SEPTEMBER 2022 ANNIVERSARY ISSUE
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Cylinder maintenance is too often overlooked and to ensure that the system continues to function as intended, graphite and cylinder cleaners are the preferred products to be used. It is, however, important to note that only cylinder cleaner should be used with reversible key systems. In harsh environments, it is recommended to maintain the cylinders on a six-monthly cycle or as required. At dormakaba we offer various options for organising a locking system for your individual locking solutions. We can provide you with mechanical key systems with a flexible planning software, which leaves almost all options for future expansion of the unit open to Weyou.have two different lock cylinder systems to choose from and, with our numerous cylinder designs and configurations, you will find the matching solution for every requirement. Our lock cylinders are also easy to combine with an RFID clip with electronic lock cylinders or electronic access control. dormakaba South Africa is here to support you when you are ready to plan your next locking system.
5 / FEATURE /
Traditionally, locking systems are designed with the aid of a locking plan. This locking plan defines which keys are allowed to open which doors. In this way, the locking plan helps to maintain control over the system. As an example, the planning of a dormakaba mechanical key system is supported with our flexible keylink planning method. With tools like keylink, your planned locking system remains adaptable and expandable providing you piece of mind throughout your buildings’ lifecycles.
www.dormakaba.com/za-en
• Keeping control of who holds which key to which room for security reasons.
A master key plan is the essence of modern mechanical access control. It is recommended for all types of buildings, from residential houses and apartment blocks through to medium-sized or large organizations with a hundred keys or more. These systems are particularly important for three main reasons:
An example of a basic keying structure is as follows: the master key held by the managing director would open all the doors in the building. Group key A opens the entrance door and all doors on the ground floor. This key is kept by the floor manager. The same applies to group key B. Finally, each employee has a key that opens the main entrance door, their own office door as well as their filing cabinets. These keys enable each user to cover the authorisations applicable to them within the locking plan hierarchy with a single key. They work with a wide variety of cylinders, such as door cylinders, padlocks, furniture cylinders, and even switch cylinders. A welldesigned locking plan can vastly improve both the convenience and security of a building for its users.
• To eliminate the need to carry too many keys resulting in convenience for the building user.
ONE KEY IMPROVEDFORCONVENIENCE
• For safety reasons. When emergency services need quick, round-the-clock access to all rooms without having to search for the right key. Examples would be nursing homes, hospitals, student accommodations, and hostels.
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Mechanical door locks and lock cylinders are the easiest and most secure ways of protecting your property. Whether in hotels, retail stores, sports facilities, airports, hospitals, the office, or at home, the mechanical cylinder locking system is one of the most common security solutions in our industry. From individual keying to keyedalike, a central locking system, master key system, grand master key system, or a complex master key system – a well-planned locking system increases the security of your building, as well as the safety of the building user.
SUSTAINABLE URBAN DRAINAGE
Honestly, right now at this moment, I am convinced that we are the most relevant and influential professional platform for design, build, and maintenance in South Africa. Our team is looking forward to opening our doors and growing with you over the next seven years! Plus, we are thrilled to celebrate our industry and its growth at SCAPE The Trade Show on 21 October 2022 at the CTICC to reignite our collective passion once more.
Celebrating 84 successful down
to pen a momentous Editor’s Note...
PS: We’ve curated a killer issue in celebration of our anniversary. So, turn the page and enjoy!
/ LEADER / S T L L S T I L L S T L L G R O W N G G R O W I N G G R O W N G S T R O N G S T R O N G S T R O N G N S T I L L S T I L L S T L L G R O W I N G G R O W I N G G R O W N G S T R O N G S T R O N G S T R O N G 021 903 0050 | sales@shadowlands.co.za www.shadowlands.co.za SALI SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR 2021 WINNER EDITORIAL Editor-in-Chief & Director Chanel Besson Content Manager Liesl Lamprecht Commissioning Editor Amy Aries ADVERTISING Key Account Manager Justine Coleman Media Sales Executive Basheerah De Villiers Trade Show Partnerships & Media Executive Ryan Steensma DESIGN Zoey&I Sarah Gregg-Macdonald
editions on SCAPE's seven-year anniversary, I sit
I can’t help but think back to the early days of dreaming up a magazine title that would give voice to an entire industry — with equal access for all. I looked at other brands I admired in the trade, hoping that we’d eventually have a voice bigger than theirs and someday, hopefully, more relevant. We spent hours on end pitching somewhat unfamiliar concepts to clients, writing dream partnerships and writers onto a white board each month, hoping one day we’ll land one of them. Slowly, year by year, layer by layer, we laboured and burned the midnight oil to build a brand that serves as the mouthpiece for South Africa’s entire build industry. We’ve grown out of three offices (and a few names), tapping into more than 15 industry associations and their members, featuring over 450 buildings and 250+ writers who’ve contributed to our growth. Being able to come into our offices each day to tackle topics and buildings of such great influence is not lost on us! When I consider our journey from then to now, it’s hard to define the moment things started to fall into place for us, because, quite honestly, we’re worlds apart from where we first started. We’ve enveloped an entire industry under one roof over these seven years, broadening our reach to collaborate with professionals we wouldn’t in our wildest dreams imagine would be getting in touch to have their work showcased. I think the only thing standing between the starting line and our current milestone is continuous progress — the kind that happens gradually, day by day, with persistence and unwavering dedication, until eventually, you look back and wonder how on earth you got there! A reminder that real growth is subtle and steady. People have always said that things will eventually click into place, and it'll get easier as a brand, but that’s never been our experience. We’ve never been ones to hold tight and hope for the best. Our approach has been proactive, continually searching for ways to represent the industry. From creating specifier campaigns to hosting trade shows, these initiatives together with our monthly issues, have catapulted our influence.
9 5 One Key for ConvenienceImproved by dormakaba 62 Sizeable Storage Solutions Sparepro Head Office and Storage Facilities, Empowered Spaces Architects 10 Creating Meaning in the Metaverse by Gustav de Necker, Associate Architect, Co-Arc International Architects, and Lu Ke, Architect, Landscape Architect, and Urban and Interior Designer, SAOTA 41 Intelligent Interiors Google AI Research Centre, Boogertman + Partners Architects 68 Sluishuis A IngelsDevelopment,Gravity-DefyingBjarkeGroup 19 The Future Architectureof Regenerative and Biophilic Design, Perspective by Gillian Holl, Managing Director, Veld Architects 47 A CorporateCutting-EdgeCreation Nicol Corner, Cimato Moroldo Architects 74 Building for a Purpose Calling Academy Stellenbosch, SALT Architects 27 One on One With the Directors of Vivid Architects 54 Standing Firm in Faith After a Fire Durban Christian Centre, Elphick Proome Architecture 79 Spring Plant Palettes For Commercial Developments, by Nonke Plants 82 Approaching Landscape Irrigation Like a Pro By Grethe Bestbier, Agrico / CONTENTS / CONTENTS 35 Designing a Social Media Sensation Susu Bubble Tea, Mel Cook, Interior Designer and Founder of Cooked Studio
In the months since Mark Zuckerberg announced the buzzword of the future in late 2021, we have all been poised on the edge of our seats anticipating how the new era of the metaverse will change reality as we know it. More than that, how will the metaverse transform the field of architecture, landscaping, and design? SCAPE set out to explore these questions by asking Gustav de Necker from CoArc International Architects and Lu Ke from SAOTA to share their respective architecture and landscape architecture point of views.
MEANINGCREATING IN THE METAVERSE
One key aspect that an open digital world offers the architect, is the preservation of cities in time. Cities can be captured as they currently are by using 3D scanning technology, allowing buildings to be preserved in this space long after they are changed or demolished. In this way, the heritage of architecture could be preserved indefinitely, offering users the opportunity to explore cities no matter which decade they live in. Moreover, cities or buildings damaged from natural catastrophes would be immune to these effects in the metaverse, remaining completely unharmed. In terms of culture, the metaverse would be invaluable, since it would capture a memory of a place, neighbourhood, or building that can be explored by different generations as places grow and change. At Co-Arc International Architects we have already started using 3D scanning technology like Matterport to digitally capture our completed buildings to be visited virtually. These spaces are not integrated into a metaverse digital world yet; however, this is only the beginning of the digitalisation of the architectural space. Although the notion of capturing an entire city as a usable digital space is an idea of great scope, it is not unachievable. Architecture continues to push into the digital space. While buildings are created in real time, their ‘digital twins’ are being monitored, viewed, explored, and visited in the
GUSTAV DE NECKER
The making of the metaverse Explore any city, anywhere, modern or ancient. From New York in the 80s to Rome in the early first century – the world is your oyster. The metaverse offers architects endless possibilities, not only to inhabit and create in virtual reality, but also the opportunity to engage with clients in a digital space like never before.
Associate Architect Co-Arc International Architects www.co-arc.com @coarcinternational
12 / FEATURE /
A world of possibilities
The metaverse is a wide-ranging concept with as many applications and possibilities as the internet had in the early 90s. As such, the idea of an immersive 3D world, and how we will interact with it, is at this point simply brimming with potential. Entering an open 3D digital world using an avatar to explore, work, meet and relax is not unimaginable; we have seen these ideas in film and television before. However, it is the making of the digital 3D realm that could be an interesting subject for architects moving forward.
AN ARCHITECTURE PERSPECTIVE
The metaverse as an idea can be regarded as a future version of the internet that would be an online 3D universe made up of various virtual spaces. The concept of the metaverse has existed for some time in science fiction and is actually not the brainchild of Mark Zuckerberg. Neal Stephenson is credited with developing the concept in his novel Snow Crash in 1992, but other books and films like Ready Player One, and Surrogates have also explored the idea in the past.
SCAN
THIS CODE to explore a Matterport 3D digital scan of the Leonardo in Sandton!
/ FEATURE / digital realm. The notion of using Building Information Management (BIM) to create a digital twin building –something Co-Arc already produces for each building – offers our clients and our firm many advantages to learn from and develop design ideas. Plus, it enables us to monitor the successes and failures of buildings and their efficiencies in energy, water use, space planning, and so forth.
