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LEADER
A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
E
arlier this year we celebrated the launching of a trade event we anticipate will be a starting point for fantastic things to come. A culture of sharing, connecting and inspiring the industry across South Africa. We look forward to celebrating our 2019 FutureScape Africa Trade Show with you. Whilst the building sector is as tumultuous as ever, we can hang our hats on the iconic, creative and sustainable developments our landscaping industry has been privy to and involved in this year. Our Coffee Table Book 2 showcases some of the most inspired projects that have come to fruition over the course of this year- or have reached maturity. This is a brag book for our industry, of commendable work and some proud moments we can celebrate. We have seen thoughtful public spaces, urban living that does not compromise green space, mixed use developments with strong emphasis on the user, undulating estates, remarkable playgrounds and parks, as well as some pioneering projects that challenge the way we imagine the built environment. This issue is dedicated to these spaces. From Developers and architects, to landscape architects, contractors, municipalities and facilities maintenance firms, associations and suppliers of the exterior design, build and maintenance sectors,enjoy the read.
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Pro Landscaper Africa | December Coffee Table Edition 2018
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CONTENTS
CONTENTS COFFEE TABLE EDITION 2
01 | NOTABLE DEVELOPMENTS & HEADQUARTERS
14-19
42-45 The New Urban: Century City Square Planning Partners
The Silo District Planning Partners & Afrilandscapes
46-49
20-25
The Club: Atterbury’s HQ Daniel Rebel Landscape Architects
Discovery HQ Boogertman + Partners & African Environmental Design
26-31 Two Towers: 140 West Street The Ochre Office
33-36 Time Square Casino: Time to Shine Interdesign Landscape Architects
38-41 Loftus Park Precinct Daniel Rebel Landscape Architects & Greenacres Landscapes
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03 | INSTITUTIONAL / GOVERNMENTAL DEPARTMENTS
69-72 Leading by Example: The Department of Environmental Affairs Tiaan Laker & Boogertman + Partners
50-53
74-78
Ackermans HQ Ixia Landscape Architects
The Department of Statistics South Africa Daniel Rebel Landscape Architects
02 | THE MALLS
80-82
56-61 Cornubia: Where we meet for good Cottontree Landscape Architects, Iyer Associates, Uys & White, Idube Landscaping & Countryline Horticulture
Passing the Test: The Product Testing Institute Imbono FJA Architects & Countryline Horticulture
04 | PARKS & URBAN/PUBLIC UPLIFTMENT
62-65
87-89
The New High Street: Table Bay Mall Insite Landscape Architects & Life Landscapes
Private Park in the City GREENinc Landscape Architecture & Bertha Wium Landscape Development
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CONTENTS
90-93
112-114
06 | ESTATE / FARM
Stone Park: Maropeng Four Seasons Group with design by GREENinc
Rotunda Linear Park: Corridors of Freedom Iyer Associates & Newtown Landscape Architects
134-138
94-97
05 | SCHOOLS/ EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES
The Keyes Art Mile Fieldworks Design Group
118-120
The Leeu Collection Franchesca Watson & Heimo Schulzer Gardens
141-144
98-100
Eduplex Servest Landscaping & Turf
Lourensford Estate Keith Kirsten Horticulture International & Raymond Hudson
Reinventing the Wheel: Meulplein Ixia Landscape Architects & Contours Landscapes
122-126
146-150
Pioneering Play Insite Landscape Architects, Greenacres Landscapes & Microzone Trading 980cc.
Somerset Lakes Clubhouse Planning Partners & Atlanticscapes
102-105 Space Age Play: Murray Park Habitat Landscape Architects & Endemic Developments
107-110 Westbury Pedestrian Bridge: Corridors of Freedom Iyer Associates www.prolandscaper.co.za
128-131 Going to the Chapel: Bishops Chapel cndv landscape architects
153-156 Retirement Retreat: Tokai Estate Terra + Landscape Architects
157-159 Lounging at the Lagoon Uys & White Landscape Architects & Greenacres Landscapes
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N O T A B L E D E V E L O P M E N T S & H E A D Q U A R T E R S
LNK Wifi - Your Intelligent Irrigation Control Solution.
P R O J E C T
O N E
THE SILO DISTRICT The Silo District at the V&A Waterfront has been receiving a lot of press over the past year and rightfully so! It is one of Cape Town’s newest hubs and aside from being home to Africa’s largest art museum & incredibly striking architecture, has plenty on offer. From cutting-edge art to gourmet food and world-class shopping, the area has something for everyone. With new additions like the Silo District, Cape Town is fast becoming one of the most vibrant cultural hubs to visit in the world. With landscape design by Planning Partners and implementation by Afrilandscapes, the precinct’s 5 nodes can be viewed as stand-alone buildings that add to the districts multifaceted offerings whilst maintaining cohesion.
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Silo 3 & 4 Size: 450m2 Commencement date: October 2016 Completion date: Ongoing Cost: R 2,000,000 (for rooftop garden) Silo 5 Size: 1,000m2 Commencement date: May 2016 Completion date: November 2016 Cost: R 265,000 (ground floor garden). R 450,000 (rooftop garden) Silo 6 Size: 98m2 Commencement date: May 2017 Completion date: Ongoing Cost: R 150,000 (ground floor and rooftop gardens) Grain Silo (Silo 1) Size: 104m2 Commencement date: August 2016 Completion date: December 2017 Cost: R325 000 (rooftop garden)
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The Grain Silo Situated in the heart of the Silo District and atop the historic Grain Silo structure, the initial landscaping brief was to introduce a layer of green structure to the restaurant roof garden. The rooftop garden is most closely associated with the rooftop gallery space where the trailing plants were to overhang the perimeter planter, creating a green veil on two sides of the rooftop courtyard, flanked by the Zeitz MOCAA art museum and associated restaurant. The rooftop garden has a close visual association from the adjacent Silo Hotel as well as the higher levels of No.3 Silo, a residential tower in the Silo precinct. In association with the architects, Heatherwick Studio and VDMMA, the plan was to pre-grow large specimen plants and trailing climbers/ creepers over a trellis system in a remote nursery in an attempt to have semi-mature plants installed at the correct time, and to create an ‘instant garden’. To this end, Marc Dawson of Fridhem Farm was contracted to supply a range of tough, indigenous plant material that not only would be large in stature, but also grown in a hardy environment to acclimatise the plants to the severe wind and heat loads that were anticipated on the 8th level of the building.
Challenges included growing and training the creepers over a trellis system and then carefully packing, loading and carrying by hand up to the rooftop level, all without damaging the plant material! A lightweight soil medium was developed to reduce the loading on the steel roof structure, and this was achieved in association with the structural engineers, Sutherland Engineers. Combinations of succulent plants and those which could withstand record wind speeds resulted in a magical combination of seasonal colour and year-round textures. A drip irrigation system was installed, to reduce the amount of water loss due to high winds. A fertigation unit was incorporated into the drip irrigation system, which provides a controlled dosage of fertiliser to the plants. The ambitions of this rooftop garden are continued across the Silo Precinct with Silos No.1, No.2, No.3 & 4, No.5 and No.6 all having rooftop gardens of varying sizes. The project brief in its entirety, comprises many works at the newly-developed Silo District at the V&A Waterfront. The precinct is divided into 5 components, namely Silo Public Realm, Silo 3 & 4, Silo 5, Silo 6, and the Grain Silo.
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PORTFOLIO
A view of Grain Silo taken from Silo 5 roof terrace
Grain Silo roof top landscape with mature creepers falling into courtyard
Indigenous drought resistant planting on Grain Silo
Afrilandscapes at work on Silo 5 maintaining the roof garden
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Pro Landscaper Africa | December Coffee Table Edition 2018
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PORTFOLIO
Silo Precinct outside The Yard, called Silo Circus South
Radisson Red/ Silo 6 roof top layout
Silo 5 faรงade and ground floor planting as seen from Silo precinct
Radisson Red/ Silo 6 roof top layout www.prolandscaper.co.za
Afrilandscapes at work on Silo 5 maintaining the roof garden
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PORTFOLIO
SUPPLIERS Main Contractor: WBHO - 021 532 5100 Planting: Fridhem Farm Nurseries - 082 804 2241 Compost: Reliance Compost - 0861 888 784 Irrigation: Cape Irrigation Systems - 021 975 2262
All landscaping work in the Silo District was commissioned by the V&A Waterfront Company. A tender was put out so that landscaping companies in and around Cape Town were able to submit proposals; essentially, the tender specifications included the physical implementation of a landscaping plan- designed by Planning Partners who inspected and administered the project budget to completion, as well as ongoing maintenance post implementation. Afrilandscapes submitted their tender for the landscape construction of Silo 5 initially, located in the Silo District at the V&A Waterfront in early 2016 with the design and professional supervision by Alistair Turrell of Planning Partners. The future successor would eventually be contracted to WBHO as the sub-contractor for the before mentioned nodes. The scope of Afrilandscapes’ responsibility in the context of the project comprised majority soft landscaping, which was made up of the management and coordination of an irrigation partner/sub-contractor. For all the developments within the Silo District, Afrilandscapes was required to implement a 12-month maintenance plan in order to establish the gardens. Silo 5 The award of the landscaping tender for Silo 5 was based on constructing a rooftop garden, which included the creation of retaining walls for planters made from timber. It involved the planting of mature trees (2,000 kg Vachellia xanthophloea), using external suppliers and a 20ton mobile crane truck. Project installation began in May 2016
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and concluded six months later. The teams prior experience of installations in a commercial setting and within a complicated site, ensured that the landscaping was installed within the given time frames despite the logistical challenges. Numerous complex and overlapping activities were seamlessly programmed to ensure that they were within programme. In the case of Silo 5, ground floor landscaping was affected by the construction of the adjacent Silo 6. A freak storm resulted in the collapse of the scaffolding on the northern facade of the construction site, damaging completed landscaping which needed to be replaced, including some mature trees. The second installation of these trees was done using a tower crane and as every cloud has a silver lining, it was hugely successful. Silo Public Realm This component of the project included provision for filling extensive built-in planters, the planting of mature trees and palms, as well as working within a huge construction site between Silos 3 & 4, 5, 6, with the Grain Silo in the centre. Except for Silo 6, all other sites had been assigned to be built by WBHO. It is common for landscaping to be forgotten during such an undertaking as the profession does not always receive the recognition it deserves during the construction phase as compared to the impressive value it adds at completion and handover. The public realm, specifically, has suffered immensely because of the drought during construction, and Afrilandscapes has subsequently been commissioned to complete the soft landscaping works receiving an order for additional plant replacements.
Pro Landscaper Africa | December Coffee Table Edition 2018
Product: Rainbird Irrigation - 021 530-2550 Netafim Drip Irrigation - 021 987 0477 Water Feature: Water in Motion Clive Giliomee - 083 227 5950 Landscape Architects: Planning Partners Alistair Turell - 021 418 0510 Electrical Engineers: Electrical Reticulation Co (Pty) Ltd 021 851 3640 Supplier: Regent Lighting Solutions - 021 552 7622 Tiling: (Raddison Red) Lime Green Sourcing Solutions 021 447 2254
Grain Silo The requirement for the Grain Silo was to install and complete the garden at the same time as the completion of the development. The V&A Waterfront had engaged the services of Fridhem Farm Nursery to produce mainly indigenous plant shrubs for this component of the project. The Grain Silo’s landscaping plan involved the installation of 20 kg Searsia crenata, Coleonema alba, and several creeping plants such as Dipogon ssp. All these plants had to be carefully installed into a prepared planter (drainage, irrigation, erosion control, river pebble mulch). The planter is irrigated by drip irrigation, including an in-line fertigation system.
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PORTFOLIO
Since the drought hit Cape Town in 2016, the client has been considering alternative water sources. Over and above the resilient landscape design, comprising indigenous plants, alternative water sources have been implemented. The irrigation is fed by a non-potable water source.
explain the idea of separating the different nodes within the precinct. “This sought to create a multiplicity of urban space types. This was reinforced by fragmenting the buildings which enclose the space in order to avoid monolithic and only one-dimensional interfaces between the buildings and the Public Realm open space.
Silos 3 & 4 This building comprises high-end residential apartments, an upmarket gym, retail on the basement levels and a privatelyowned penthouse right at the very top. Afrilandscapes was contracted to landscape various levels/rooftop terraces and to prepare and install pot planters and stainless-steel trellising to 37 units within the individual apartments. The challenge presented by the project was the utilisation of the on-site tower crane for the lifting of 250 cubic metres of organics into the different planters, as well as lifting soft plant material and planting these during the concrete works, painting, and timber works at the different levels.
This intent was overlaid with extensive wind analysis, sun projection studies, anticipated uses and circulation patterns. The proposals put forward that the ‘front doors and addresses’ of each building in the Public Realm, should be clearly identifiable and understood.
Further into project as tenants occupied the apartment spaces, Afrilandscapes was approached to amend/enhance their individual terraces to fulfil the individual design ambitions of the owners. This also resulted in a complete re-design prior to the completion of the penthouse garden towards a formalstyle finish composed of exotic buxus and viburnum. Silo 6 This component of the development was troubled in that the main contractor became insolvent during the installation. Thus affecting the completion of several aspects of Silo 6. This project was divided into two phases. The rooftop and ground floor works. Ground floor works were eventually treated as part of the public realm project in order to move things along to completion. The rooftop garden features a modular approach as milk crates have been utilised as planters, lined with plastic, filled with organics and planted up using indigenous plants. This solution compliments the look and feel of the Radisson Hotel. Afrilandscapes was consulted and on-boarded to build a modular vertical wall solution from milk crates surrounding a shower, and therefore acting as a screen. As a mega project, the architect's VDMMA www.prolandscaper.co.za
Existing service and new circulation routes had to be accommodated and comprise of some 8 – 10 vehicular access and egress points for parking and Quayside industries, bus and taxi routes including stop and go points, access for the Hotels, Art Gallery, Commercial Office space, residential apartments, retail and Gallery deliveries, waste disposal, fire tender, nonmotorised transport, and most importantly – pedestrian access throughout the Precinct. Pedestrian access and movement has been prioritised over all other forms of movement. Open space uses vary from circulation to sedentary chilling and ‘pavement café’. (And a variety of combinations thereof). The choice of materials and development of detail followed suit – including spaces for exhibition, green park landscaping for repose, paving for sidewalk cafés, fixed and flexible seating and bus and taxi waiting areas. Light fittings, waste re-cycling bins, signage, street edges, planters, bollards for traffic control and seating are ‘elements’, which serve the uses of the Public Realm spaces. The ideas are further underpinned by the proposed Precinct wide finishes chosen to be ‘workman like’, utilitarian and ‘fit for purpose’, within the overarching ethos of a multifunctional and working Harbour. Because VDMMA was responsible for the design of Silo No’s 2, 3, 4 and 5, this allowed for the simultaneous design development of all the thresholds enclosing the space of the Public Realm. The view was taken that the fragmentation of the surrounding buildings would allow for variety, eschew monotony and it is hoped, allow for the unexpected within the Public Realm. Some of these nodes are still to be completed and Pro Landscaper looks forward to further documenting Cape Town’s coolest cultural experience.
ABOUT AFRILANDSCAPES/ AFRISERV
AfriServ is a world class, multi-disciplinary group of companies based in South Africa. Their subsidiary and partner companies offer professional business support services to large and small enterprises. More and more organisations realise the value of focusing on their core business, while outsourcing other critical support functions to partners such as AfriServ. They are a 100% black-owned and managed company and enjoy a BBEEE Level 1 status. Their professional landscape management division, Afrilandscapes, is a provider of landscape services, covering design, implementation, and on-going garden maintenance.
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P R O J E C T
T W O
DISCOVERY HQ The Discovery Global Head Quarters in Sandton is one of the most iconic builds to grace Africa and is also the largest single-phase commercial office development in Africa. It is the largest build to receive a five-star rating from the Green Building Council of SA. Developed in a joint venture by two of South Africa’s leading property giants, Growthpoint Properties Limited and Zenprop Property Holdings, the building boasts 112,000sqm of resourceefficient, cost-effective and environmentally-innovative design. Discovery Head Quarter’s site is prominent in Sandton, the highest point in the CBD at the intersection of two of its main axes: Katherine Drive and Rivonia Road and is positioned alongside notable developments such as 140 West Street & the Alice Lane Precinct, it is a block from the Gautrain and sits diagonally opposite Sandton City. Architect’s Boogertman + Partners designed this build with Landscape Architecture by African Environmental Design and landscape construction by Countryline Africa.
