. Detailed plant sourcing resulted in immediate effect upon completion and developed to an established level in the short period of eight months. Roof planters echo the indigenous theme with evergreen trees and flowering plants.

prolandscaper.co.za

PORTFOLIO

MEET THE TEAM: Client and developer: Menlyn Maine Investment Holdings and Barrow Properties (Pty) Ltd Principal contractor: Barrow Construction (Pty) Ltd Electrical engineer: RWP Taemane Consulting Engineers Environmental consultant: LEAP Green building consultant: Solid Green Consulting Quantity surveyor: RLB Pentad Quantity Surveyors Health and safety consultants: Cairnmead Industrial Consultants Structural and civil engineer: WSP, Structures, Africa Mechanical engineer: C3 Climate Control Consulting Engineers Wet services consultant: WSP, Building Services, Africa Fire engineer: WSP, Building Services, Africa Landscape architects and landscape contractors: Bertha Wium Landscape Development Photographer: Tristan Mclaren

SUPPLIERS: Lighting: Regent Lighting Solutions â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 011 474 0171 Nurseries: Tree Factor - 082 561 4482 Mnandi Nursery - 082 850 9852 Du Prins - 082 850 8019 Blossom Thyme - 087 230 8464 Floriculture - 083 495 6962 Interior planting: Bidvest Execuflora - 086 111 3247 Irrigation sub-contractor: Bidvest TopTurf Irrigation

prolandscaper.co.za

One on Whiteley 78

prolandscaper.co.za

PORTFOLIO

Location: Melrose Arch, Johannesburg Completed: October 2019 Size: 40,000 m² Perfectly positioned in the heart of Melrose Arch Precinct, One on Whiteley is the latest residential development in one of South Africa’s most exclusive mixed-use precincts. One on Whiteley’s superior address ensures that discerning residents enjoy all the premium features this precinct has to offer. From vibrant urban design and cosmopolitan culture to chic shopping, gourmet dining and much more. This site was developed by the Amdec Group, with Hotel architecture by Bentel Associates International and architecture of the apartments conceived by Osmond Lange Architects & Planners. The landscape construction of Daniel Rebel Landscape Architect’s landscape design, recently won its landscape contractors Bidvest Top Turf, the coveted double gold award at the most recent SALI awards of Excellence 2020.

he brief from the Amdec Group to the architectural design team, was to design a mixed-use development comprising of a new 5-star Johannesburg Marriott Hotel & Executive Apartments and a multi-level apartment building above a luxury motor showroom. The design was to seamlessly integrate the building with the existing principles of New Urbanism already established in the Melrose Arch precinct. New Urbanism has seen developments morphing into “smart cities” and this movement is taking developments such as this one -to the next level. Younger home owners and discerning cliental – millennials in particular -are opting for the kind of inner-city lifestyle that developments like this one offer, choosing apartment living with a variety of mod cons and pedestrian access to everything they need within a relatively small area, over freestanding homes in the suburbs. “For millennial buyers, and renters, less is more. Everything needs to be highly functional, practical, easy to use, and take up as little space in their lives as possible. Most importantly, however, safety is their top concern when purchasing or renting a property,” says Nicholas Stopforth, Managing Director of Amdec Property Developments, a subsidiary of the Amdec Group. The Marriott Hotel, in tandem with a similar height One on Whiteley Apartment building, was designed to encompass a private, common landscaped courtyard at the heart of the two buildings so that both the apartment building and hotel guests and residents could utilise the green outdoor space. prolandscaper.co.za

prolandscaper.co.za

MEET THE TEAM: Developer: Amdec Group Architect (Hotel): Bentel Associates International Architect (Apartments): Osmond Lange Architects & Planners Lighting: Paul Pamboukian Lighting Design Landscape architects: Daniel Rebel Landscape Architects Landscape contractors: Bidvest Top Turf

A retail component was also envisioned, to create a more human scale interaction with the public at street level and to expand on the existing retail component of the precinct. The One on Whiteley Apartment component of the building had a design concept that was led by two major influences: a central courtyard and the sweeping city views. Because the elevated first floor allows for a voluminous showroom on the ground floor, this further enhances the extensive views. Apartments of various sizes were envisaged to wrap the inner and outer façades. Off-shutter concrete and anthracite tinted glazing feature prominently in the aesthetic of the hotel, which frames the silhouette of the building at roof level, as well as a horizontal distinction between the public spaces below and the guestrooms above. Dramatic eight storey high shear concrete walls create visual bookends to the hotel, separating the Hotel from the Apartments. Glazed balustrades provide an unobstructed connection between inside and outside. The façade plays with colour and relief in the vertical bands which dissect the horizontal axis. Framing the external envelope of the building, as well as creating visual separation between vertical zones, extensive use is made of off-shutter concrete using the highest possible tolerance – ‘Special Off-Form’ to create an extremely smooth surface finish which required no additional sealant. Shuttering to both vertical and horizontal planes was very carefully considered and designed in conjunction with the formwork fabricator to achieve concrete seams as flush as possible, circular ferrule holes with clean edges, and visually appealing shutter patterns.

prolandscaper.co.za

PORTFOLIO

As with most mixed- use developments which have suspended outdoor podium space, the first-floor structure was particularly complex. In this case an overall envelope depth of 1.5m was required to cater for pools, planters and other hard landscaping in the courtyard area. The Landscape Architecture A sculptural steel screen wall with detailed cut outs and pergolas, divides the central courtyard. Creepers have been utilised to soften the view and visually screen off the courtyards. Each of the courtyards has a swimming pool accompanied by bamboo decking. The residential courtyard was developed on two levels. The upper level adjacent to the ground floor apartments was provided with bamboo decking and a detailed planting mix. One of the most interesting and enchanting elements of this design is the seating bench with reflection pond, set within a sculptural earth mound. This space not only serves as a tranquil gathering spot for the residents, but also as a focal feature to the development. All seasons evergreen lawn provides a lush finish, which is complemented by the diverse planting mix adjacent to the apartments. Quercus palustris trees define the central gathering space.

prolandscaper.co.za

Rustenburg granite was used for the finish of the seating wall in the hotel courtyard, which was provided along the southern edge of the deck area alongside an indigenous planting mix which softens the edge to the hotel. All seasons evergreen lawn was provided to the northern part of the courtyard along with stepping blocks. Here is what the SALI Judges panel had to say about this project. Winner of a Double Gold award at the 2020 SALI Awards of Excellence, for the apartment courtyard. “The space transforms in such a way that one can forget that you are right next to a high-end shopping centre. This is a sophisticated development with appropriately designed landscape to soften it. Strong geometric embankments are nicely greened. Installation was not easy, as 800 x 1m3 of soil had to be supplied and installed to create the garden. Choice of plant material is great and will help to enlarge the feeling of space and privacy with the boundaries disappearing. A garden that would show the seasons, while still having the structure required to ensure a garden integrity. High detailed benches and a 0-level floating water feature is the focus of the garden that are

surrounded by trees that provide the scale required to ensure the various elements fit into proportion. Season colour with perennials that will flower and create a further interesses in the landscape, is another exciting element."

SUPPLIERS: Stone pavers & bollards WilsonStone – 011 615 6212 Artevia concrete Lafarge – 011 657 0000 Cobbles SmartStone – 011 310 1161 Reflection pond Waterscapes – 011 440 7943 Steel screens and sloping benches Truestyle – 011 768 1305 Nurseries Tshala Plant Brokers – 071 683 1177 Just Trees – 021 871 1595 Evergreen Turf – 011 948 7913

Recognised Specialist in Hardwood Timber Decks Master Decks are proudly gracing the lifestyles of hotels, restaurants, national parks, apartment blocks and countless homes accross the region.

SHARE THE WONDER “We who are alive and understand what is happening are called to restore the earth’s natural systems.” John D. Liu

Tel: +27 871 1595 | Fax: +27 872 3136 sales@justtrees.co.za | www.justtrees.co.za

prolandscaper.co.za

The Houghton HOTEL

PORTFOLIO

Location: Johannesburg, South Africa Completion: 2019 Size: 60 000m2 Total Cost of build: R870 million

onsidered the gem of the affluent Houghton Estate, overlooking a Jack Nicklaus golf course, the Houghton Hotel offers all the services you would expect from a 5-star hotel, including conference facilities, a spa, gym, restaurants and coffee shops. This 180-room hotel forms the knuckle of the development flowing into two curved wings which house serviced apartments on one end and residential apartments on the other. Architecture inspired by itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Art Deco heritage wraps its undulating curves around the natural environment and creates a central piazza that pulls the golf course greens and landscaped gardens up to the threshold of the building, which floats effortlessly above. Embracing nature as its hero, the architectural design required parking to be relocated underground. This made it possible to retain the natural landscapes, and focus on the views. High precision design and sophisticated materials such as concrete, steel and glass blend with its Highveld heritage of natural elements and soft sweeping lines. The underground storm river running through the site was central to the core design concept of fluidity. It has been reinterpreted as water features throughout the development and provides a sustainable eco-friendly water source for the landscaped gardens and golf course. Merging indoors and outdoors, man-made and nature, Highveld and lush greens, the Houghton reflects the style and luxury of its wealthy surroundings. Its masterstroke was embracing the environment inside and out, making it core to all design considerations. Landscape concept: Reconnect the visitor to the site through the use of water The underground river, flowing off the local ridges, feeds the streams and dams of the adjacent golf course. This river runs directly below the hotel site and the hotel gardens attempt to reconceptualise this as a surface feature. Modelled around the idea of a Highveld/Drakensberg waterfall, a series of linear concrete water features and ponds meander and fall from terrace to terrace, ultimately falling into two large pools on the lowest level. prolandscaper.co.za

prolandscaper.co.za

Although not physically connected, the ponds and streams give the sense that the water connects with the adjacent streams in the golf course. In reality, water entering the hotel basement is collected and stored in a subterranean tank. This water is used both for irrigation and to top up the water features and pools. Within the series of water features, water is also separated into chlorinated and natural systems. Both feed into pools that can be accessed for swimming. Using terracing and vegetation, the outdoor spaces also assist in breaking down the verticality of the building so that each space has a human-scale. Garden spaces The garden spaces consist of an upper terrace connected to the restaurant, deli and sky bar. From here they are linked to a raised adult pool and a sunken garden via a concrete bridge which follows a staircase down to a sunken spa garden with pool, sauna, steam room and outdoor shower on the lower groundlevel. A reflection pond at the edge of the conference break-out space flows into a natural stream and establishes a visual connection with the golf course. Materials utilized are polished concrete, travertine and terrazzo all with similar light hues. These are used in combination to create a neutral surface which the water flows over and allows a palette of forest vegetation to emerge. The upper terraces are planted with a mix of perennials and grasses, keeping views across to the golf course open, while the sunken gardens below contain a dense and rich forest vegetation. All the plants used are indigenous to South Africa with a large portion being locally indigenous to the Highveld.

MEET THE TEAM Client: Asvid Holdings / Leading Hotels of the World Landscape architects: GREENinc Architect: Boogertman + Partners â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Johannesburg Main contractor: Stefanutti Stocks Landscape contractors: Life Landscapes Plant broker: Tshala Plant Brokers Interiors: DSGN

prolandscaper.co.za

SUPPLIERS: Nurseries Tshala Plant Brokers – 071 683 1177 Random Harvest Nursery – 082 553 0598 Wildflower Nursery – 082 801 1741 Tiling Travertine from Mazista – 011 998 2600 Terrazzo from Union Tiles – 011 663 2000 Pool installation, pump and tiling Water Dimensions International – 083 448 8283 Exterior lighting Installer: Presto Electrical – 011 334 3333 Regent Lighting Solutions – 011 474 0171 Lighting designer Paul Pamboukian – 011 880 2831 Wooden fencing and cladding Inovar – 011 262 2720 Timber Rhinowood – 084 580 6406 Bricks Corobrik – 011 871 8600 Cable rope structures Jakob – 011 460 1744 Steelwork and balustrading Manufacturers: A&D – 011 614 9966 Mecra – 011 493 6591 Steel Studio – 010 040 3720 Furniture and umbrellas Bloc Outdoor – 011 262 2457 Irrigation Controlled irrigation – 021 551 0355 Product: Rain Bird Grass Evergreen Turf – 011 948 7913 Soil and compost Culterra – 011 300 9913

prolandscaper.co.za

WATER PURIFICATION | COMMERCIAL POOL SPECIALISTS Proud Design & Supply Swimming Pool & Water Feature Service Providers to The Leonardo & The Houghton Hotel Adam Kriel: 083 448 8283 | adam@wdigroup.co.za Herman van der Mast: 082 600 0385 | herman@wdigroup.co.za www.wdigroup.co.za

IVM Chemicals (Pty) Ltd is a South African company, which was founded and established in 2015. The company and its representatives bring a vast amount of experience to the market. The company has a team of highly qualified staff looking after its business. With individuals having over 20 years experience each, the customer can expect the most advanced and innovative service and advice. IVM Chemicals has spent many years developing strategic partnerships with manufacturers and developers of world class pesticides, nutritional and bio stimulant technologies. This allows us to provide our clients countrywide with a one stop advisory and supply solution regarding unwanted vegetation, pests, nutrition, water management and plant stress challenges.

0823712681 | info@ivmchemicals.co.za | www.ivmchemicals.co.za Facebook: ivmchemicals.sa

PUBLIC / HERITAGE SITES / UNIVERSITIES

PORTFOLIO

prolandscaper.co.za

PORTFOLIO

Completed: November 2019 Size: Level 1 - 13 744m² Level 2 - 15 220m²

Durban’s Point Promenade Durban’s beachfront promenade has received a major upgrade in the form of a 750-metre extension. The R380-million extension, now makes this landmark the longest beachfront promenade in Sub-Saharan Africa. IYER was tasked with the design of Durban’s newest icon, which has already added value to the lives of locals and tourists alike.