A potential drawback of this kind of use of the metaverse would be the amount of work that would be required to produce a digital building that could be explored in the first place. Architects know the time and effort it takes to model a building or space in 3D to a level that is acceptable to show to a client, and this labour-intensive risk might not be worthwhile in the initial design phases. The potential of the metaverse for the architect really exists more in the finalised digital twins of buildings, and the preservation of the existing cities as a record for world architectural heritage. Digital urban planning
Only time will tell The metaverse as an idea is packed full of possibility. The way the metaverse develops, however, remains to be seen. Few people could have imagined the impact the internet would have on our lives as we entered the new millennium. Likewise, the metaverse would be another giant leap in the evolution of the internet. The problem is that the metaverse is not being developed as it is imagined. Different companies are developing their own versions of the metaverse that will be isolated from one another. The internet is simply the internet, and we are all able to explore it in its entirety. In contrast, there will not be just one single metaverse to explore, but a whole host of metaverses made by different companies, much like the different streaming subscription services we now have from the likes of Netflix and Amazon.
On an urban scale, the planning of cities within the metaverse holds boundless opportunity. Once real-world cities have been sufficiently captured within the digital space, urban planning in the metaverse could have a significant impact on how cities change over time. The possibility to test new additions and changes, not only to buildings, but also neighbourhoods and entire cities, is something that architects dream of. If every aspect of the city is digitised (e.g., electricity, water, and traffic patterns) then, just like the digital twin of a building, the digital twin of a city could be manipulated and explored to test ideas for future planning before committing to large-scale infrastructure projects that in the past would be seen as very risky.
The idea of an all-encompassing metaverse, the way the internet emerged as the World Wide Web, is not currently developing quite as open and expansive as its name suggests. However, it would be naïve to say that the metaverse is just a buzzword that will soon drift off into obscurity. The metaverse has every opportunity, in whatever form it takes, to fundamentally change the way in which humans interact with the real and digital world.
"IF AN ARCHITECTURALFIRM CREATED A DIGITAL PORTFOLIO OF THEIR PROJECTS AND HOUSED IT IN THE METAVERSE , THEY WOULD BE ABLE TO SHOW POTENTIAL NEW CLIENTS THEIR ENTIRE BODY OF WORK AS AN IMMERSIVE DIGITAL EXPERIENCE."
Creating for clients If an architectural firm created a digital portfolio of their projects and housed it in the metaverse, they would be able to show potential new clients their entire body of work as an immersive digital experience. This would then allow clients to appreciate the scale, detail, and complexity of the firm’s designs. The architect would also be able to show the client imagined spaces – buildings in their context – and instead of a boardroom pitch, an interactive exploration and showcase of the potential building can be used to win over the client.
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The metaverse focusses on three core technologies: Firstly, extending reality technology, including VR and AR; secondly, digital twin technology, which helps designers to mirror the real world in the virtual world; and thirdly, using blockchain to build an economic system. Moreover, there are various subsets that reimagine the metaverse in different ways, such as NFT and character avatars. During the pandemic, many people were stuck at home and could not visit family or foreign places. The metaverse is imagined as an intermediary tool that marries the real and virtual worlds to allow us to meet people and places – be it in our virtual hometown or visiting friends abroad. To that end, architects and designers are also starting to imagine a new environment and how to bring these different experiences to the virtual space. However, while many designers are curious about the metaverse, they are not quite sure how to enter it and how to benefit from this new online sphere just yet.
LU KE Architect, Landscape Architect, Urban and Interior Designer SAOTA www.saota.com @_saota
Over the last few months, the metaverse has increasingly been influencing many of us to think about the new world and how to design it. Following the trend, a few well-known architectural firms have been inspired to design buildings in the virtual space. For example, Bjarke Ingels Group’s virtual office in the metaverse for media company Vice Media Group, and Zaha Hadid Architects who generated a great concept with their Liberland Metaverse city design.
The upsides of going online Designing landscapes in the virtual world has plenty advantages, and since there are no environmental legislations, building regulations, or white or blue papers, it brings an invaluable sense of freedom to industry professionals. For example, landscape architects can incorporate unique experiences within public grounds or open spaces and help structure virtual cities. Since the transportation system is unnecessary, people can also safely and freely walk, jump, and run in the virtual world. Another
A LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE PERSPECTIVE
Most recently, ‘The Line’ project in Neom, Saudi Arabia, showed great imagination. The smart linear city concept integrates many high-end technologies to avoid the usage of private motor vehicles and to allow residents to walk freely in the space. Therefore, there would be no carbon dioxide or other harmful emissions that would be harmful to the environment. Using metaverse virtual technology, landscape architects can improve the area from a space-making perspective and further explore the futuristic aspect of the concept to emphasise the end-user's experience. During the pandemic, many design studios worked remotely – something that promoted the development of the metaverse as a virtual work space. Many people envision this work space as being useful for holding meetings with other team members or presenting design concepts to clients, especially because of its flexibility. Some people may prefer to have a meeting in a wild natural setting as the environment might be more related to their project, and the client can then easily engage with the topic.
interesting point to consider while designing virtually, is how these spaces can positively engage with people by giving them a place that is pleasant to be in. Landscape architects can use ‘digital twin’ technology to mirror real places, buildings, and landscapes as virtual replicas. During this process, they would also be able to make improvements by shaping landforms or adding plants or landscape elements. This could result in fascinating designs that enable avatars to engage with these spaces.
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Last year, I chatted with Greg Truen, Principal and Professional Architect at SAOTA, about the metaverse and he was so excited about it. SAOTA was one of the first design firms in South Africa to implement virtual reality technology into the design process. Architects or designers can immerse themselves in the virtual space to carefully review their buildings and study the relationship between the building, the surrounding landscape, and its views. This advanced process will greatly help to improve design quality.
Quality and clients
Landscape architects can use this new technology to design their projects on a 1:1 scale and invite clients to jump into the metaverse to walk around their new home with them. A landscape architect could ‘virtually’ walk next to the client and explain details that the client might have missed on paper. Even better, people who are not familiar with planting knowledge could be educated during the walk-through tour in the virtual space. Take it forward In my view, landscape architects ought to step into the metaverse as early as possible to explore these new opportunities. The profession still requires skilled people who have comprehensive planting knowledge. For example, placing the right plants in the right place or climate zone is the only way to make the space feel like an appropriate environment. The virtual world does not only have to be about the high-tech side of things. It also affords the opportunity for education, especially on the subject of endangered or extinct species. Additionally, it could introduce heritage buildings or districts that used to be there but no longer exist or look the same. Building these designs in the virtual world can help heritage conservators or landscape architects to better understand, preserve, and study these important sites.
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DESIGN Perspective
ANDREGENERATIVEBIOPHILIC by Gillian Holl
INNOVATION IN REGENERATIVE MATERIALS
Plastic bricks
V eld Architects is a modern architectural firm in Johannesburg that is passionate about designing buildings that have a cohesive relationship with nature. With more than 20 years of experience in the trade, they skilfully combine sustainable, regenerative, and ‘green’ architecture principles with neuro-architectural disciplines to create conscious projects that consider the environment.
The use of renewable energy is, of course, centre stage in a regenerative project, but that only addresses 55% of the problem. We have to change how we manage land and how we live in it. Apart from renewables, regenerative design requires the use of net zero materials (negating greenhouse gasses), and building with adaptability in mind. Would we have built so many skyscrapers ten years ago if we had known that remote and hybrid working would become the new normal? Who knows what changes the next decade will bring? That’s why we have to build with longevity in mind.
Hempcrete blocks Hempcrete is made from the woody core of the cannabis plant together with a formulated lime mix. These wonderfully diverse and highly innovative blocks are carbon negative, meaning more carbon was taken out of the air while the plant grew to maturity than was set free during the manufacturing process. This material is a strong insulator, lightweight, fire and pest resistant, and breathable. Plus, it also prevents the growth of mould.
During production, plastic bricks emit the same carbon emissions as during the recycling process of plastic. However, a plastic brick is so much more than just ‘recycled’ material. It deals with waste in a positive manner while creating something that weighs 25% less than sand, with incredible thermal and acoustic value.
20 / FEATURE /
Join the Managing Director of Veld Architects, Gillian Holl, as she explains why regenerative and biophilic design is the future of architecture... Nature doesn’t create problems. It solves them. When a leaf falls off the branch of a tree it is absorbed into the ground as food. Waste in the natural world is eliminated, because nature works together holistically. In order for humanity to curb climate change and improve human well-being, we need to mimic what nature does. We need to become problem-solvers by adopting a whole-system approach. In architecture, the adoption of regenerative and biophilic design principles can help get us there. Restore, renew, revitalise In essence, regenerative design means reversing the damage. It is not enough to just recycle, reuse, and reduce – this approach alone won’t save the planet. Real change requires actions that will restore, renew, and revitalise our natural landscapes. However, such a holistic approach to design does not begin with aesthetics. It starts with an in-depth analysis of the immediate environment and its surroundings, communities, and biodiversity. Every decision, no matter how inconsequential it may seem, is important, and innovation is critical.
'The House with a View,' Monaghan Farm, Gauteng, South Africa
'Deconstruction of a House,' Drum Village, Johannesburg, South Africa
For a biophilic design to succeed, it needs repetition of the above elements throughout the building so as to create a multi-sensory experience.
• Direct access to nature and views of the natural landscape
"Where designregenerative looks at restoring nature with the environment,built biophilic design looks at throughhumanrestoringhealthnature.” Johannesburg, South Africa
• The use of patterns or textures that mimic nature (i.e., beehive bookshelves)
• The presence of water (i.e., ponds, fountains)
Biophilic design in architecture incorporates nature into a project through:
'House Buitendag/AMANI', Finalist, World Architecture Festival 2022,
/ FEATURE /
Yearning for nature
• Ample natural light • The use of natural materials (clay, cork, wood, etc.) and calming natural tones
• Using plants, trees, and living walls indoors
On a very deep neurological level, every single human being has a yearning for nature – even if they don’t realise it. Scientific research shows that exposure to nature directly improves mood, relieves stress, decreases blood pressure, and enhances creativity, productivity, and brain function.
• Improved air quality and ventilation
Biophilic design in the workplace Architects’ recent interest in biophilic design has COVID-19 to thank for it. Being stuck in our houses either left us feeling exhilarated or trapped. We suddenly realised that our homes needed to adopt more than just one role. It needed to be our office, school, and gym, but most importantly, it needed to be our sanctuary.
Employees started to become more productive and creative at home. Therefore, employers soon realised that, if they wanted their employees to come back to the office and showcase that same level of heightened cognitive function, then they would need to incorporate biophilic design.
Rammed earth Rammed earth is remarkable. Its application involves removing the soil from the site and turning it into a beautiful, striking net zero wall. A rammed earth wall is strong, load bearing, and low maintenance. Plus, it’s also energy efficient and pest and fire resistant.