Size: 4 Areas Street: 1000 m2 Podium: 1500 m2 Interior: 790 m2 Roof: 1120m2 Timeline: 2015- 2018 Landscaping Budget: R10 million Location: Sandton, Johannesburg
The Brief There were two key factors to this brief: The First was to create an architectural statement that captured the essence of the Discovery brand. This had to be something that it could be identified with going forward. The client’s wanted the building to reflect the Discovery ideals and to embody their core values which needed to be represented both aesthetically and in operation. The second key factor, that runs synonymously with the first, was to improve efficiencies in the day to day working of the company. They were spread over 4 disjointed buildings around their original 155 West Street building and this was beginning to impact on the way in which they did business. Naturally, they requested the new building be designed with their way of working at the fore and with the idea of flexibility for future growth and changes in how they operated. African Environmental Designs’ Sonja Swanepoel describes how she was called to design and oversee 4 sections of this all- encompassing building, namely the Street Entrance, Podium Level, the Interior heart of the building and the Roof-Top gardens. Further to this she was briefed to come up with the conceptual design of all Water Features, Exterior space, Irrigation & Greens Star Compliance for all the before mentioned aspects. African Environmental Designs were briefed to create a garden to match the building, both in scale and magnificence which is no easy task, and to use mostly indigenous or african planting throughout the design.
The Inside, Out The Discovery building was conceived from the inside out. At the heart of this building’s concept is the creation of a rich internal environment that gives life to its visitors. Within this pertinent space the Discovery community can thrive, and interactions can take place. Boogertman + Partners’ Alasdair Forsyth explains that “the design considerations are centred around the human experience of the space at all times. This concept resolved itself into two large, sun filled internal atria around which the open floor plates were arranged.
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The atria are enclosed by 2800sqm of glazed roof, with all pause areas and agile spaces opening into them. Connecting these atria to one another is a central concourse, within which a stack of escalators links double volume bridges that stitch the floorplates together. The concourse space was conceived as a “grand central station”, a literal and figurative interchange between the company and its clients.” The Roof The roof of the building is a landscaped retreat, It is accessible to all employees of Discovery, where the philosophy of holistic approach to health (an integral part of the company’s core values) is physically expressed. “The building’s form is defined by an external “camisole”, a projecting portion of the façade articulated by white powder coated vertical aluminium fins. The sensuous shape in plan combined with the undulating vertical expression creates a simple, monolithic statement that gives the building a unique and powerful visual signature” expresses Alasdair. Level 8 is where the gym is located as well as access to the landscaped roof which extends up to level 9. These are all for Discovery staff members, although various events are held there from time to time. The roof has a 620m running track, a multicourt for basketball, netball and volleyball and a separate soccer court for football. There are spaces for yoga classes and external seating areas. Level 9 of the phase 2 tower will house the new Healthy Food Studio, where Discovery will host “masterchef” cooking classes to promote holistic, healthy eating. All in line with Discovery’s philosophy of a healthy lifestyle. The Ground Floor Ground floor is open to the public and people are actively encouraged to come to the building for lunch or coffee. It was very important to both Discovery and the developers that ground floor was easily accessible, thus the north entrance sits almost level with the Katherine/ Rivonia intersection, meaning people can easily walk into and out of the building and connect into the broader Sandton Central area on foot. The ground floor has two restaurants, a coffee shop, retail outlets, the first Discovery Bank branch, the wellness centre where clients can have their Vitality assessments done, a Woolworths and auditoriums for events and announcements. The ground floor opens into
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the atrium spaces, connecting visitors to the working floors above visually and spatially. The First Floors The first floor is for training and meeting rooms, with the second floor to seventh floor housing the working office spaces. This section holds the core of the company. Each contains has two pause/break away areas opening into the atrium spaces. These meeting/ office and training rooms are concentrated in the core to allow for maximum flexibility on the floor plates. Challenges Architecturally the challenge was how to move people vertically through the space in a way that allowed them to enjoy the scale of the atriums and courtyard without being intimidated by this massive space. Relating the human scale back to the building scale was an essential part in establishing all aspects of this build and the planting choices. This spatial modulation, executed in collaboration with Paragon Interface, was also used in the pause areas and some of the agile spaces and has worked very well. It is a key factor in our human centred design approach. Alasdair concludes that." From a planting perspective, African Environmental Designs explains that some of the planters were extremely shallow and specialised core drilling had to be done to hang trees in baskets that protruded into the basement parking below. The Interior Floor had to be raised in order to create enough depth for planting. Plant selection was also sometimes determined by shallow depths only 150 mm. Polystyrene therefore had to extensively be used to give scale and depth as there were several weight restrictions. Low light conditions and the absence of low ceilings for growth also made the choice of indoor planting very limited. When it came to materials, Plants were either contact grown or sourced by African Environmental Design by their trusted list of suppliers.
and showers are provided. All lights are LED. The internal atriums also insure a lot of natural light into the floorplates and internal planting assists with the staff and visitor overall experience. Reducing carbon dioxide levels and the levels of certain pollutants, such as benzene and nitrogen dioxide as well as boosting moral. SUPPLIERS Architect: Boogertman + Partners Interior Design: Paragon Interface Water Features: Waterscapes - 011 440 7943 Furniture: Igneous Concrete - 011 827 7425 Artificial Turf (Rooftop): Belgotex Grass - 011 380 9300 Lighting: Regent Lighting Solutions - 011 474 0171 Irrigation: Controlled Irrigation - 011 608 0767 Planting: Klugro Nursery - 082 849 1323 Cycads Unlimited - 012 544 9001 Cycads4U Treeshop indigenous trees - 084 504 1775 Random Harvest Nursery - 082 553 0598 Siyakula Nursery - 076 639 7949 Just Trees - 021 871 1595 Tshala Plant Brokers - 071 683 1177 Aquaflora - ? Malanseuns - 012 549 2128 Sunbird Aloes - ? Andy De Wet Aloes -012 549 2128
Sustainability A great point of reference for this site is that all showers and irrigation in the building reticulate to a centralised grey water plant, with that water being processed and re-used for irrigation. Apart from the HVAC and plumbing strategies there is also a wide range and use of indigenous planting throughout to reduce use of water for landscaping. Cyclist and jogging change facilities
Pro Landscaper Africa | December Coffee Table Edition 2018
Photographs: Peter Hassal Adam Leitch Infrastructure Photos Richard Wilkins
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PORTFOLIO
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Pro Landscaper Africa | December Coffee Table Edition 2018
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Plant list ATRIA PLANT LIST: Neo myendorfi Neo tricolor Neo franca Nidilarium rutelans Vriesa hyroglyphica Cissus rhombodifolia Rhumora adiantiformis Dypsis lutescens Kentia Monstra deliciosa Aspidistra deliciosa Nidi leprosa Rhapis excelasa ROOF PLANT LIST: Aloe sp. Anthericum suandersil Aristida junciformis Eupohorbia tirucalli Phylica pubescens Protea sp. Carpobrotus sp. Delosperma sp. DISCOVERY ENTRANCE PLANT LIST: Scilla natalensis Nymphae sp. Delosperma lydenebergense Asparagus mazeppa Albuca neslonii Falkia repens NORTH WEST ENTRANCE: Encepharlartos fridirici Encepharlartos lehmanii Encepharlartos longifolius Encepharlartos lebomboensis Zamia NORTH ENTRANCE: Encepharlartos munchii Encepharlartos manikensis Encepharlartos gratus Encepharlartos transvenosus Encepharlartos pausidentatis Encepharlartos kisambo Encepharlartos villosus Celtis Africana Ornithigalum Falkia repens Plectrantus ecklonii
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ABOUT AFRICAN E N V I R O N M E N TA L D E S I G N ( A E D ) : AED is a South African based Landscape architecture practice that operates Nationally and Internationally with offices in Johannesburg and Cape Town. As a landscape architecture studio, they aim to grow environmental performance in the business sector through design. Their core strength lies in their design skills and the ability to deliver a high-quality end product. They are committed to an ecological design approach that is rooted in place. Inquiry, research and a contemporary aesthetic that subscribes to the notion of systems (ecological urbanism) forms the foundation of their approach. AED sees a landscape as a system that is constantly changing, rather than product. The majority of landscape solutions are almost entirely sceno -graphic’ - but in the current environmental and financial crisis there is a growing need for a holistic perspective that is ecologically based and which, at the same time, addresses social and economic concerns. Solutions are site specific and beauty will always stay important in our approach. Bio-mimicry as icons of larger natural systems, juxtaposed in the urban landscape, re-present our idea of landscape and our place in nature. The mandate of AED is to respond with clarity and imagination to the unique circumstances of each project. Functionality, Aesthetics and Ecological restoration is for this team, equally important and they trust their work reflects this sentiment. ABOUT BOOGERTMAN & PARTNERS
Established in 1982, with offices in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban and Kenya, Boogertman & Partners engages in projects throughout Africa. And beyond, continually embracing social, economic and functional challenges through Human Centred Design. They are driven by a dynamic team of directors who share a vision for contextually responsible and innovative design- with a dedicated approach to the building process from project inception to execution. The compliment includes: urban designers, architects & technicians, graphic design & marketing and landscape architecture.
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P R O J E C T
T H R E E
TWO TOWERS: 140 WEST STREET
Right in the heart of Johannesburg stands the commanding 140 West Street with its captivating exterior & two linked towers constructed on a landscaped podium. This building is situated diagonally opposite the Gautrain Station and directly opposite the entrance to the Michelangelo Hotel, Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square. Everything about this build makes an impression on its inhabitants and visitors. Designed by Paragon Architects with landscape design by The Ochre Office, this inspired build recently and rightfully achieved a 4-Star Green Star SA Office V1 Design certification.
Size: 3600 m2 Landscape Installation (planting and paving build) Development Construction Start – Finish: Sept 2014 – December 2017 Cost: R5.3 million Location: Sandton, Johannesburg Client: Zenprop Property Holdings
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SUPPLIERS Consultant Team: Paragon Architects Sotiralis Engineers Schoombie Hartmann Quantity Surveyors Savile Row Contractors: Main Contractor: Tiber WBHO JV Landscape Contractor: Countryline Africa - 011 021 5570 Paving: Countryline Africa Tiling: Rudolph & Van Vuuren (RVV) - 011 618 1340 Water Features and Steel Sculpture: Waterscapes - 011 440 7943 Pots: Igneous Concrete - 011 827 7425
140 West Street, in central Sandton, consists of a 10-storey North Tower and 14-storey South Tower, both rising over a subterranean, multilevel basement structure but tightly seated within a greened podium. Its tenants comprise several legal and corporate firms and the project, developed by Zenprop Property Holdings, incorporates sustainable design features such as rainwater harvesting, treatment and reuse. The building’s highly-engineered, fully glazed facades and favourable orientation allow for the maximum natural lighting possible while restricting glare and heat transmission. The Architecture The architecture, put simply, presents two towers that are joined by a clear glass roof which appears to wrap down over the point of arrival and seamlessly envelop the central atrium and the sculptural bridges that link the said towers. The floor plates taper towards the east and west gable ends, enabling the building to lean outwards in a commanding manner. Influence on the Landscape The strong lines and curves of the building were
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to formulate the base for the landscape design. With its impressive facades, shaped to create gentle bends in each face and further texturized by vertical metal shading fins, these forms effortlessly inspire the language of the gardens. The built planters rise and fall with gentle curves, with linear patterns reflected in the paving patterns and once again in the extrusions of the outdoor seating. The Street Edge At street edge, the development aims to enrich its urban environment. Because of its positioning, the building activates public usability by extending a popular coffee shop terrace out to the pavement; a convenient and beneficial addition to the bustling pedestrian route between the Gautrain Station and the hub of Sandton. The coffee shop garden is quaint but effectively institutes the shop owner’s vision and wishes. Between building and kerb, the pavement finishes tie in with the existing Sandton Precinct Guidelines.
Steel Benches: A&D Engineering - 028 212 1641 Decking: Truestyle Hard Landscaping Solutions 011 768 1305 Paving Product: Bosun Brick - 011 310 1176 Granite Tiles: Mazista - 011 998 2600 Supergres Tiles: Limegreen Sourcing Solutions - 011 325 2893 Irrigation: Controlled Irrigation - 011 608 0767 Product: Rain Bird - 011 608 0767 Synthetic Turf: Easigrass - 011 027 9245
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The Ground Floor Landscape The building welcomes users and visitors up off the street over a cascading stepped water feature and onto a landscaped ground floor podium. The client wished for the energy that one experiences on the street to be brought through into the building, celebrating strong urban features and scales (lighting, floor finish etc.) but introducing a calm through planting and textures. The ground floor podium hovers over the basement block, which is the parking area, presenting a thin cantilevering edge to the street view (West). The planted gardens are designed to cascade over this edge and allow the balustrade and hard surfaces to pull back away from this interface. The ground floor gardens then circumnavigate the building on this level weaving built-up off-shutter concrete planters and paved walkways into the narrow north and south boundaries and opening-up to accommodate a canteen spillout space on the eastern terrace as an extension to, and termination of, the “street” that pulls through from the atrium of the building. Water Features The Developer requested that water features be cleverly introduced to enhance the experience of entrance and of avenue. Paragon and Ochre worked closely to integrate a water element into the stepped entrance on the western approach. Water cascades down stepped levels below a series of crisscrossing floating ramps. The feature is naturally filtered and is intended to be planted in linear pockets that then integrate with adjacent built planters. The steps themselves were engineered to incorporate Senegalia galpinii (Monkey Thorn) trees which are planted into either built structures or suspended in troughs from the slab. These trees will eventually establish and form open canopies under which visitors will walk. At the entrance to the building, another water feature has been introduced, this time a natural pond element with stainless steel pipes bent as vertical ribs, taking inspiration from the fins on the facades, and spilling water softly down into the naturally-filtered pool. The third and final water feature is positioned on the eastern canteen terrace, aligned on the central axis of the building, and acting as a terminal focal point at the end of the avenue.
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The feature has been designed to cascade towards the building, water rushing down a riven finish in vertical bands between precast concrete ribs – the aesthetic once again drawing inspiration from the vertical fins of the façade. A slight recess was designed into the base of the cascade to ensure that the soft and calming sound of water would be heard if one was sitting out on the terrace.
The walls backing to the scenic lift- which transports users between basement and the ground floor- have been dressed in strips of false silk planting which melt down onto the lobby floor. There was a wish to soften the user experience and bring greenery into the interior space, and the faux planting was found to be the most suitable alternative where a natural installation was not possible.
This water feature appears to back up against a retained berm but it in fact conceals a ventilation unit that stands 1.5m high and spans the width of the building. The landscape has been designed to completely disguise this structure and has been planted up with Buddleja saligna (False Olive) and Dodonaea angustifolia (Sand Olive) with the aim to screen any future developments that are due to rise on the neighbouring property.
The use of tactile materials and the integration of planting and natural light throughout the building aim to give users the feeling of being close to nature.
The Benches Linear themes were pulled through into the customized benches. Two materials were utilized, the first simply formulated as extensions of the concrete planters. These curve and stretch along the edges of the garden, functioning as both seating and retaining edges to hold soil volumes. The second bench typology is one of steel tubes, extruding in pieces along their length. Where possible, planting will grow between the openings in the tube segments and melt into the greenery. The Planting The planting palette is one of rich but muted contrast, with the decision to work with tones of greens and greys and allowing their leaf textures and colours to complement each other. As one moves around the building, the plant and tree selection differs to in response to the varied micro-climate pockets and light levels. Plants were selected for their durability, visual appeal and low maintenance requirements. All gardens are fully irrigated with a dripper system and installed with soil moisture sensors to minimize water wastage.
Upper Terraces Further up the structure, exclusive landscaped roof terraces have been incorporated on the 8th, 9th and 14th floors, from which remarkable, panoramic views across Johannesburg can be experienced. The 8th and 14th terraces were designed and adjusted in accordance with tenant requirements, with built-in roof structures, seating and specific deck or synthetic grass floor textures. The lines and materials of planters and paved areas replicate those of the ground floor design, and the plant selection again responds to the micro-climates experienced at high levels. On basement L1, a smoker's terrace extends to the eastern boundary. This area has been planted with a basic hardy mix and also accommodates a fire escape. This zone is allocated as servitude and will be reconstituted as neighbouring properties develop in the future. When it came to sourcing materials for this project, the concept of sourcing as local as possible was employed. All roof gardens utilize a no-fines concrete drainage solution as specified by the Engineer. 140 West Street is certainly a signature development for the client & has been executed with no detail spared. It is a bench mark for design which sets the tone for future developments in this node and is a nod to the already thriving area of Sandton.
The Atrium Inside the atrium, once again working within the brief to create an avenue feel, Ficus benjamina (Weeping Fig) and Trichelia dregeana (Forest Mahogany) trees are sunken into suspended planters. They act to scale the atrium space and introduce connection to the outdoors.