The Point Promenade has been developed in line with the Revised Development Framework for the Point prepared by COX in 2015. The Point Promenade project, which is a strategic component of the DFP, has been implemented by COX Architecture from Sydney, Australia & IYER from Durban, together with a wide range of Consultants, for the Durban Point Development Company. The project commenced in November 2015. Construction commenced in January 2018 and final completion was achieved in November 2019. CONCEPT The extension of the Durban beachfront promenade provides visitors an exciting experience, linking the harbour mouth and the Point Beach with its new and future development to the city’s major attractions along the Golden Mile completing the pathway to the necklace of venues and activities of Durban’s Beachfront. This has created the opportunity for pedestrians to move freely without direct traffic. Parking is provided in basement areas of the promenade and is out of sight of the environment. The promenade deck will over time afford the opportunity of activation through bars, restaurants, retail and provision for temporary local markets. It will complement the high tourist activity of uShaka Marine World and offer prolonged stays within the precinct. The beach at the Point is one of the safest and most popular in Durban. Sheltered by Vetch’s Pier, it is also the only north facing beach in the City offering a calm, warm, all day swimming area for all ages. The new Promenade structure has been designed to connect to the existing Beachfront promenade and to the North Pier at the harbour mouth, and to improve public convenience and access to the Point Beach. As part of the Promenade project new facilities for the Water Sports Clubs and Seine netters have been integrated into the lower level of the Promenade Infrastructure along with public ablution amenities, parking and hotel facilities. This design provides the general public with full access and use of the beach in front of the new promenade. The intention of the redevelopment is to ensure free and unrestricted access to the Point beach for all members of the public.

prolandscaper.co.za

PORTFOLIO

MEET THE TEAM: Client: Durban Point Development Company Principal agent: NAKO ILISO International architects & urban designers: COX Architecture: Australia Local architects, urban designers & Landscape architects: IYER Quantity surveyor: MLC Quantity Surveyors (Pty) Ltd Structural and civil engineer: NAKO ILISO Mechanical engineer: NAKO TRIOCON Electrical engineer: JCF Engineers & Services (Pty) Ltd Transportation engineer: NAKO ILISO Occupational health & safety officer: Safe Working Practice Environmental control officer: Pravin Amar Development Planners Coastal engineers: PRDW Contractor - Stefanutti Stocks Coastal Landscape contractors: Leitch Landscapes Photographer: Kierran Allen Photography kierran@kierranallen.com

The architectural concept of the promenade is to create a new public domain that responds to its beach side location at the southern end of the 8km long extended beachfront promenade. The plan form and paving design are influenced by the wave patterns of the seaside location. Another important objective is to create a simple but significant piece of infrastructure while the form of the design draws clues from its natural setting in a design interpretation of the coastline melded with patterns from the original dune vegetation.

The promenade is a two-level structure – the promenade is at the upper level and at the lower level there are facilities for the Point Water Sports Club, the Point Yacht Club, the Seine Netters, public ablutions, public parking, lifeguard facilities, boat storage, first aid facilities and cleaner’s changerooms and dining facilities. Sectional elevation showing promenade and proposed built form The upper-level of the promenade performs as a public space with its own trees, seating and lighting to form an extension of the existing beachfront promenade. It also creates a public plaza for the future Point beachfront development on the inland side of the new promenade. The ground floor of the promenade can also connect directly to the lower level of the future inland structures. The upper-level promenade is provided with seating areas clustered around trees along the entire promenade. A lifeguard tower is positioned along the promenade giving views to the full extent of the beach below. The construction and finishes are durable to respond to the harsh beachfront conditions. Universal access to the lower timber boardwalk and beach is provided by ramps on the northern and southern ends of the promenade. A combined stair and ramp located at the centre of the promenade forms an amphitheatre for public events. The timber boardwalk provides continuous access along the face of the lower level. A zone of dune vegetation runs along the full extent of the lower level that will discretely act as a storm surge buffer in extreme climate events and prevent the beach sand from blowing onto the lower level walkway and into the facilities. Public shower facilities are provided within the dune vegetation zone. The structure The promenade structure is approximately 700m long and construction was split into zones working outwards from the middle with the 2 sides being constructed simultaneously. As the construction area was reclaimed beach area there were a high number of weak pockets, approximately six metres deep. The shallow water table, at two meters deep, affected approximately seventy percent of the sewer trench and culverts, and a variety of other obstructions hindered the piling process. The amphitheatre The most challenging element of the struc-

ture was the design and construction of the amphitheatre. The design of the amphitheatre consists of a series of inter-linked complex curves and an integrated, universally accessible pedestrian ramp. A timber stage is provided for public performances and has a power supply for musical equipment. The amphitheatre is designed as the focal point of the promenade. Topping to the concrete structure The upper level of the promenade has an in-situ concrete floor to falls with a 100mm coloured aggregate finish with granite cobbles separating the various colours. Promenade shore protection A structure comprising sheet piling was chosen for the shore protection. The sheeting follows the curves of the of the front of the structure. The sheet piling was driven to three different depths to accommodate the three different erosion levels identified in a Coastal Processes Report by PRDW Consulting Port and Coastal Engineers. Erosion/shore protection The sheet piling for the erosion and shore protection was undertaken by the Main Contractor, Stefanutti Stocks Coastal and was divided into ten zones comprising of four-hundred-and thirty-three piles varying in lengths of five, ten or eleven metres. Street furniture Due the load limitations on the upper-level slab the planters (2500 x 2500 x 640mm) were placed on the column heads. The height of the planters is restricted to 640mm due the weight of the soil which, in turn, affected the choice of plant material. The benches (2400 x 550 x 420mm high with 100mm radius on all four corners) were also specified to reduce their weight and a hollow polymer concrete bench was chosen adapted from the “pebble” range from Igneous Concrete. The soft form and rounded corners were chosen to prevent chipping and have reference back to the soft, worn pebbles one finds at the beach. The bins (500 x 500 x 700mm) are from a standard range from Igneous developed by IYER for the stadium project in 2010. Similarly, the bollards (500 x 500 x 500mm) were chosen from the standard Igneous range as used at the stadium.

prolandscaper.co.za

PORTFOLIO

All the benches, bollards and bins are secured to the topping using stainless steel pins. LANDSCAPING Dune vegetation The approach to the dune rehabilitation on the Durban beachfront was to firstly understand the prevailing weather and environmental conditions. One needed to have an understanding of what vegetation is endemic to the area, what grows in the surrounding areas on the dunes, and how the plants cope with the shock of coming from a nursery to the exposed windy conditions on the beachfront. We consulted with Leitch Landscapes who have been involved in all the dune rehabilitation work on the Durban beachfront since the 2009 World Cup upgrade and worked closely with the likes of Dr Elsa Pooley and Geoff Nichols to gain considerable knowledge of the dune plants and what works successfully. The sand on the beach is not ideal for growing plants and there was a need to improve the soil condition with nutrients and to enhance its ability to retain moisture. For this reason a large quantity of quality compost was turned into the beach sand together with an added application of fertiliser. Following this an equal amount of bark mulch was applied to ensure that the plants have a chance of survival. While the preparation of the beach sand was being carried out the sacrificial fencing was installed. The purpose of the sacrificial fencing is basically to carry out the function of what the natural dune vegetation does by forming a barrier that allows the wind-blown sand to accumulate and start to form the initial dune face. The sacrificial fencing also provides some protection to the newly planted dune species while they adapt to the prevailing conditions. The angle of the sacrificial fencing was placed in the right orientation to manage the wind drift and how and where the beach sand builds up to form the dune. Although there was no specific plan on how to plant the dune plants one needed to take the following into consideration - the various dune zones (foredune, mid-dune and backdune) and what species are found in which zone of the dune profile. Security of the public and keeping vagrants and members of the public out the dunes was of vital importance. People in the dunes cause damage to the plants and results in a setback to the plants growth and blow outs. For this

prolandscaper.co.za

reason, Carissa macrocarpa was planted around the edges of the different portions of dunes. Once planted the plants needed to adapt to their new position resulting in some of the plants losing their leaves and dying back to their base thereafter shooting from the base with new stronger growth thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more resilient to the climatic conditions. What was important was not the size of the plants used but rather that they have a wellformed strong, healthy root system. The maintenance is quite simple. There is not much weeding to be carried out because most of the normal garden weeds donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like the beach environment, other than the odd alien Invasive weed species. Thorough watering was required until the plants established themselves. The biggest maintenance function going forward will be litter collection. As the dune starts to form against the sacrificial fence, sand will start to cover the plants and where this happens one will need to replant with cuttings and water so they can establish. The aim is to get the plants to take over the function of the sacrificial fencing. To maintain the dune height and prevent excess build-up of sand in the dunes one will need to control the sand build-up along the sacrificial fencing. The dune vegetation will eventually take care of itself as long as the human element is managed. Planter boxes The planters are place on the upper level of the promenade and are exposed to the prevailing weather conditions. It was recommended that it would be better to use smaller trees than very large ones. The plants chosen were plants that are found to be doing well in other areas of the Durban beachfront and those which have been the most successful. It was therefore agreed that the trees to be used would be Hibiscus tilleaceous, Euclea natalensis and Mimusops caffra. The depth of the planters also determined the size of the trees to be used as there was only approximately a 600mm soil depth in the planters. The groundcovers used at the base of the planters are Asparagus densiflorus, Dyschoriste depressa, Plectranthus neochilus Delosperma lineare and Carissa macrocarpa. The irrigation points were positioned no further than 20m from each planter for the watering of the planters. To reduce the time and effort in hand watering the planters incorporated a soil ameliorant from BERA.

PORTFOLIO

prolandscaper.co.za

PORTFOLIO

Preparation of the planters A stone drainage layer was placed at the base of the planters with a 2% fall. This was then covered with an 20mm Urbanscape green roll for extra water holding capacity. The medium used to fill the planters was an imported topsoil mixed with 30% of compost. Urbanscape Green Flocks were then mixed into the topsoil and compost mix at a ratio of 2:10. The planters were then filled to 100mm below the planter height and planted with the agreed size and species of plants/trees. As the newly planted trees have to adapt to the new environmental conditions coming from the nursery they dropped their leaves and looked like dead sticks. This is what happened previously on other portions of the Durban beachfront upgrades. A decision was made to cut all the trees back to speed up the adaption process. This was done and all pruned stems were sealed using a tree sealer. The new shoots started budding within two weeks of the trees being cut back.

prolandscaper.co.za

Planting of the pedestrian ramps inland of the promenade Larger trees were planted on the pedestrian access ramps. The trees chosen were Euclea natalensis (Natal Guarri) as these have been one of the more successful tree species planted along the Durban beachfront in the past upgrades. The trees were bought in 100L bags and the holes were specifically prepared to a depth of 1.2m/1.5m. The holes were then lined with the Bera Urbanscape green roll 20mm for extra water holding capacity and backfilled with a soil mixture of 30% compost and mixed in with the Bera urbanscapes green flocks at a rate of 2:10. There were then sways of indigenous grasses used along the length of the ramps and under the trees with a border of Aloe arborescence along the top of the embankment. Once the flowerbeds had been planted, a 100mm layer of bark chips was applied as a mulch. The grassing of the banks at the rear of the promenade is Cynodon dactylon.

Planting at the lower level At the lower level the following species have been planted â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Stelizia nicolai, Hyphaene coriacea (Lala Palm) & Cocos nucifera (Coconut Palm). The groundcovers used are â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Asparagus densiflorus, Dyschoriste depressa, Plectranthus neochilus Delosperma lineare and Carissa macrocarpa. CONCLUSION Now that the Point Promenade is complete it will provides the catalyst to release new beachfront development opportunities along its entire western edge with the intention to revive the area and create a mixed use destination worthy of the beach that it borders and begin the revival of the Inner City of Durban. The hope is that the Point Promenade will over time be accepted by the public to become another significant component in the wonderful array of facilities along the Golden Mile.

SUPPLIERS: SUDS: Bera Urbanscapes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 083 449 3954 Benches, planters, bins and bollards: Igneous Concrete â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 011 827 7425 Paving: Corobrik - 031 560 3111 Decking: Leisure Sundecks - 082 892 1713 Irrigation: Autoflow irrigation - 082 806 7266 Siwelela Projects - 078 173 9847 Nurseries: Afro Indigenous - 083 291 1308 Indigiflora Nursery - 039 319 1627 Gwahumbe Nursery - 076 019 2460 Tongaat Wholesalers - 032 943 3090 Post and Rail: Flamco - 031 465 2108 Forest Fencing - 031 943 0504

prolandscaper.co.za

! K H WA T T U SA N

Heritage Centre

100

prolandscaper.co.za

PORTFOLIO

Completed: 2019 Size: 265m2 Location: Yzerfontein, West Coast, Western Cape

In 1998, the Working Group for Indigenous Minorities in Southern Africa (WIMSA) decided to assist the San in unlocking potential tourism opportunities and showcasing the San culture to the world. WIMSA turned to Swiss anthropologist Irene Staehelin, who agreed to help. In 1999, guided by her own vision, and inspired by heritage centres in the USA and Canada, Irene bought an 850 hectare wheat farm, north of Cape Town on the West Coast of South Africa for the !Khwa ttu project. She subsequently set up the Ubuntu Foundation in Switzerland, to help guide and support the project. !Khwa ttu opened to the public in 2006. In the following decade, inside the now restored farm buildings, it steadily developed its tourism offering and San training capabilities. Outside, the land was carefully rehabilitated and wildlife reintroduced. In September 2016 Ubuntu committed a substantial portion of the funding needed to build !Khwa ttu’s San Heritage Centre. This paved the way to fulfilling the dreams of many, and launched the next exciting stage of !Khwa ttu’s development. This San Heritage Centre project was headed by KLG Architects, with environmental work being taken on by Vula Environmental Services.

At the outset of planning the new San Heritage Centre at !Khwa ttu, it was decided that the project should have a low ecological impact, that it should be sensitively scaled in order for it not to overshadow the natural environment and that it should serve as a backdrop for its content and allow people to converse and share relevant information within a revelatory environment. It displays the San ‘way of life’, not like a traditional museum, but with the building conceived as an organic landscape with an emphasis on sustainable and ethical design. The undulating structure is embedded within the landscape along a granite ridge overlooking vistas towards the Atlantic Ocean, close to Yzerfontein on the West Coast. The proposed museum had to address not only the challenge of integrating into the natural landscape but also that of incorporating natural site features into the interior as part of an exhibition. This called for an innovative approach through the use of built form, local materials and inventive construction. Concrete was chosen as one of the principal building materials for its plasticity of form, austerity in aesthetic quality, strength, durability and economy. An undulating multilayered green roof is supported on a very thin 80mm reinforced concrete layer which works in composite action with curved steel roof beams.

I-beams are cut in half and used as the main structural members. The resulting upside-down T-sections forming the beam soffits are easily bent to the correct varying degree of roof curvatures. The top half of the beam is made up out of a steel plate, held in position by a series of vertical flat sections with gaps in-between. This fabricated beam is much lighter than a conventional full depth beam, which would have been required if the concrete at the top was not used as a compression flange. The concrete has to be a very specific consistency in order to make the various falls of the roof possible. A benefit of this method of concrete construction is that extra reinforcing steel can be introduced in specific zones where it is actually required. This technique allows for considerable savings in cost, material and overall roof load. Permanent shutter boards on timber rafters are used to span between individual roof beams to form the unique curve of the roof and also acts as a ceiling internally. This dual functionality results in time and material savings on site. Indigenous self-seeding grass species are planted on top of the roof to deal with the harsh coastal climatic conditions. The green roof has thermal mass and natural thermal insulation qualities, which further assist with keeping the interior sheltered and cool during the hot summer months.

prolandscaper.co.za

101

102

prolandscaper.co.za

MEET THE TEAM Architects KLG Architects Landscape contractors Vula Environmental Services Images Adam Letch - adamletch.com

prolandscaper.co.za

103

PORTFOLIO

It also seamlessly integrates the building into the landscape, minimising the building’s visual footprint. Internally, the exposed granite rocks become an integral part of an exhibition wall. The concrete roof edge parapets are hand moulded and shaped to the various curvatures and tied back into a retaining wall. The retaining wall is built as an undulating curve set inbetween granite ridges which are expressed in an unadorned manner as part of the museum interior. The wall consists of two parts – a reinforced concrete load bearing retaining wall and a cavity with an internal dry-skin of brickwork. This mitigates any possible moisture bridge between the water collected behind the wall or between the granite boulder cavities and the interior wall surface. Moisture is transferred down within the wall cavity into a sub-base of no-fines foundation pads to naturally dissipate. The uniquely cast floor is shaped around the natural site features and celebrates rocky outcrops within the floor. This method of building displays a sensitivity and respect towards the context.