Biophilic design is such an interesting topic within the whole-system design approach. Where regenerative design looks at restoring nature with the built environment, biophilic design looks at restoring human health through nature.
25 / FEATURE /
Let’s look to Mother Nature for inspiration. She teaches us the principles of simple living. She says, ‘Less is more. Work together. No waste.’
'Ode to the
The hard truth is that the majority of the buildings we see around us have not been designed or built with conservation and preservation in mind. This cannot continue to be the mainstay of architecture. So then, how can we adopt regenerative and biophilic design principles to restore the health of humans and nature all while addressing the challenges of high cost of living and building?
www.veldarchitects.co.za @veldarchitects
The future of architecture
GILLIAN HOLL Managing Director of Veld Architects
Industrial Revolution,' South Africa
Although it is such a simple concept, I recognise that it is incredibly difficult to execute. When it comes to regenerative and biophilic design, the role of architects is to advise, educate, and create awareness. We need the help and expertise of contractors, construction companies, engineers, developers, hydrogeologists, crafters, botanists, renewable energy specialists, environmental experts, air pollution analysts, and climatologists to realise our dreams. But most importantly, we need consumers to buy into this vision first. Perhaps real change will start taking place once clients and end-users ask the right questions and insist on a different approach to the way things are normally done. Demand precedes supply, after all.
Imagine a world where homes are being built with net zero restorative qualities in mind. A world that goes back to the basics, working within local communities, local artisans, and regional, natural materials to leave behind a building that not only brings health and well-being to its occupants, but also enhances the natural landscape. That is the future I believe many of us would love to live in.
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OONEONONEARCHITECTSVIVIDWITH
While we wanted to build on our large-scale development experience, we first had to cut our teeth on smaller private, residential projects before we could break back into the commercial market. That opportunity came in the form of a very small project for a well-known property developer in Cape Town, Rabie Property Group. We made a pledge that, regardless of the size of the project, we were going to make it a memorable and successful development for our client with the very best design and documentation, within budget, and on time. It was this small ‘seed’ that developed over the past 20 years to become the award-winning practice were are today.
28 Trevor Versfeld / ONE ON ONE / In celebration of SCAPE Magazine’s seven-year anniversary this month, we are delighted to share an exclusive interview with the directors of the renowned Vivid Architects. Join us as we observe the timeless, elegant, and well-proportioned work of this dynamic and experimental firm.
Paolo Viotti: As founding members of Vivid Architects, Trevor Versfeld, Imraan Ho-Yee, and myself, all met and worked together as partners at LKA in the 90s. Arriving as graduates fresh out of UCT, we were thrown into the deep end to experience the challenging realities of commercial architecture. This served as an extremely valuable apprenticeship and ‘postgraduate degree’ that taught us everything we didn’t learn at architectural school. It was ultimately this friendship and solid working relationship that brought us together as like-minded architects with different skillsets to start our own architectural practice in 1998.
Vivid Architects is committed to best design and architecture within the realm of brief and budget. This is only achieved when all aspects of the development process are strictly managed and delivered. Our philosophy of this process has not changed since our inception, and we still uphold the importance and value of a professional team working together towards that common goal. It is a holistic process that must involve all role players in a development from the onset of a project. City Square, Cape Town
Q: In most cases, firms have an idea, discovery of synergistic philosophy, or a like-minded approach to architecture that ultimately sparks a partnership between founders. Talk us through your beginnings: from your inception and the catalysts that shaped the firm, all the way up until where you are today.
Paolo ImraanViottiHo-YeeCharlesLouwNicCloeteCentury
Century City Square, Cape Town
Charles Louw: We recently completed Bridgewater in Cape Town for Rabie Property Group. The project comprises a complex mixed-use array of five buildings, including three office buildings, 122 apartments, and an 80-bed hotel. Our approach was to design buildings with separate identities within one development, interconnected with positive and well-designed urban spaces. We aimed to produce architecture that has a contemporary yet timeless appeal, with spaces that hold an inviting sense of place that people will want to inhabit. Beautiful buildings and comfortable spaces add value for our clients, aiding their goal of selling or letting the commercial space. Bridgewater has fast become a local success by capturing the Century City apartment rental market, and all the smaller commercial office spaces
Q: How would you describe your firm’s unique design aesthetic? Would you say it is purely based on a client’s vision and brief, making each build rather unique? Or is there an underlying signature style of design that unifies and sets apart your work? Moreover, Vivid Architects is known for being committed to a sustainable built environment, frequently encouraging clients to consider achieving a minimum four-star or best practice GBCSA rating for their buildings. How does your pledge to sustainable development influence your designs?
Q: Can you share more about the most recent project your team completed? What was the process behind your design and development approach?
A few noteworthy projects in these categories, include Mall of the South 65 000 m² in Johannesburg, Table Bay Mall 65 000 m² in Cape Town, Century City Urban Square (Conference Centre, Hotel, Commercial Office, Retail, and Residential) and Bridgewater One (Hotel, Commercial Office, and Residential) in Century City, Cape Town.
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Q: Retail, commercial, mixed-use, hospitality, luxury residential, and urban landscapes – your impressive portfolio certainly shows no lack of diversity when it comes to the variety of your projects in all sectors across the country. Tell us, which of these categories most excites you? Can you name a few projects that are proud and prime examples of your firm’s dynamic capabilities?
Trevor Versfeld: All projects are exciting in their own way, but if I have to choose, it would be retail and mixed-use projects. They are typically substantial, multi-faceted projects of large scale with complex briefs. By virtue of their scale, they need to make positive contributions to and enhance the urban landscape. These projects are also often accessible to the general public after completion, which adds to the satisfaction and the pressure of delivering successful builds. Of course, these projects also need to be designed, documented, and constructed within rigid timelines and budgets.
Imraan Ho-Yee: I would not say we have a signature style, but we do always try to push the envelope of the design within the client’s expectations, brief, and budget. We pride ourselves in being able to produce beautiful, well-designed projects that are also economically viable in addition to being aesthetically pleasing. We create timeless buildings, exploring contemporary architecture that is buildable, fresh, and textured. Our designs are people-focussed, keeping the end-user’s experience at the fore. The design is not about us as a firm, but rather a collaboration with the client, professional team, and building economics that results in a unique design solution. Sustainable design is always on our agenda and only limited by the client’s budget. Aiming for a 4-Star Green Star is a given, and easily achieved with common-sense design and an awareness of context, environment, and orientation. Striving for 5 and 6-Star Green Star ratings is always on our wish list and is determined by a client’s willingness to include this goal into the project’s capital expenditure.
/ ONE ON ONE /
"We pride ourselves in being able to produce beautiful, well-designed projects that are also economically viable in addition to being aesthetically pleasing."
Nic Cloete: We are constantly looking at new software or devices that will enable us to work more efficiently, both in the office or on-site. While we have explored and tested VR options, to present, clients always prefer a more traditional method of presenting in two dimensions. Software like Morpholio Trace allows us to quickly sketch or overlay an idea, whether at design stage or a site markup, to show the client or contractor our design there and then, which is always appreciated Revit also allows us to design in 3D and quickly export to other software packages for presentational material.
Table Bay Mall, Cape Town
We are constantly looking at these kinds of tools to make Vivid Architects more efficient and able to deliver a better product to our client that they can understand from the onset. The same applies to the palette of building materials that we consider using in our developments. We try to use ‘systems’ that are machine fabricated off site and can quickly and more accurately be constructed on-site. Timein-construction is a massive constraint for both clients and consultants, so we are continually looking at ways in which we can design and build quicker, yet not detract from the quality and beauty of the design.
31 VIVID ARCHITECTS www.vividarchitects.co.za @vividarchitects
Q: Your firm is constantly researching and reviewing the latest trends in the digital technology and software, innovative building materials, and design concepts space. Are there any new ideas you have been eager to explore and experiment with lately?
are fully let.
"There are so many buildings and interventions mentioning,worth and it has become almost cliché to say that work by BjarkeGroupIngels is an inspiration."
Charles Louw: We are lucky to live in a time of constant and fresh inspirational bombardment. There are so many buildings and interventions worth mentioning, and it has become almost cliché to say that work by Bjarke Ingels Group is an inspiration. However, projects such as the Aarhus Harbor Bath, and the more famous Copenhill Energy Plant in Denmark, show that architecture can be so much more than the making of beautiful buildings. It reminds us that, where possible, we need to look beyond the scope of the immediate development brief and attempt to provide a greater urban contribution. The Aarhus Harbor Bath especially teaches us the power of public facilities for the South African context, and what is possible when the local governments are willing.
Paolo Viotti: Vivid architects has and always will be open to working and collaborating with fellow architects and other design professionals. We are currently working in association on three large-scale projects both locally and abroad. We think these collaborations will become more common as architectural firms generally scale down to be more efficient and, hopefully, profitable businesses while navigating the uncertainty of economies and new development opportunities. We are continuously looking at and engaging with new clients to grow our business. Large-scale, big-budget developments are likely to be fewer in the future; therefore, practices like Vivid Architects need to look at increasing their client base to ensure growth and a sustainable business model doing more smaller projects simultaneously and efficiently. We would like to grow our business and ‘export’ our design and documentation skills to developers of architectural practices overseas. For many years, we have had a very successful relationship with a large-scale practice in the UK doing construction and detail-drawing documentation packages. As such, we would ultimately like to expand that partnership into the design stages as well. As founding members of Vivid Architects, we are committed to a process of succession to ensure a seamless continuity of the practice. We have just appointed two new younger directors, Nic Cloete and Charles Louw, who will be an integral part of the practice in the future of Vivid Architects.
Q: Which architecture, landscape, or development firms in South Africa would you like to collaborate with, and why? Likewise, are there any potential clients you have your eyes fixed on to partner with on future projects? Lastly, tell us a bit more about what we can expect to see from your firm and your goals in the coming years…
Q: Looking to the international realm of architecture for inspiration, name one building that has sparked your imagination and ideas. Take us through the reasons behind your admiration!
Q: How would you define the key components that form the basis of a truly successful commercial build?
32 / ONE ON ONE /
Trevor Versfeld: A truly successful commercial project is very simply dependent on a strong and talented team, which starts with an astute developer, a well synchronised and nimble professional team, together with a good building contractor.