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ABOUT THE OCHRE OFFICE
The Ochre Office (Pty) Ltd is a professional design firm specializing in Landscape Architecture. Established in 2013, the company continually strives for excellence in design, planning and contract management, undertaking projects that vary in size and typology be they private, commercial, industrial, or recreational and community sites. We see our role as Landscape Architects firmly and fundamentally seated in the formulation of connections between people, their built environments and their natural surrounds – understanding the interactions between form, texture, space and function. It is within this notion of connectedness that we seek to design smart, sustainable, environmentally responsive and appropriately integrated landscape solutions. www.prolandscaper.co.za
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Size: 13 000 m2 Location: Menlyn Maine precinct Timeline: 1 year Cost: R6 million
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TIME TO SHINE Interdesign Landscape Architects were appointed on behalf of Sun International to design a space reflecting the theme of horology- the art and science of measuring time. Time Square Casino is located in SA’s first Green City, Menlyn Maine precinct.
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he Time Square site comprises an area of 13,000 square metres of well thought out design and beautifully executed hard and soft landscaping. The brief by Sun International was to create a robust, cost effective and low maintenance outdoor space which would complement the architecture of the building and entice visitors to enter the casino, arena and hotel buildings. The outdoor space was required to fit into the design language for the Menlyn Maine precinct, which is marketed as the first green city in Southern Africa. The landscape also had to function as spill-out for large volumes of pedestrians, linked with the rest of the precinct, especially the Central Park development and park area across Aramist Road. Furthermore, it had to be visually appealing from bird’s eye view from the adjacent casino and high-rise hotel buildings and allow for visibility to all outdoor screens and the Sunstar structure in the centre of the development. Materials were sourced from local suppliers as far as possible. The planting palette comprises indigenous species, mainly to ensure a sustainable, resilient landscape, which is water wise, requires low maintenance and retains its aesthetic throughout the year. The design concept aims to enhance the architectural theme of horology, the art and science of measuring time. Paving patterns and shapes of planters and stairs therefore reflect the mechanisms of a clock, further enhanced by the planting palette, which aims to enhance the time theme. Species therefore were carefully selected to ensure an allyear round effect, with different effects throughout each season using colour and texture as a means of executing this theme. This project saw many specialised challenges and called for skill of working alongside a fall of approximately 3,000 metres across the central piazza area, polystyrene fill due to the level difference on the site and the fact that much of the site was built on a basement area. Limited timeframes were allowed for the installation of the soft landscaping, which was installed by Bidvest TopTurf. Another challenge was to overcome the level difference of approximately 3,8 metres in a cost-effective manner across the main piazza, with the minimum weight, as most of the piazza and landscaped areas were positioned above the basement. The objective was to ensure a gradual change without visitors to the development being aware of the level difference over such a short distance. Planters, stairs and ramps were therefore strategically planned, and planters have varying depths of between 300mm and 1500mm.
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SUPPLIERS Lead Contractors: Bidvest TopTurf - 087 286 5625 Plants: Tshala Plant Brokers - 082 415 0165 Pots: Igneous Concrete - 011 827 7425 Planting Medium: Culterra - 082 563 1380 Geo Textiles: Fibertex - 083 268 6666 Paving/Edging: Bosun Brick - 011 310 1176 Lighting: Regent Lighting Solutions 011 474 0171 Perimeter Fence Fencing contractors: Fencesteel - 012 543 1294 Betafence: Betaview - 021 868 7300 Images supplied by:
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The design of the paving was done in such a manner as to continue the theme of time into the landscape and form a continuation of the prominent lines as seen on the building faรงades which can be understood on ground level but also from birds-eye view due to the high-rise nature of the buildings which surround the landscape. In the eastern piazza the complex paving patterns draw directly from the idea of cogs in a clock mechanism and merge with the shapes of the planters, thus creating the continuation through various levels of the design. In the western piazza the paving lines materialise from the focal tree and radiate
outdoors drawing on the concept of a sundial with the tree acting as the gnomon. The lighting design was done in such a manner as not to detract from the feature lights found on the faรงade of the building. The lights subtly illuminate the walkways and guide the user towards the building entrances-alerting the user of various level changes within the landscape. Various uplighters were used beneath the trees to create focus elements within the landscape as one moves through the space and lighting bollards were used to clearly demarcate the pedestrian realm from the vehicular realm.
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The design concept aims to enhance the architectural theme of horology, the art and science of measuring time.
ABOUT INTERDESIGN LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
Interdesign Landscape Architects was established in 1998 and is a 100% women-owned company with majority black ownership and certified as a B-BBEE Level 2 Contributor. The directors are Shalini Chetty and Karen Botes. The objective of the diverse and experienced ILA team is to create functional, responsible, sustainable and aesthetically pleasing outdoor spaces to meet the client’s budgetary and other requirements. ILA is renowned for their dedication to the quality of their work and creative approach, through design with nature.
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Architectural Feature Screens
GROWERS AND DISTRIBUTORS OF INDIGENOUS AND EXOTIC FLORA FOR A GREENER FUTURE Marc Dawson: 082 804 2241 | fridhemfarm@vodamail.co.za
Bringing ideas to life Transform your space with our custom screens and panels, offering versatile design solutions that don’t compromise on form in the name of function. Create designer partitions, feature walls, facades and decorative panelling for pergolas and sunscreens.
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info@tiltscreens.co.za | 0215569229
Landscape Contractors Specialising in Residential & Commercial 014 576 1925 info@greenacreslandscapes.co.za www.greenacreslandscapes.co.za
Design | Water Features | Hard Landscaping | Irrigation | Maintenance
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LOFTUS PARK PRECINCT: AN ICON
The R1,45 billion Loftus Park project is set to drastically transform the area around the Loftus Versfeld stadium into a bustling business and leisure hub! Loftus Park, the dynamic new mixed-use green precinct in Pretoria, is situated next to the city’s legendary Loftus Versfeld Stadium in the heart of Pretoria’s sporting, cultural and diplomatic nodes. The developers for this prestigious site were Redefine Properties and Abland with Daniel Rebel Landscape Architects (DRLA) undertaking the planning and design of the intricate exterior of the Loftus Park Development.
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PORTFOLIO Total landscaped area: 16850m2 Hard Landscape: 13750m2 Intensive Soft Landscape area: 3 100m2 Landscape Construction Timeline: Nov 2017 – April 2018 Landscape Installation cost: R15,5 million Location: Arcadia, Pretoria, adjacent to Loftus Versfeld stadium, corner of Park street and Kirkness street.
The Project brief was to provide a successful landscape design and installation that would incorporate the various elements of the surrounding area and to create a sense of place that would integrate this development into the precinct. The Landscape design was then discussed and presented to the Client along with perspectives and material samples for approval which were reviewed and have led the design to how it appears today. The Loftus Park Mix use Development has been developed by Abland/ Redefine, constructed by WBHO and is situated in a culturally and historically important precinct in Pretoria. The world-renowned Loftus Versfeld rugby stadium is situated adjacent to the development. The development therefore serves as a catalyst for the surrounding precinct. The Four Identified Axes Sculptures and art have been used to provide distinctiveness to each of the four axes that were identified, culminating in the piazza. The four axes are the cultural axis, the historical axis, the sport axis and the education axis. These four elements form an integral part in the design of the development and enabled integrating it within the precinct. Various tertiary institutions, such as University of Pretoria, Afrikaans Hoër Seunskool, Afrikaans Hoër Meisieskool, Pretoria Girls High and Pretoria Boys High are situated within this cultural precinct with its very rich historical context. The development is also situated adjacent to the historic Clydesdale suburb. With such a rich historical and cultural context, it goes without saying that these would have an influence on the design of the development. It was imperative to respect and integrate the context of the surrounding environment. This was done through the various finishes included in the design. Red Clay brick pavers packed in a basket weave pattern were used along the axis entering the piazza at Loftus Park.
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This was used as a substitute for the red Kirkness clay brick which was used within the precinct. The Corobrik Cedarberg Clay paver was used along Kirkness street and along the Northern façade of Loftus Versfeld, demarcating the public access to and from the development. The bespoke seating planters, with the logo of the development made from a terrazzo inlay within the concrete textured seat, represents a modern interpretation whilst using older/ traditional materials to aid in bridging the historic with the contemporary. The shopfronts to the restaurants are lined with a polished concrete mix, using the black concrete with a white aggregate.
SUPPLIERS Bespoke Sculptural Concrete Seating Planters, Manufacturing and installation: Gallo Precast - 082 554 7780 Bespoke Steel Furniture Manufacturing: Truestyle Hard Landscape Solutions 011 768 1305
Concrete pavers with a ground and as well as shot blast finish were provided in grey and black strips which in turn provide context to the buildings around the piazza by seamlessly integrating the colours used in the architectural style of the surrounding buildings. A composite deck surrounds the historical building, which was dismantled and rebuilt in its original place, activating and enhancing its historical context. Deck areas were also provided to the hotel. Level differences within the piazza were accommodated through various ramps with slopes not exceeding 1:24 by using an exposed aggregate concrete which provides a non-slip finish. Every Plant has its Purpose The colour schemes used within the planting palette of the landscape design reflect the context in which the development is situated. Red and blue symbolises the Blue Bulls rugby team whereas the yellow and blue colouring ties in with the Mamelodi Sundown’s soccer team, which both have Loftus Versfeld as their home ground. The Agapanthus bingo blue is a play on colouring for the Protea Marriott Hotel located in the development and the red planting is a nod to the Virgin Active gymnasium. At the entrance to the development, Aloe porcupine were planted, which ties in with the Aloes at the University of Pretoria, whereas the Agapanthus, Dietes and Strelitzias that were planted, tie in with the planting within the adjacent neighbourhoods. It is with this view that the planting palette consisted of a Dietes bicolor mix interplanted with Kniphofia praecox and Crocosmia species. This mix was used as the canvas for the landscape design. This planting mix is extremely tough and looks good, with various splashes of colour throughout the year.
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Artevia Concrete Paving installation: Willem Scholtz - 081 438 4347 Product: Lafarge Artevia Water feature Design: PoolSpa & Filtration Supplies 011 793 1381 Water feature installation: Greenacres Landscapes - 014 5761925 Granite for Water features: Marble Classic - 011 974 3588 Mature Trees: Just Trees - 021 871 1595 Irrigation Design: Controlled Irrigation - 011 608-0767
MEET THE TEAM Developer: Abland, Redefine Architects: Studio 3 Design House Main Contractor: WBHO Landscape Architects: Danial Rebel Landscape Architects Landscape Contractor: Greenacres Landscapes - 014 5761925
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Product: Rain bird Planter copings: WilsonStone - 011 615 6212 Paving: Bosun Brick - 011 310 1176 Smartstone - 011 310 1161 Corobrik - 031 560 3111 Lighting: Regent Lighting Solutions - 011 474 0171 Lighting Design & Installation: Paul Pamboukian - 082 880 4534 Composite Timber Pergola: Siya Africa - 083-842-8900
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Detail planting was added to the canvas such as Aloe porcupine, Asparagus sp, Agapanthus species, Crocosmia sp, Elegia tectorum, Strelitzia reginae and Strelitzia mandela’s gold. Viburnum hedges were used to demarcate the seating areas of the restaurants lining the piazza and also to soften the edges to the piazza. Freylinia tropica were used along the periphery of the development in conjunction with Celtis africana. Drip Irrigation, rain sensors and soil moisture additives were incorporated in the design and construction of the project in order to reduce the water requirements of the soft landscape installation and add to the green nature of the building. The tree palette consists of Combretum erythrophyllum, Celtis africana, Platanus acerifolia, Liquidamber styraciflua, Olea europaea subs africana and Harpephyllum caffrum trees. The streets along Clydesdale’s roads are lined with Plane trees and these were introduced along the pedestrian access leading from Clydesdale into the piazza. Jacaranda trees, the historic signature trees of central Pretoria, were provided along Kirkness street, thus continuing the identity and historical context to the development.
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The Water Feature A terraced water feature, emanating at the stage within the piazza, culminates at a sculpture placed at the bottom of the water feature. An interactive circular zero level water feature with granite tile finish serves as a focal element in the heart of the piazza to the delight of both young and old. Street Furniture Bespoke street furniture was custom made and provided to this site. Bespoke tree rings engraved with the logo of the development were provided around the Liquidamber trees within the piazza. The leaves of these trees turn a beautiful shade of red during autumn, further enhancing and contributing to the colour theme envisaged. Stainless steel bicycle racks were designed and manufactured in the shape of bicycles, acting as gorgeous pieces of art amidst the development- further enhancing the theme of art as an engaging factor throughout the development. Two courtyards were provided to the two office buildings with seating planters. Harpephyllum caffrum, as well as Olea europaea subsp. africana trees, with their strong identities, were used to define these spaces. Bespoke pergola structures provide spaces for the tenants of these buildings to socialise.
ABOUT DANIEL REBEL LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS: Through a holistic design approach and collaboration with other built environment professionals, we create memorable spaces and environments, designs that are accountable, site specific, environmentally responsive, and that are constructed on time, within budget but above expectation. DRLA is well positioned to render a personalised and professional service of an exceptional high standard, to all its clients. We specialise in the following fields of Landscape Architecture: • Public open space development • Urban landscape infrastructure projects • Mix use urban developments • Residential estates • Corporate campuses • Office precincts
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Lo cat i o n: Century City, Cape Town Si ze : 2,500m² in extent Tim e li ne: +-14 months Co st: R3,8 million
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THE NEW URBAN The success of Century City continues with billions of rands of new residential, commercial and hospitality projects rapidly rising out of the ground. Century City Square is one such development node which has earned growing media attention and won a multitude of industry acclaim. Planning Partner’s client, Rabie Property Group, included the firm at the conceptualisation stage together with Vivid Architects and HHO Infrastructure Engineers to formulate a wholistic design of this development node which celebrates new urbanism, a true mixed-used development and is the first stage of a bold new chapter in Century City’s expansion.
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his project is Rabie’s flagship R1 Billion development and has the Century City Conference Centre at its heart, flanked by the Century City Hotel, Apex office tower, Matrix residential and office block centred around the multi-purpose Century City Square, constructed over a super basement for parking. The development received a 4-Star Green Star Office v1 Design rating from the Green Building Council of South Africa. It was also the recipient of the SAPOA Best mixeduse development award for 2017. The design evolved in conjunction with the project team and needed to respond to the urban nature of the site and the constraints of wind and poor soils. The objectives of the design were to provide vertical greening, shade and seasonal interest in spaces constrained by the multi-purpose nature of the Square.
greater Century City. This water not only provides amenity value but is fundamental to the success of the development. Porous structured planters were incorporated into the canals to provide greening and water polishing, with aquatic plants bedded in a mixed growing medium, containing a high clay content. The Century City Square forms part of the Century City Arts Trail and together with the architectural interventions within The Square, an Edwardian era 5m diameter Steam-driven flywheel was rescued from the Ratanga Junction theme park and reinvented as a stationary display within the canals. Floating water fountains were incorporated to further aerate and animate the canal water, positioned strategically and uplit for maximum effect.
The plant selection needed to be uncomplicated and robust to harmonise with and complement the architecture. The plant material was selected from the approved Century City list, which is primarily focussed on indigenous plant material and was developed in conjunction with the City of Cape Town and environmental consultants.
Structural timber and decking reclaimed from the theme park were used to construct a series of seating and wind screening units which provide relief from the South-Easter winds. These are located on the waters’ edge and the addition of Fever trees planted in this area, provides dappled shading for users.
The site is bordered on two sides by an engineered canal system which captures all the precinct storm water and is linked to over 7 kilometres of the canal system within the
Large structured concrete planters which accommodate mature specimen trees frame the Square, with two extra large Celtis trees planted into open ground planters adjacent to
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SUPPLIERS Trees: Just Trees - 021 871 1595 XL Trees: Trees SA - 021 842 0003 Paving: Corobrik - 021 888 2300 Timber Decking: Town & Country Projects 084 682 6641 Stainless Steel Trellis: Tensile Cables - 021 701 9677 Water fountains: Water in Motion - 083 227 5950 Project Information: Alistair Turrell Planning Partners Lighting: BEKA Schréder - 011 238 0000 Starke Contracts - 021 555 1927 Bellco Electrical - 021 440 7100 QDP Lighting & Electrical Design 021 913 2277
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the Square. Vertical greening took the form of stainless steel trellises over 5 elevations of the buildings and planting onto perforated aluminium screens on the structured parking building. The use of a combination of fast and slower growing climbing plants has resulted in quick cover to the facades and longevity of the greening. The adjacent roadways and infrastructural areas were planted with 120 mature Vachellia xanthophloea’s which when fully grown will create a mega canopy of seethrough lime green. Cape Contours were responsible for the installation and initial landscape maintenance of the works. Along with the challenges of programming and tight deadlines came the logistical challenges of craning in extra-large trees and the use of a 180- ton mobile crane to place the 26- ton Flywheel. The project was completed in time for the inaugural ‘Valentines under the stars’ held in The Square in February 2016.