The museum interior is envisaged as a landscape set below an abstract roof canopy which contains information and activity. For the floor, a special Lafarge concrete mix was used to emulate the colours of the Kalahari San environment. A granite stone aggregate from a local quarry was added to the mix and the surface was ground down to a finely textured ‘salt & pepper’ finish, which delicately exposes the aggregate. The floor was cast and shaped around the exhibition floor surface. This demonstrates the fluidity of material to adjust sensitively towards its context, ultimately translating the space into a rich and authentic expression between the natural and the built fabric. Provision is made for a hydronic underfloor heating system on top of a rigid insulation layer which forms part of an ‘active’ thermal mass design approach for heat radiation during cooler winter months, whilst the inherent thermal mass of the concrete slab is also utilised as a heat sink. The media centre is shaped as a non-symmetrical eclipse and has a rock store built within the tapering mass of its walls. Air is funneled through the walls from an underground concrete

plenum below the floor level. The wall cavity is divided into different chambers with transverse walls to tie the tapering masonry walls together. The wall ‘chambers’ are hand packed with local granite rocks on top of precast concrete lintels above the underground plenum. Air is drawn up through the gaps between the lintels to cool the rocks at night. During the day, air flowing over the rocks can therefore be cooled down before being discharged at the highpoint of the wall into the media centre’s interior. These sustainable approaches allow for a climatically stabilised internal environment while also reducing the need for conventional heating and cooling services and their associated energy demands.

The structure consciously demonstrates a balance between the context, materials and design philosophy through a combination of passive environmental strategies and contemporary technologies. SUPPLIERS Lighting: Megalite – 021 797 8487 Concrete works: Melt-Wahl – 021 946 1334 Timber: Prinro - 022 772 2334 Concrete sealing & waterproofing: Crete Color - 021 823 0000

Laduma Nursery & Landscaping KRAAIBOSCH NURSERIES (PTY) LTD

THE GREENER SIDE OF LIFE Hannes van Zyl l 083-457-3292

High Quality Exotic & Indigenous Plant Suppliers to the Trade Since 1983 044 889 0092 | info@kraaibosch.com www.kraaibosch.com

Cape Town 4 Bertie Ave, Epping 2 (021) 535 2004 Knysna 34 Sandpiper St, Knysna Industria (044) 382 6575 www.rarewoods.co.za

We supply a wide range of decking products South Africa’s largest stockist of speciality timbers. We are proud suppliers to the finest residential, commercial and leisure projects across South Africa and neighbouring countries.

OUR EXTENSIVE OFFERING INCLUDES: •

A huge range of timber decking options

•

Durable structural timber for pergolas and outdoor architectural elements

•

Beautiful timber cladding options to suit any budget

•

A full range of thermally treated timbers

•

Welcoming facilities with a large showroom allowing you to explore our broader offering – from custom manufactured solid wood flooring, to incredible and unique live-edged slabs

We love to get involved early in your project and be on hand to offer expert advice as your vision unfolds.

RareWoodsSA

@RareWoodsSA

SALI SHIELD OF EXCELLENCE WINNER 2020

106

prolandscaper.co.za

PORTFOLIO

Hout Bay DUNES

Rehabilitation

Size: 5.5ha Cost: +/- R2 million Client: City of Cape Town Timeline of development: 4 years (seven phases)

n response to the severe impact of windblown sand and shifting dunes on the surrounding properties and infrastructure in Hout Bay, the City of Cape Town (CoCT) commissioned a study in 2012 to find a long-term solution to the problem associated with the Hout Bay mobile dune system. Following the receipt of the Environmental Authorisation for the recommendation made by the sudy, the City of Cape Town appointed Vula Environmental Services to commence plant rescue and production. The plan also detailed the use of specialised nets to manage the movement of sand and build the accumulation of sand seaward rather than landward. This was the first of seven phases completed to date. Vula Environmental Services was the main contractor for all aspects and provided guidance on conceptual as well as technical aspects of the project. The City of Cape Town required a contractor that could interpret the recommendations as well as the bill of quantities and make the necessary approach adjustments during the implementation. Key aspects and skills required included; onsite adjustments to dune profiles during earthworks; adjustment of the programme to coinside with seasonal conditions; ensuring that the complex project transformed the remnant of a highly dynamic headland bypass dune into a stable and manageable environment that could be maintained in order to reduce cost and nuisance. Staff selection, training and overall management of the project formed part of the implementation of the design that Vula and Coastal Management Branch proposed as contained in the management and rehabilitation plan for the Hout Bay Dunes in March 2013. Because of the time lag between the publishing of the report and the implementation tender, adaptive management and guidance provided by Vula formed a critical part of the process. The CoCT and Vula worked in close collaboration during all the phases of implementation.

prolandscaper.co.za

107

PORTFOLIO

In terms of involvement in the project, Vula interpreted all aspects of the proposed rehabilitation plan and consulted with the client regarding adjustment on site to allow for the influence of a wide range of variables. The CoCT Coastal Management Branch manages the coast line from Kogelbaai to Silverstroomstrand and identifies priority areas for interventions.

natural flow of sand that fed Sandy Bay from Hout Bay. Large scale dune management was the only resolve in the early 90s. Due to a loss of intellectual capital and funding within the transforming municipality structures, the managed dunes collapsed, rendering the infrastructure vulnerable to the unchecked sand influx beyond 1998.

The Hout Bay dunes were identified as a problem several years ago, and in the early 1990s a Dune management program was inititated, this later failed. CoCT commissioned a study to determine the best cause of action to remedy the situation and obtained the budget for implementation of the proposed activities. Interaction and consultation on the part of the client are therefore ongoing on this project.

The frustration of the rate payers must also be noted, due to failures of a number of localised small-scale attempts to address the matter which resulted in hostility towards the proposed new plan and presented one of the most difficult hurdles to overcome when the 2013 study was presented and later implemented. The resistance gave way to support, once it became evident that the implemented interventions were effective.

Some constraints and problems that needed to be overcome: Hout Bay, over time, was transformed from a Yellowwood harvest area and bay, safe from winter storms. However, due to poor town planning and a lack of understanding of the functioning of the headland bypass dune, this resulted in urban development in path of the

108

prolandscaper.co.za

PROJECT FUNDING: The management implementation would have been more effective, expedient and cost effective had the proposed single-phase intervention be implemented. The proposal addressed the entire beach from the public parking east at the entrance to Chapmans Peak to Mariners Wharf but the R22m+ cost was prohibitive. The chal-

lenge was to then isolate the critical core of the project that could be implemented at around 10% of the budget that would achieve satisfactory results and serve as a proof of concept that could be used to leverage future funding. VANDALISM AND COMMUNITY: Local community involvement was key from the start of the project and local staff were employed to rescue Ammophila arenaria 'marram grass' plants in preparation for re-introduction following earthworks. Initial high staff turnover later gave rise to staff receieving training - that resulted in a proud workforce, living within the community, spreading the word of the importance of the project for the town as well as the potential of long-term careers and seasonal jobs. This resulted in a near total reduction of vandalism and early warning of unrest in the local community. ONSITE ADJUSTMENTS: The substantial time lag between concept and implementation required considerable consideration as the project unfolded. Theories were tested, monitored and adjusted to achieve best results. Wind nets were used as wind breaks, net angles and spacing, cross nets are constant-

PORTFOLIO

"TO DATE THE PROJECT HAS EXPANDED TO INCLUDE APPROXIMATELY 70,000M 2 OF MANAGED, REHABILITATED DUNE."

ly being monitored and adjusted as the dunes build up and the local dynamics change. No models were done on the dunes, due to the cost and the number of variables that render the models inaccurate over time. The management proposal included adjustment of the reference setback line, which was done onsite, post Spring Equinox. MAINTENANCE: The City awarded a tender for the management and maintenance of Hout Bay Dunes to Vula Environmental Services in November 2019 to maintain the Hout Bay Dune Rehabilitation Project for the next three years. During this three-year maintenance period, the City’s Coastal Management Branch will assess and plan the maintenance requirements moving forward, and how best to undertake this task. Maintenance should reduce significantly once the dune is fully established, which is expected to be at the end of the three-year maintenance contract. The dune management project will only be able to function with judicious maintenance and community buy in. ‘We have invested significant resources in the implementation of this project. The EPWP team has been working on the dunes for the past 36 months and I am proud of their immense enthusiasm and dedication. They have also completed the training of the highest standard. It was our intention that this pilot project and training programme would provide those who participated with the necessary skills to apply for employment that requires experienced people with specialised skills in dune and coastal rehabilitation. Future job opportunities could also include working in the horticultural industry and at nurseries, or by subcontracting to bigger companies to do specific dune work or plant propagation. "Thus, this project is also a life changing opportunity for the team," said Alderman Marian Nieuwoudt, the City’s mayoral committee member for spatial planning and Environment.

"This was a a very dynamic project that spans several years and the Contractor’s knowledge and expertise can be said to be vital in the success of a project of this magnitude."

prolandscaper.co.za

109

MEET THE TEAM: Client: City of Cape Town Environmental work: Vula Environmental Services

110

prolandscaper.co.za

Fynbos Gardens Hermanus Landscaping, Irrigation, Garden Maintenance and Nursery

GROWERS AND DISTRIBUTORS OF INDIGENOUS AND EXOTIC FLORA FOR A GREENER FUTURE 028 313 1763 fynbosgardens@hermanus.co.za

Saxonwold Road, Klein Dassenberg 082 804 2241/ nursery@fridhemfarm.co.za

15 Mimosa Street, Industrial area, Hermanus, 7200

A PERMEABLE PAVING SOLUTION The highest load bearing plastic grid paver on the market. Suitable for pedestrian pathways as well as a heavy truck.

GARY BERGESEN C 082 652 5445 F 086 529 2388

E gary@sudpave.co.za | www.sudpave.co.za

WESTBURY TRANSFORMATION CENTRE

PORTFOLIO

Total size: 6400m2 Green wall size: 120m2 Other landscaping: 180m2 Completed: July 2019 Client: Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) on behalf of the City of Johannesburg The Westbury Transformation Development Centre (TDC) is a mixed-use public building, focusing on engaging with marginalised communities in a significant and sustainable way. It seeks to create innovative, locally fabricated architecture from a local palette of materials whilst using local skills. A generous public space in front of the building can be used by the community for various social activities. An indigenous acacia forest links the user to the landscape. A series of defensible internal courtyards are designed to create safe spaces within. The Westbury Transformation Development Centre (WTDC) has emerged as a winner in the Architectural Design: Mixed Use Architecture category at the 2019 Architecture MasterPrize (AMP) awards and was designed by award-winning Ntsika Architects with landscape contracting by Vertical Landscapes. Can social justice be found through friendly and inclusive design? Ntsika Architects thinks so â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the Westbury Transformation Development Centre (TDC) project grapples with the issue of spatial and social justice in a marginalized community. After 25 years of democracy, one of the legacies of apartheid planning is the many marginalized communities still prevalent in South Africa.

MEET THE TEAM: Client City of Johannesburg Architects: Ntsika Architects Landscape contractor: Vertical Landscapes

prolandscaper.co.za

113

Image: Kevin Rudham Photography / Motheo Construction

114

prolandscaper.co.za

PORTFOLIO

These communities are often poorly serviced and have very few public amenities. The public facilities which one can find are often behind a fence, very clearly enforcing exclusion. Ntsika Architects decided to challenge this norm through this project and to create a new typology of public facility in South Africa. A complex project brief with multiple end-user stakeholders, the project houses a variety of social development programs, such as a senior citizens daycare, food security unit, greenhouse, migrant unit, early childhood development centre (ECD) and offices. The project is centered around creating smaller safe spaces within a larger programme while providing a generous public space along the street edge of the narrow site. The ultimate goal was for the building to be used by the community for various social activities. An existing building, St. Barnabas School building (circa 1935), was set to be demolished to make way for the new facility. But, through Ntsika's ground research, it was found to hold an important place as part of the community’s collective memory of the space because many people had attended this school. It was an easy decision to keep the building. It became the anchoring point of the site, around which the rest of the design has been hinged. It was repurposed as the pre-school classrooms for the ECD. The rest of the ECD building program wraps the edge of the site, creating a safe courtyard against the busy corner of Main Rd and Harmony St. The scale of the ECD has been designed with the children, aged from 0 to 6 years old, in mind. The external facade is intentionally dark (using the Japanese shou sugi ban charred timber technique), but, as you enter the courtyard, you are immersed in bursts of colour – 'the world of the child'. The long-built form is oriented along the northsouth axis of the site, allowing the narrow floor plates to get maximum natural daylight deep into each floor. The western and eastern façades are intentionally short, with minimal sun shading required. The northern façade has deep horizontal fins, with a large concrete overhang on the first and second floors. A screen on the second floor is planted with creepers which flower during summer, creating

a natural shade. These then lose their leaves in winter, letting in the winter sun. This living screen, along the North façade of the building, becomes an integral passive heating and cooling device. The star jasmine planted is indigenous to the area and creates a sensory stimuli, subliminally conjuring a nostalgia and memory of yester-year. A planted green wall at the main entrance of the building is symbolic of the community’s continued interconnection with the facility. The aim was to create a completely indigenous succulent vertical garden. The current water issues in South Africa mean succulents have become really appealing, being hardy and waterwise. By extending the Department of Social Development’s ‘Food Security Programme’, which is administered in this building, the community has the opportunity to participate in the planting and continued maintenance of the green wall. This forms part of Ntsika's 'The Green Screen Project', started in 2015, which looks at educating communities in urban farming. A greenhouse on the second floor is used for teaching and is complimented with a fully fitted high-tech laboratory for research in the field. The planted roof is edged by indigenous succulents with a central vegetable garden for practical education. Meanwhile, the senior citizens daycare is located on the ground floor with its own outdoor gym courtyard. Colour and texture has been used for ease of navigation through the site, with various programmes being easily identifiable from the street. Ramps, directional paving, floor surface treatment, a lift and colour has made the building legible and accessible to all from street level and throughout. The building has become a landmark for a previously invisible community, often only made visible with news of gang and community violence. The landscape Vertical Landscapes’ director Justin Sam explains that their team was commissioned to design this project by Ntsika Architects. Their brief was to create a landscape using predominantly indigenous trees and plants to compliment the striking building. It also specified that there was to be an emphasis on the facility’s intention to empower the local community with skills. The feature green wall is a hydroponic solution, planted with approximately 6,000 succulents

SUPPLIERS: Plants Grow Wild – 011 465 8857 Random Harvest Nursery – 011 957 5354 Ekonoplant – 083 286 4976 CND Nursery – 010 035 5212 Heuers Nursery – 012 253 2097 Du Prins Nursery – 082 850 8019 Drip irrigation equipment Aquatec Solutions – 081 440 2422 Product used: Netafim Planters WilsonStone – 011 616 7129 Paint Dulux – 0860 330 111 Rubber Outdoor Flooring: Green Outdoor Gyms - 010 593 7687 Stainless steel architectural mesh GKD South Africa – 011 696 8000

providing a wide variety of textures and hues to complement the colourful building. The modular green wall system was designed inhouse, planted off-site and installed in 10 days. The design objective for the third floor green screen was for the plants to provide natural, dynamic, solar shading for the office occupants. The green screen employs a specially designed stainless steel architectural mesh, with deciduous wisteria creepers growing onto it. In the hot months, the lush foliage reflects heat and keeps the offices cool. In the cold months, the dormant creepers lose their leaves and let the sunlight in, thereby reducing artificial heating and cooling requirements. The indoor greenhouse is used to train the local community in hydroponic growing methods and is planted with 540 herbs and vegetable plants. The planted roof above the parking lot is xeriscaped; a variety of drought-tolerant succulents are planted throughout. The top roof features a herb and vegetable garden. Vertical Landscapes installed the specialised waterproofing with anti-root additives, the subsoil drainage system and the garden, providing a single-source, grouped warranty on the works. The sloped sections of the planted roof was im-

prolandscaper.co.za

115

plemented with erosion control matting and ornamental stone, much of which was reclaimed from the on-site excavations. The grove of fever trees is intended to form a canopy over the paved steps leading up to the main entrance of the building. These acacias were specifically selected for its characteristic yellow-green bark. Star jasmine was planted along the fence at the entrance of the building, to provide welcome protection from the traffic on the busy main road. This creeper was also used to create the stainless steel wire rope columns in front of the sports hall. At the formal opening of the building on the 26 November 2019, the following comments were made:

â&#x20AC;&#x153;This project helps address the challenges of inequality created by the spatial planning of the past. It has created tangible and meaningful change within this community.â&#x20AC;? - Member of the Mayoral Committee for Development Planning, Cllr Reuben Masango

"The Westbury TDC facility will greatly benefit this community and fulfil a dire need for a safe space for our children in the ECD."