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DESIGNING A SOCIAL MEDIA SENSATION SUSU BUBBLE TEA
The design drew inspiration from the Momo/Susu character's whiskers and eyes
36 / FEATURE /
ounded by Mel Cook in 2017, Cooked Studio is an eclectic interior architecture and design studio known for creating commercial spaces that inspire connection through experiential design. Specialised in using the science of consumer buying behaviour and human curiosity, the esteemed studio is behind the buzzing Susu Bubble Tea café in De Waterkant, Cape Town. Join Mel Cook as she traverses through the iconic interiors that made Susu an overnight TikTok and Instagram sensation.
F
The ultimate goal was to create a space that would be the place to take pictures and videos in Cape Town. Therefore, we had to keep in mind how each corner of the space would be viewed through a cell phone lens and from multiple angles. We also wanted the café to be a place where students and adults are encouraged to reconnect with their inner child in a fun and unique environment. By creating a playground with fully functional elements, including a seesaw, swing, a portal mirror in the lounge bulkhead, and oversized, colourful furniture, we sculpted a tea shop that feels like an adventure for Susu’s customers.
I always begin every project by determining who the space’s users are and how we can use design to create a sense of connection for them. By exploring the little character displayed on the Momo/Susu branded cup packaging, and thinking about who ‘he’ is, what he would be doing, who his friends would be, and what his world would look like, we started to flesh out the concept. In particular, I’ve always loved this creature’s whiskers and eyes, so I quickly began sketching out how we could use lines and spheres to honour those elements.
As we were working with a Taiwanese brand, through discovery discussions with our client, we learned the importance of feng shui as being an auspicious value rather than the typical appropriation of the practice. As a result, we had to make careful decisions regarding the balance and energy of how money and profit would move throughout the space. Certain types of plants needed to be considered, and making sure that traffic flowed to the point-of-sale from both entrances was a vital consideration.
Location: Cape Quarter Lifestyle Centre, De Waterkant, Cape Town, Western Cape
Custom sofas and upholstery Hertex Fabrics - 021 461 7420 Giraffe Designs - 021 824 4100 Decorative vases Bloom Space - 082 700 3610 Paint Plascon - 0860 20 40 60 Dulux - 086 033 0111
Inonline.January
FEATURE / Interior design: Cooked Studio Interior photography: Lionel Henshaw Photography MEET THE TEAM Project management and build: Teqture and JKL Holdings Plant sourcing, styling, and installation: Naak Botanical Studio
Behind the brief Susu Bubble Tea is the new sister brand of existing Momo Tea – the first authentic Taiwanese bubble tea brand in South Africa that was launched in 2018. We as Cape Town-based interior design studio, Cooked Studio, had the privilege of working with Momo’s founders, Samuel Boaz and Henry Francisco Castillo Kanashiro, over the past few years. So, we were of course delighted to reconnect upon hearing that the Momo Kiosk we designed for the brand in 2021 gained major success on Instagram and TikTok. Teens and varsity students just couldn’t get enough joy from sharing the photos and videos of the colourful juices, milky teas, and Momo slush beverages
37 Size: 58 m² Cost: R850 000 Completed: April 2022 (3 months)
2022, Henry and Sam approached us again for their latest project: a new bubble tea café, located in the Cape Quarter Lifestyle Village in De Waterkant, Cape Town. Apart from a few practical considerations for the back-of-house, the brief this time around was simply: ‘Make it Instagrammable!’ Essentially, the more brand exposure online, the better. We received the brief in mid-January and presented the concept to the client within two weeks. By mid-February we were liaising with contractors and costing out the full project with all construction details. After just three months, the store opened its doors in April 2022.
Designing for the digital age The previous store used to be an art gallery, so we pretty much had a blank canvas. Apart from needing to install air conditioning and get some existing drainage reticulation points up and running, the structure itself was, fortunately, ready to go and waiting for a fresh start. The Cape Quarter Lifestyle Centre is finally coming back to life after many years, with quirky Asian-inspired stores and cafés. As the Momo and Susu beverages are super bright and colourful, fun to make, great to look at, and even more delicious to drink, we were passionate about giving the products a worthy home to match. We had free reign to develop a new colour palette for the brand while playing with human curiosity.
Integrating ideologies
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Lighting Custom and K.Light - 021 552 4370 Custom Shopfitting by Teqture083 285 0009 or 082 903 7300 Furnishings Custom made by Giraffe Designs - 0717472047 Flooring Bar tiles by Tilespace021 510 2081 Mosaics by Pudlo076 941 7344 Wall treatments Custom designed by Cooked Studio - 079 696 8295 Signage and printing by Sign Facets - 011 900 4065 Banana artwork by Render Intent
SUPPLIERS
The striped wallpaper connects to the striped Bloom Space vaseThe pill-shaped vases match the shape of the pendant lights to create a visual connection
Susu Bubble Tea successfully created a fun, adventurous environment for customers to feel like kids again
/ FEATURE /
"By creating a playground with fully aelements,functionalincluding seesaw, swing, a portal mirror in the lounge bulkhead, and oversized, colourful furniture, we sculpted a tea shop that feels like an adventure for Susu’s customers." oversized seesaw adds an element of fun
Customising and curating the café
MEL COOK Interior Designer and Founder of Cooked Studio www.cookedstudio.com @cookedstudio
By working tirelessly on each detail with some incredible people, ensuring every element was custom made and curated to fit into the magical world of Susu Bubble Tea, the end result has been a roaring success. We custom designed every element apart from the barstools, pendant lights, and vases, so that each element in this space had a partner of sorts. For example, the striped wallpaper connects to the striped Bloom Space vase; the vase’s pill-shaped element matches the form of the pendant lights; the ottoman fabric was custom designed and measured to read well with the tiled wall; complementing colours bounce off each corner of the space; etc. reflections
An
Post-project
One big challenge was that, because there are offices above the store, our build and design times were restricted to evenings. One night my team were installing the bulkhead mirror at two in the morning and one of the pieces fell and shattered. We decided to switch to mirror Dibond after that instead! We are so pleased that people have responded especially well to design elements like the mirror bulkhead portal, the oversized seesaw, banana swing photobooth, and large furniture items that were intentionally designed to bring out the nostalgia of sitting on ‘grown-up’ furniture as a child. As Susu Bubble Tea expands and new cafés start opening in other parts of the country soon, I'm looking forward to seeing how each store will have its own unique Susu twist.
INTERIORSINTELLIGENT
GOOGLE AI RESEARCH CENTRE – ACCRA, GHANA
Ghana has a rich and vibrant culture exploding with a wealth of colours, textures, and patterns – not to mention being home to some of the friendliest people on the globe! In addition, Ghanaians place great emphasis on politeness, hospitality, and formality. With this in mind, the B+Pi design team concentrated on constructing a space that feels warm, comfortable, and inviting while upholding an element of sophistication – a space that connects strangers and encourages conversation.
Completed: 2022 Location: Accra, Ghana S outh African architectural firm Boogertman + Partners is behind Google’s first AI Research Centre on African soil. Located in Accra, Ghana, the new office building and laboratory centre is committed to collaborating with local universities, research centres, and policymakers to lead the future of machine learning technology for tackling continentspecific challenges in agriculture, healthcare, education, and more.
Evoking a memorable experience through any great interior design is always about getting the introduction just right. Authentically Ghanaian textiles like Kente cloth form the foundation of the welcoming reception at the AI Research Centre, with mahogany panels, wax textile wall-clocks, and cane-woven room partitions in the traditional red, yellow, and green colours seen throughout the building. Moreover, the woven wall feature also draws inspiration from the colours of the Ghanaian flag, greeting visitors with a welcoming ‘Akwaaba!’
Interior design Local engagement and connections are foundational to experiential design. If the space does not allow the occupants to feel connected, it lacks an imperative ‘Googleyness’ – the unique qualities and characteristics that different Google office locations offer. Every Google office features distinctive lingo, traditions, snacks, and design elements that relate to the building’s location and context. As such, Google values creating an emotional connection between the setting and the brand.
Custom elements throughout the office make reference to Ghana’s exceptional craftsmanship while office rooms have been named using local slang. Similarly, some of the building’s spaces have been assigned the names of local cuisine and offer a uniquely-inspired design theme for each meeting room, phone booth, and common area. Some of the local dishes, include Injera (a pancake-like flatbread), Kelewele (spiced and fried plantains), and Kachumbari (a fresh onion and tomato salad). The integration of Google’s modular jack unit into the design brings flexibility to the office interior. The smallest jack is ideal for two persons while the largest can accommodate up to eight people.
42 / PORTFOLIO /
Read along to explore how culture meets contemporary in this exquisite design... Building brief Boogertman + Partners Interiors (B+Pi) was tasked with the brief to create a flagship Artificial Intelligence (AI) Research Centre in Africa that would both articulate Google’s culture and become a tangible celebration of its unique location in Accra, Ghana. Google is renowned for their exceptionally well-designed, high-performing work environments, reflecting the new era of ever-evolving workspaces seen globally. Each Google office interior is designed to stimulate interaction and creativity, regardless of team structure. With a keen focus on the end-user's experience, their workspaces are places that create community and where innovation and collaboration effortlessly unfold. Google’s focus on facilitating healthy environments extends past the physical office space into long-term sustainability goals and operating-cost considerations. Therefore, the design team’s mission was to deliver this highly flexible, productive, and healthy environment for Google's new office in Accra.
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SUPPLIERS
The B+Pi design team honoured this connection by integrating these concepts into the built environment. Human-centric design, branding, artwork, and interactivity are vital pieces of the experiential design puzzle. The more connected someone feels to a space, the more they would like to return to it.
A woven wall feature draws inspiration from the colours of the Ghanaian flag and visitors are greeted with a welcoming ‘Akwaaba!'
Googlers
44 Interior architect: Boogertman + Partners Architects Local architectural partner in Ghana: MultiCAD Project manager and cost consultant: Mace MEP engineer: WSP MEET THE TEAM Acoustic consultant: LINSPACE Acoustic Sustainability consultant: Urban Green Consultants (UGC) Contractor: Razor. KH3 Limited Photographer: Flickart Studios Ghana’s tropical climate inspired an outdoor retreat on the building terrace
Office spaces are named after local slang and cuisine Custom elements showcase Ghana’s exceptional textiles and craftsmanship
Exterior elements Ghana’s tropical climate inspired an outdoor retreat on the building terrace. The open-air terrace encourages Googlers and visitors to get some fresh air, unwind, and experience the pleasant weather. Staff can enjoy a stroll through the garden to clear their mind, find a quiet nook to work outdoors, celebrate a successful deadline with a team barbeque, or enjoy some outdoor games during their lunch break.