ABOUT PLANNING PARTNERS
With an extensive portfolio of completed projects locally and internationally they aim to provide added value to every project as part of a collaboration. Their track record over 40 years has delivered restored cultural and historical gardens, commercial and institutional Landscape Master Planning, detailed design and implementation as well as landscape management and inputs into Environmental Planning and management. The team of 12 comprises 5 Professional Landscape Architects, Landscape and Architectural Technicians and Horticulturalists.
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S E V E N
THE CLUB International property developer and investor Atterbury has recently consolidated its two Gauteng branches into a single regional headquarters at Die Klubhuis, housed within the Pretoria precinct development, The Club. This stunning development has seen investment from Atterbury of around R180-million in infrastructure poured into The Club precinct. Daniel Rebel Landscape Architects (DRLA) were appointed by the client to design and implement its landscape while WBHO was appointed as the main contractor. We look at The Club 2 in this feature, a node within the development.
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tterbury's new headquarters are positioned within the A-grade offices of the 5 200 m2 Die Klubhuis, or Club Two, which is also home to a modern and high-tech 3 300 m2 Planet Fitness Megaclub. The Brief The Project brief in short was to provide a successful landscape design and installation that would incorporate the various elements of the existing Club Precinct Development in order to create a sense of place that would integrate this development into the precinct. The Landscape design was presented to the Client along with perspectives and material samples for approval. This process provided valuable feedback and brought about the design as it is currently. The Design Approach & Materials Paving materials and copings to planter walls were selected in conjunction with Hofman Architects, the architects for the project, to compliment the lines, shape and aesthetic of the building. A terraced landscape consisting of built up planters on various levels planted with a variety of plant material was envisaged to soften the podium edge along 18th street. WilsonStone's cutstone copings were used on the staircases and planter walls, whilst WilsonStone cutstone tiles were used at the arrival space in front of the buildings, seamlessly unifying these spaces. Sculptural benches were integrated into the design and are framed and accentuated by these tiles.
Total landscaped area: 2 325m2 Hard Landscape: 1775m2 Intensive Soft Landscape area: 550m2 Landscape Construction Timeline: June 2017 – February 2018 Landscape Installation cost: R2 300 000 Location: Hazelwood, Pretoria on the corner of Pinaster street and 18th street
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The arrival space to the main entrances of the building as well as the southern entrance into the building from Pinaster street had to be accentuated through striking design interventions. In order to achieve this, signature benches were envisaged in front of the main entrance to the Klubhuis that would be a sculptural element and provide a unique gathering space for visitors. These benches were manufactured from Balau with mild steel fins. For the southern entrance, a mild steel Trellis structure was envisaged that would accentuate and compliment the architecture of the building. Both these elements were manufactured and installed by Truestyle Hard landscape solutions. The Corobrik burgundy clay pavers used in conjunction with grey Smartstone cobbles in the precinct were carried through in the design of the streetscape surrounding the development.
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The clay pavers provide a vibrant colourful element demarcating the pedestrian walkways. Custom designed street furniture, which included the litter bins and bicycle racks in front of Planet Fitness, was supplied by WilsonStone street furniture and installed by Greenacres Landscape Contractors. The plant palette consisted of the following species: Aristida junciformis, Aloe cooperii, Dietes bicolor, Crocosmia aurea, Watsonia sp., Carissa macrocarpa, with hedge planting consisting of Viburnum odoratissimum and Murraya exotica. Juncus effuses, interplanted with Aloe cooperii, and was used on the roof gardens. Zamioculcus, Spattiphullum and Kentia palms were used at the southern entrance to the basement parking area. Plane trees from 1000L containers, supplied by Just Trees, were used in the streetscape to tie in with the existing Plane trees in the Club precinct. Drip Irrigation, rain sensors and soil moisture additives incorporated in the design and construction of the project in order to reduce the water requirements of the soft landscape installation.
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PORTFOLIO
SUPPLIERS Landscape Contractor: Greenacres Landscapes 014 576 1925 Lighting: Regent Lighting Solutions - 011 474 0171 LED Lighting SA - 011 450 0494 Planting: Just Trees - 021 871 1595 Greenacres Farm Nursery - 014 576 1925 Bristle Cone Nursery - 012 207 9904 Furniture: (Litter bins & Bicycle racks) WilsonStone street furniture 011 615 6212 Bespoke sculptural benches: (Manufacturing and Installation) Truestyle Hard Landscaping Solutions 011 768 1305 Irrigation Design: Controlled Irrigation - 011 608-0767 Product: Netafim Drip – 021 987 0477 Paving: Bosun Brick - 011 310 1176 Smartstone Grey cobbles- 011 310 1161 Corobrik Burgundy clay pavers - 031 560 3111 Paving tiles and planter copings: WilsonStone - 011 615 6212 Images: Hofman Architects
ARCHITECTS
ABOUT DANIEL REBEL LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
Through a holistic design approach, collaboration with other built environment professionals, DRLA is well positioned to render a personalised and professional service of an exceptional high standard, to all its clients. DRLA creates memorable spaces and environments, designs that are accountable, site specific, environmentally responsive, and that are constructed on time, within budget but above expectation. We specialise in the following fields of Landscape Architecture: • Public open space development • Urban landscape infrastructure projects • Mix use urban developments • Residential estates • Corporate campuses • Office precincts
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P R O J E C T
E I G H T
ACKERMANS HEADQUARTERS A look at the new Ackermans Headquarters & Consolite Building in Kuilsriver, Cape Town. Ixia Landscape Architect’s Caren Speirs, creates an inspired, angular courtyard with a fantastic planting palette for the buildings inhabitants both by creating an inviting space for interaction and by inspiring those on upper levels of the building with an eye-catching design.
PORTFOLIO Size: 1639m2 Cost: R1.5m Location: Kuilsriver, Cape Town Client: Pepkor Trading (Pty) Ltd. Timeline: Design in October 2015 & installation by mid 2017
The Brief: Ixia Landscape Architect’s Caren Speirs explains that there was no brief per say, rather the only specific requirement was for a hedge between the pedestrian walkway to the Ackermans main entrance and the courtyard so that pedestrians could not walk directly into the courtyard and then access the building. This was to aid in separating the space and directing the flow of foot traffic within the development. A positive discovery was that the client is very interested in planting and wanted to see the overall plant list before implementation took place. He was also specifically involved in deciding on the plant species for the hedge. Design The courtyard is the most prominent feature of the landscaping and was viewed as an ideal opportunity to do something special. Caren wanted to create a landscape with strong lines which would read well from the upper storeys of the building. The initial concept was presented to the architect with several design options for the courtyard. This proved to be an integral part of the process from a design perspective as the architect was drawn to the uneven zig-zag patterns referencing the “A� in Ackermans. Caren chose plant material that was contrasting in colour and texture to further emphasise the design aesthetic and to create bands that would be visually distinctive. The installation of galvanised metal edging in between the different plant species was also then implemented so that the design lines could be retained as the plants matured. It was concluded that artificial grass would be better suited to the courtyard as opposed to real lawn due to the high impact usage of this space and the potential mess and noise of mowing. What was decided on were two different types of artificial lawn to create a contrast, again appealing to the bird's eye view nature of the building from the upper levels looking down onto the courtyard. The remainder of the landscaping can be described as ribbons on the periphery of the buildings, with the courtyard holding the focus.
PORTFOLIO
When it came to sourcing materials, there were a few critical items in terms of plant material that needed attention: The trees for the courtyard, the trees for the road/parking bays and the hedging material in the courtyard. Caren’s preference was for large specimen Liquidambar styraciflua and Syzygium guineense for the courtyard and street parking areas respectively. Both are very popular trees, in high demand and - at the time - in short supply. She felt it was essential to reserve the trees in advance of the project to counter the former concerns on availability at the time of installation. Caren had to persuade the QS to arrange for deposits to be paid to the nurseries early on in the construction process and long before a landscape contractor was appointed in order to secure her vision. Luckily, the client was very supportive and the team was able to secure the material.
constructed because the rootballs of the trees were larger than the opening created by the kerbs. This meant that trees - which are so heavy that they need to be lifted by a crane truck - had to be placed in exactly the correct position and at the correct height without having the benefit of any surrounding fixed items as a guide. The landscape contractor also did not have a clean run on site – he had to work around the construction process and implement sections as they became available. It was very stop/ start. The drilling of a borehole was decided on at rather the last minute. It was a real struggle to find a borehole contractor that was available to do the work - they were all so busy. In addition, portions of the irrigation had to be redesigned due to the high salt content of the borehole water.
The hedge planting was a challenge as well. The client wanted to have a virtually instant hedge, preferably with a thorny, indigenous plant. The hedge also couldn’t grow too tall as he still wanted the courtyard to be visible from the walkway. After researching what was available at various nurseries, the client was presented with some options. The team settled on Cassine peragua (not thorny, but indigenous), from Langverwacht Landscaping. Langverwacht selected the required number of plants, placed them in an open area at their nursery and in a close approximation of the final spacing onsite. The plants were then regularly pruned and fed.
SUPPLIERS Landscape contractor : VIP Gardens Attie van der Merwe - 072 438 0306 Seating: Igneous Concrete - 011 827 7425 Just Trees Liquidambar styraciflua (400L) 021 871 1595 Langverwacht Landscaping: Syzygium guineense (500L) & Cassine peragua (20L) (Hedging plants) - 021 880 1853 Irrigation: Controlled Irrigation - 021 551 0355 Product: Rain bird Compost & Mulch: Reliance - 086 188 8784 Artificial grass: The Synthetic Turf Company 021 795 0385 Metal edging: Patio Lace - 031 765 6468 Jura straight edge pavers: Revelstone - 021 761 9739 Paving Corobrick - 021 888 2300
Challenges The Liquidambars in the courtyard had to be planted while the courtyard could still be accessed by the delivery truck i.e. before the bridge between the two front sections of the building was constructed. In addition, the planting needed to form part of a formal tree planting ceremony which was then set up for February, one of the hottest times of the year during a terrible drought and before the irrigation was installed! In addition, the soil levels in the courtyard were not correct when the trees needed to be ceremonially planted. The only solution was to leave the trees in their bags in the holes for the ceremony and then later properly plant out the trees when the soil level was correct. The planting of the 500L Syzygium in the street parking areas was also very tricky. The trees had to be planted before the edging or paving was 52
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PORTFOLIO
Plant list List A : ACKERMANS TREES & HEDGE Liquidambar styraciflua (400L) Liquidambar styraciflua (200L) Liquidambar styraciflua (100L) Syzygium guineense (500L) Cassina peragua SHRUBS, BULBS, GROUNDCOVERS, CLIMBERS (all 4L unless specified) Agapanthus nana white Arctotis sp. Carissa 'Green Carpet' Chasmanthe aethiopica Chlorophytum saundersiae Crassula multicava purpurea Noltea africana (20L) Parthenocissus tricuspidata Plectranthus ciliatus Plectranthus neochilus Plectranthus strigosus Plectranthus zuluensis Plumbago auriculata - blue Salvia africana-caerulea Tecoma capensis - red Trachelospermum jasminoides Trachelospermum jasminoides (20L) Tulbaghia violacea
BEFORE
List B: CONSOLITE TREES Liquidambar styraciflua (1000L) Syzygium guineense (500L) SHRUBS, BULBS, GROUNDCOVERS, CLIMBERS (all 4L unless indicated) Agapanthus nana white Agapanthus praecox Carissa 'Green Carpet' Chasmanthe aethiopica Chlorophytum saundersiae Dietes grandiflora Noltea africana (20L) Plectranthus ciliatus Plectranthus neochilus Plectranthus strigosus Salvia africana-caerulea Sutera cordata (6-pack plantlets) Tecoma capensis - red Trachelospermum jasminoides (20L) Tulbaghia violacea Viburnum tinus lucidum (20L)
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ABOUT IXIA LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS Caren Speirs qualified in 1991 and worked for EDP (Environmental Design Partnership) in Johannesburg for 3½ years. Caren worked on the landscaping design and contract administration of a number of commercial properties in Sandton and Rivonia and a residential development in Westcliff Ridge now called the Four Seasons Hotel. In mid1995, she moved to the Cape and worked until the end of March 2001, for her family’s small property development business. From April 2001 to December 2006, she worked for DMP (Dennis Moss Partnership) where her primary project was De Zalze Golf Estate. She was also involved in Eden Island in the Seychelles. Using this acquired expertise she went on her own in January 2007. Ixia was formally registered in December 2007.
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T H E M A L L S
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P R O J E C T
N I N E
CORNUBIA
WHERE WE MEET FOR GOOD Cornubia City is a new R25 Billion mixed-use development which broke ground in 2012 in KwaZulu-Natal. This enormous development is strategically located within 1km from the Umhlanga/Mount Edgecombe interchange and has now extended its offerings to house Cornubia Mall. Cornubia Mall is located within the development and is a 65000 m2 regional shopping centre that offers a mix of food, fashion, lifestyle and sports, all integrated into an outdoor family-orientated shopping experience. Cottontree Landscape Architects and Bentel Associates International, fill us in on this unique and significant project for renowned client, Investec Property.
PORTFOLIO
Cornubia Mall Landscape Where we meet for good was the tag-line of inspiration for Cornubia Mall. The various elements of nature and the surrounding landscape were to be incorporated into the design so that they come together as one. The design concept was to deliver a retail centre which provided a unique offering to the area. Cornubia offers a destination of retail convenience, outdoor living and recreational value which blends with the lifestyle of Umhlanga and Kwa-Zulu Natal. While the trend in regional shopping centres has long been to offer large enclosed malls, Cornubia strikes a perfect balance between a retail experience comprised of national tenants and an outdoor lifestyle experience. This is typified by shaded walkways and pause areas, interlaced with indigenous vegetation, an open public square and an integrated cycle track. The design focuses on lifestyle with interconnected public spaces where people can interact, be entertained, and shop. The 2 oval shaped precincts, creating a ‘figure of eight’ layout, differentiate this design from other centres by allowing for the main vehicular access at the heart of the development offering maximum convenience while shops and activity nodes enjoy total visibility across the centre along planted walkways. Public spaces are characterised by retail anchors as well as lifestyle, fitness and entertainment activities. The elevated walkways prioritise the pedestrian while the location of precinct nodes ensures the development is evenly anchored with even footfalls throughout.
Client: Investec Property Size: 65 000 m2 Phase two size: 20 000 m2 Location: Umhlanga/Mount Edgecombe Timeline: Intensive landscape implementation and soil preparation started in June 2017 Mall opened end September 2017 (all sourcing and preparation had to be done beforehand)
The primary function of a large shopping centre is enhanced by a variation in the traditional theme and layout, since it represents a new way of approaching the retail centre model. The perimeter layout of stores surrounding a central parking area merges the retail with the convenience centre. By allowing visitors to park close to retailers, the layout stimulates easy walking. This encourages visitors to explore stores as well as features such as the public square and a beautifully preserved 112-year-old Natal Fig tree. Furthermore, the design has been specifically devised to accommodate flexibility of expansion and reconfiguration without disruption to trading, visual impact of the centre or surrounding ecology. Environmentally Sustainable Design Constructed on a greenfield site, it was important to accommodate a regenerative approach to the surrounding ecology whilst
ensuring that future retrofit and expansion is contained. The outdoor layout of the shopping centre is also afforded opportunities, such as the interlacing of greenery into public walkways as well as the preservation of the before mentioned 112-yer-old fig tree. The centre received an environmental merit certification for its use of recycled rubber, in the manufacture of roof coping tiles equating to 6250 cubic metres of rubber not reaching landfill. Significant Landscape Statistics •
This project entails just over a hectare of intensive indigenous planting, with an average soft landscaping implementation cost of R380/m² prioritised in different plant species themes over the 10 082m².
•
Nothing on the northern parking deck is irrigated, so all of the plants in the autumn and winter zones are extremely water-wise and only hand-watered when necessary.
•
Over 187 large trees were planted in the parking areas, this included Aloe trees, Combretum krausii, Ekebergia capensis, Dais continifolia and Calodendrum capense. The only exotic specie, the 29 large Royal palms were used along Tecoma Boulevard and the axis towards the southern anchor.
•
Smaller ‘trees’ included Mackaya bella, Portelucaria affra, and Polygala myrtifolia to add height in the walkway areas.
•
Four types of climbers were introduced on all the mesh columns to form a green rhythm along the walkway. Species included Senecio macroglossus, Rhoicissus tomentosa, Jasminum multipartitum and Tinospora caffra.
•
The existing fig tree was protected and nursed throughout the construction phase and even had a temporary private irrigation supply. Fig mound was organically planted with waterwise ground covers, veld grasses and clumps including Aristida junciformis and Anthericum saundersii. Waterwise ground covers included, Aptenia cordifolia, Portelecuaria species and in between red colour splashes of Bauhinia and Crocosmia.
Of the 57 indigenous plant species onsite the only exotic species are the majestic Royal palms in Tecoma Boulevard echoing the vertical elements from the sculptural roundabout design by Iyer consulting, as well as the patterns on the building.