- The Mayor of Johannesburg, Cllr Herman Mashaba

ABOUT VERTICAL LANDSCAPES Vertical Landscapes is a landscape design and contracting firm founded in 2009 by Justin Sam. By fusing engineering technology with traditional landscaping, it builds innovative and distinctive landscapes that integrate seamlessly with building architecture, blurring the lines between inside and outside, buildings and gardens. The passionate and skilled team excels in all aspects of hard and softscaping, water features, decking and waterproofing. The team takes pride in their state-of-the-art design, foresight in planning and precision in execution. They collaborate closely with architects, landscape architects and designers, building contractors, and clients to implement designs on-time and within budget.

Rooftop gardens -

landscape innovation Rooftop gardens and green roofs have been around for many decades, especially in highly populated urban areas such as cities and towns. Initially, rooftop gardens were used mainly to provide insulation in cold northern hemisphere climates. These days, with limited ‘green’ space, rooftops gardens are used to reduce the heat island effect in cities, reduce stormwater run-off and flash-floods, create small safe havens for insects and birds, and beautify the environment. In essence, this is a creative and functional way of reducing reliance on municipal water, saving water, and preventing pollution. Rooftop gardens can be as simple as a few container plants artfully arranged in an open space, or as complex as a fully waterproofed and vegetated roof surface. In a rapidly growing urban environment with limited space, many people are choosing to live in flats, apartments, and townhouses. A rooftop garden or landscape is ideal for those living in homes without gardens. They make use of unused or underused space and are great for plants and veggies that require full sun. Veggies such as tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, peas and beans, tall corn and rambling squashes, carrots, radishes, beets, kohlrabi, fennel, potatoes, and onions are ideal for rooftop food gardens (but may require some protection from the wind in some areas). If you are looking more at an aesthetic landscape, consider hardy, sun-loving, locally endemic plants such as indigenous Highveld grasses, succulents or fynbos (all appropriately hydrozoned). Remember that there are a number of factors to consider when implementing a rooftop garden or landscape: • Make sure your structure/building/roof can support the load of a rooftop garden (Engineering requirements will apply). Using lightweight planting materials such as vermiculite, perlite, and sphagnum moss alleviates the problem of weight, and absorb and hold water well. • Rooftop environmental conditions such as full sun and strong wind can be tough on plants. If necessary, provide shading for more delicate plants, and buffers (for users and plants) to prevent excessively windy conditions. • Speak to an expert if you are interested in implementing a fully planted green roof. You may need to consult with a structural engineer or architect to conduct a structural analysis of your building. • A simpler, more cost-effective solution is to use containers and raised plant beds. Lightweight containers are ideal as they are portable, flexible in use, and affordable. You can really get creative and can easily change the design as required! Rooftop gardens are environmentally-friendly, water–saving, creative, innovative, space-saving solutions to a limit in garden and landscape space.

www.randwater.co.za and click on the Water Wise logo FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON WATER WISE, PLEASE CONTACT US ON: 0860 10 10 60

Photograph by David Southwood

118

prolandscaper.co.za

PORTFOLIO

Size: 12,989m² Completed: September 2019 Location: Hatfield and South Campus of the University of Pretoria

Opened officially on Heritage Day in 2019, the Javett-UP Art Centre at the University of Pretoria is an exciting new museum that promises to become a new “home to the art of Africa” and can be seen as Gauteng’s counterpoint to the Cape’s Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa and Norval Foundation. A partnership between the philanthropic Javett Foundation and the University of Pretoria (UP), the impressive Javett-UP is one of the largest new art museums to open in South Africa in recent years, with an exciting mandate that seeks to engage students and the public with the creativity and diversity of African art, from the ancient to the contemporary. Architecture by Mathews + Associates Architects and Landscape Architecture by GREENinc, this project truly is its own work of art. Pieter Mathews from Mathews + Associates Architects, a Pretoria-based architecture firm, designed this exquisite building. The Javett Art Centre at the University of Pretoria consists of a public art gallery and Mapungubwe museum linked to an open museum square which includes a restaurant and outdoor exhibition space located in a publicly accessible portion of the University’s South Campus. The gallery extends over Lynnwood road with a bridge gallery which includes a pedestrian concourse, stitching together the University’s Hatfield Campus and South Campus and touching down on a new University Arts Square positioned above a new student gallery. THE BRIDGE GALLERY STITCHING TWO CAMPUSES The Javett Art Centre at UP provides a public showcase for our national treasures, elevating art firmly into the public domain while celebrating and extending the original historic ‘Tukkielaan’ over Lynwood Road, strengthening the cultural spine of the University of Pretoria.

J AV E T T A R T C E N T R E

A Work of Art

The pattern of the sunscreen panels on the western side of the bridge – which provides a cooling solar filter for the building – is a graphic representation of the Shweshwe cloth fabric which has been a part of South African life.

prolandscaper.co.za

119

Photograph by David Southwood

SUPPLIERS All Bricks and Pavers: Corobrik – 011 871 8600 Patterned Panels: S P E Engineering – 011 674 5046 Lighting: Regent Lighting Solutions – 011 474 0171 Concrete: Lafarge - 011 657 1092 Red sculpture: Edoardo Villa Nurseries: Bristlecone Nursery – 012 207 9904 Garden Magic Big Trees – 082 576 2696 Grow Wild - 082 824 6715 Monavoni – 012 668 1261 Plantworld - 082 805 0910 Random Harvest – 011 957 5354 Siyakula Nursery - 076 639 7949 Sunbird Aloes – 082 824 6604 Tshala Plant Brokers – 071 683 1177 Stainless steel balustrades: Steel Studio - 010 040 3720 Fencing: BetaFence - 021 868 7300 Specialised steel and balustrades: Spiral Engineering - 011 474 9115

120

prolandscaper.co.za

This blue fabric has always been a great binding element in South Africa, proving to be very popular with people from all cultures, backgrounds and walks of life – Pedi (shweshwe), Indian (printed), English and Afrikaans (sislap). The ever-changing shadow patterns on the walls and floors reminds us of how much we all have in common. The patterned panels are made of fibre-reinforced concrete and were designed by Mathews + Associates Architects and SPE Engineering.

accessible to the public, serving the restaurant and playing host to various public functions and events. The main public entrance is located from this square. In addition to the nine galleries, the complex also includes a 115-seat auditorium, administrative offices, storage, art conservation and quarantine areas, as well as a high-end restaurant serving the art complex while looking out over the picturesque Boys High grounds and opening up onto the centre’s main public Museum Square.

THE MAPUNGUBWE MOUNTAIN The second dominant feature of this complex is the Mapungubwe mountain. Juxtaposed against the bridge and located alongside Lynnwood road, the shear mass and solidity of this iconic structure will establish its dominance as a new city landmark

The Arts Square is located where the Bridge Gallery touches down on the University’s Hatfield campus, forming a raised focal culmination point along the university’s culturally historic ‘Tukkielaan‘ route. The university is well known for its sculptor alumni and it is envisaged that this square could also play host to international sculptural exhibitions and competitions. The space below the square forms a student gallery which creates a direct link between the faculties of the built environment and visual arts, thereby bringing together these two creative fields.

These Mapungubwe national treasures of the golden rhino, spectre cow and leopard are housed inside this abstract architectural interpretation of the Mapungubwe hill. This solid, iconic, sculptural, vault-like structure was moulded using custom formed shuttering. PUBLIC SPACE The complex includes two open squares: Museum Square and the Arts Square. The Museum Square is located on the southern side of Lynnwood road in front of the main entrance. A natural gathering zone, this space is directly

WHAT IT HOUSES The Javett Art Centre at UP houses some of the finest works from the collections of the Javett Foundation Trust and the University of Pretoria, as well as various temporary special exhibitions. The southern gallery wing houses the private donor collections, including the private collection of the Javett Foundation Trust

– the seed donor. The Bridge Gallery section is positioned alongside the pedestrian concourse with an entrance into the gallery, thereby directly exposing the passing pedestrians to art, architecture and academic works daily. This dynamic gallery space exhibits various travelling exhibitions as well as selections of the students’ own works of art, graphics, architecture and even projects of a more academic nature from various faculties. Mapungubwe has always had a very strong connection with the University of Pretoria – both archaeologically and even architecturally – and by providing this fitting setting for these treasures, these pieces can now be proudly displayed to the world as a celebration of Africa’s rich history. The Javett Art Centre at UP provides a valuable contribution to the university, the city, and the country, through the reactivation and unification of the university, the cultural enrichment and education of the city, and the international attraction of an uplifting national celebration of our rich African past. GREENinc, the landscape architecture company on this project, explains the main brief was initially to design a museum for the Mapungubwe Art Collection. When the location of the museum was determined, the new development had a repercussion effect on the surrounding buildings prolandscaper.co.za

121

PORTFOLIO

(Visual Art building, Boukunde building and South Campus buildings) and elaborated a brief that allowed for an additional Art Gallery bridge, Arts Square, Museum Square and studio spaces. The Lynnwood pedestrian bridge was the only link between Hatfield and South Campus and initiated an important pedestrian access between these two campuses. The impact of the Art Gallery Bridge called for a specific design proposal to incorporate the historical Tukkie Laan on the northern side of campus and to create a physical and visual link towards the southern campus. The proposed development deals with a sensitive environment considering the different users and departments that need to be integrated on both sides of the bridge. Therefore, the importance is placed on the horizontal threshold of the bridge on the Hatfield and Southern Campus and how the surrounding fabric will connect to the threshold. The landscape proposal was finalised after numerous redesign attempts due to the different role players of the project. The design has included items like face brick feature walls, rammed earth walls, custom-designed clay brick masonry features, succulent podium exhibition space, stainless steel vertical green cable wall, custom-designed planter boxes and a fence. THE ICONIC PAVING More than 430,000 clay pavers were used to craft the exterior walkways, public squares,

ramps and parking area of the art centre. The textures and colours of the clay paving range are durable, colour-fast, skid-resistant and suitable for trafficked areas. The pavers were selected to create texture, with a simple layout. Only two paver variations were chosen to give a more uniform thread between the different spaces of the building. The paving links the new building with existing ones – the historical Boukunde, Visual Arts and Town and Regional buildings. Sixty percent of the pavers were installed on a basement or slab, reducing future maintenance issues as the pavers can be easily removed and re-installed without compromising the surface. PLANTING GREENinc strongly believes that it is important to only plant indigenous plants with new developments. Considering that any new planting introduced within the University of Pretoria will form part of the bigger Botanical Garden precinct, makes the use of endemic and indigenous planting palettes paramount. Plants have a role to define, support and emphasise the importance of space. Qualitative landscape spaces should lead the decisionmaking process with a new project whilst the planting palette should complement the spaces. Trees were also used to emphasise boulevards, create a sense of scale or define crafted spaces. At the Javett Art Centre at UP, this has become evident. Spaces were crafted between the

existing and new building fabric and emphasised with a selection of indigenous planting palette that is not necessarily commercially known. The softscaping on this project is minimal due to the challenges with weight restrictions on the slab areas and basement. The selection of planting was made in conjunction with the Botanical Garden curator, Jason Sampson. Dr Ida Breed, senior lecturer at UP’s Biodiversity Studio, Department of Architecture has also developed an 80m2 experimental biodiversity garden as part of the art centre complex with a subsequent 200m2 patch located at the Future Africa complex (Hillcrest Campus). Wouter Labuschagne, project landscape architect explains: “As a landscape architect, I have learned a lot in terms of the spatial composition of urban space and the important role of integrating existing spaces with the proposed spaces. The value of landscape design is unlocked in these thresholds. The design is both simplistic and robust, but complex seamed together.” He also adds that: “Being part of this project on your home turf places a lot of pressure in terms of how you will show your design to the young designers at the university.” It certainly has been a successful project, and one we are sure we will be reading about for months to come.