PORTFOLIO / These jack units are completely customisable and ‘hackable’ – meaning the rooms can be taken apart and reassembled to respond to their particular requirements in the office at any given time. Boogertman + Partners Interiors exhibited design-concept continuity through changing the colours and finishes, and by including a variety of ancillary, interchangeable accessories that come standard to the jack.
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Closing remarks Google's new office design by Boogertman + Partners Interiors showcases a unique play on encounters and a collision of typologies. Utilising design elements from one end of the spectrum (traditional Ghanaian culture) all the way to the other extreme (modern Google culture and global developments), Ghana and Google were able to meet in perfect harmony. The Google Accra office design focussed on achieving the high standards of the LEED v4 Gold rating system, meeting the stringent standards in energy and water efficiency, material selections, and IEQ performance. The project sets the bar high for environmental performance in office fit-outs in the region.
BOOGERTMAN + ARCHITECTSPARTNERS
Boogertmanandpartners.com @boogertmanandpartners
ACUTTING-EDGECORPORATECREATION
NICOL CORNER
I
Structural engineering
n the heart of Bedfordview, IUM’s big and bold new mixed-use office building stands tall. Designed with careful thought and consideration, the iconic design by Cimato Moroldo Architects harnessed the client’s unique corporate identity and vision, and aligned it with their design principles to create a truly iconic landmark in the commercial building landscape of South Africa.
Join SCAPE as we converge at the intersection of Nicol Corner...
The building consists of three components: a parking garage, the striking winged-podium that houses the boutique gym, and the box-shaped office component with its angled façades and statement lighting details. The parking garage has three levels of parking, one of which is at basement level. Although the original plan called for two basement levels of parking, difficult ground conditions required a change to the final parking design.
The building consists of a concrete frame built on pad footings. No piling was required and the only excavation was for the single-level basement. The three-storey parking structure includes a standard column grid. The podium floor that houses the gym also uses conventional reinforcement, while the office block uses a bonded
CIMATO ARCHITECTSMOROLDO
Building brief IUM prides itself in offering its clients state-of-the-art, tailored, and bespoke insurance products with the highest levels of service, which is why they wanted their building to reflect their corporate ethos. Cimato Moroldo Architects had previously designed two buildings for the client. Due to the expansion of the business, IUM was looking to move to bigger premises and had secured land in a prime location in Bedfordview, diagonally across from Eastgate Shopping Centre at the intersection of Nicol and Bradford Roads. The site originally contained a single-storey house, which was demolished before construction commenced. Due to the building’s corner location in a high-visibility position, the land allowed for the creation of a design concept that makes a statement, both with the architectural design and for the client’s business. The brief was to create a ‘home-away-from-home’ and no expense was spared in developing a luxurious, relaxing place to work in. The client wanted a landmark modern building with a glass façade and allowed the architects the freedom to run with the brief. Nicol Corner also accommodates Africa’s first 6-star gym. This exclusive boutique fitness centre offers the very latest in training technology and equipment, and with a floor area of 3592 m² it can accommodate up to 5000 members. The gym has childcare facilities, spinning and Pilates studios, a fully kittedout boxing training area, external training area, and a sprinting track.
PORTFOLIO / Size: 22 000 m² Cost: R300 million Completed: July 2021 Location: Bedfordview, Germiston, Johannesburg, Gauteng
The parking garage is disguised from the street level using aluminium screens, adding a decorative element that blends with the dynamic design of the building while concealing the parking levels within. The screens were also designed in a unitised style. Large three-by-four metre panels were made off-site and then installed onto the parking structure.
The second component, which houses the client’s boutique fitness centre, boasts the key statement piece of the design. A winged element that points towards the axis of the intersection with large glass panels spanning up to eight metres tall, allows maximum light into the space and helps to showcase the wing particularly well when lit up at night. The third and uppermost component incorporates four floors of offices and a fifth floor with a rooftop restaurant and in-house entertainment area for office staff. The LED lighting on the façade highlights the angled façade of the office component, picking up the diagonal angles of the glass sheets, and creating a striking light feature at night.
Adriano Moroldo (Director and Professional Architect), Bradley Diamond (Senior Candidate Technologist),Architecturaland Roxanne Berti (Lead Interior Designer) www.cmarch.co.za @cm_architectsandinteriors
Thoughtful design
48 /
Africa's first 6-star gym Gym interior design by SNA Architects
50 Client: IUM Project manager and quantity surveyor: Kuun Consulting Architect: Cimato Moroldo Architects Civil, structural, and façade engineer: Pure Consulting Electrical: KKA Consulting Electrical Engineers MEET THE TEAM Acoustic consultant: LINSPACE Interior designer: Cimato Moroldo Architects Gym interior designer: SNA Architects Main contractor: Gothic Construction Photographer: Malan Kotze SNA ARCHITECTS www.snaar.co.za @SNAArchitects Outdoor sprinting track
51 / PORTFOLIO / post-tensioning cable construction. The span between columns is quite wide at ten-by-ten metres, and the post tensioning allowed for a thin slab to be laid. The building contains three cores: two at the rear and one at the centre, which contains the lift shaft. Ecotech garbage chutes were installed on every floor. Lastly, hooks for the façade panels were cast into the structure for ease of installation.
Façade and glazing Genfødt Aluminium Technologies –082 466 5478 Lighting Liquid Lighting – 082 758 6877 Ironmongery Häfele – 011 796 8100 Elevators KONE Lifts – 011 035 1800 Signage Sunway Signs & Branding Co. –011 397 3367 Ceilings OWA Ceiling Systems – 011 786 5762 Decking Moisture Shield Composite Decking –010 443 4440 Carpet MONN Carpets – 011 462 6227 Paint Plascon – 0860 20 40 60 SUPPLIERS The work space is conducive to productivity while allowing teams to operate in a spacious, unrestricted setting
Future-forward façade Nicol Corner is the first building in Africa to have its entire glass envelope façade specified with Frit Dot system glazing panels. These enamelled dots offer a variety of benefits, including a 30% decrease in energy consumption, decorative shading, and privacy, to name a few. The client requested the Frit Dot glazing as they had seen it effectively being used overseas. Although the initial investment appears expensive, it has the added benefit of not having to budget for blinds, which reduces the overall cost and allows for a clear, aestheticallypleasing façade. The entire building’s interior pane is double-glazed with Frit Dot glazing. The external layer of the glazing on the office component has a performance-coating application, which was flipped at certain intervals, creating a ‘two tone’ glazing effect. This design feat can be attributed to the fact that the performance coating, which usually faces the interior, can also be rotated to the exterior and exposed to the weather. The result is a varying pattern of light and reflective, and dark and matte glazing. The façade perfectly conforms to the geometry of the building. On the top office component, diagonal joints protrude out, the aluminium profiles adapting to the almost polygonal shape of the building’s design. Nearly every mullion contains a special splice plate that allows the unitised system to fit to the building’s profile, retaining a reliable weather line. Some panels had to be ‘bent’ back at the top corner to fit into the façade design, which was challenging, but achieving this enabled the irregular angles to be showcased within the façade. A wind screen on the top-floor restaurant level deflects wind and can almost be considered as structural glazing. Made from cantilevered glass arising from the perimeter glass, the two-metres tall wind stand glazing is also shaped to follow the geometry of the office component.
52 / PORTFOLIO /
Water and landscaping
The building relies solely on two borehole systems and a rainwater harvesting system for the entire office’s water needs. Nicol Corner prides itself by making use of the latest rainwater harvesting technology and energyefficient water heating, with vertical landscaping found on various levels throughout the building.
Finishes and interiors
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Electrical elements
Closing remarks Nicol Corner achieved the brief from the client by creating a striking, modern landmark that makes a bold statement and maximises the exposure of the client’s business identity.
The building’s air conditioning system uses Mitsubishi Electric’s energy-efficient Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) System for heating recovery, and boasts one of the most efficient HVAC systems per kilowatt of cooling capacity available in the world today. The rooftop is fitted with LG’s NeON R solar panels, which supplement the grid’s power supply. With an efficiency rating of 22.3%, these solar panels produce the highest power output per square metre, and are suited for a broad range of weather patterns. Automated energy-saving lighting installations are controlled by the RTI building management system. And along with the Paxton Access control system integrated with Hikvision cameras, the building’s security component is also automated. An advanced networking setup that utilises Aruba’s next-generation technology offers a robust, unified, and secure wired and wireless network solution. HPE/Aruba Core and Access Switches make up the underlying foundation while the HPE/Aruba Wireless (Wi-Fi 6) network infrastructure provides a digital workplace for guests, gym members, and corporate users. Lastly, Aruba Clearpass has been used for network access control and security, while Aruba Airwave is deployed for additional management and visibility.
The first building in Africa to have its entire glass envelope façade specified with Frit Dot system glazing panels
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The interior design of the building follows on from the cutting-edge external architecture. This results in a working space that is conducive to productivity while allowing teams to operate in a spacious, unrestricted setting. The workspaces are fitted out with AAA-grade finishes, giving a luxurious and artistic feel to the environment.
AFTERCENTREAFIRE
DURBAN
FIRMSTANDINGINFAITH CHRISTIAN
The visual strength of the virtual ‘dome' serves as a unique urban feature. Its vast structure dominates from a distance when seen from the adjacent highway. And sculpturally, the church entices passers-by on streetaccess level, welcoming congregants through its striking entrance. This powerful architectural element is counterpointed by a series of simple enclosures that respond transparently or solidly to outdoor spaces. Veiled screens deliver an external fine-grained scale, juxtaposing the overt dominance of the arches.
Design concept After extensive architectural and engineering research on how to support an economical, long-span roof over a 3500-seat auditorium, the team decided on three connecting arches – effectively 'slivers' of a sphere – that would suspend an enclosure over an acoustically-planned auditorium. This solution delivers the two primary goals of the design brief: an iconic 'virtual dome' and a church space with excellent acoustic properties. The auditorium as the core space is enveloped by the entrance, foyer, a small chapel, upper-level teaching spaces, and performance and technical service functions. Unpacking the design
56
Unlike many charismatic churches that thrive in wealthy societies, the Durban Christian Centre serves a less privileged community. Therefore, the severe financial limitations in budget consistently impacted this project, halting construction for some months and necessitating considerable resourcefulness. The combination of strong leadership, a vibrant community, and the meaningfulness found within their personal faith, served us well as architects. The materials, finishes, and services were treated as raw and stripped down to their bare state to create an honest and authentic quality. This is evident where some of the elements that were saved from the church fire were incorporated into the interior design.