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PORTFOLIO
Town square with the seating steps
Royal palm trees in colourful planting
The Landscape Narrative From the conceptual stages, Cottontree worked very closely with Bentel Associates International to create a hierarchy of landscapes wrapping around the building. These layers were divided into: •
Very dense walkway planting, to form a verge from the building to the parking and bring the buildings to a human scale.
•
Island planting with large vertical elements in the parking area with groundcover planting within the kerb.
The large ring-road walkway which forms a figure of eight was divided into quadrants and read as ‘seasons’ to create four completely different landscape themes. These ‘themes’ were planted as various different seasons with an entirely distinctive character and colour scheme, to both accentuate and differentiate between the different quadrants. •
north-east: winter / green zone / theme; Aloe planting and evergreen backdrop – (on deck and with no irrigation)
•
north-west: autumn / yellow zone / theme; All about leaf colour and warm colouring – (on deck and with no irrigation)
•
south-east: spring / blue zone / aimed to form a cloud of flowering lilac colours.
•
south-west: summer / red zone/ colourful and tropical theme.
Artistic grafitti wall at northern entrance
Sourcing materials All the plant species onsite are indigenous and have been planted on the north is all extremely water-wise, as there is no irrigation on the northern portion. Birds eye-view of Cornubia mall with different planting zones NORTH: Winter/Green zone/theme Aloe planting and evergreen backdrop
NORTH: Autumn/Yellow zone/theme all about leave colours
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SOUTH: Spring/Blue zone/ very pink and ‘flowery’
SOUTH: Summer/Red zone, colourful and tropical theme
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PORTFOLIO
SUPPLIERS Main Contractor: WBHO Landscape Contractor: Countryline Horticulture - 083 779 9919 Planting: Shalwyn Nurserys - 083 229 3290 Mature Trees: CJM Growers - 032 945 3472 Irrigation design: Controlled irrigation KZN - 031 569 1984
BEFORE
Product: Netafim Drip Irrigation - 021 987 0477 Rain bird Pop-up irrigation -012 543 9953 Interior Pots and Bins & Exterior Furniture: Allsorted - 011 708 7550 Soccer Pitches: Synsport - 082 899 6458 Paving: Sub-ContractorQ Pave Tiling in Piazza: RVV - 011 618 1340 Corobrik - 031 560 3111 Kalvis Precast Concrete Specialists 031 904 1683 Retaining Wall: Corobrik - 031 560 3111 Timber Decking: Sub-contractor Eco-Sundecks - 031 702 3039 Hardwood Lumber - 031 701 1392 Images: WBHO Bentel Associates International Christa Otto Russell Cleaver
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PORTFOLIO
Trees •
All of the trees were sourced from local tree farms in KZN by Countryline Horticulture.
•
The large Aloe trees were hand-picked and secured in January 2017
•
Palms had to be put in place with a crane, so the timing of this had to be carefully managed with the Main Contractor as the south earthworks were still being completed for the parking lot.
•
The palm embankment located at Tecoma Boulevard had to be stabilized and a retaining wall built up.
•
Onsite the wind was quite a challenge during construction and during establishment phase. The soil was also compacted and so soil preparation had to be done carefully.
planted retaining wall
ABOUT COTTONTREE
The team, lead by Christa Otto, has national & international experience in the design and build industry. Their motto is ‘playing outside’ and they pride themselves on looking for sustainable solutions in the design and long-term benefit to the project. They also view every project as a collaborative art work and enjoy to work with great teams and other design and building consultants to achieve this. Their projects over the past five years included schools, restaurants, parks & play and even a small airport.
Challenges •
•
The embankment around the fig tree presented an aspect of 30-60’ and had a natural rock face. Planting on here was difficult as the northern part of the embankment was very steep.
Contact: Christa Otto www.cottontree.co
Buffalo grass was used to knit a stabilizing carpet and interplanted with Aristida and Aloes.
•
The prevailing wind and storms: About a month before opening there were severe storms and one of the palm trees stood at 45’ the morning after the storm.
•
Drainage: half of the site is built on deck, with no irrigation and only surface drainage.
17 000m2 Appointed 1st September 2017 Opening 28th September 2017 Duration – 6 months
Despite the challenges this has been an incredible project to work on, the whole team from Client to Architect, Contractor to Supplier have worked well together to reach a wonderful end product.
external landscape
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PORTFOLIO
Aloes in flower looking East into Mall
Twelve working days before opening this is what the site looked like.
External Landscaping Brief Cornubia retail was designed with low growing water wise succulent species so that sight lines along a major roadway would not be impaired and the shopping centre would be clearly visible to shoppers. The design was developed by Gill Higgins of Uys & White to mirror the sugar cane theme on the external Architecture. The external road ways had to be completed at the same time as the Cornubia Mall opened. Three factors made this project incredibly challenging to fulfil on time - firstly most of the civil works had not been completed until days before opening; secondly the late appointment of the external landscaping literally 4 weeks before opening meant that incredible lengths had to be undertaken by a team of emerging contractors that had never yet worked together before, let alone with the main contractor Idube Landscapes. The Landscape Architect had never seen a team pull together and work under such extremely difficult circumstances with such joy in their hearts as they did on this project. Also, the scope changed days before opening to further include 3000m2 more of landscaping in the final hour. This meant that Idube Landscapes worked tirelessly with the help of the local community through the night while local labourers sung together in the pouring rain and planted 45 000 plants in one evening in the moonlight. Just under a hectare of intensive planting was fully landscaped in under one week due to areas not being handed over to the team in time because critical services still needed to be installed. It turned into a wellorchestrated dance to try and work around the pure quantity of contractors on site and also the amount of traffic coming into and out of the mall along the roadways the team were trying to work
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on, which had the addition of all the internal contractors preparing interiors of the shops for opening hour. The entire team was dedicated to a quality end result. The client was handed an outstanding final product given the circumstances it was produced under. Just think what it takes to order, deliver, plant and irrigate 75 000 plants and prepare the soil when given a compacted g5 base layer to work through first. The team had weekly and then daily site meetings that were short and to the point as there was no time to waste on administration; every command had to turn into action without delay. Idube along with the emerging contractors delivered, in miracle time, a quality product that they can all be proud of. There was outstanding performance by Acol, a Co-operative community based company who enthusiastically and timeously delivered their section of works whilst having minimal resources at hand. Autoflow provide a state of the art irrigation scheme managed off a cell phone application. The External Roadway professional project team: • Uys & White Landscape Architects • Electrical Engineer -Bosch Projects • SMEC – Civil Engineers • Iyer – Urban Designers • Tongaat Hulett Developments Contractors • Idube – Landscape Contractor • Acol – Landscape sub-contractor • Bue - Landscape sub-contractor • Mkhambi - Landscape sub-contractor • Autoflow – Irrigation sub-contractor • Siwelela – Irrigation sub-contractor
Roundabout with feature structures in veldgrass
SUPPLIERS: Exterior Suppliers: Bera Gravel Fix - 083 449 3954 Gundle Plastics - 031 577 4771 Furniture Igneous Concrete - 011 827 7425 Planting Gwahumbe Nursery Indigiflora Nursery Thornhill Nursery
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PORTFOLIO
Size: 40 553m² Timeline: November 2015 - September 2017 Soft landscape cost: +- R13,7 Million Location: Table Bay, Cape Town
P R O J E C T
T E N
THE NEW HIGH STREET A look at the indigenous landscape of the new Table Bay Mall development on Cape Town’s West Coast, situated between Blouberg and Melkbosstrand. Insite Landscape Architects together with Life Landscapes bring the soft landscaping to life whilst Vivid architects create an aesthetic and functional hard landscaped area, culminating in a space where the whole shopping experience is elevated.
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PORTFOLIO
T
he landscape design compliments Table Bay Mall with a totally indigenous landscape, focusing on creating colourful effects within the landscape. Planting lines are clean and minimalist, acknowledging the architecture they surround. The indigenous landscape includes very strategic plant choices owing to the potential high wind conditions of the site, as well as sandy soils and drought conditions. This strategy was adopted to ensure that the plants develop and adapt to their full potential and a fair percentage of the plant choices are plants that occur naturally in the area. Coral trees were used to colourfully frame the main road entrances to the mall off Berkshire Boulevard, and to give these approaches visual importance. These entrances are also highlighted with sculptural Bain’s Aloes to accentuate the experience of arrival. The mall is further framed by a mass planting of trees on all sides (759 exterior trees) comprising of different species of Waterberry trees, Ficus, Willow, and Coral trees. Wild plum trees were planted as an avenue along the southern facade of the mall with its various shopfronts and so was specifically used to highlight the character of the road as a ‘shopping high street’. Here to, the mall entrances are accentuated with Bain’s Aloes planted in sculptural planters, carrying the theme through.
Space Nic Cloete, project architect, explains the hardscaping design and implementation of the outdoor spaces. “One of the primary hard landscaping features of Table Bay Mall is the front façade and internal boulevard. The main elevation of Table Bay Mall is an active edge with outward facing shops, with a cantilevered canopy providing weather protection for shoppers. This elevation lines the primary internal circulation road that was intended to feel like a public street. The walkway along the shopfront line is finished in a stone like porcelain textured anti slip tile, designed in a two-colour diagonal pattern that was inspired by centuries old Italian and Spanish public squares. The dynamic two-tone pattern is sophisticated and quite graphic and defines the public walkway as well as providing and easy to clean and maintain surface for the landlord. The tiled walkway is kept fairly narrow at 2.5m wide, and a border on the kerb side, created by a few rows of cobbles is intended as a safety zone to keep shoppers and especially those with trolleys away from the road edge. The main boulevard picks up on the diagonal theme of the walkway, although the pattern is larger in scale and subtler in the combination of aggregate paver colours. The pattern does help to create something special without a significant increase additional cost.
The feature pedestrian crossings again emphasise the diagonal pattern but here the combination is created with contrasting concrete pavers that again look much more expensive than would be the case without the pattern. Custom in situ cast concrete benches are also placed along the main façade walkway, serving both as seating as well as bollards, preventing vehicles gaining access to the pavement. Street lighting was custom designed for the project, including vertical LED feature fittings that were used to highlight entrances and pedestrian crossing. In situ cast planters at the entrances provide seating and structure for tree planting and ground cover and again these emphasise the entrances into the mall. The aggregate pavers were also included on the entry roadways from the pubic street, with the intention of providing a more upmarket look and feel to the centre from the moment customers enter the precinct.” Space Leading contractors, Life Landscapes discuss their role in bringing this project to life. “Due to the extreme drought and water restrictions one would assume landscaping has been put on hold in most instances, however with careful planning and design it is quite possible.
The remaining tree species are planted in mass around the building, and in time will create a welcome picture frame around the mall, and shade for cars and create environmental zones. Indigenous groundcovers and shrubs (26 species of groundcovers (23 892m²) excluding veld grass. Including veld grass = 27 species (40 553m²)) are planted under the trees and on the site. These species were chosen to achieve pretty flower effects and for the plants natural occurrence and sustainability in the landscape. The interior of the mall has pot planters throughout that consist of both trees and groundcovers. This brings the landscape into the mall and the greenery adds to and compliments the striking interiors. The Table Bay Mall Landscape will develop into a colourful and picturesque setting that differs from other developments in the area and adds to the shopping experience.
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PORTFOLIO
SUPPLIERS Lighting: Province Lighting - 021 464 4661 Fence: Betafence - 021 868 7300 Tiling: Mirage Norr Paving: 50mm Wet-cast Cobble: Modern Granite 75mm Wet-cast Cobble: Modern Granite 50mm Polished paver: Granite Fine 50mm Bond paver: Charcoal C.E.L. Paving Products - 021 905 5998 INCA Concrete - 021 904 1620 Project Landscape Architects: Werner Venter Michael Watson Neal Schoof Fritz Coetzee Architect: Vivid Architects Landscape Contractor: Life Landscapes - 021 851 5110 Water feature: Waterscapes - 074 541 5605 Trees: Just Trees - 021 871 1595 Trees SA - 021 842 0003 Plants: Hortiflora - 0843142005 Nonke Plants - 021 887 6972 Tshala Plant Brokers - 082 415 0165 Indoor Plants: CJM Growers - 032 945 3472 EcoFlora - Airlery Farms Compost: Reliance - 0861 888 784 Fertiliser: Talborne Organics - 013 933 3172 Zeoplant - 021 788 1202 Hardscaping: Bollards and Pavers - Blueportwetcast (Pty) Ltd Irrigation: Turfmanzi Irrigation - 021 975 5578
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PORTFOLIO
As we all know, there is a demand for shopping complexes and the time constraints to complete a project like Table Bay puts a lot of pressure on the entire team. Although, Group Five need to be commended as well as the professional team on site. In the planning and implementation process we had to adapt areas to accommodate the current climate, such as:
BEFORE
1.
Reducing veldgrass areas to gravel at high focal points at all entrances
2.
Boulders and pebbles were placed as an alternative to planting areas
3.
Water retention products were added to all trees
4.
Changes to some species of more drought resistant plants
5.
With water usage being scrutinised by governing bodies we had to find sustainable means with which to irrigate the +- 30 000m2 landscaped area. Water engineers and diviners had to identify a sustainable water source in order to drill into the underground water resources. We were successful in drilling two holes, one at 9000 litres per hour and the other at 2000 litre per hour.
6.
A water treatment plant had to be erected as the quality of water was not suitable for landscaping use. Turfmanzi our preferred and nominated irrigation contractor had to import this treatment plant from Australia. This added an additional element as we had to supply the mall with water for public restrooms and the grey water systems. We irrigated twice a week with the treated water and the remaining days were irrigated with grey water.
7.
A variety of indigenous plants nominated by the landscape architect were planted with great success.”
Brad Straw from Waterscapes explains the challenges from their perspective on this project. “The challenge was to create 2 water features that were installed on the base slab above the entrance to the underground parking. As parking and retail space is very expensive, we were forced to design a feature that would create a natural environment and establish a small www.prolandscaper.co.za
ecosystem to ensure a natural balance. This was achieved by calculating the ratio between the volume of water and the surface area of the filter media and ensuring that this calculation was supported by the circulation of the entire body of water of water through the filter media. The water features were waterproofed using a cementitious system to ensure a good substrate for the granite cladding and all penetrations were sealed with a special “blocking mix” which expands if water is present in the substrate. The water feature is operated by pulling water through a suction manifold, then reticulated through a cartridge filter and returns to the feature through simple bubbler points to create slight movement on the surface. This is known as a close circulation system. They are operated naturally by using special bacteria that are added on a monthly basis to control the growth of algae and this also conditions the water. Maintenance is of utmost importance and the systems are serviced every 3 weeks.
ABOUT INSITE LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
Insite is a landscape architectural practice with world class experience in creating inspirational, dynamic and authentically engaging spaces within a local and international portfolio. They believe that landscape design creativity adds value to any project and therefore strive to implement innovative design solutions. Insite are a creative ideas company, passionate about landscape architecture and conservation, with the ability to deliver excellent services within the entire spectrum of landscape architecture. We have a proven track record in the delivery of multiple prestigious projects nationwide and internationally.
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I N S T I T U T I O N A L / G O V E R N M E N T A L D E P A R T M E N T S
KR A A I B O SCH NURS E RIE S ( P TY) LT D Suppliers of high quality exotic and indigenous plants since 1983 CONTRACT GROWING: YOU ASK, WE GROW! Kraaibosch Nurseries are wholesalers and suppliers of indigenous and exotic trees, shrubs, groundcovers, bedding plants, colour pots, roses, fruit trees and herbs to retailers, landscapers, property developers, municipalities, farmers, architects and contractors.
WHOLESALE GROWERS AND SUPPLIERS TO THE LANDSCAPING INDUSTRY FOR OVER 20 YEARS.
One Destination, Endless Possibilities. T: 044 889 0092 / F: 044 889 0109 info@kraaibosch.com / www.kraaibosch.com
021 903-0050 | sales@shadowlands.co.za www.shadowlands.co.za
Our passion in the water feature industry drives the diversity and excellence in our services and products. We provide water feature design and consultation, construction and maintenance of all water elements. 34 Andries Street, Wynberg, Sandton | 011 440 7943 | waterscapes@telkomsa.net
waterscapes
P R O J E C T
E L E V E N
LEADING BY EXAMPLE Tiaan Laker, together with architectural firm Boogertman & Partners, was commissioned to bring this 6 Star Green Star Rated building to life as the gateway to Tshwane’s inner city. This development reveals the new headquarters for the Department of Environmental Affairs and is a fantastic display of ethos meets design.