MEET THE TEAM Client: University of Pretoria Architects: Mathews + Associates Architects Project architects: Pieter Mathews, Liam Purnell, Jannes Hattingh, Carla Spies Landscape architects: GREENinc Lead landscape architects: Anton Comrie, Wouter Labuschagne Landscape contractors: Servest Landscaping Lighting designer: Pamboukian Lighting

Photograph by David Southwood

122

prolandscaper.co.za

Photograph by David Southwood

Photograph by Pieter Mathews

prolandscaper.co.za

123

124

prolandscaper.co.za

The GREEN Solutions Provider

SUSTAIN WATER

FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS WATER INFILTRATION

WATER RETENTION

BERA Gravel Fix® Pro

BERA Urbanscape

ü Directly infiltrate water to your landscape ü Stable and strong path or driveway ü Cradle to Cradle certified

ü Retaining water for grass, plants, trees or vegetables ü Better growth, increased yield ü Up to 50% water saving ü Effective up to 15 years Vegetation Fertile layer Urbanscape Green Roll Base ground

Contact:

BERA South Africa Pty Ltd | T: +27 83 449 3954 | E: franko@bera-bv.com | www.bera-bv.co.za

Resource Centre

126

prolandscaper.co.za

Photograph by Roger Jardine

SPUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S STUDENT

PORTFOLIO

Location: Bishops Avenue, Kimberley, Northern Cape Completed for use: January 2018 Size: 6,364m2 Noteworthy: Winner of the SAIA Free State Regional Award, 2019

Photograph by Roger Jardine

n 2014, Sol Plaatje University (SPU) opened its doors as the first new university in South Africa’s democratic era. Strategically close to the Square Kilometre Array Telescope (SKA), its initial intake of 135 students is fast expanding, to reach the expected growth of 7,500 students within its first 10 years. With architecture by Designworkshop and landscape architecture by Insite Group, the resource centre for Sol Plaatje University is located in Kimberley’s Inner City. A progressive Urban Design Framework seamlessly incorporates existing civic, public and education stock with new purpose-built university buildings, positioning tertiary education as an integrated part of Inner City life. Perhaps it’s heart. This progressive project won a SAIA Free State Regional Award in 2019. Designworkshop was successful in a two-stage architectural competition towards conceptualising and delivering a Student Resource Centre as the functional and physical centerpiece of university life, including a library and teaching, studying and social space. The key question Designworkshop explored was what this emerging typology could MEET THE TEAM: Client: Sol Plaatje University Architects: Designworkshop Landscape architects: Insite Group Project landscape architect: Neal Schoof, Ferdie Haefele Ilze du Preez, Su-Ann Burschen Landscape contractors: GreenSight Landscapes Steelwork Contractor – Mawele Metal Works Photographer: Roger Jardine

Photograph by Roger Jardine

prolandscaper.co.za

127

PORTFOLIO

optimally be and enable in the South African reality of a globally integrated world. Ancient images of knowledge-sharing are of people gathered around elders, thought leaders and gurus, in public spaces. Depending on where and when, this could be by the side of a river, under a tree, in a public square or on a street-side. This is learning and knowledge generation in a social setting. Within society and indistinguishable from it, learning is enabled by the practical and perceived reality of life as it’s experienced, often on a platform of traditional cultural practice. When information was recorded in writing, the emblematic image of learning is often the quiet study table surrounded by books. This is the dissemination of accumulated knowledge, most commonly recorded outside of the direct experience and as a more linear and onedirectional transmission abstract from specific cultural settings. The ‘neutrality’ of science. The SPU Library and Resource Centre integrates both at the same time – it’s a social place where people make themselves available to wideranging incidental and planned interchange in

Photograph by Roger Jardine

the course of daily life, both in physical space and online, with and without books, collectively and in solitude, directed and enabled by mentors or among themselves. It is at the same time a tree, the side of a river, a public square, and a street. Centered on a raked public forum, the ground floor is an extension of Kimberley’s pavements, paths, squares and gardens. It’s a public space sheltered from the cyclical hot and cold extremes of the arid climate. Ascending from public to private, each additional floor is another ‘public square’ accessed from its perimeter to enable three-dimensional exploration of a continuous knowledge-scape. Solid grass-reinforced moulded mud forms typify South Africa’s interior vernacular brakdak construction. The library scales this heritage up into a 22cm thick freestanding concrete shell, rising up to 36m high and lifted off the ground to reveal a single hollowed-out volume ascending upward to its highest point overlooking University Square. The inverse of Kimberley’s iconic Big Hole diamond mine, the building is a distinctive sculp-

SUPPLIERS: Lighting: Regent Lighting Solutions – 011 474 0171 Instant lawn: Evergreen Turf – 011 948 7913 Nurseries: Floriculture – 081 464 5147 Just Trees – 021 871 1595 Random Harvest Nursery – 011 957 5354 Irrigation: Turf-Ag – 012 030 0157 Product: Hunter Paving: Corobrik – 010 248 6000 Inca Concrete Products – 021 904 1620 Concrete furniture: Gallo Precast – 012 546 6067

PORTFOLIO

Photograph by Roger Jardine

tured object, arising from the endless horizontality like a koppie, brakdak house, or mine shaft. In a single material, concrete is structure, enclosure, climatic attenuator, flexible use-enabler, extended tradition, and noble experience. In everyday university life, the building is a refuge, a 24 hour winter lounge and summer verandah. In a world of scarce resources, it is highly energy efficient, allowing in the right amount of natural light with significantly mitigated heat-gain or loss, the internal temperature further moderated by hot and cold water pipes embedded into concrete floors. In the city, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a landmark of democratic learning, social and cultural exchange, and a generator of economic potential which always comes from empowered knowledge and ideas. Insite explains its involvement on Sol Plaatje University as developing the hard and soft landscape component for mainly Central Campus, and with input on the sports facilities on South Campus.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The key question Designworkshop explored was what this emerging typology could optimally be and enable in the South African reality of a globally integrated world."

Insite also offered its design input on hard landscape construction details and the maintenance specifications that go into these spaces. The landscape brief for the precinct was to provide a comfortable outdoor living environment for students enrolled at the University. The precinct includes residences, lecture halls, office spaces, a library and study halls. The design resolution was informed by the urban design layout for Central Campus by Ludwig Hansen Urban Designers. The design was also inspired by the surrounding environmental and landscape attributes which were included in the landscape design, to celebrate the Northern Cape and surrounding Karoo landscape and cultural characteristics. The landscape design included gathering and socialising spaces as well as efficient circulation routes. Designed hard and soft landscaped spaces were required in all areas surrounding the new buildings for the precinct. prolandscaper.co.za

129

PORTFOLIO Photograph by Roger Jardine

ABOUT INSITE LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS Insite is a landscape architectural practice which has world class experience in creating inspirational, dynamic and authentically engaging spaces within a local and international portfolio. Insite believes that landscape design creativity adds value to any project and the team strives to implement innovative design solutions. It is a creative ideas company, passionate about landscape architecture and conservation, with the ability to deliver excellent services within the entire spectrum of landscape architecture.

Due to the confined space available between the new buildings, functional and hardscape circulation areas dictated the design. Street furniture was introduced within the outdoor spill-out spaces and circulation routes to provide sufficient lighting during the night and comfortable seating spaces.

flow in the landscape was important. Also, most of the campus is underlain by shallow rock which made tree placement design and planting difficult. Tree placement and the hard landscape design was also impacted by the fact that all the different building's underground services ran in the sometimes narrow pedestrian corridors.

Functional use of the spaces was the most important design consideration due to harsh climatic conditions, limited space, storm water drainage requirements, and the need for storm water attenuation where possible.

The solutions included level adjustments, incorporation of stairs, adjustment to finishes and aesthetic coordination of services. The design process was complex and challenging in perpetuating the original design intent whilst simultaneously keeping the solutions cost effective, practical and available at a fast pace. Hard landscape design included new paving, walkways, landscape lighting, benches, bollards, bins, bicycle racks and drinking fountains.

As a part of the design procedure, Insite presented design concepts to both the client and Designworkshop for approval and for broad coordination, once all parties were in agreement the final concept plan was created. Once tender and construction drawings were produced, extensive interaction and coordination was required with other consultants to achieve appropriate solutions responsive to the site. Challenges included that most of the central campus is very flat, so directing stormwater

130

prolandscaper.co.za

Greensight Landscapes, the landscape contractors company, received access to the site when construction was about 80% complete. The team started with site clearance and preparation, then moved on to earthworks and trenching for irrigation. Next came the installation of irrigation mainlines and lateral lines. After this,

paving went in, followed by the installation of the granite and concrete products as well as irrigation. The team was then able to start filling in topsoil and planting trees, shrubs and groundcover, and maintained it until the handover to the client. The Southern Campus has a multitude of facilities and land uses, and in particular, will provide a number of sporting facilities for the university. The design scope of the landscape architectural works incorporated: Soft landscape design, between the playing tennis courts and the new multipurpose sport fields (Kikuyu lawn, trees and landscape berms); irrigation design and sleeve coordination; design input and detailing of drainage systems; design input on earthworks and soil preparation. The overall design and implementation of this project has seen the realisation of a space that is exciting, functional and a centerpiece to student life at SPU. It has rightfully garnered much attention, and we expect to see many more awards for this project in the coming year.

Vezimvelo Horticulture and Projects (Pty) Ltd is a SALI affiliated successful landscaping, irrigation and garden maintenance business established in 2012. Since inception, the business has seen phenomenal growth and has now expanded to offer an array of softscaping and hardscaping solutions. Our mission is to provide our clientele with an experience which leaves an indelible impression of service excellence. All our staff are trained, competent, experienced and committed to integrity, performance, professionalism and respect for our clients and the environment. Vezimvelo is a level 1 BBBEE service provider.

CLIENT: ROOS NURSERY PROJECT TASK: LOGO DESIGN

DATE: 17 OCTOBER 2017

SIGN-OFF:

DATE :

OVERALL ARTWORK DIMENSIONS :

COLOUR SPECS :

* Digital

ARTWORK APPROVAL

SPECIAL FINISHES :

Please ensure that all artwork information is correct. Vanillaink is not liable for incorrect information on artwork that is approved by client.

NONE

option 01

Consultation, Design & Implementation of Gardens l Landscape & Garden Maintenance Indoor Plantscaping l Irrigation Design, Installation & Maintenance l Environmental Rehabilitation | Turf Construction & Maintenance l Earthworks & Paving Solutions l Project Management | Paving Services & Sourcing of all Indigenous Plant & Tree Material

Tel: 021 558 5649 l Ian Tshabalala (Director) Cell: 082 558 1228 I info@vezimvelo.com l www.vezimvelo.com

Growers of quality plants and trees for the retail and landscape markets N URSERY

Gerrie 082 410 7219 | accounts@roosnursery.co.za

Likhutsa Retail Shop

We specialise in colourful decorative rubberised flooring. Easy maintenance. Recommended for indoor and outdoor play and gym areas.

Likhutsa Nursery is a thriving wholesale and retail nursery that propagates ornamental bedding plants, shrubs, groundcovers and trees, as well indigenous and exotic plant types. We are well versed in all aspects of our trade and take pride in providing all clients with our knowledge and plant information.

www.lifestyleturfandplay.co.za | Info@lifestyleturfandplay.co.za 011 660 2634 | 082 875 0873

Portion 52 (Portion of Portion 9), Burgershalle farm, Kiepersol Iswell Thabethe : 083 689 9581 | 013 751 3030 www.likhutsa.co.za

S C I E N C E R E S E A R C H FA C I L I T Y

UNIVERSITY OF

Mpumalanga CHALLENGING CONVENTION

132

prolandscaper.co.za

PORTFOLIO

Completed: January 2020 Size: 8548m2 Location: University of Mpumalanga, Mbombela Situated on the University of Mpumalanga, Lower Campus, you will find the new and rather striking science research building. This building provides 10 large specialised teaching laboratories, a number of post-graduate and research laboratories, raked and flat teaching venues and staff office spaces. Mpumalanga is a tropical region in the eastern part of South Africa, iconic for its beautiful undulating lush natural landscape and mountainous terrain, with steep slopes and rocky outcrops providing a challenging environment to build in. An existing unused parking platform on the university campus was identified as the extent of the site, a welcome constraint that mitigated surface challenges and guided the edges of the building to limit the impact on the natural environment. The design intent of the Science Research Facilities for the University of Mpumalanga was to challenge the conventional learning practices of science within academic institutions which are mostly highly regulated and inaccessible to the curious eye. The building program has been spaced over separated buildings, punctuated

by courtyards of various sizes that ensure the building is breathable, light and takes advantage of the climate and natural landscape of the Mpumalanga region, furthermore balancing the enclosed laboratories and open space. The envelope celebrates the program of the various laboratories through generous transparency in the facade whilst still sensitively responding to the climatic and functional requirements of an effective laboratory workspace. By dispersing the building program across the site, new intermediate zones are created through courtyards, lingering thresholds and exposed service rooms, all connected by open covered walkways that wrap around the main courtyard. The programmatic arrangement of this building along the circulation spine exposes the entire procedure of the working nature within a laboratory, which in turn visually opens up the scientific discourse to the public realm. Exteriors The exterior program takes advantage of the visual connections of the laboratories by providing generous walkways and defined courtyard spaces to encourage people to linger and potentially learn through visual engagement. The courtyards nestled in between the laboratories

have been designed as open terraria that exhibit the thriving micro-ecologies of Mpumalanga. A strong groundwater source uncovered during the construction phase is guided through the main courtyard through recessed channels on the ground, further reinforcing the powerful presence of the natural context. Materials The material palette is a selection of honest materials; a warm toned face-brick, off shutter concrete and glazing ensuring the envelope remains in line with the broader campus aesthetic. Terazzo floors continue the sentiment of honest, hardware materials throughout circulation routes, while the doors and joinery made up of locally sourced hardwood timber lend a warmth to the crisp white laboratory interiors. MEET THE TEAM Architects: Ludwig Hansen Architects and Urban designers Landscaper architects: kwpCREATE Landscape contractor: Likhutsa Projects

prolandscaper.co.za

133

PORTFOLIO

The Landscape Architects Situated on the Lower Campus of the University of Mpumalanga in Mbombela, the Science Research Facilities, designed by Ludwig Hansen Architects and Urban Designers, form an interesting network of buildings that allowed for optimum interaction with the landscape. This site and region can be characterised by its rocky outcrops, undulating levels and both the Lowveld forest and grassland biomes. It was our aim as the landscape architects to respond to and enhance the unique character of the existing natural landscape, whilst providing ample space for students to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;spill outâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; of the building into various landscaped zones. We endeavoured to contribute to the surrounding landscape ecology through the planting selection, resulting in a number of indigenous gardens inserted throughout the building complex. The smaller courtyard spaces nestled between the various building blocks were considered to be lower-light zones, and carefully selected species from the surrounding endemic forest

134

prolandscaper.co.za

biome were selected for these areas. The larger, or main, courtyard serves the function of guiding students and staff to the various building blocks, whilst providing a public space for gathering and resting. Custom designed stormwater channels, linking the planted areas, were inserted into the concrete paving to form part of a wellconsidered stormwater network that was designed to deal with a constant flow of groundwater through the main courtyard. This ultimately guided much of the design, enabling the main courtyard to be both ecologically functional and socially and aesthetically inviting. Custom designed benches were included as an extension of the architectural language, and drinking fountains were introduced to ease the effects of the Lowveld heat. The students who study in the buildings are fortunate to have both visual and physical access to the landscaped areas at all times, due to the close relationship between building and landscape.