"THE CHALLENGE WAS TO COMBINE THE IDEA OF A DOME WITH AN SUPERBACOUSTICALLY-AUDITORIUM, SERVED BY A MULTITUDE OF RELATED SPACES."
ELPHICK PROOME ARCHITECTURE www.eparch.co.za @elphick.proome.architecture
ising from the ashes after a devastating fire, the rebuilt Durban Christian Centre cuts a powerful image in its context. Designed by Elphick Proome Architects to accommodate a congregation of 3500 members, the auditorium, chapel, and teaching areas amalgamate to form a single church precinct in the heart of Durban.
Size: 6300 m² Completed: 2021 Location: Mayville, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal R
Context and brief A spiritual home to more than 5500 congregants and a local informal settlement, the loss of the well-known church was a devastating blow to the community. Therefore, with very strong emotional ties to the original 'Jesus Dome’ built in the 90s, the client wanted to retain and reinforce the original quality of the landmark church. However, simply replacing the original dome was not an architecturally sound idea, both spatially and acoustically. As such, the challenge was to combine the idea of a dome with an acoustically-superb auditorium, served by a multitude of related spaces.
/ PORTFOLIO /
The Durban Christian Centre is home to an auditorium, foyer, small chapel, upper-level teaching rooms, and techincial service areas
Three connecting arches suspend the enclosure to create a 'dome effect'
58 / PORTFOLIO / Architect: Elphick Proome Architecture Main contractor: Stefanutti Stocks Project manager: M3 Africa Consulting HVAC engineer: Spoormaker & Partners Quantity surveyor: RLB Pentad Electrical engineer: Arup MEET THE TEAM Interior designers: Novospace, Mike Long Wet services engineer: Spoormaker & Partners Fire engineer: Spoormaker & Partners Structural and civil engineer: NJV Consulting Engineers Photographer: Karl Beath The acoustically-superb auditorium can seat up to 3500 people
/ PORTFOLIO / Cladding Alsysco - 021 931 6202 Façade Solutions - 031 569 5024 Hulabond, available from HBS Aluminium Systems011 626 3330 Paint Dulux - 0860 330 111 Lighting Swanlite - 031 201 0000 Sanware Duravit - 011 555 1220 Grohe - 010 5934 556 Insulation Brits Nonwoven - 031 710 7701 Waterproofing Polyglass, available from MAPEI0115528476 Quartz surfaces Caesarstone - 083 608 5810 Tiling Duratile - 031 263 1192 Ironmongery Impact Engineering032 947 dormakaba1054-011 510 1500 Melamine faced board Melawood, available from PG Bison - 011 897 5200 Auditorium seating Rodlin Design - 011 444 2061 SUPPLIERS Some of the elements saved from the church fire were incorporated into the interior design The small church chapel
technical
From a technical point of view, the building embodies significant creativity. The limited footprint auditorium was entirely acoustically derived, incorporating complex diffusion and bespoke absorption panels in consultation with an engineer. However, the real innovation lies in the auditorium's roof structure where an intensely collaborative design process demystified complex engineering geometry and the execution of unconventional construction methodologies. The elegant steel arches sprung off massive concrete anchors, celebrate the memory of the original Jesus Dome while allowing the new structure to become an iconic urban landmark in its own right. This achievement has been recognised by the steel industry for the ingenuity and innovation displayed through the use of steel to produce such a unique project.
The rebuilt Durban Christian Centre cuts a powerful image in its context
The church's leadership and vibrant community served architects well during
the
the building process EUROPEAN QUALITY GUARANTEED
100% South African manufactured auditorium seating • 44Johannesburg:GalaxyAvenue, Ext 14 Frankenwald, Linbro Park, Sandton. 2090. • Telephone: +27 (0) 11 444 2061 • Fax: + 27 (0) 444 8416 • Email: rod-lin@iafrica.com • Cape Town: 11 Bremen Close, Airport Industria, Matroosfontein. 7490. • Telephone: +27 (0)21 534 9873 • Cell: +27 (0)74 804 0040 • Email: www.rodlindesign.co.zainfo@rodlindesign.co.za
SOLUTIONSSIZEABLESTORAGE SPAREPRO HEAD OFFICE AND WAREHOUSE FACILITIES
The S&J Industrial Estate is located between the City of Johannesburg and the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality within Gauteng – South Africa’s economic hub. Both these metropolitan cities are pursuing goals towards low-carbon economies. The CoJ recently adopted its Climate Action Plan to reach the target of a netzero emissions and resilient city by 2050, and has issued a letter of support for the S&J Industrial Estate and its commitment to Climate Protection. The S&J Industrial Eco-District Estate is expected to be the first project in South Africa, and outside of the USA, to register for and achieve the Eco-District Certification.
64 / PORTFOLIO / Size: 26 947 m²
Building brief
Design Concept
The client significantly researched and conducted visits to similar operations in Europe and Asia before undertaking the system design. The design ensured sufficient space for internal expansion, achieved with a full eaves height clearance and coordinated positioning of structural columns planned together with the storage system design. This all allows for flexibility for future changes as the client’s business grows. Logistic professionals assisted in designing and interfacing these elements to ensure they support operations and allow for an ergonomic and optimised flow.
Elements Office: A mix of single and double glazing was used in the office areas, with solar shading to the exposed glazed element. Tinted, sun-controlled windows with independent thermal control for defined offices were also implemented. The offices are insulated with the roof slab for thermal comfort and control. LED lights are used for external areas and are controlled with day-and-night sensors. These lights are also used throughout the internal office areas and, as with the lighting in the warehouse, these are master switched.
Sustainability initiatives
EMPOWERED SPACES ARCHITECTS www.espaces.co.za @empowered_spaces_architects Bricks Brikor Limited - 011 739 9000 Precast columns Peikko South Africa083 608 5534 Precast concrete Modcon Precast Manufactures066 355 0015 Structural steel SE Steel - 011 953 4584 Internal blinds Aluglass 011 451 8400 Façade access system Diri Aluminium - 012 666 9022 Composite bamboo decking Eva-Last Projects - 010 593 9220
Completed: March 2022 Location: S&J Industrial Estate, Germiston, Johannesburg, Gauteng
Roller shutter doors Roll-up Serranda - 011 494 5809 Waterproofing Storm Waterproofing011 792 7541 Ngobeni & TDS Waterproofing CC - 012 803 4244 Plaster Abeton Contractors011 822 5557 Floor coverings KBAC Flooring - 011 698 4270 Textured coatings Versus Paint - 011 885 3136 Tiling Lvl Tiling - 078 412 3046 SUPPLIERS
Located on the northern boundary of the S&J Industrial Estate, the new Sparepro Head Office and Warehouse Facilities displays bold architectural design elements and innovative planning, providing a sizeable new build in Johannesburg’s economic hub.
The client wanted to relocate to a more centrally-accessible location that would promote financial stability and sustainable business growth to their core customer market in the Johannesburg region. S&J Industrial Estate was identified as a suitable place to generate a concept of connection and integration of business. The primary aim was to create a purpose-built head office with an increased visual footprint. This was made possible by being alongside the N3 eastern bypass.
The warehouse design took into consideration the client’s storage requirements based on existing stock and projected company growth. The client requested a mechanical and partly-automated storage solution to provide a platform for a narrow-aisle storage system. Consultation was done with the client to understand the unique business activity of inbound and outbound stock movements to design the docks, doors, and apron suitable for typical yard traffic. The facility’s bulk storage system dominates over 70% of the warehouse area with 20% allocated for the picking area.
The client’s brief required that, although they would be utilising some mechanisation and automation, no staff would be retrenched, but rather strategically positioned in the new warehouse organisation for business efficiency and accuracy in their tasks. Focussing on a greater capacity and improved efficiency, the design provides an immersive environment for all customers and staff, while still embodying Sparepro’s quest for consistent innovation and continued culture of service excellence. Ultimately, through innovative design and spatial planning, the building encapsulates a sophisticated and client-friendly showroom, a warehouse with a superior management system, and optimised offices with streamlined operations.
The building encapsulates a sophisticated and client-friendly showroom The facility’s bulk storage system dominates over 70% of the warehouse with 20% allocated to the pickingGreenareaspaces include mostly indigenous plant and tree types that are drought tolerant, requiring minimal water once established
The site’s green spaces include mostly indigenous plant and tree types that are drought tolerant (xerophytic), requiring minimal water once established. A selection of indigenous, water-wise trees and groundcover plant species have also been chosen due to their resilience in difficult growing conditions. A manual turf valve system was implemented for irrigation. The landscape maintenance team strictly monitors the water requirements so that the watering of plants is kept to a minimum. And an automatic sprinkler installation has been designed to recirculate water when the pump set gets tested. The water from the storage tanks is circulated back into the tanks during the weekly pump run.
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Warehouse: Large areas of translucent sheeting allow natural lighting into the warehouse. Battery charging is done by means of a modular high-frequency charger that uses less electricity to do the same amount of work as other chargers. The warehouse’s conveyor and sortation system has photoelectric sensors that are mounted at the end of each conveyor section. When the respective sensor is triggered, the downstream conveyor will sequentially start-up. A ‘dieback’ philosophy will kick in based on the accumulation and transportation lines reaching full saturation and will auto-start once the downstream saturation is removed. A ‘sleep mode’ philosophy monitors the activity on all sensors moving downstream and will allow the system to auto-sleep if no activity is detected. If any sensor is activated or triggered, the system will start up sequentially. 50 mm energylite insulation was used for thermal temperature control in the warehouse an electro-mechanical ventilation system can be mechanically opened and closed to flush out and circulate air – especially hot air.