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his design saw a new department headquarters building for the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA), located in the City of Tshwane in Arcadia Ext. 6. The site is bound to the east by Steve Biko street, to the north by Soutpansberg Road and to the west by Oumashoop Street. The latter will eventually make way for the planned extension of Nelson Mandela Drive. In the design of this building, the key considerations were to respond to the special and organisational brief of the client, to provide environmentally sensitive and sustainable architecture and to design a functional yet memorable and beautiful building to inspire generations to come. The location is regarded as a gateway to the Tshwane’s inner city therefore the design had to reflect the building’s prominence and importance, even to international visitors. Furthermore, the building had to live up to the ethos of the
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DEA, its core values and willingness to live up to its environmental values though clearly demonstrating aspects of sustainable design, energy and resource efficiency. These efforts earned this landmark a 6 Star Green Star Rating through the Green Building Council of South Africa. The building comprises 27, 422 Square Meters, housing 1305 people with parking for 600 vehicles, so this sizing of the site made it possible to distribute the floorspace relatively evenly to create a general height of only three storeys, comfortably accessed by stairs. Each wing contains a central atrium with internal planting at ground level and clerestory windows above the roof to enhance natural light into the building. The building was conceived as three distinct elements, consisting of the masculine or utilitarian machinelike office wings, the feminine
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and organic central reception building and finally the ‘bridge structure” thread that links all the elements together. The Landscape is designed as an extension of the building. The segments that radiate from inside the building extend into the landscape, drawing the visitor in, with emphasis on the main feature of the building. The main water source for the irrigation system is obtained from the grey water filtering tanks located in the basement of the building. The objective was to try and save an excess of 90% of water, of which a notional or base case landscape design requires. This was done through various water saving initiatives which include an irrigation system with drip irrigation and soil moisture sensors, Zeoplant soil additives that will assist the soil in retaining the irrigated water, as well as making use of indigenous plant material with low water requirements.
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INTERIOR PLANTING
The water feature draws the visitor towards the main entrance of the building where a living green wall depicts the national flower of South Africa. The green wall system was developed in conjunction with Cape Contours in order to accommodate and facilitate all the water and maintenance requirements, ultimately providing a successful outcome. A natural veld component was introduced to the west and north of the building by reinstating the once natural vegetation. Indigenous hardy trees and various Aloe species will be introduced into this area, creating a very natural landscape design, which after the first year’s establishment will require no additional water. Great care was taken in preserving and transplanting the existing indigenous trees onsite. An indigenous plant palette is based upon the striking colour and contrast of certain species, low water requirements and how they work together as companion plants. Numerous indigenous roof gardens are provided throughout the project, which contributes to a stylised natural veld look and feel with the use of Anthericum species interplanted with various indigenous plant species. The entertainment area can be accessed from the foyer of the building. Assorted built-up planters have been incorporated in order to create seating on the lawn areas, as well as focal points. To the west of the building is a space defining hedge of Strelitzias and Erythrina trees, a striking element in its own right.
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SUPPLIERS
Project Landscape Architect: Tiaan Laker Architect: Boogertman + Partners
Landscape Contractor: Countryline Africa - 011 021 5570/1 Composite Timber Deck: Truestyle Hard Landscaping Solutions 011 768 1305 Envirodeck - 011 087 6200 Pots & Seating Ottomans, Pebble Seats: Igneous Concrete - 011 827 7425 Paving: Corobrik - 031 560 3111 Smartstone - 011 310 1161 Aveng Infraset (carpark) - 011 876 5100 Bosun - 011 310 1176 Irrigation design & supply of materials: Installation: Countryline Africa Controlled Irrigation - 011 608 0767 Water feature reticulation, installation, nozzles and pumps: Liquid Movers - 011 708 0600 Stainless Steel Structure for water feature: EFM Engineering - 031 705 1293 Planter copings, bollards, litter bins & pots: WilsonStone - 011 616 7129 Pergola Structures: Moffat’s Creations Stone Cladding for Feature Planters & Gabions: Mazista Tiles - 011 998 2600 Internal Planting: Bidvest Execuflora - 086 111 3247 Photographs: Studio 88 Photography Additional photographs for the building: Boogertman + Partners
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BUILDING WORLD CLASS NATURAL & ARTIFICIAL SPORTS FIELDS SINCE 1990
LANDSCAPING HYDROSEEDING IRRIGATION SYSTEMS INSTANT LAWN
WWW.TROMPIEGROUP.CO.ZA
Natural and rehabilitated area: 25 800m2 Intensive Landscape area: 11 500m2 Total landscaped area: 37 300m2 Timeline: 1 year Cost: +- R14 million Location: Pretoria
P R O J E C T
T W E L E V E
THE DEPARTMENT OF STATISTICS SOUTH AFRICA Here is a look at the R1.4 billion Department of Statistics SA offices in Pretoria. Under construction since 2014, the new offices were a joint venture between government and JSE-listed Wilson Bayly Holmes-Ovcon (WBHO). These new headquarters house approximately 3 000 Stats SA employees, with the land that the new building occupies, encompassing a 60 000 square metre piece of government-owned property between Koch, 6th Street and Pretoria Station in Salvokop. The tender to build the offices was won by Dipalopalo Consortium, of which WBHO is a shareholder. Daniel Rebel Landscape Architects were commissioned to design and implement the landscaped space, rehabilitate distressed areas and provide means to harvest rain water for this iconic project.
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PORTFOLIO The Brief The Project brief in short, was to create an indigenous waterwise landscape, incorporating the natural Bankenveld environment into the design. The disturbed areas were to be rehabilitated and all invasive species removed. Irrigation was to be done by means of harvested rain water. All street furniture was to be provided and branded with the Stats SA logo. The Landscape design was presented to the Client and landscape plans of the various areas along with perspectives, sections, material samples and proposed street furniture were also presented to the client for approval. This process provided valuable feedback and brought about the design as it appears currently. Design The landscape design for the Department of Statistics SA was informed by three core components. These include the outer landscape, the inner landscape and a central spine that orders the exterior environment. Outer landscape: deals with the perimeter of the campus and responds to the public realm, such as the streetscape, public square and pedestrian access. Inner landscape: deals with specialised and controlled open space within the campus and supports the function of the buildings. It provides environments for relaxation, social interaction, heritage and nature conservation as well as places of contemplation. Central spine: is a ‘ribbon’ that connects the inner and the outer landscape with the surrounding urban context. It entails a progressive movement from the Public Square, through the Campus to the Heritage Village and Salvokop Freedom Park. Landscape Design Concept The site had a number of unique opportunities and constraints. The site layout and landscape design was informed by the following: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
The Freedom Park Museum Freedom Park access road The NZASM heritage court Pedestrian access from the railway station Surrounding urban development pattern A relatively level portion of land towards the northern and eastern portion of the site A disturbed steep slope towards the southern part of the site the site that was to be rehabilitated and all alien vegetation removed.
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Particular challenges were the views over the railway yards, as well as the neighbouring apartment building in very close proximity to the NZASM heritage court. The design concept is a progression of various spaces that are linked like beads on a string and that are interwoven along a central spine.
feature welcomes pedestrians and visitors onto the Campus. Erythrina lysistemon trees were provided in the Arrival court or parking area. The seeds of these tree were used as beads in necklaces relating back to the design concept. Atrium Street
From the public interface at the Public Square in the northern corner of the site, the design flows through an Internal street with Private Courtyards towards a multi-functional transition space that connects the new built form with the restored NZASM Heritage Court, from where it moves through a rehabilitated Bankenveld landscape that connects to the Freedom Park Museum.
A weather protected Atrium street, with a leafy urban street feeling, directs visitors and employees to the various facilities within the campus. Acclimatised Ficus street trees, seating and textured tiles are provided along the internal street that acts as a spine linking the public realm with the inner campus landscape.
Landscape Design Narrative
Three east-facing courtyards, with distant city views, are accessible from the Auditorium, meeting rooms, internal street or canteen area. These spaces are optimally designed as small-scale pedestrian environments for social interaction, outdoor meetings and contemplation areas. Composite decking, paving, gabion walls with seating and vegetation are optimised to create pleasant and intimate spaces for entertainment and retreat.
Public Square A multi-functional pedestrian space forms the gateway from the railway pedestrian bridge into the Campus as well as the Salvokop precinct. In future the public square will be further defined by future buildings along the northern edge. The space provides for hard surfacing, shade trees, seating, exhibition space and and the Tallystone sculpture which served as inspiration for the design concept for the development, Arrival Court There is a seamless transition from the public square to the arrival court. Although access controlled, the arrival court forms part of the public realm as this space can facilitate largescale events. Generous steps, high impact graphic landscaping and a cascading water
Private Courtyards
NZASM Heritage Court The criss-cross network of pathways etched in the landscape as is evident in the archival aerial photographs was captured in the new landscape design of the Heritage Court. Exposed aggregate footpaths, lawn and informal clusters of existing and newly planted trees will reinstate the space back to its authentic pattern.
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SUPPLIERS Landscape Contractor: Servest Landscaping & Turf Division 011 608 3377 Hardscaping Contractor: East rand Paving - 011 743 1377 Paving: Bosun Brick - 011 310 1176 Smartstone - 011 310 1161 Concrete Furniture: Gallo Precast - 012 546 6067 Tallystone Sculpture: Artist: Andre Prinsloo Manufacturer: Gallo Precast Furniture: (Benches and Litter bins) & Paving and planter Copings: WilsonStone - 011 615 6212 Pots & Seating Ottomans, Pebble Seats: Igneous Concrete - 011 827 7425 Parking Area Paving: Aveng Infraset - 011 876 5100 Irrigation design: Controlled Irrigation - 011 608 0767 Composite deck: Truestyle Hard Landscape Solutions 011 768 1305 Envirodeck - 011 087 6200 Insitu cast Concrete Paving: Danvon Landscapes - 011 743 3003 Horticare - 011 024 2480 Gabion Construction: Danvon Landscapes Water feature mechanical installation: Liquid Movers- 011 708 0600 Rock Cladding to planters: PVS Construction Internal Tree Planting: Bidvest Execuflora - 086 111 3247 Lighting: Regent Lighting Solutions - 011 474 0171 Voltex - 011 879 2000 Fencing: Cochrane - 011 394 1788
Images supplied by GLH Architects 76
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PORTFOLIO
The original well has been restored and replaces the plaque and water feature as well as the formal pathway system that was introduced in the 1980-renovation. A buffer zone of indigenous trees wrap around the heritage court in order to ‘embrace’ the space and to screen the neighbouring development as far as possible. Restored Bankenveld landscape From the Heritage Court the space continues into the restored Bankenveld landscape and joins, by means of a pedestrian path, with the terrain of the Freedom Park Museum. This landscape has been rehabilitated from its previous disturbed and invaded status, into a natural Bankenveld landscape as part of the Salvokop foothill slope. The fluid design of the central spine becomes more rigid and quirky at the historical hall building where the landscape makes a transition from the urban to the natural form. An indigenous natural landscape was established, the natural slopes restored by means of stone gabion terraces, and a pedestrian pathway leads to the southern point of urban connectivity at the Freedom Park Museum. Sustainable Water Usage The landscape design aims to reduce- as much as possible, the amount of potable water used for irrigation. Harvested rainwater will be used to irrigate the landscape. Only when the irrigation demand exceeds the harvested rainwater storage capacity, will potable water be used. The landscape is divided into two irrigation zones namely the Irrigated landscape as well as the rehabilitated or natural landscape. The latter comprises more than 75% of the site. Water savings is achieved by making use of mulching, drip irrigation with soil moisture
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sensors, introduction of robust and indigenous water wise planting and through adding water retaining additives to the soil. Sourcing Materials Paving materials were selected in conjunction with GLH Terra Ether Architects. There was a vision to what the end product should look like. The building inspired the use of paving materials. The rocks used in the construction, were taken from the site to complement not only the building, but also the natural character of the Gabion walls were selected to complement not only the building, but also the natural character of the area. The neighbouring Transnet site will be accessed from 6th Avenue and along the Paul Kruger street axis. Indigenous waterwise plant material was selected based on what was growing in the area. Erythrina lysistemon trees were planted in the arrival court/parking area, which in itself is quite a phenomenal focal element. Nuxia florubunda as well as Harpephyllum caffrum were provided due to the fact that they are evergreen. Some of the other trees used were Celtis Africana, Combretum eruthrophyllum, Ehretia rigida, Dombeya rotundifolia, Buddleja saligna, Olea europaea subsp Africana, Seersia sp. The plant palette consisted of the following species: Aristida junciformis, Chondropetalum tectorum, Kniphofia species, Agapanthus sp, Crocosmia sp, as well as Strelitzia reginae and mandelas gold, Asparagus sp, Jasminum species (used as creepers), Freylinia tropica, Carissa macrocarpa and Tecomaria capensis. Cynodon dactylon lawn areas were provided in and around the NZASM Heritage courtyard while all season evergreen lawn was used in the courtyard areas where sunlight is limited. This also has the advantage of looking lush throughout the year.
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ABOUT DANIEL REBEL LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS ( P T Y ) LT D ( D R L A )
Through a holistic design approach and collaboration with other built environment professionals, we create memorable spaces and environments, designs that are accountable, site specific, environmentally responsive, and that are constructed on time, within budget but above expectation. DRLA is well positioned to render a personalised and professional service of an exceptional high standard, to all its clients. We specialise in the following fields of: • Landscape Architecture: • Public open space development • Urban landscape infrastructure projects • Mix use urban developments • Residential estates • Corporate campuses • Office precincts 78
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SPECTACULAR LANDSCAPES IN BLOOM Striking landscapes which makes you look twice, all start with great ideas. We are here to help you grow those ideas into landscape designs that encompass the image of your estate. While our passion for golf courses drives our pursuit of excellence, crea�ng an unforge�able golfing experience that will leave you wan�ng more. So from design, to planning, to construc�on, we create and maintain eye-catching, eco-friendly, and natural landscapes, spor�ng and recrea�onal facili�es. It’s all about crea�ng a las�ng impression.
We also offer the following services:
FACILITIES MANAGEMENT
CATERING
CLEANING
HYGIENE
LANDSCAPING
MARINE
PARKING
REMOTE CAMP MANAGEMENT
Connect with us to discuss your tailored Landscaping services package:
0860 22 55 84 info@servest.co.za
PEST CONTROL
TECHNICAL SERVICES
SECURITY
OFFICE PLANTS
TURF
WATER
P R O J E C T
T H I R T E E N
PASSING THE TEST South Africa’s new Product Testing Institute is a far cry from what we expect in a laboratory type setting. What we have come to know as a sterile, cold and artificially lit environment has been turned on its head to deliberately defy design notions. The Product Testing Institute’s campus is used to facilitate research and innovation in the field of product lifecycle and recycling (with particular focus on the tyre industry). With brilliant design by Imbono FJA Architects and implementation of softscaping by Countryline Horticulture, this building has earned a six- star Green Star rating- with the Green Building Council of South Africa, the first in the Eastern Cape. This rating solidifies its intention of pushing the sustainable envelope.