PORTFOLIO

SUPPLIERS Clay pavers and building bricks: Federale Stene – 013 241 2302 Lighting: Regent Lighting Solutions – 011 474 0171 Tiling: Union Tiles- 011 663 2000 Software used: ArchiCAD Graphisoft- 031 764 1314 Waterproofing: SIKA South Africa- 031 792 6500 Benches: Wilson Stone – 011 615 6212 Paint: Plascon - 0860 204 060 Nurseries: E-Grow - 013 516 0037 Likhutsa Nursery - 013 751 3030 Skukuza - 013 735 4312 Tree Factor - 073 748 4460 Irrigation product: Rain Bird

03 SPORTS

Planet Fitness O LY M P U S

137

prolandscaper.co.za

PORTFOLIO

Size: 6,000m2 Date completed: February 2019 Cost: R50 million in total Location: Olympus, Pretoria East

ccording to Greek mythology, "Olympus" was the name of the home of the Twelve Olympian gods of the ancient Greek world. Olympus, in the east of Pretoria, was developed from agricultural land into a residential suburb in the early 2000s, now home to the training grounds for future Olympians. Over the past 20 years, this area has developed and densified with a mix of townhouse complexes, residential estates and freehold homes. This Planet Fitness project is viewed as part of the next phase of the development or ‘settling in’ of the suburb, where ancillary functions to the predominantly residential grain become viable – retail, offices, schools, and in this case, leisure. The conceptual idea and inspiration for the design of this project was to focus on the outside, the views, sunlight, shadows, time of day and the general context. Exercising outdoors may improve energy levels and decrease stress to a greater extent than working out inside, but if your habitat is more concrete jungle than open landscape, this fitness centre provides all the internal functional spaces and facilities, but directs awareness and connection to the world outside. A defining aspect of our city’s ‘new suburbs’ is the isolated and abandoned streetscapes. Most of the development is hidden behind a protective layer of solid boundary walls with controlled security access points. With this project, which represents one of the first ‘public’ buildings in the suburb, the entire building opens, visually, toward the street. The internal spaces allow engagement toward the sidewalk, the street and the world beyond, while also allowing public connection back into the constantly moving and active internal areas which now form part of the sidewalk, and by implication, the suburb.

“Streets and their sidewalks, the main public spaces of a city, are its most vital organs.” – Jane Jacobs

138

prolandscaper.co.za

PORTFOLIO

This building is completely outward focused in all its primary functions, but at the same time, it is a strong new presence in a growing suburb and if we measure the health of a community by the vitality of its streets then this project has already contributed to the daily life of the residents – not only by enriching the visual character and atmosphere, but also by allowing pedestrian ‘life’ on a street where previously only cars were seen. “Chaos was the law of nature, Order was the dream of man.” – Henry Adams A view from the top The open rooftop running track and the expansive glazed north façade of the building allowed the opportunity to visually and emotionally connect the protected interior spaces to the world outside, allowing all visitors to the gym to have full awareness of where they are and have a ‘knowing’ of ideas like time of day, the weather, sunlight and all the subtle bits of information that binds us to our unique South African context. A large training facility such as a Planet Fitness Gym claims approximately 2,000 m² floor

MEET THE TEAM Client: Planet Fitness Architects: W Design Architecture Studio wdas.co.za Main architects: Johan Wentzel and Grete van As Main contractor: W.F. Kroon Projects Tenant installation architects: TC RPv Landscaper: Tree Traders and Intlé Garden Creation Photographer: Jamie Thom for W Design

space on ground level, combined with vehicle parking facilities and various other ancillary services this buildings footprint fills a 6,000m² stand with very little room to spare. The building is positioned as close as possible to the street which enabled us to approach the planning as an ‘extension’ of the suburban sidewalk – on all levels of the structure via the large atrium space – adding life and activity to an otherwise abandoned streetscape. The fully transparent building spills out onto the public sidewalk and provides not only visual entertainment and life for the occupants, but a community presence and security for the immediate context. The Landscaping The landscaping was approached as a ‘refined’ version of the indigenous vegetation found in the area, rocky mounds covered with veldgrasses in combination with Aloe marlothii, Black Karee (Rhus lancea), Wild Olive (Olea Europaea Africana), Bushwillow (Combretum krausii) and Buddleja saligna trees. It is important to note

that the landscaping not only serves this project and building but serves to create an ‘island’ of greenery and life in an otherwise ‘abandoned’ street – behind a series of security boundary walls – hopefully setting the trend in motion for future development to include the public realm into their respective project. The roof space is conceptually seen as ‘replacing’ that which the building has removed from the natural open space – the full footprint of the structure is provided as an elevated, exterior, open landscape with artificial lawn and crumbed rubber surfaces – all framed with a series of sculptural lights which almost frames the space, like a theatre at night. An indoor running track is part of the standard Planet Fitness list of requirements and in this project it was possible to relocate the running track to the roof in combination with various other outdoor training functions – all perched on the edge of the Bronberg mountain with expansive views over the Eastern Suburbs and CBD of Pretoria.

SUPPLIERS Trees and planting: Tree Traders – 083 677 2121 Running track and artificial turf Installer: Floors International SA – 086 199 9121 Product: PVP Gummi 116m Product: Condor multi-functional turf Paving in parking lot Vibro Brick’s grey interlock paver – 012 374 5533 Lights in parking areas BEKA Schréder – 011 238 0000 Planters in parking lot Designed by W Design, built by W.F. Kroon Projects Finished with MODCON 0138 precast coping – 066 355 0015 Exterior lighting on rooftop Designed by W Design mild steel and powdercoated with LED armature inserted

SPORTS/FITNESS

OFFICE

HEALTHCARE

EDUCATION

HOSPITALITY

RETAIL

INNOVATIVE FLOORING SOLUTIONS

FLOORS INTERNATIONAL S.A

is a leading commercial flooring distributor. We specify and distribute intelligent flooring solutions with world renown brands to architects, interior designers, space planners, building professionals and flooring installation companies. 0861 999 121

WWW.FISA.CO.ZA

INFO@FISA.CO.ZA

04 RETAIL

144

prolandscaper.co.za

PORTFOLIO

Size: 9,850mÂ˛ Location: Ladies Mile Road, Constantia, Cape Town

CONSTANTIA Emporium

onstantia Emporium is a boutique convenience and lifestyle centre located in the well-known wine producing area of Constantia, Cape Town. The project has strong historical significance as the product of a long land restitution battle fought by the Solomon family who were forcibly removed from the land under the Apartheid Group Areas Act. The family trust regained the title deeds through the Land Claims Commission in 2012, 16 years after the land claim had been made and 110 years after the land was first purchased by the family. Subsequently, Shoprite was selected by the family to develop a noteworthy, sensitive and architecturally sophisticated project. It envisaged that the new retail centre will act as a catalyst for further development on the remaining restitution sites. The completed project has been noted as a positive example of the development potential of other restitution sites. The reunification of the family, however, is regarded as their ultimate achievement through the entire restitution process. The design The heritage of the site and the struggle of the land owners has been remembered in the public spaces of the centre. A solid brass memorial strip imbeds the location of the old site dividing boundary within the parking lot surface and the feature staircase contains a permanent historical photographic exhibit. Inspired by the captivating wine making surrounds, the practical and honest nature of farm shed design was deemed a fitting motivation for the contemporary architectural language of the project. This dressed-down and hard-wearing style celebrates the familiar industrial forms of exposed portal steel framework, timber beams and corrugated cladding. The generous use of finely detailed timber screening and cladding gives the scheme a sense of warmth and elegance and represents a unique departure from the typical material palette of convenience centre architecture while making a strong statement of commitment to locally sourced natural material. Timber slats and supporting steel structure give depth and layering to rational and minimalist elevations, casting evocative shadows and framing views. Intricate conical timber slatted planters pepper the parking deck in further celebration of timber, suggestive of deconstructed wine barrels. prolandscaper.co.za

145

PORTFOLIO

The development aims to be what it could have been, if allowed to develop naturally, by creating what is perceived to be a grouping of individual buildings connected by a double volume mall. The massing and setbacks were key to creating an appropriately sensitive response to the farmland context. The result is powerful geometries which break up the mass of the Checkers shed, puncturing the strong diagonal back wall of the store facing the highway. Conversely, a finer grain of massing and generous setbacks are incorporated on the Spaanschemat River Road and Ladies Mile Road edges, facing the residential Constantia neighbourhood beyond. The centre is predominantly single-level retail, with an upper level dedicated to offices. There is plenty of convenient on-grade and undercover parking. Anchored by the flagship Checkers FreshX, the centre is home to Woolworths, Clicks, two eateries and offices. The ground floor accommodates a careful selection of line shops, anchor tenants and eateries, with office spaces located on the upper level. Flagship Checkers FreshX supermarket offers customers a world-class shopping environment with a unique artisanal market experience, wider aisles, silent floors and fresh departments designed as dedicated destination areas. At the centre of the mall, the grand off shutter concrete feature staircase, with its custombuilt stepped soffit, exhibits formidable craftsmanship, its features accentuated with subtly-designed lighting. Black steel balustrades topped with shaped timber maintain the minimalist theme from the stairs and bridge floating above. Opposite the stairs, three glass lifts provide convenient access from the undercover parking to the ground floor mall.

MEET THE TEAM: Owners: Solomon Family Trust Client: Shoprite Checkers (Pty) Ltd Architects: SVA International Landscape and irrigation design: GBI Landscape Consultants Landscape and irrigation contractor: Cape Rain

146

prolandscaper.co.za

PORTFOLIO

SUPPLIERS: Screening and cladding: Rhinowood â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 084 580 6406 Safintra Saflok 700 - 021 981 3130 Lighting: Regent Lighting Solutions â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 021 552 7622 Trees: Just Trees - 021 871 1595 Retaining wall: Terraforce L12 Rockface - 021 465 1907 Tensile cables: Tensile Cables - 021 701 9677 GBI Landscape Consultants weigh in on the planting and implementation onsite for Constantia Emporium. For the Ladies Mile Planting under the eucalyptus trees, informal landscaping using species that GBI Landscape Consultants observed grow well under eucalyptus trees such as Dietes grandiflora, Felicia amelloides, Dimorphotheca sp. with seasonal bulbs Zantedeschia aethiopica and Chasmanthe aethiopica were planted. The public open space planting consisted of 21 x 1,000 litre trees, Syzygium cordatum and Ficus natalensis, which were planted in an open space area opposite the centre to compensate for the eucalyptus trees that had to be removed from the road reserve area in front of the centre. The ground level parking is on a deck, so it was not feasible to plant trees on this area. The parking area was compact, allowing little space for large built planters to accommodate trees. This however created an opportunity to create something unique that would complement the architecture and building facades. GBI found inspiration for planters from the surrounding winemaking region. The conical planters or "deconstructed wine barrels" became interesting visual elements on the parking deck, lifting the greenery to eye-level without compromising on the parking layout. The planters had to be strong, durable, and withstand the elements. Rhinowood staves are supported on marinegrade stainless steel components that make up the intricate, invisible structure of the planter. Drainage, irrigation and lighting are carfeully intergrated into the base of the planter and the removable staves allow for servicing of these areas.

148

prolandscaper.co.za

The Neighbourhood Square

PORTFOLIO

Completed: July 2020 Size: 8,000m² Location: Linksfield, Johannesburg The Neighbourhood Square is a village-style retail centre designed to become an energised hub of The Neighbourhood, a residential lifestyle estate located on a portion of the old Huddle Park Golf Course in Linksfield, Johannesburg. Many large existing trees, which lined the greens on the old golf course, were positioned on the new site for the Neighbourhood Square. Respecting and accommodating these trees-as a response to the natural heritage of the sitebecame a key design driver. Early on the design team identified suitable trees to preserve, and the design was manipulated to create a shopping centre that felt like you were ‘meandering through the trees’. The simple linear architecture of the building was intended to allow the building to become the backdrop for the landscape. Seamless transition from the densely forested landscape to shopfront was emphasised by a column-free canopy to allow maximum exposure for the tenants’ shopfronts and to create a more engaging shopping environment. The restaurant square and piazza form the community heart of not only the shopping centre but of the greater Neighbourhood precinct. The use of textures and planting emulate a traditional village square, creating a vibrant and interactive social space.

Principles that are central in local retail design such as convenience, natural light and fresh air, access to outdoor seating in coffee shops and restaurants, have become increasingly important post-COVID-19. The distinct shopping environment of the Neighbourhood Square provides ample opportunity for outdoor social engagement and easy access to essential retail outlets e.g. Checkers, DisChem. The intention is to create a community orientated centre that reflects the vibrancy of the neighbourhood that it serves.

MEET THE TEAM: Client: Investec Property Project manager: SIP Project Managers Landscape architect: Landmark Studios Electrical engineer: CKR Consulting Engineers Structural and civil engineers: Pure Consulting Wet services: GK Pereira Consulting

SUPPLIERS: Lighting: Regent Lighting Solutions – 011 474 0171 Nurseries: Instant Trees - 011 906 9901 CJM Growers - 082 775 1224 London Lane - 082 659 1119 Just Trees - 021 871 1595 Random Harvest - 011 957 5354 Central Nursery - 011 608 0110 Hillcrest Nursery - 011 458 6016 Paving: Corobrik - 011 871 8600

150

prolandscaper.co.za

Fire consultant: Adengo Fire Consultants Quantity surveyor: Brian Heineberg and Associates Main contractor: Trencon Construction Landscape contractor: Countryline Africa Lighting design: Paul Pamboukian Lighting Design

COUNTRYLINE

PORTFOLIO

prolandscaper.co.za

151

152

prolandscaper.co.za

Ferndale ON REPUBLIC A new lease on life for this redevelopment

PORTFOLIO

Size: 53,000m² - 23,000m² (new retail area) Location: Randburg, Johannesburg Completed: September 2019 Ferndale on Republic, in partnership with Moolman Group, PHG Group and Braam van Huyssteen, has really changed the landscape of shopping. Ferndale on Republic compromises approximately 53,000m² in total. Of this, roughly 23,000m² forms part of the new community shopping centre. With over 90 stores, shoppers are spoilt for choice, convenience, ample free parking and free Wi-Fi. The centre boasts an array of national retail stores and restaurants, ensuring that residents are treated to a first-class shopping and dining experience. The centre is easily accessible from Republic Road and Cross Street. Ferndale on Republic highlights architecture by MDS Architecture and Landscape Architecture Daniel Rebel Landscape Architects with Landscape Contractors, FSG Property Services, Landscape Division, which was awarded the coveted double gold in Landscape Construction with Design by Others category at the 2020 SALI Awards of Excellence. We catch up with Sean Pearce, a partner at MDS Architecture, to learn more about this development. Site history Ferndale on Republic, previously known as the Brightwater Commons and the Randburg Waterfront before that, was initially created as a city waterfront development – a romantic notion in Johannesburg in the 80s. The waterfront element was removed when it underwent a renovation and became the Brightwater Commons, which introduced landscaping and parks to the development, as well as a flea market. Ferndale on Republic is a complete redevelopment, designed by MDS Architecture. Sean Pearce, a partner at MDS Architecture, says that the development has been realised in phases. “Ferndale on Republic is a mixed-use development with offices as well as large retailers. The redevelopment began with the refurbishment of the existing cinemas into Kagiso Media’s new Urban Brew Studios, a well-respected South African television production company. This 12,000m2 project then served as a catalyst for the upgrading of the existing buildings as well as the addition of a new 23,000m2 community shopping mall. Pearce says the design was influenced by his focus on comfortable architecture. “Having grown up in the area, I have many fond memories of the Randburg Waterfront when I first visited it over 20 years ago. prolandscaper.co.za

153

PORTFOLIO

MEET THE TEAM: Developer: Ferndale on Republic Consortium Development managers: Moolman Group Main contractor: Probest Architect: MDS Architecture Landscape architect: Daniel Rebel Landscape Architects Landscape contractors: FSG Property Services, Landscaping Division

It evokes wistful memories for many Joburgers, so I relished the opportunity to be able to completely reimagine the spaces and see it evolve into Ferndale on Republic,” he says. The brief The Ferndale on Republic Consortium, comprising Moolman Group, PHG Group and Braam van Huyssteen, wanted to reposition and rebrand the development as well as increase the total GLA to around 53,000m2. Pieter Lombard, CEO of Moolman Group, says: “In contrast to previous endeavours, this project is a complete redevelopment with a key focus on community. The new Ferndale on Republic is almost unrecognisable; totally repositioned to benefit retailers and shoppers alike and managed with attention to detail.” Pearce says that while some parts of the existing building were retained, others were demolished to allow for more efficient parking and to link the existing building with the new enclosed mall. Landscaping was a key design principle to soften the design and help integrate the old with the new. The site Randburg is experiencing rapid development. Ferndale on Republic has good access from both Republic Road and Hans Strydom with a quieter entrance via Cross Street into the neigh-

154

prolandscaper.co.za

bouring Ferndale. An iconic ‘fern’ sculpture was commissioned for the main entrance off Republic Road to enhance the new branding of the centre. The existing Mercure Hotel was subtly revamped to form part of the new entrance boulevard.