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Carpets and vinyl PCI Carpets - 086 110 4506 012 661 2211 HVAC system Midrand Air Conditioning & Ventilation - 010 822 1869 Ironmongery Ironmongery Warehouse Africa011 444 8677 Roof covering and sheeting Chartwell Roofing Gauteng012 335 5157 Carports Shadeways - 011 464 2338 Signage Ilanga Signs - 011 824 5302 SUPPLIERS The office areas have been optimised for efficiencyThe design ensures sufficient space for internal expansion
Landscapers: Gijima Landscapers
Owner/client: Abland Property Developers on behalf of Redefine Properties and GGP Investments Tenant: Sparepro Motor Parts & Accessories Architect: Empowered Spaces Architects
MEET THE TEAM
Developers: Abland Property Developers and Redefine Properties Project manager: Abland Property Developers Quantity surveyor: Ibp Central Quantity Surveyors
Civil and structural engineers: Kantey & Templer Consultant: Plae Interiors Principal contractor: WBHO Construction Electrical engineer: OneZero Consulting Fire consultant: Ronald Koekemoer & Associates Logistics consultant: proMHS
Water and planting
The ablutions have dual-flush toilets and low-flow water-saving taps, while the showers are only on for a limited amount of time with insulated hot water piping and heat pumps used throughout. Fire suppression systems are used within the premises, with no biosphere-degrading gas.
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SLUISHUIS GRAVITY-DEFYING DEVELOPMENT
A
A promenade with public programmes winds around the building and continues into the water, forming an archipelago of islands with houseboats, mooring places, sitting decks, a sailing school, a restaurant, a water sports centre, and floating gardens. A public passage climbs the cascading terraces of the building, serving as a small rooftop street that eventually loops onto the very top of the building to create a viewing platform over the IJ Lake. The passage not only becomes a destination for visitors and neighbours, but also serves to connect the residential units to each other to create a unique, three-dimensional community between the residents of the building. The silhouette of Sluishuis changes as one moves around the building. At one vantage point, it appears as the bow of a ship, reflecting the water below. From another, it looks like a vertical green community, inviting visitors to engage directly with it. And finally, the structure appears like a true urban block with street access, city liveliness, and neighbours, backdropped by the rest of Amsterdam.
Size: 49 000 m²
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Completed: July 2022 Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands L ocated on the outskirts of Amsterdam in the neighbourhood of IJburg Steigereiland, the gravity-defying, floating building Sluishuis reinterprets the classic courtyard typology for life on water. Following four years of construction, the mixed-use development by joint venture VORM/BESIX is officially completed. Designed by Bjarke Ingels Group and Barcode Architects, Sluishuis brings 442 zero-energy rental and owner-occupied apartments, a public rooftop garden and walkway, and a comprehensive water-quality programme with riverwalks and space for more than 30 houseboats.
Let’s see what makes this zero EPC big build such a remarkable architectural feat…
Materials
The building’s material selection seeks to create contrast while still facilitating a connection with its surroundings.
Natural materials maintain a rich and natural appearance, crafting a timeless look that will last for years to come. The façade’s abstract, untreated aluminium reflects the water and gives the structure a different appearance at any time of the day. Lastly, the stepped roof terraces, plus the jetty promenade are made of wood, giving Sluishuis a contrasting, tactile appearance.
Sustainability The sustainability of Sluishuis is an integral part of the project. With an energy performance coefficient (EPC) of 0.00, Sluishuis generates more energy than it consumes. The building's heating requirements are minimised by combining high-performance insulation techniques, triple glazing, and heat recovery from the ventilation systems and shower wastewater. Energy consumption is further reduced by a heat and cold storage (CHS) system in the ground for heating and cooling, in combination with a connection to the district heating system
A promenade with public programmes winds around the building
Location and design In a fusion of water and city, Sluishuis extends the world-famous urban environment of Amsterdam into the IJ Lake – becoming a floating block that forms part of the downtown area. Located between the dense city and the vast landscapes on the edge of Amsterdam, the new Sluishuis mixed-use development is shaped by its complex surroundings – at once close to large infrastructure and small-scale urban settlements. The classic courtyard building is revitalised by two transformations: it fully embraces the idea of living on the water and appears different from every vantage point.
Towards the water’s side, the block is lifted up, rising from the river to form a large opening that brings water from the lake into the courtyard and daylight and views to the complex’s inner apartments. This gate also enables ships to enter and dock in the port-yard. So, in a sense, Sluishuis is a building inside a port, with a port inside the building. Towards the neighbouring urban district, the block steps down like a cascade of landscaped terraces, creating a natural transition from cityscape to smaller-scale, natural surroundings and inviting visitors to climb its roof to enjoy the panoramic view.
IJ
A 'rooftop street' climbs the cascading terraces of Sluishuis view over Lake
The
71 In a sense, Sluishuis is a building inside a port, with a port inside the building
Client: VORM, BESIX Real Estate Development and Building Consortium BESIX Nederland Architects: Barcode Architects, BIG - Bjarke Ingels Group Landscape architects: BIG Landscape Engineers: Van Rossum, DWA, BIG Engineering Building physics: Buro Bouwfysica Sustainability: BIG Sustainability, Klimaatgarant, DWA MEET THE TEAM
Developers: VORM, BESIX Real Estate Development and BESIX Nederland
Photographer: Ossip van Duivenbode / PORTFOLIO / for peak times. The remaining energy consumption for heating, heat pumps, ventilation, and LED lighting is fully compensated by approximately 2200 m² of solar panels, to which an entire floating island adjacent to the project is dedicated. Landscape The development team of Sluishuis paid particular attention to greenspace and water collection. Designed by BIG Landscape, the front sides and the inner harbour of the building feature gardens with local plant species. The greenery runs across the roof terraces up into integrated planters, creating a vibrant green atmosphere over time. The carefully designed landscape also stimulates flora and fauna with a bird island. With strong architecture, new housing typologies, high-quality outdoor spaces, and a breath-taking view over the IJmeer, Sluishuis forms a welcoming entrance to Amsterdam IJburg.
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www.big.dk @big_builds
A large opening brings water from the lake into the courtyard and daylight and views to the complex’s inner apartments
Partners in charge: Bjarke Ingels, Finn Nørkjær, Andreas Klok Pedersen, Dirk Peters Project managers: Jeppe Langer and Robbert Peters Concept design leads: Dimitrie Grigorescu, Jan Magasanik
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FORBUILDINGAPURPOSE CALLING ACADEMY
75 Size: 760 m² Cost: R4.3 million Completed: Dec 2021 Location: Corner of Polkadraai and Vlaeberg Road, Stellenbosch, Western Cape
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As the institution grew each year with the intake of another grade, their accommodation requirements incrementally expanded. However, with severe financial and development right constraints, the campus is continually shaped by needing to adapt to the external factors that are at play with fluid accommodation demands. As such, designing this campus is an ongoing, organic process aimed at maximising the quality of the learning environment, connected to the natural beauty of the site, at the lowest possible cost, while still resonating with their priority of providing quality education over cost of facilities.
Overcoming obstacles
The school has been in operation since 2018, meaning the first group of grade 8 learners was about to enter their final school year in 2022. The additions were needed as a final requirement to ensure sufficient capacity to run a complete secondary school from grade 8-12 effortlessly. Around March 2020, the building project was confirmed as an achievable goal and our involvement commenced, but all the while, the school's management had to work tirelessly to procure funding.
The organisation diligently stewards every cent they receive. Therefore, initiating this new building demanded extreme efficiency in providing sufficient space as flexible and economical as possible. In the words of Calling Academy’s principal, 'we would rather provide top education under a tree, than poor education in the best facilities.’
The project is an addition of a new section to the original farm school and consists of many flexible functions unified under a continuous tiled roof. These functional spaces include a laboratory, staff room, staff offices and amenities, an additional classroom, and a counseling room. The applied extension needed to create a renewed image for the place without making any changes to the original school. Overall, the brief was simply to provide the required areas mentioned above, at the lowest possible cost, while providing as much value, opportunity, and dignity as possible.
SALT Architects is an innovative design studio based in Cape Town, committed to remaining contextually and conceptually relevant in all their projects. Experienced in all stages of a development, from conceptual design to completed construction, the team is behind the purpose-built Calling Academy in Stellenbosch. Let’s see how they helped make education more Clientaccessible...background Calling Education is an NPO that was established out of identifying the need for affordable top-quality education as an imperative to South Africa’s restoration. They are developing the most relevant model of providing highquality education to learners from low-income communities. This level of private education far exceeds the budgets of the majority of South Africans, necessitating a funding model where learners are sponsored for the duration of their secondary education.
There were many development right issues on the site. It is bordered by two runoff streams that required environmental investigations and is next to a district road with a very wide centreline setback. There is confusion between the local municipality and deeds office regarding the ownership of the upper portion of the site, which precluded development to the north of the existing school building. The only area that remained available for development, was the portion between the existing school and sports field.
Building brief Located on a bucolic plot bordering the Polkadraai Road between Stellenbosch and Kuilsriver, the first campus to roll out this unique funding model, is Calling Academy Stellenbosch. The site was identified and set aside by the previous generation of surrounding landowners to serve the local farming community, and originally consisted of six existing classrooms, a reception area, and sports field.
The new building also functions as a pavilion overlooking the sports field
The new section of Calling Academy Stellenbosch was designed to equip and maximise the functionality and quality of the educational spaces. The articulation of the eastern façade declares a distinct figure to be associated with the institution. Upon arrival, the concrete-block screen with three openings ushers people into the facility through a threshold space that blurs the boundaries between indoors and outdoors. This is seen as the foyer that connects visitor, teacher, and learner spaces. Not only does it clearly express the new front façade of the institution, it also brings clarity for users to orientate themselves around the facility. Being placed between the original school building and sports field allowed us to start thinking of the new building also as a pavilion overlooking the sports field and its pleasant natural surroundings. The terrace on the south side where the sports field is located was widened with seat-sized steps leading down to the field. This roofed terrace doubles as an assembly, spectator, or overflow space for the adjacent rooms (the staffroom and a flexible classroom). A removable divider separates these functions and, when opened, combines them to form a venue that can accommodate up to 150 people. This venue spills out on all sides to the verandahs, catering to a wide variety of functions. As part of the school's participation in the local community, it also serves as an event space that is available for the public to rent for private functions, providing an additional income stream to the organisation. All the spaces are optimised for natural light. At the staffroom, where there is no direct connection to a northern wall for windows, a skylight made of polycarbonate tiles was placed. The natural lighting combined with constructing the ceiling out of OSB board to save cost, provide acoustic absorption, and fit with a palette of raw material use, give the internal spaces a serene quality.
Local manufacturers and products were sourced as far as possible to maintain a low-cost aim. The contractor re-used waste material in the construction of the project (i.e., leftover rebar and the storeroom door). Plus, the sanware was also repurposed from a donation.