Size of building: 4200m2 Project Timeline: 11 Months (May 2016 – April 2017) Landscaping timeline: 2 months Total Project Value: R75 Million Soft Landscaping: R340 000 80
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he Product Testing Institute is situated in the automotive and tyre-manufacturing grouping within the Coega Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) just outside of Port Elizabeth. The office building onsite has been designed around a rather “green” courtyard, which offers protection from the region’s infamous wind as well as adds to the positive working environment. With the creation of both winter and summer gardens in this space, visitors and staff get the cool shade under the wooden pergola, puddles of winter sunshine under the acacia trees and a water feature to alleviate noise pollution. All landscaping is xeriscaped, including the earth mound roof garden leading out from the boardroom, which, due to thermal mass, moderate’s temperatures in the auditorium directly beneath it. The clients need for fencing which can often damage vegetation was reevaluated to include a pond around the premises which acts as a boundary marker onsite. Because this is a Coega IDZ Zone, Landscaping onsite had to comply with the Coega IDZ planting palette, in which only endemic plants to the Coega IDZ could be used on the site. Approval for the landscaping is required before
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any works begin and this is done by submission of the BOQ, planting plan, plants list, along with sourcing and a methodology for the landscaping works. The buildings that are built in the Coega IDZ area often strip the natural vegetation. Thus, new builds are required to undergo a search and rescue operation of the natural habitat before construction starts. Endangered plant species were removed to a nursery at Coega and then made available to Countryline Horticulture, who kept some of the natural vegetation onsite as part of the landscaping. Pebbles and stones seen in the courtyard are also harvested from the site. Running water has also been introduced to soften the harsh sounds of the N2 highway as well as to create a tranquil work environment. All of the water is harvested from underground tanks. Challenges and Notable Information: The Acacias needed to be lifted, by crane, over the roof into the courtyard for planting. Acacia Karoo are also difficult to source in the Eastern Cape, especially such large specimens. All topsoil had to be wheel barrowed through the building for the courtyard area. The roof garden topsoil and grass had to be lifted onto the roof, using a tele-porter, which was time
SUPPLIERS Timber Decking & Pergola’s: Touch wood - 041 450 1805 Stainless steel & reclaimed timber: R&R Aesthetics - 041 484 3845 Natural Pond & Water Harvesting System: Green Overall - 082 771 2062 Landscaping: Countryline Horticulture - 071 641 4842 Plant Suppliers: Trees SA - 021 842 0003 Mystree - 082 550 1646 CSM - 083 654 5764 Elands Nursery - 041 955 5671 Fertiliser: GreenFingers - 041 364 0288 Lighting: Lighting Innovations - 041 374 0111 Paving: Bosun Brick - 011 310 1176 Shukuma Bricks - 041 372 1013 Images: Rob Duker - 041 373 5341
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consuming, it had to be done in layers, levelled out by hand and allowed to stand for compaction, before final levels and grassing could take place. The use of the white pebbles, in the beds, gave a nice clean contrast to the brown pebbles on the walkways, which also assisted with topsoil not swirling around in the courtyard on a windy day, along with providing a mulch to limit water evaporation. Plant selection had to be carefully considered, as Port Elizabeth has water restrictions and no hoses or irrigation systems can be used for watering. In order to reduce the heat island effect with the construction of a large open concrete hardstand, the architects mapped out the vehicle movement lines and turning circles. From this study the negative spaces were outlined and the natural vegetation retained to introduce some greenery to what is usually a hard and unsightly installation. ABOUT COUNTRYLINE H O R T I C U LT U R E Countryline Horticulture (Pty) Ltd is a landscaping and irrigation installation and maintenance company based in Durban. It was established in 2007 and it has since grown from strength to strength within the KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape regions. Countryline’s mission is to provide clients with a finished project that exceeds their expectations, combining the best quality workmanship, with prompt, friendly and efficient service at a competitive price. A B O U T I M B O N O FJ A ARCHITECTS IMBONO FJA Architects CC was founded in February 2004 when FJA Architects merged with one of the first Black Empowerment companies in the Eastern Cape, Imbono Projects Solutions CC. Imbono FjA Architects has four offices across the Eastern Cape in East London, Mthatha, Port Elizabeth & Queenstown. Their clients are the life blood of the firm and as such they focus their actions and activities on meeting clients’ needs and aspirations. Imbono FJA Architects successfully balance the “art of architecture” and the “discipline of management”. www.imbonofja.co.za 82
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BENEFITS INCLUDE: 2CM THICKNESS REGULAR SIZING C
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Whoever you are, whatever your style, find tiles, wood flooring, fireplaces and more at a price you can afford. Italcotto Design Centre - Since 1986. Christiaan Barnard Street, Cape Town 021 425 4192 www.italcotto.co.za
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Tel: +27 871 1595 | Fax: +27 872 3136 SALES@JUSTTREES.CO.ZA | WWW.JUSTTREES.CO.ZA
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P A R K S & U R B A N / P U B L I C U P L I F T M E N T
JOHANNESBURG CITY PARKS & ZOO MODERNIZING AND RETROFITTING INNER CITY PARKS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE COMMUNITY Reclaiming neglected spaces in the Inner City of Joburg. Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, the custodians of parks, cemeteries and conservation in the City of Joburg, launched three new parks in the Inner City. Cosmo Circle, Leeuwbekkie and Katjiepiering parks replaced the eyesore dumping spots in Jan Hofmeyer. The park boasts multifunctional
playgrounds, landscaped lawns with outdoor gym equipment, new generation play equipment and is complemented with themed fences, furniture and fittings. The park was opened by the MMC for Community Development, Councillor Nonhlanhla Sifumba and Chairman, Mr Edgar Neluvhalani on the eve of the school holidays.
Landscape architect Tania DuPlessis and the contractor, Plantwise, did a sterling job in executing the brief which was to reclaim the neglected spots by putting in place ‘gathering points’ that will accommodate the needs of the young and old. The City of Joburg is committed to creating safe, green and vibrant spaces to build a liveable city.
011 712 6600 www.jhbcityparks.com www.jhbzoo.org.za
Reaping the seeds we sow. Create, Grow, Sustain
We take great pride in our team, projects and work. The recognition we receive from industry bodies helps us continue to work hard to offer our customers the best possible service.
Contact FSG: www.fsgpropertyservices.co.za info@fsgroup.co.za JHB: +27 (0)11 763 2925 CPT: +27 (0)21 023 0285
Lifestyle College Training Division L ifestyle College Training offers professional courses in Horticulture to companies within the Green Industry. All courses offered are registered with South African Qualification Authority and Agriculture Sectoral Education and Training Authority (AgriSeta).
Training courses are tailored made to suit the requirement of each individual client and can vary from a Learnership (8 months course) to short skills courses (few days / weeks). • Trainers sent to your requested venue to reduce time whilst employees are being trained • Most of the training happens on the job • Our trainers are qualified facilitators and assessors • Our trainers are passionate about imparting their knowledge • Regular training programmes keep our trainers up to date with new training methodologies and ensure that we set a high standard of facilitation Lifestyle College at Lifestyle Garden Centre, Cnr. Beyers Naudé Drive & Ysterhout Ave, Randpark Ridge, Randburg • Tel: 011 792 8244 • email: enquiries@lifestylecollege.co.za • www.lifestylecollege.co.za
college training division Dec ad.indd 1
COLLEGE TRAINING 2018/12/05 10:46
P R O J E C T
F O U R T E E N
PRIVATE PARK IN THE CITY: SHARON’S PLACE
With emphasis placed on today’s urban living environment, City Property have developed another example of creative Urban living to add to their growing portfolio of city dwellings. Sharon’s Place residents have access to a specially designed courtyard by GREENinc Landscape Architecture on the third story of this twelve-story tower with clever greenspace and leisure facilities. This ‘private park in the city’ will transform how residents view city life and interact with this concept of green urban space.
Size: +- 7000m2 Timeline: March 2016 – May 2018 Cost: +- R5.9 Million Location: Pretoria Client: City Property
PORTFOLIO
SUPPLIERS Information Provided by: Landscape Architect Wouter Labuschagne Landscape Contractor: Bertha Wium Landscape Development 012 543 2038/ 9270 Synthetic Grass: Easigrass - 082 570 1781 Play Equipment: Microzone Trading 980cc -011 953 4540 Crazy Concepts - 021 850 0102 Multi purpose courtyard: FA Facilities - 084 285 2858 Irrigation Specialist: Mainline Irrigation - 011 444 4454 Product: Hunter Exposed Aggregate Tiles: Union Tiles - 012 643-0124
Sharon’s Place is a newly built mixed-use development, situated in the central business district of Pretoria, on a site that previously housed vacant retail warehouses. It has views towards the Union Buildings and overlooks the Pretoria National Zoological Gardens and the Waterberg mountain range in the far distance. It is designed as a central hub for young professionals, that provides comfortable living and convenient shopping. City Property requested that the landscape design should address the everyday needs of the residents of the three, twelve story towers. The focus of the development was thus to create a user-friendly experience, by upgrading the city environment at street level and by fostering a sense of community through the provision of quality shared spaces. The ground floor or street level of the development accommodates leading retail brands, as well as various smaller specialty stores. The philosophy of City Property (the developer) that “City living is not about the city, it is about the people” is evident in the decision that was taken to provide quality outdoor spaces to the residents of the apartments. The roof garden is seen as a “private park in the city” with the purpose of improving the residents’ quality of life through outdoor relaxation, recreation and contact with nature.
Three tower blocks (of 10 story’s each) rest on the parking and retail levels of the development. Two courtyards gardens and a recreational area are situated on the third level (at the base of the tower blocks) and are linked with a network of pathways. Together they provide the opportunity for the users to engage within private, semiprivate and public spaces. The recreational area provides a variety of experiences, including a children’s playground, entertainment area, multipurpose sports court and general seating. The children’s playground is raised to separate it from general activity in the courtyard and includes a toddler play area and an outdoor gym. The custom-designed play area is organized by a playful line, created with curved mild steel circular tubing mounted on mild steel A-frames. The curved tubing creates an armature for swings, cargo nets, monkey bars and slides. A combination of rubberized – and artificial grass surfaces were used to minimize injuries. The entertainment area provides the opportunity for residents to have social gatherings in a garden setting, while enjoying views over the city and beyond. The area is shaded and screened from above with a pergola and includes barbeque facilities, picnic tables and seating. The multi-purpose sport court can accommodate all ages and a variety of sport types, such as soccer, hockey, cricket and basketball. The courtyard gardens are quieter in nature and the focus was to provide comfortable seating areas surrounded by flowering, indigenous planting. The ground floor apartments have small private garden spaces, overlooking the public areas, but screened with trees and planting in planter boxes. The entire project was constructed on the third level of the building, and so, the entire project was built on the basement. Challenges were faced in terms of weight restrictions, electrical and water reticulation and the logistical side of hoisting the material to the third-floor level. The client also requested that all material should be robust and maintenance free, as far as possible. This affected the chosen look and feel of the space. Sharon's Place is a wonderful nod to the progression of urban living spaces that do not compromise on green space. City Property can be commended on their numerous projects both residential and commercial that take cognisance of this space as a prerequisite for tenancy.
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ABOUT GREENINC LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE Founded in 1995 by partners Anton Comrie and Stuart Glen, GREENinc is an award winning landscape architectural consultancy based in Johannesburg, South Africa. Andrew Kerrin & Annamari Comrie became directors in 2011. The practice is renowned for contemporary design over a wide range of scales, typologies and contexts in South Africa and internationally. Whether it is dealing with culturally loaded heritage sites or functionally driven urban environmnets, the practice is dedicated to the unique resolution of every project through research, experimentation and collaboration. www.greeninc.co.za
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P R O J E C T
F I F T E E N
STONE PARK
Timeline: 15 weeks (contractor) Size of development: 4248m2 Location: Cradle of Human Kind
MAROPENG
The Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site covers an area of over 47,000 hectares and overlooks the Magaliesburg and Witwatersberg mountain ranges. Maropeng is the official visitor centre for the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site. Maropeng, which is a Setswana word meaning ‘returning to the place of our origins’, takes visitors on a fun and informative discovery expedition using spectacular methods to tell stories of the evolution of life and the origins of humankind. FSG Property Services (FSG) were responsible for the implementation and the on-going maintenance of this site. Here we focus on the implementation & maintenance by FSG, winner of the SALI Trophy of Excellence.
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Tumulus Building designed by GAPP Architects & Urban Designers & MMA Studio
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FSG won the tender to implement Stone Park, a node within The Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site. The brief called for the creation of a picnic ‘open area’ that could also be utilised as a wedding venue. The park also contains sculptures, benches, exposed aggregate pathways and smaller picnic areas so that visitors can interact within the space. This is set against a backdrop of indigenous planting, where mature trees are planted behind the granite ring to create dappled shade for users. The juxtaposition of the endemic planting against the cast pathways and granite adds texture to the space. Foundations also had to be implemented within this build so that the site could withstand an excess of two tons of weight from stone sculptures commemorating our ancient forefathers. Planting There is a strong link to endemic planting onsite. Prior to planting, an ecologist came to remove certain plant species which were
then kept at a holding nursery and replanted towards the completion stages of the project. Technology previously reserved for agriculture was used to ensure the successful growth of the plants onsite. FSG was briefed by an archaeologist on what to do if they should make any important discoveries onsite as well. The top layer of the soil was removed and stored as well, to be replaced back onsite during the final stages, ensuring natural elements of the site were kept and reused, not removed. Water retention agents and microbes were introduced into this sensitive ecosystem to ensure the optimal re-establishment of vulnerable and protected plant species that were placed back into the soil from the holding nursery. When it came to planting, only specific plant species could be used, mostly those indigenous to the area. The challenge here was that some plant species are not typically grown by suppliers and so needed to be grown from seedlings for this project specifically.
Plant List: Helichrysum cymosum Bulbine abysinica Eumorphia prostrate Chasmanthe aethiopica Chasmanthe duckittii Leonotis simba Dierama igneum Plectranthus hadiensis Plectranthus melmoth Felicia filifolia Hypoxis hemoracollidea Anchusa capensis Tetradenia riparia Scabiosa columbaria Ceratotheca triloba Berkheya purpurea Tripteris aghilana Eucomis autumnalis Hypoxis rigidula (plant from salvaged stockpile) Gladiolus crassifolius (plant from salvaged stockpile) Aloe transvaalensis (plant from salvaged stockpile) Eucomis autumnalis (plant from salvaged stockpile) Haplocarpa scarposa Sporobolus stapfianus Eragrostis racemose Eragrostis capensis Harpochloa falx Trees list: Acacia karroo Dias cotinifolia Nuxia floribunda Heteropyxis natalensis Heteropyxis natalensis Celtis africana Cussonia spicata Buddleja saligna Buddleja salviifolia
The rehabilitation of salvaged soil and plant species will give visitors the impression that the picnic site has been established for centuries, while FSG’s ongoing site maintenance will ensure the area remains pristine and neat. Construction & Challenges FSG had to construct a mount in the form of an embankment. Visitors can sit and marvel at the surroundings from this point, with a birds-eye view of the granite ring (created by GREENinc), accommodating about 200 people as an indication of its scale. The Artevia exposed concrete pathway has been constructed to weave through the site and to blend in as naturally as possible. FSG achieved this by making use of the sandstone colour. www.prolandscaper.co.za
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Drinking water fountains, benches and dustbins were also installed alongside the pathway to aid in the usability of this space as a park. Challenges included sourcing enough ‘fill’ to create the embankment and of course minding the natural elements such as snakes, looking for artefacts and the extremely dry weather and wind. The strong winds onsite wreaked havoc, damaging the branches of some of the new trees planted. Architectural plans had to change occasionally when extremely large rock plates presented themselves onsite. Rather reminiscent of the challenges faced by our forefathers in the stone age, FSG was greeted by the spirit of Maropeng and has embraced each challenge the land has presented, working respectfully with nature and adapting accordingly. Interesting rock types the team came across include Dolerite and Quartzite, which was rather exciting because those are the same rock types most commonly used to make stone tools by our human ancestors. Over 200 custom designed and cut granite blocks, each of a different size had to be carefully placed with precision to achieve the desired seating and each individual block was a challenge on its own, so preparing the surface correctly was critical, to create the correct levels and the perfect compaction. Maintenance FSG have a 12- month post completion maintenance plan built into their contract to ensure everything is well looked after and establishes itself in good order. Maintenance will consist of the mowing of all manicured lawn, trimming of all edges, raking rubble, watering, removal of garden refuse, cleaning and sweeping of the pathway and cleaning of drinking fountains, dustbins and granite blocks. Fertilizer will also be added seasonally for healthier growth and mulch to retain soil moisture is imperative onsite.
areas will ensure this site can hold the capacity it has been designed and constructed to. Michael Worsnip, Managing Director at Afrika Leisure Pty Ltd explains that. “Parks are special places. Most of us live in highly urbanized environments where space is limited and the most of what we see around us is concrete. Maropeng is also a very special place, where we celebrate human achievement and development from our earliest known ancestors to our present. It is thus fitting that Stone Park is now part of the menu of options which we are proud to present to the public. It represents everything that is beautiful in nature, but it also represents, symbolically, what great things human beings can do. A serene semi-circle of hewn Rustenburg granite presents the visitor, in a subtle and artistic way, with our human impact on the environment and how we have, down the millennia, turned natural places into functional spaces. Two giant granite stone tools at the entrance to the park, speak to us of human endeavour and human industry. There is undoubtedly a direct connection between these primitive tools, and our cellphones - that is the extraordinary story of human development and how we craft our environment to suit our needs. Stone Park is a beautiful space. A space to relax, to unwind, to celebrate, to party, to listen, to laugh, to enjoy. A space to contemplate our connection with the incredible span of human impact on our environment, for good and sometimes for ill. It is a multi-functional space, to be used for picnics, for concerts, for weddings, for gatherings, for festivals. for anything that human beings get it into their heads to do. We, as Maropeng, the official visitor Centre to the Cradle of Humankind, are delighted and proud to be able to add such a wonderful new offering to our many existing ones. We congratulate FSG and the remarkable team of creative thinkers that came up with the concept and the design for Stone Park. We cannot say we are surprised because it is in the nature of human beings, to do great and wonderful things.”