The large space, with parking for over 3,200 vehicles, has been broken up by red brick paving and lighting, serving as a strong axial link. Treelined walkways and paved entrances extending into the parking areas all add to the pedestrian-friendly aspects of the new building.

Design ethos “We have created a convenient neighbourhood shopping centre while providing a safe family destination. We wanted to retain some of the nostalgia of a waterfront, as well as the greenery and landscaping. For this reason, greenery was used as a central design consideration in line with the ethos of comfortable architecture,” says Pearce.

Following staggered openings, including Phase 1 of the new community shopping centre and the opening of Food Lover’s Market, the remainder of the community shopping centre, as well as the restaurant and value retail node, were completed in November 2019.

Large trees from the previous Brightwater Commons were relocated to the main entrances to create strong focal points and connect the developments. Feature lighting and pedestrian walkways are interspersed with creepers and living green walls. The development features ‘green lungs’ around the perimeter where people can relax and enjoy a safe environment. New iconic entrances have been softened with landscaping and feature walls covered in stainless steel cables, which will allow the building to soften over time. Each entrance is a different colour to represent the four different seasons. The new, efficient parking area is located at the heart of the development.

Shopping centre Part of the existing mall attached to the waterfront/building was incorporated into the new shopping centre mall and has the sense of an old railway shed or building. Red brick has been used to provide a warm contemporary aesthetic and the individual buildings creating a village feel. The old arches and steel framed windows were maintained to bring in natural light while new bulkheads and shopfronts were introduced to link the old parts with the new. “Shoppers walk through the existing mall and then through to the new mall, creating a special connection between new and old. We worked with existing structures and high-level windows, but introduced new shop fronts and bulkheads.

"The development features â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;green lungsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; around the perimeter where people can relax and enjoy a safe shopping environment."

prolandscaper.co.za

155

PORTFOLIO

The retrofitting and refurbishment create interesting interactions and spatial connections between the two structures,” says Pearce. The interior features warm, natural elements and a lot of greenery. Lighting and signage, floor tiling and paving all contribute to a completely different experience. Family retail The co-owners made a concerted effort to promote family retail at Ferndale on Republic and for this reason, pubs have made way for Spur, Panarottis and other family-orientated offerings. The architectural design of the project allows for simple and logical movement patterns, resulting in an easy-to-navigate shopping experience. Pearce believes that in its new form, Ferndale Mall on Republic has a romantic attraction. “It is an evolution that retains the good things associated with the development. The design is efficient but sensitive to the residential area adjacent to the site while taking advantage of accessibility and visibility from Republic Road,” he concludes. Landscape FSG Property Services, Landscape Division, the Landscape Contractors, were responsible for

the installation of the project. One of these responsibilities included installing the decorative paving at the entrances. In total, the FSG team installed over 5,500m2 of Corobrik paving. A fully automated irrigation system was also installed, utilising borehole water in large underground storage tanks. The storage capacity of the tanks is +/-400,000L of borehole water. Before planting, the soils were improved with organic composts and fertilisers. Zeolite was also mixed into the top 300mm soil profile to improve water retention and improve soil structures. When it came to the planting onsite, an indigenous Dietes bicolour mix was applied as the bulk planting around the development, with Crocosmia aurea, Kniphofia praecox and Kniphofia rooperi added into Dietes mix. The mature trees in the parking lot include Celtis Africana, Combretum erythrophyllum and Harpephyllum caffrum, and were planted to create a sense of established passage from the road into the centre. The avenue of trees up the pedestrian walkway runs through the parking lot and leads the customer through the space. Large Olea europaea africana trees were utilised as feature trees at main entrances, along with

cable systems for the planting of Jasminum angulare and multipartitum to grow up and create green screens adjacent to the restaurants and at entrances. This is also an incredibly green and welcoming element to the build. In general, the main contractor was very tight on deadlines, so if any issues or problems onsite crept in, overtime and late nights were part of the job to ensure the developement was ready for the opening date. The project was well managed by the project managers and professional teams, and the outcome is a well-frequented, beautifully designed and implemented space that meets the needs of the local community.

SUPPLIERS: Nurseries: Instant Trees Nursery – 011 906 9901 Tshala Plant Brokers – 071 683 1177 Plantz Central – 083 284 3186 Topsoil and compost: Furstenburg Compost – 072 316 1807 Soil product: Pratley's Zeolite - 011 955 2190 Paving: Corobrik – 011 871 8600 Exterior bins: Truestyle – 084 694 2315 External furniture planters and seaters: Gallo Precast – 012 546 6067 Lighting: Regent Lighting Solutions – 011 474 0171 Mall bins and benches: Badec Bros – 0861 322 332 Internal roof planting: Distinctive Spaces- 011 708 7878 Irrigation: Controlled Irrigation Product: Rain Bird

156

prolandscaper.co.za

Growing Health

Sizes Available: 500g, 2kg, 5kg, 10kg and 25kg INPUT: Organic EU (CU 833864)

frican

South A

Organic Fertiliser Approved Input

Innovatio

Superfood for Plants Sustained Release of Nutrients

Climate, Carbon

Tel: (013) 933 3172 / (061) 454 9632 Cell: 079 896 5814 Email: info@talborne.co.za

and Water SMART

Won’t Burn Plants Feed Every 4 Months

www.talborne.co.za

healthy soil = healthy plants = healthy people

Acton Gardens are people who share a love and passion for exterior design and beauty by creating a unique paradise for each client’s individual needs. Since 2006 we have enriched many lives by creating outdoor havens where you can relax and just enjoy nature. Acton Gardens’ structure and unique capabilities proves our flexibility to confidently handle projects of varying sizes and types, commercial and residential alike. Your passionate professionals in landscape construction and maintenance. Contact Us Visit us online: www.actongardens.co.za info@actongardens.co.za | 083 444 6337 @actongardens

@actongardens

Drip Irrigation Sprinklers

Perfect Water Management Solutions

Valves Filters Chemical & Fertilizing Injector pumps Automation

sales@agriplas.co.za www.agriplas.co.za Centurion:

012 6610340

Mpumalanga: 013 7553510 Cape Town:

021 9177177

05 RESIDENTIAL

R E I N V E N T I N G

160

prolandscaper.co.za

S A FA R I

PORTFOLIO

Completed: 2019 Location: Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Mpumalanga Size: Entire farm – 3.25ha All three house plots: 3,000m2

Cheetah Plains Private Houses are the home of the definitive, exclusive-use, luxury sustainable safari in South Africa’s most celebrated wildlife area, the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. The Cheetah Plains houses play host to a private safari experience of a lifetime The new Cheetah Plains private houses in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve near the Kruger National Park, South Africa, designed by ARRCC, reinvents traditional safari‐style architecture to create an altogether new safari experience of nature from within. Combining state‐of‐the‐art sustainable architecture with a pioneering afro‐ minimalist aesthetic, Cheetah Plains contrasts confident contemporary inorganic forms with the natural landscape, creating something beautiful in the unexpected creative contrast of seemingly opposing forces. “Our lifestyles are modern, nature is raw and primal. It is in that honest contrast that a beautiful tension exists,” says lead architect Stefan Antoni. “The architecture exists to enhance the experience of the outdoors – not to mimic it, but to complement it so that guests may experience the bush more directly, more immediately.” The accommodation at Cheetah Plains is split into three separate, private components referred to as Plains Houses. These, in turn, are made up of clusters of free‐standing buildings rather than the typical lodge typology of a central communal space surrounded by bedroom suites. Each Plains House has a private arrival courtyard with covered canopy, an expansive open‐plan lounge, dining and bar space with an adjoining air‐conditioned wine room, and a private family/ media room. These communal living spaces are each surrounded by four stand-alone bedroom suites, almost large enough to be considered mini lodges in their own right. The bedroom suites each have a generous open‐plan lounge and bedroom space, plus a guest toilet and a walk‐in dressing room. The bathrooms open directly to the outdoors, offering an exhilarating open‐air bathing experience.

prolandscaper.co.za

Image by: Dook

161

The outdoor features woven into the spaces around each Plains House include a boma area, an expansive terrace, and a heated pool. Sculptural raw rusted steel pool pavilions, inspired by the canopy of the local Tamboti tree, filter dappled light through their cantilevered branches. Each house is also equipped with a commercial kitchen with a dedicated chef. Angular or divaricate architectural forms – that are the aesthetic signature at the heart of the lodge design – were inspired by the Acacia thorns indigenous to the area. The convergent lines and expansive cantilevered roof structures of the lodge not only offset the architecture against its setting – a sculptural form or jewel in the landscape – but also frame and mediate the experience. The open, seamless boundaries between interior and exterior have the effect of immersing guests into the environment rather than placing them on a platform, reduced to mere spectatorship. This architectural response facilitates a much more profound and layered interaction with the environment than the traditional lodge designs. The fractured arrangement of the buildings also made it possible to retain established trees on the site and build around them, enhancing the lodge’s sense of integration with the environment and allowing to tread lightly on the site. While off‐shutter concrete provides straight lines, the creative use of raw materials grounds the design in the landscape and allows the purity of the architectural forms to flow seamlessly. Feature walls built with hand packed‐raw Mica, naturally rusting Corten steel and timber elements introduce warmth and earthy, raw textures. MEET THE TEAM: Property Management: African Secrets Architects: ARRCC Project team: Stefan Antoni, Jon Case, Wade Nelsen, Emmanuel Kuchocha, Luke Zanon, Kelly Titus, Terisha Raatz Interior décor: ARRCC Project team: Mark Rielly, Nina Sierra Rubia, Anna-Katharina Schoenberger, Tanisha Niell Bespoke furniture: OKHA Project team: Adam Court, Thomas Hinde Landscaping: Japie van Niekerk (owner and developer) Images: Adam Letch

162

prolandscaper.co.za

163

PORTFOLIO

Image by: Dook

The honest expression of these materials, selected to age and weather naturally over time, lends the design integrity and a sense of natural transformation and growth. Where the architecture is pristine and linear, the interior design introduces softness and texture – at times retaining a certain grittiness with rough stone walls, raw concrete, weathered steel and sheets of glass. “The idea was always to redefine luxury and usher in a new language of African design for safari,” says ARRCC director of interior design Mark Rielly. “The result is interiors that are at once uniquely African, yet undeniably modern with natural finishes and sophisticated detailing.” A unique sense of place is carried through in the abundant use of locallysourced natural materials and bespoke designs handmade by local artisans. Organic, natural forms are abstracted in the patterns, forms, and rhythms of the interior design. The curvature of the black steel flues of the fireplaces, for example, contrasts artfully with the straight lines of the architecture. Richly-textured fabrics, aged leathers, and wood grains have been subtly offset with sleek details in gold, bronze and black.

164

prolandscaper.co.za

PORTFOLIO

Many of the furniture pieces were custom designed by ARRCC and OKHA in collaboration with local craftsmen, including Colin Rock, Pierre Cronje and Gerrit Giebel. Once‐off Pierre Cronje dining tables, each made from a single sheet of leadwood, establish a central feature in each house. Suspended above them, hand‐blown glass chandeliers by Martin Doller reflect and refract the natural light from the surrounding bushveld. Each bar has been hand‐ carved from a single block of Travertine. The walls are adorned with a thoughtfully curated selection of original South African artworks, many specifically commissioned from both established and up‐and‐coming contemporary local artists. The public sculptures include cheetah by Arend Eloff and wild dogs by Gail Catlin. Japie van Niekerk, Cheetah Plains owner and developer explains that:

The principles of local biodiversity were applied, only indigenous plants, trees and shrubs were used. The landscape was to look natural and flow into the surrounding vegetation, the vast majority of which were protected during the building period as it was an established site with existing buildings before the reconstruction project began. The team had to use indigenous, waterwise plants and still provide an inviting and cool environment which complemented the building structures and natural surroundings. “The story of the design is a collaborative vision that carefully explores the considered design of every element and their materials to reveal their natural beauty and purest form, shaping elements that are raw and transforming them into objects of luxury,” says Rielly. At the same time, the integrated concept of architecture, interiors, and furniture design revolutionises the safari experience and advances the discourse of game lodge architecture. ARRCC director, Jon Case, says: “The buildings and interiors are symbiotic. They're one idea shared in a unique location.” The walls are adorned with a thoughtfully curated selection of original South African artworks, many specifically commissioned from both established and up-and-coming contemporary local artists. prolandscaper.co.za

165

Image by: Dook

SUPPLIERS Cement: AfriSam – 0860 141 141 Pergolas and cladding: Installed by: RAM Shopfitters Product: White Stained Iroko Tegs Timbers – 011 024 1530 Grass: Grassit – 083 447 8255 Compost: Montebello, "kraalmis” – 076 645 3401 Shavings and treebark: Gromor – 031 782 3105 Tile flooring: Importers and installers: Stone Art – 012 324 7222 Stone used: Silver Travertine imported from Turkey Pool: Midwest pools Pool pump: Speck Pumps – 011 455 4300 Exterior lighting: Cool Lighting – 012 653 4240 Pool furniture and screen umbrella: ARRCC and OKHA Fabric used: ADF Outdoor - 041 405 4111 Umbrellas: Cape Umbrella - 010 880 0805 Planters: Indigenus - 021 488 9909 Nurseries: E-grow Nursery – 084 626 0262 Fever Tree Nursery – 013 755 6012 Klugro Nursery – 082 808 0444 Hydroseeding: Echo Horticulture – 021 905 0556 Product: Sungro Fertiliser: Elim Kunsmis – 012 252 4455 Product: BioGreen organic fertiliser Oak Ceilings: Oggie - 011 262 3117

www.cheetahplains.com www.cheetahplains.com reservations@cheetahplains.com reservations@cheetahplains.com prolandscaper.co.za 166 +279 694 694 84308430 +27 (0)79

THE DIFFERENCE YOU NEED! Cape Umbrellas supplies the highest quality umbrellas to both the domestic and international markets. Our umbrellas are state of the art and designed specifically to our customers’ needs. Based in Cape Town and proudly South African, you can’t go wrong when choosing a Cape Umbrella. We ensure the highest quality as one of the industry leaders and continually push the boundaries with our innovation, such as our patented Automatic Lifting System (ALS).