Unpacking the design
/ PORTFOLIO / www.saltarchitects.co.za
Sourcing Materials
Overall, the new additions, levels, and volumes establish a series of courtyard and outdoor spaces for learners to pause, spectate, linger, or congregate. @saltarchitects
The rural site is not serviced by the local municipality. Therefore, rainwater harvesting tanks for greywater and a borehole water system for potable use were installed for water supply. An upgraded conservancy tank was also installed as a drainage system.
Extended roof overhangs and the use of concrete-block screen walls allow the internal spaces to overflow, creating a variety of thresholds between interior and exterior, users and nature. The floors step down with the natural slope of the terrain, creating the required variation in volume while the roof remains on the same level.
saves costs and helps with
absorption
Calling Academy has an abundance of natural lighting The building's raw material palette gives it a serene quality
The OSB board ceiling acoustic
received as a donation SUPPLIERS A concrete-block screen ushers people into the school through a threshold space that blurs the boundaries between indoors and outdoors Rainwater harvesting
Aluminium
system for potable use were installed for water supply
78 / PORTFOLIO / Architects: SALT Architects Structural engineers: AVCON Structural Engineers MEET THE TEAM Contractor: Steenser Construction Photography: Nudge Studio Concrete and translucent roof tiles BMI Coverland - 021 492 2230
Internal
Sanware Re-used
Lighting Spazio fittings with light level simulations by LED Lighting SA021 510 0028 timber doors Custom made Supawood door leaves and Meranti door frames by Multi Homes Joinery – 021 917 1079 doors and windows Wispeco profiles by Alu Science021 000 3200 Ceilings 18mm OSB board; 40mm Isoboard - 021 983 1140 fittings tanks for borehole water
greywater and a
SPRING
BY NONKE PLANTS
DEVELOPMENTSFORPALETTESPLANTCOMMERCIAL
There are many indigenous plants in South Africa, especially when it comes to fynbos. Some that come to mind in these categories are Agapanthus, Rhagodia histata, Agathosma spp., Pelargonium spp., Portulacaria spp., Clivia spp., Coleonema spp., Searsia spp., Tulbaghia violaceae, Salvia spp., Aloe spp., Delosperma spp., Lampranthus spp., Euryops spp., Carissa spp., Tecoma spp., and many more.
Foliage and flowers
Indigenous and fynbos plants
It is crucial to keep colour in mind when creating contrast and focal points in gardens. But too many of the same colour and your garden will look bland. Foliage can vary from different shades of green, yellow, grey, or variegated, while flowers can be white, yellow, blue, pink, purple, red, orange, or mixed. Using different colours can greatly lighten up a garden, yet too many different colours on top of each other can create a distorted feeling – balance is key. Remember, colour can also influence our emotions. Warm colours like yellow, orange, and red are associated with happiness, love, passion, and anger. And cool colours like blue, green, and purple are associated with calmness, sadness, and indifference. Indigenous vs exotic Indigenous plants refer to plants that are native to a country. They perform well without much effort or special attention, and have a natural connection with insects and animals of a country, giving shelter, food, and comfort to birds, bees, reptiles, and other indigenous wildlife. While exotic plants give gardens a unique feel, they tend to be more resourceintensive as some require higher humidity, more water, frequent maintenance, protection from wind, and amended soil preparations.
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Some plants grow very slowly, have low water and nutrient requirements, a sturdier growth habit, and are less prone to pests and diseases. We call them low-maintenance plants. Other plants grow quickly, need more water and nutrients, have a climbing habit, and are more prone to pests and diseases. These are high-maintenance plants. Therefore, the latter require more frequent pruning, irrigation and fertigation, support, and pest control to thrive.
Size and shape will determine the outcome of any garden. If you plant tall plants in front of short plants, the short ones eventually won’t be visible; therefore, it is important to research the mature height and width of a plant before acquiring it. Naturally, the tallest plants would go at the back or middle, followed by medium plants in the middle, and small plants at the front. Small plants are usually also best for creating borders. The texture of a plant will determine the aesthetic, creating either a soft or rugged outcome.
Low maintenance vs high maintenance
Exotic plants South Africa has a wide range of exotic plants to choose from, and just because they are exotic, does not mean they are invasive or harmful to our natural habitat. Many exotic plants do well in our climate and grow in symbiosis
80 T he turn of a new season is a good time to rethink the best plants to bring contrast and colour to your developments. From foliage to flowers, high versus low-maintenance, size, texture, and everything in between, here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing your plant palette this spring... Size, shape, and texture
Richard Faber MSc ProductionHorticultureManager www.nonkeplants.com @nonke_plants / FEATURE / Cotyledon orbiculataEuryops virgineus Eriocephalus africanus Crassula arborescensSyzygium paniculatum Arctotis hybrid
There are many types of plants, varying in their mature size and growth habit, including bulbs, groundcovers, climbers, semi-climbers, grasses, restios, shrubs, and trees. Bulbs mainly grow underground and present their foliage and flowers at certain times of the year, depending on their growing and flowering season. Groundcovers tend to have a spreading habit, and as the name suggests, climbers climb up other plants or structures. Grasses and restios grow in clumps, while shrubs and trees are larger when mature, and are usually the first plants to look at when planning a garden as they will take up the most individual space.
To choose plants for creating spring palettes, one must keep the various colours of foliage and flowers in mind as well as the flower season, shape, size, and texture as mentioned. It’s best to consult a professional or to conduct research before deciding which plants to choose for your project.
81 with our indigenous flora. Plants the likes of Trachelospermum jasminoides, Jasminum spp., Rhododendron spp. (azaleas), Monstera spp., Camellia spp., Duranta spp., Hibiscus spp., Cyathea spp., Dicksonia spp., Blechnum spp., Philodendron spp., and Lavandula spp., are great options to choose from.
Types of plants
Nonke Plants Nonke means ‘all of you,’ and refers both to our wholesale nursery staff and customers as, in the end, the plants unite us all as ‘one.’ At Nonke Plants, we pride ourselves in having a wide variety of indigenous and exotic plants with a sales team that is always willing to go the extra mile in helping our clients reach their goals – whether that be for their homes, gardens, commercial developments, farms, retail nurseries, garden centres, film projects, or landscaping needs. As spring approaches, we look forward to welcoming our customers, old and new, and presenting them with the selection of colours, shapes, and sizes our plants have to offer.
Subsurface / underground irrigation Pop-up heads arise only when in use, and are hidden from view and kept safe when dormant. These sprinklers are designed to distribute water evenly over lawn surfaces with a wetting pattern that mimics soaking rain.
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Different methods of landscape irrigation
It delivers water directly to the surface of the soil, at low pressure and low volume, thereby minimising water wastage and energy costs.
The following methods are often used to irrigate landscapes: Micro-irrigation Micro-irrigation, or micro-sprinkler irrigation, is an extremely efficient and water-savvy approach to irrigation.
Rotary sprinklers
Lush landscapes are seen as a sign of good design and thriving communities. In many areas around the world, natural rainfall is insufficient to achieve verdant spaces. Therefore, turning to irrigation is of the essence. To get started, you will need an expert design. Here’s how to look after your landscape like a pro...
A rotary sprinkler is often used to irrigate lawns. Its head is designed to automatically rotate 360 degrees, spraying water through holes around the sprinkler's diameter.
Landscape irrigation is sometimes regarded as a waste of water. It is true that when done incorrectly, irrigating hundreds of square metres of greenery can quickly exhaust your pockets and water supply. But irrigation has come a long way from the time when dragging multiple hoses around your lawn and recklessly flooding the landscape was the norm. In fact, using an appropriate irrigation method can provide significant savings in water usage.
Overhead irrigation Overhead sprinklers are mounted on an overhead network of pipes. Water is pumped in under pressure and sprayed down onto the plants from flat spray nozzles. The flow rate is 60%–70% lower than that of conventional sprinklers, while also having a low initial investment.
Flood irrigation Flood irrigation delivers water to the field by ditch, pipe, or trench where it simply flows over the ground to the crop. Still used today, this method of irrigation is associated with a myriad issues, including high water usage, inconsistent crop growth, and the formation of large swamps in between field contours.
APPROACHING LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION
LIKE A PRO AGRICO Grethe Bestbier 021 950 www.agrico.co.za4111 sales@agrico.co.za
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With more than 100 years of experience extensive design and engineering capabilities, Agrico is a trusted provider of irrigation. We design tailored irrigation solutions that meet your exact agricultural needs, and we work with you to achieve your most stunning landscape through reliable, efficient irrigation.
High efficiency nozzles, pressure-regulated sprinkler heads, check valves, and smart controllers are all useful for enhancing the efficiency of your irrigation system. Investing in quality components extends the total lifetime of your system and minimises future maintenance. Visiting a trusted irrigation retailer like Agrico is a great starting point.
• It limits erosion and water runoff from landscapes.
As the largest irrigation supplier in Southern Africa, Agrico embodies depth of knowledge and experience, with extensive design capabilities and first-class service. More than 30 branches with walk-in stores stock an extensive range of quality and well-priced irrigation components.
Offering a large variety and full ranges of products, you can hunt for components that help you achieve savings.
The importance of quality components
• It helps water to effectively target the intended plant material.
• Efficient irrigation helps the environment by reducing the need for chemicals and fertilisers.
When looking to hire a designer or provider, always choose an expert in the field. Irrigation designers must consider various factors relevant to the system’s desired application. For example, the type of irrigation system chosen is based on the landscape’s size, elevation/topography, the weather, crop, and other key factors.
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There are many benefits to having a professionally designed and efficient irrigation system:
Ask an expert for help Without a doubt, the knowledge and technology to irrigate sustainably exists. The problem lies in applying that knowledge and science in time and as a part of the design. Even the best irrigation system won’t perform well if installed incorrectly. While DIY is great for hobby gardening or watering your houseplants, involving an expert is crucial when irrigating large landscapes. On this scale, even a small mistake can result in significant losses.
The primary function of an irrigation system is to ensure that water is spread efficiently and regularly throughout a landscape. Nowadays, modern irrigation systems have evolved into a science. Smart pump designs – the invention of the centre pivot and smart sprinkler delivery systems – have revolutionised the ability to deliver water. Systems involve reservoirs, pumps, filters, pipes, emitters, and software, making the most of every drop of water.
• Irrigation creates a healthy vibrant-looking landscape.
FEATURE / The bright side of proper landscape irrigation
• Proper irrigation (especially precision irrigation) saves time, and dramatically improves water and energy efficiency.
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