CELEBRATING 21 YEARS OF HIGH QUALITY AND RELIABLE UMBRELLAS!

CAPE TOWN FACTORY

FOLLOW OUR SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS

47 FALCON CRESCENT, AIRPORT CITY, CAPE TOWN. T: +27 (0) 21 448 6012 E: INFO@CAPEUMBRELLAS.COM

FOR ALL THE LATESTCAPE UMBRELLAS NEWS

JOHANNESBURG OFFICE UNIT B1, 3 DAKOTA CRESCENT, AIRPORT PARK, GERMISTON. T: +27 (0) 10 880 0805 E: JHB@CAPEUMBRELLAS.COM

TAKE A LOOK AT OUR ALS VIDEO ON YOUTUBE

WWW.CAPEUMBRELLAS.COM

PORTFOLIO

168

prolandscaper.co.za

PORTFOLIO

Two - Close - Between Llandudno Residence Project location: Llandudno, Cape Town Completion Year: 2020 Size: 446m² (site) 550m² (building area) Abon Studio design’s a residential masterpiece in Llandudno, Cape Town. The official name given to this project is TwoClose-Between, the name is derived from the actual constraints of the site's surroundings along with the functionality of the building. The drivers for this project were problem solving privacy aspects whilst preserving views. This is a dual living home built on a small 450m2 site, snug between two existing properties. The main objective was to retain the views of the ocean whilst maximizing privacy between the dual living and also from the surrounding homes, which are situated around all four sides of the site. The dual dwelling is divided by one wall and a secret door, if the wall is removed the dwelling becomes a four-bedroom single family residence. An aspect Abon Studio is particularly proud of with this project is the amount of usable space it managed to achieve on such a small site, whilst creating spaces that do not interfere with the surrounding homes. If there was any challenging process in this project, Abon Studio noted that it would have been fitting a three level home onto a tight site that was surrounded by other homes on all sides. The design needed to suit the client but respect the neighbours in many aspects, which involved a lengthy design development process. MEET THE TEAM: Architects: Abon Studio Photo credits: Abon Studio

prolandscaper.co.za

169

PORTFOLIO

SUPPLIERS: Interior wooden floors: Oggie – 021 510 2846 Pool: Mac D Pools – 021 696 7930 Lighting: Hyper Lighting – 021 981 4401 Tiles: Stiles Tiles – 021 510 8310 Aluminium windows and doors: JBC Aluminium – 082 783 3803 Steelwork (balustrades, gates, fences): RH Steelworks – 082 898 7753 Braai: Teamworks Fireplaces Decorative concrete: Chryso – 021 928 1660

170

prolandscaper.co.za

PORTFOLIO

prolandscaper.co.za

171

Idyllic Luxury Delaire Graff Estate’s new Owner’s Villa and Superior Lodges

172

prolandscaper.co.za

PORTFOLIO

Location: Stellenbosch, Western Cape Size: 1826m² Completed: July 2019

elaire Graff Estate, a spectacular wine farm in the Cape Winelands, has unveiled an expansion to its accommodation offering, a new four-bedroom Owner’s Villa and six Superior Lodges. Nestled in the Stellenbosch Valley, the contemporary Cape architecture blends effortlessly with lavish interiors while seamlessly integrating with the estate’s natural surroundings – providing an unrivalled Winelands experience. Laurence Graff, a leader within the international diamond industry and an avid collector of art, opened the doors to Delaire Graff Estate in 2009. Today, the estate is a leading destination for wine, art and hospitality in South Africa, known affectionately as the ‘Jewel of the Cape Winelands’. Having designed the existing winery, restaurant and tasting room, dhk Architects was the studio of choice to complete the new extension. The client brief was to establish a new standard of luxury accommodation on the estate while enabling the buildings to coalesce with the greater site through the use of common materials and architectural elements. London-based David Collins Studio was selected to decorate the interior spaces. Showcasing the finest contemporary Cape architecture, the villa and lodges feature a selection of natural and raw materials most evident in the exposed solid French oak trusses, stone-clad walls, thatched roofs and extended timber terraces. Refined and elegant, the villa and lodges are of exceptional quality with high-end finishes and careful detailing throughout. Extensive landscaping has been incorporated into the design, allowing the buildings to connect to the encompassing mountain and vineyard landscape. The four-bedroom villa covers 660m² over two floors and sleeps up to eight guests. A notable element of the design is the villa’s impressive and welcoming arrival experience which includes a thatched porte-cochere, stone-clad walls and water features. A large timber door with dark bronze ironmongery ushers guests into the entrance hall which reveals direct views of Table Mountain, as well as vistas of Botmaskop and the estate’s sweeping vineyards.

prolandscaper.co.za

173

174

prolandscaper.co.za

PORTFOLIO

The luxuriousness extends into the expansive main living and dining area, which is double volume in height and features a timber-clad ceiling with exposed 200-year-old solid French oak trusses. From here, guests have access to a large state-of-the-art kitchen, walk-in wine cellar, and private study-comelounge. Large sliding doors spill out onto a generous terrace and entertainment area that includes a 14-metre rim-flow pool, jacuzzi and outdoor shower – perfect for enjoying Stellenbosch’s warm climate and taking in the estate’s views. Two of the four bedrooms, including the master, can be accessed via the entrance hall while a grand staircase leads downstairs to a further two bedrooms and a gym. The bedrooms have been designed for maximum privacy each featuring a sitting area with a fireplace, dressing room, ensuite bathroom and private terrace. Providing complete accessibility, a hidden lift connects the two floors. Internally, guests can expect modern, open interiors with clean lines, bespoke African décor, high-end furnishings and artwork

curated by Laurence Graff. Additional areas include back of house spaces, staff quarters and a security guardhouse as the villa comes with its own personal staff. The six lodges are housed within three separate buildings, each containing two interconnecting one-bedroom units that can be opened or closed to create smaller or larger suites. In addition to a bedroom, the lodges also include a private living area, dressing room and ensuite bathroom. The design follows a similar aesthetic to the villa, featuring natural materials, high-end finishes, luxurious décor and artwork from Laurence Graff’s personal collection. Large floor-to-ceiling foldaway doors lead onto a private outdoor pool deck and terrace, offering prime views of the estate’s idyllic surroundings. Derick Henstra, executive chairman at dhk says, “It is a privilege to have worked with Delaire Graff Estate for over a decade and we are proud to be the design studio of choice for the renowned destination”. Renske Haller, managing director at dhk and lead architect on the project, elaborates: “It is rare to work

on a project that exudes this level of grandeur. We worked closely with all teams involved to ensure that the architecture and interior elements were of exceptional quality – setting a precedent for luxury accommodation in the Cape Winelands”. We caught up with Raymond Hudson, from Keith Kirsten Horticulture International to find out more about the landscaping on this site. Raymond explains Mr. Graff requested that the garden be in keeping with original landscaping done by Keith Kirsten Horticulture International. The focus is on form, colour and symmetry. Hedges define geometric spaces around the lodges which are planted informally within. Hedges are also planted against the gabion and brick retaining walls. The plantings close to the Villas are largely exotic with much more indigenous informal plantings in the greater landscaped areas. All of the trees are indigenous.

MEET THE TEAM: Architects: dhk Architects Quantity surveyors: De Leeuw Group Structural and civil engineers: De Villiers & Hulme Electrical: CKR Consulting Engineers Mechanical, Fire, Drainage, Stormwater, XA: CKR Consulting Engineers Health & safety: EHS Green Leaf Consultancy Lighting consultant: Isometrix Landscape designer: KKHI (Keith Kirsten Horticulture International) Town planner: Praktiplan Land surveyor: Friedlaender, Burger & Volkmann; Bruwer Surveyors Interior designer: David Collins Studio

prolandscaper.co.za

175

PORTFOLIO

SUPPLIERS: Interior wooden flooring: Oggie – 021 510 2846 Nurseries used: Arboreta wholesale nursery – 021 864 3857 Arnelia – 022 723 1022 DeFynne – 021 869 8467 Elands Nursery – 041 955 5671 Habitat – 021 855 4400 Induli Wholesale Nursery – 021 785 3581 Just Trees – 021 871 1595 Nonke Plants – 021 887 6972 Shadowlands – 021 903 0050 Irrigation: TurfManzi Irrigation – 021 975 5578 Product used: Hunter

ABOUT dhk ARCHITECTS: dhk Architects is a design-led multi disciplinary studio incorporating architecture, urban design, landscape architec-ture and interior design. More than 110 people contribute to the success of the company, making dhk one of the largest design practices in Africa. An integrated approach to design coupled with innovative and cost-effective solution has garnered international recognition and projects spanning four continents.

176

prolandscaper.co.za

We specialise in all landscaping, gabions, small civils projects. decking, paving and the transportation and relocation of trees. Hennie 079 368 0141 | David 079 238 6611 | Hentie 073 539 4433

E L A L E N I C O A S TA L F O R E S T E S TAT E

The Gates at Elaleni

178

prolandscaper.co.za

179

PORTFOLIO

Cost: R30 million Gate house size: 1,200m² Total infrastructure size: 10,000m² Location: Elaleni Coastal Forest Estate, KwaZulu-Natal Premised on an ethos of sustainability and natural living, the 46ha of Elaleni Coastal Forest Estate is a pioneer for environmentally conscious design and no stranger to Pro Landscaper’s pages. Its newest node, "The Gates at Elaleni" is no exception to the overall design concept of the estate and includes exquisite boutique offices, now available for sale and for rent, perfect for professionals and family businesses. This is a North Global Group Properties (Pty) Ltd Development with architecture by Bloc Architects and Landscape Architecture by Uys & White, who have managed to use sustainable products to achieve a beautiful outcome.

he approach to The Gates, as explained by Bloc Architects, is by means of an entrance causeway over an elegantly layered water feature, further emphasising the transition from the busy, fast-paced outside world, to the tranquil, protected lush forest within. Every aspect of The Gates incorporates natural or raw elements where possible, encouraging engagement with its forest context. Embracing an over-riding environmental conscience, the design utilises a natural locally-sourced material pallet of stone, timber, concrete and glass. Carefully placed at a natural entryway to the forest estate, a simple form is arranged along the building’s axis. Using natural stone spine walls to support the vast cantilevered off shutter concrete green roof, this natural entrance portal and gateway to the estate is emphasized with natu-

180

prolandscaper.co.za

ral indigenous greenery taking precedence over the architecture. The indigenous naturally planted berms and roof plane set up the internal spaces along the building’s axis. The Gates building programme consists of: Access Kiosks, security control room, lettable offices, shared workspaces, home owners association offices and The Hide coffee shop and social pause area. Elaleni residents and local community members are encouraged to engage with the features on offer, with many local design professionals relocating their offices to The Gates. The Gates' site history Interestingly, this site used to be a crocodile farm, and the once modest entrance to the farm has been transformed to be visually integrated with the surrounding natural terrain. The gates represent a transition from the outside world into a sustainable community living lifestyle estate, vested in an ethos of living close to nature. The brief required Uys & White to design a high profile entrance that is dramatic and evokes emotion. The client also requested green screens to provide shading from the sun as well as privacy to office spaces on ground floor. The brief from Bloc Architects was that it was paramount that the building have a green façade with dramatic and lush cascading green vines. How the brief was realised The Gates is a multifunctional building, housing the access controls to the estate as well as private and public office space. Due to the northsouth orientation of the Gates building, ground floor recessed offices needed protection from the harsh western sun. Planters on the building’s first level are planted with waving

grasses and beach creepers trailing down to create a curtain of green providing office privacy and sun protection. Stormwater collection was an important consideration and therefore a permanently wet causeway was created, which all visitors and residents have to drive through upon arrival. This gave us the opportunity to create a landscape gallery including elements such as a signage wall (pump house), elements of interest (bonsai stands in water), road islands with palms, and water jets. Users of the space drive through this landscape gallery, that terminates in a forested berm which serves as a background and cuts one off from the surroundings before you turn right to pass under the gate house and enter the estate. One of the primary features here is that the landscape defines the Gatehouse, not the Gatehouse defining the landscape. The landscape is most certainly the main feature and the Gatehouse is a facility within an arrival space that is first and foremost “landscape”. To achieve an emotional arrival, the vehicles are directed over a contemporary take on an old-time causeway. There are water bodies on both sides with connecting strips of water crisscrossing the road surface. To reduce the vehicular speed, islands of palm clusters divide the road into visual spaces. Once speed is reduced, one experiences a gallery of 2m tall bonsai trees exhibited on podiums in reflective water. These 2m-tall bonsais, are a part of the Lucas Uys Private collection consisting of over 500 specimens. This entrance has been described as an emotional and theatrical experience by the press.

MEET THE TEAM Property developers: North Global Group Properties (Pty) Ltd. Architects: Bloc Architects Landscape architects: Uys and White Landscape Architects KZN Landscape contractors: River Projects Building works: North Global Construction Images: Chris Allan Photography

prolandscaper.co.za

181

PORTFOLIO

SUPPLIERS Clay paving: Corobrik – 031 560 3111 Concrete cobbles: Monoblock – 032 947 0716 Granite cobbles: Union Tiles – 032 946 0384 Suds: Bera – 083 449 3954 Irrigation: Netafim Drip – 021 987 0477 Soft landscape, gabion works, cycads and large palm tree clusters: River Projects – 079 368 0141 Timber supplier: Vimar Timber – 031 464 0929 Signage: Rainbow signs – 082 451 1860 Circle feature: Alifab / Earl Moller – 082 555 1838 Planting: Hardscapes Nursery – 079 368 1041

182

prolandscaper.co.za

A B O U T U YS & W H I T E LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS Uys & White has been fortunate to play integral parts in prestigious national and international projects. Its interest lies in landscape urban planning projects. Lucas Uys was previously appointed – for three years – as president of UAE's internal landscape architect, and exposed to more than 3,000 projects, varying from desert projects to luxury palace developments and Head-ofState government buildings. It was involved in a resort hotel development in Egypt on the Red Sea which consists of a lagoon, a marina, Arabian villages, entertainment nodes, conference centre, and a Mediterranean city of courtyards. The team was also involved in the Intercontinental Hotel and village of 100 units on the cliffs in Dakar, Senegal. Further projects include hotels in Addis Ababa, university campuses in Ghana and Kenya, as well as boutique hotels in Mauritius. With over 40 years’ experience, Uys & White Landscape Architects is mostly involved in luxury residential, boutique and mega residential estates. prolandscaper.co.za

183

Landscaping Irrigation Maintenance