SUPPLIERS EOG trees: Treeriggers - 082 564 2929 Planting: Random Harvest - 011 957 5354 Plantz Central - 083 284 3186 Sun Gardens - 011 462 1872 Wild Flower - 082 801 1741 Lawn: Evergreen Turf - 011 948 9728 Topsoil & Compost: Andriese Sand - 014 576 1299 Pathway Concrete: Lafarge Artevia Exposed Aggregate 011 657 0000 Sub-Contractor: Con-creation - 082 602 3059 Lighting: Regent Lighting Solutions - 011 474 0171 Sub-Contractor: OPelectrical - 082 854 7575 Granite Work: Ohlhorst Marble & Granite 011 026 6282 Drinking Water Fountains: Tra Valgar Plumbing - 011 021 4112 Images: GREENinc
The SALI judges commented that this project was phenomenal in that it interpreted the intent of the design and making practical improvements, facilitated fantastic construction on completion. The level of the soil preparation was commended as well as the meticulous tree staking construction. The plant pallet drew attention as it is not only inviting for guests but has also attracted an abundance of bird species. The good drainage and compaction of the sloping grassed
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Concrete fins designed by GAPP Architects & Urban Designers & MMA Studio
ABOUT FSG PROPERTY SERVICES (FSG)
FSG is a turnkey solutions company offering property management services, including cleaning and hygiene products and services, property development and landscaping. Having built this business up by delivering excellent service, FSG services commercial and corporate businesses across the Gauteng province. They are known for their solid, home-grown values, incredible expertise and professionalism. www.fsgpropertyservices.co.za
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Size: Two phases: Phase 1: 90m2 Phase 2: 120m2 Total: 210m2 Timeline: Design Mar - Aug 2017 (6 Months) Build 2.5months Cost: R1.3million Location: Rosebank, Johannesburg
P R O J E C T
S I X T E E N
THE KEYES ART MILE THE FUTURE OF URBAN LIVING
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SUPPLIERS GroWall Modules: Pula Water Systems - 083 629 1653 Planting: Wildflower Nursery – 082 801 1741 Turfnet – Soil potting mix suppliers Landscape Contractors: Life Landscapes- 011 959 1000
Keyes Avenue in Rosebank is transforming into an open fusion of arts and architecture – where art, design, life, leisure, luxury, fun, friends and work form one seamless experience. A neighbourhood with art at its heart, it’s a connected way of living right in the heart of Johannesburg. Keyes Art Mile is not only an assemblage of galleries and showrooms, but also a creative way to connect and share. It is a new approach to living, with vibrant local design happily co-habiting with modern classics from timeless masters such as Le Corbusier and the contemporary genius of global stars that include Philippe Starck and Patricia Urquiola. Its where David Higgs’ world class signature restaurant lives in the best location in town along with interesting side street offerings, a limited- edition sneaker paradise and the MESH club that provides common ground for uncommon people. It’s Curated Neighbourhood Living, and it is called the Keyes Art Mile. Fieldworks Design Group was commissioned by TomorrowCo to design a veld wall which was implemented with the help of Life Landscapes- recently winning a trophy at the SALI Awards of Excellence for this project. This green wall can be termed a pilot project as it is certainly the pioneer in the field of vertical gardening. This green wall signifies the future of urban living.
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The Brief Fieldworks Design Group was commissioned by TomorrowCo to design The Veld Wall as part of their green initiative for the Keyes Art Mile precinct. The idea was to design a green wall that will cover the entire façade of St.Teresa’s. The wall should be lush and green with indigenous plants, even endemic if possible, with seasonal variations. It also needed to incorporate plants that can cover the structural pods and exposed sides of the system. The wall needed to be a living art work that relates to the Keyes Art Mile philosophy. The Design Fieldworks Design describes the project by explaining that “The Keyes Art Mile development originated as a development centred around art, however, this vision has been extended to create a mixed-use neighbourhood within the heart of Rosebank. The Art Mile presents the opportunity, like art itself, to tell a story with the landscaping and public space components contributing significantly to this narrative. The planting strategy for Keyes probably conveys the development’s sustainability agenda the clearest. Not only does the planting palette aid with carbon sequestration in the urban core; promote biodiversity; contribute to nature conservation efforts; and create a favourable micro climate; but it also endeavours
largely to change social perspectives on locally indigenous planting palettes. Future phases of the spine will showcase planting communities that represent Veldtypes occurring naturally along the Mining Belt of Johannesburg.” Rosebank, and Johannesburg, largely fall within the Grassland Biome of South Africa - The Keyes ‘Veld Wall’ showcases plants from the highly endangered Egoli Granite Grassland Veldtype. The wall should be viewed as a pilot project, as it is a pioneer in the field of vertical gardening with a ‘hyper regional’ planting palette from the Highveld. The project was constructed in two phases and uses a sophisticated green wall system, called GroWall Modules, as the structural core for the wall. This system is simply fixed to the existing structure (St Theresa’s North and Western facades) and houses an irrigation system and removable planting pods, which makes maintenance and swapping out of plants fairly easy. Due to its modular nature and adaptability, the expansion from phase one to phase two manifested quite seamlessly. The bulk of the planting comprises grass species, while bulbs, perennials and aloes allow for splashes of colour in the sea of grass. The wall is a dynamic art work – it will change seasonally, but also changes almost on an hourly cycle, as the way light moves through the plants present marvellous colour displays at different times of day.
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BEFORE
PORTFOLIO
ST. THERESA'S GREEN WALL
GREENWALL ADDITIONAL:
GREENWALL MIX C: GREENWALL GRASSE: CLIMBERS
GREENWALL MIX B:
GREENWALL MIX A:
PLANT LIST:
DESIGN ELEMENTS: 1. Grow wall modules (624 modules, 125m²) 2. Art Panels (1 x 4.3m x 4.3m & 1 x 4m x 1.6m) 3. Planting in sidewalk planters 4. Creepers 5. Vine lines 6. St. Theresa's sign
Landscape architectural design and consultation proposal 07/08/2017
Originally the wall looked quite bleak, as the teams planting selection consisted of small planting specimens that had to fit the planting pods, but now that it has reached a level of maturity, it has really started to take on a personality of its own. It is the hopes of the Fieldworks Design team that the wall will continue to flourish and inspire others to put on the same planting lens - specialists and general public alike. It has been an exciting journey to date, with many lessons learnt and potentially a few more to learn as part of the wall’s reaction to seasonal change, dominant planting species and external forces. Our task therefore was not only to merely select plants suitable for an aesthetically pleasing green wall or for robust public space planting, but also to contribute to the story that The Keyes Art Mile is about. Materials The project consists of 3 main components: Structure; GroWall module, housing planters and irrigation infrastructure – fixed to building www.prolandscaper.co.za
façade. Soil; which was sourced by Life Landscapes, a division of LIFE Green Group. Plants; Supplied by Wildflower Nursery, who specialise in grassland planting and presented as the logical choice for project planting. Dr. Johan Wentzel and his wife Annette were extremely helpful in insuring that plant combinations were achievable and viable as a vertical veld wall. Wildflower specifically propagated higher quantities of some grass species for the project, as the bulk of the wall consists of grass species. Life Green Group’s Oscar Lockwood explains his view of this project by stating that “this contract has been one of the most fascinating landscapes I have ever been involved with; mainly because it has pushed the envelope to the limit with regard to what we can do on a vertical wall, at the same time remaining pure to the concept of a truly endemic piece of veld that you would have found on and around Johannesburg 100 years ago! The concept of allowing a piece of veld to go to sleep over winter whilst being in a high-profile space is dynamic and special. Lots of the flowering veld types require this dry period
to force the flowering and we are in that process right now. Just before spring we will go onto a Cherry picker and cut back all the growth from last year and allow the summer growth to occur naturally; together with the summer flowering plants. It has been a privilege to be part of this special installation and I hope to keep involved in the future.”
ABOUT FIELDWORKS DESIGN GROUP Formed in 2015, Fieldworks Design Group is an ambitious young think-tank for designers eager to explore the possibilities associated with architectural, landscape and urban interventions in the contemporary built environment.
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P R O J E C T
S E V E N T E E N
Meulplein, Stellenbosch Size: 523m2 Timeline: Design 2016. Tender awarded 3 March 2017. Installation: 4 months with ongoing work until November of 2017. Cost: +- R800 000
REINVENTING THE WHEEL The beautification of the main routes into Stellenbosch has been an initiative of the Stellenbosch Municipality with a recent project in Meulplein implemented to create a space for pedestrian interaction and to upgrade the existing island. Ixia Landscape Architects won the tender to reinvent the space, with implementation by Cape Contours.
Brief The client for this project was Stellenbosch Municipality. The desire to renovate the area stemmed from Dr Daniel Louw of Arts Association Stellenbosch in combination with the Stellenbosch Municipality. Dr Louw grew up in Stellenbosch and as a boy saw the original water mill and stream near the current day Checkers/church plein. His lifelong desire was to restore the water wheel to approximately its original location. (The wheel had been located at Wilgenhof koshuis for many years). The Arts Association Stellenbosch contracted with world renowned land artist, Strijdom van der Merwe, to propose how the water wheel could be re-incorporated into the space. Strijdom’s sketches were then presented to Stellenbosch 98
Municipality, who are very proactive in implementing upgrade projects. This project formed the next phase of their “Beautification of main routes into Stellenbosch”. Stellenbosch Municipality put the design of the space out to tender and Ixia Landscape Architects was appointed. Design The original site was really just the left-over space or island between 3 roads on which there was a rock garden. It wasn’t particularly functional or attractive. The space was redesigned to link Bird, Mill and Church Streets together and provide an outdoor space for the public to use. Several parking bays on either side of the island were removed and the space
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incorporated into the new plein. This was a specific request from the municipality. Originally, there was a substantial fall diagonally across the site which was very awkward. In the new design, the central area was levelled out as far as possible and the height difference made up with steps on the perimeter of the site. This required cutting back and removal from site of the excess soil. A water feature was centred on the axis formed between the centre point of the existing pedestrian path and the centre point of the Cluver Markotter building. The water feature provides the link (historically and psychologically) between the water wheel and the original meulsloot. The water feature is fed from the existing meulsloot by gravity, www.prolandscaper.co.za
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SUPPLIERS
Mature Trees: Just Trees - 021 871 1595 Autumn Pavers: Corobrick - 031 560 3111 Landscaping Contractors: Contours Landscapes - 021 788 1202
BEFORE
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so no potable or “new” water has been used for the water feature. At the bottom end of the water feature, there is a sump and the water is then returned, back to the meulsloot. It was very challenging to calculate the levels to ensure that the water would reticulate. In turn, these levels determined the levels of the water feature and paving. Breaking into the existing manhole to connect the water reticulation system for the water feature to the existing meulsloot water was a difficult exercise for the contractors. The concept was for the water wheel to be seen as a sculptural piece and focal point at the end of the water feature, so it was not to be functional. The inclusion of the cog that historically formed part of the functioning of the water wheel was not part of the original scope of works. This cog was also based at Wilgenhof and was later included in Meulplein with the work being arranged by and paid for by the Arts Association Stellenbosch. Similarly, the signage regarding the history of the water wheel was designed by Strijdom & paid for by The Arts Association Stellenbosch. Sourcing Materials With a municipal tender, one generally cannot specify a specific supplier. The requirement of the municipality’s supply chain is that the tender must be as open as possible to all tenderers and not biased in favour of any one supplier
or contractor. An exception was that Corobrik Autumn pavers were specified as the Meulplein finishes needed to tie in with the existing hard landscaping in Stellenbosch and the overall municipal masterplan. Thus, it was up to the landscaping contractors to source materials. In terms of the trees, Just Trees were Cape Contours preferred supplier. Portia Bolton, Harold Daniels (Stellenbosch Municipality) and Caren Speirs went to Carl’s site, looked at the variety of different species and then selected the individual specimens. Quercus nigra(water oaks) were chosen for the historical connection of Stellenbosch to oaks and their relationship with water. Difficulties included: • • • •
Access to site and prevention of public access during construction phase Limited storage space for materials Weather delays The moving of the water wheel was very difficult. The original truck could not lift the water wheel due to the weight of the wheel.
This project has, since completion late last year, been entered into the SALI Awards of Excellence by Cape Contours.
ABOUT CAREN SPEIRS & IXIA LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS Caren qualified in 1991 and worked for EDP (Environmental Design Partnership) in Johannesburg for 3½ years. She worked on the landscaping design and contract administration of a number of commercial properties in Sandton and Rivonia and a residential development in Westcliff Ridge (now the Four Seasons Hotel). In mid-1995, she moved to the Cape and worked until the end of March 2001, for her family’s small property development business. From April 2001 to December 2006, Caren worked for DMP (Dennis Moss Partnership) where her primary project was De Zalze Golf Estate. She was also involved in Eden Island in the Seychelles. Ixia was formally registered in December 2017.
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BEST QUALITY. AMAZING SERVICE. TOP DEALS. EVERY TIME!
LawnmowerClinic.co.za 012 323 1833/4/5 Pretoriusstreet 34
(Between Kgosi Mampuru/ Potgieter & Prince’s Park Avenue)
Pretoria
Location: Springs, Gauteng Client: Ekurhuleni Metro Municipality Cost: +-R5.4 million Size: 38 000m² Completion Date: June 2016
P R O J E C T
E I G H T E E N
SPACE AGE PLAY
Habitat Landscape Architects were commissioned, together with a team of professionals to design and redevelop the vandalised Murray Park in Springs, Johannesburg. Phase 2 saw the implementation of this design into the pleasure resort, resulting in a functional and well thought out space with a Space Age concept to awaken its many visitors.
H
abitat Landscape Architects were appointed by Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) as a consulting team to render full professional services on an as-and-when required basis for various parks and cemetery development projects in EMM from 2015 to June 2017. The phase 2 upgrade of Murray Park was one of the park developments identified under this appointment. Murray Park is a pleasure resort next to the Alexander Dam in springs, Benoni. The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality has been in the process of renovating the resort over several financial years. The park was extensively vandalised, which gave opportunity for the development of various exciting elements. The scope of works included the development and installation of a public park with braai and shade areas, three playgrounds and the upgrade of existing roads and an ablution block. Design Philosophy The existing 1960 Googie-style roof structure in the park inspired the ‘Space Age’ theme of the park as well as the colours and shapes of elements in the design. A strong emphasis is being placed on inclusive design, with playgrounds, ablutions and other amenities catering for individuals with various disabilities. The focus was on bringing a unique factor to the park development, making
extensive use of custom-designed products to fit the ‘Space Age’ theme. Habitat Landscape Architect’s worked closely with engineers and manufacturers to ensure that all designs complied with the SANS 51176-1:2010 playground safety standards. A special interest of this firm is natural playgrounds and how playing with sand, water and objects are greatly beneficial to the cognitive and emotional development of children. The 0-3-year-old playground resembles an atom with its subatomic particles. All items in this playground are specifically designed for younger users, yet still accessible and usable for children of various ages. Special attention was given to accommodate the physically challenged. A wheelchair can fit under the sand and water play table in the 0-3-year-old playground. Roller slides in the 3-8 year-old playground enable handicapped children to also enjoy the playground. The sloping berms with embedded rocks, recessed play surface and circular rings resembles the moon surface with its uneven exterior and craters. Interpretive panels educate children about space, South Africa and the Space Age. A space ship was designed for the 8-12-yearold playground with more challenging actions and activities on elevated levels. The space ship provides a 360-degree viewing platform of the whole park.
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SUPPLIERS Landscaping Contractor: Endemic Developments - 012 819 1186 Equipment: Microzone Trading 980 cc (all-inclusive play equipment) - 011 953 4540 Rambrass International (Spaceship steel structure) - 082 417 7397 Green Outdoor Gyms - 011 593 7687 Specialised inclusive play seats for swings: Hags (SA dealer: Crazy Concepts) 021 850 0102 Paving: Aveng Infraset - 011 8765100 Facebricks for seating walls: Corobrik - 011 871 8600 Fencing: Cochrane - 011 394 1788 Harrop-Allin - 012 803 5175 Other suppliers: Deuces Landscaping Supplies - 012 012 5039 Green’s Sand - 011 964 3236 National Asphalt - 012 562 9500 Africa Lawn & Organics - 013 665 9200 SA Trampoline - 060 995 4617 Steel Man - 033 3422620 Industrial netting - 011 608 4686
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BEFORE A B O U T H A B I TAT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
Their story is of a small core of individuals working as a team with a common passion, commitment and drive. They love to be creative, dream, and develop visions for the present and future with principal business activities being landscape architecture, heritage consulting and environmental planning. Their team has extensive knowledge and experience of planning, design, environmental management, project management and implementation within the local, national and international context. Habitat Landscape Architects team dynamic enables excellence and is central to delivering on time and in budget.
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Microzone Trading 980cc is a multifaceted company supplying imported and custom design products of the highest quality for Plantwises' client offerings. We custom design, manufacture, import and supply the green industry with:
CUSTOM MADE PLAY EQUIPMENT Swings | Slides | Seesaws | Jungle gyms | Rubber Matting Roundabouts | Custom made fences | Park Furniture
SALI Shield of Excellence Winner
Tswellapele Plants CC t/a Plantwise & Microzone Trading 980 CC have recently won the prestigious SALI Shield at the annual SALI Awards of Excellence for the American International School of Johannesburg’s Playground Equipment. The SALI Judges commented at the recent awards that "Microzone Trading 980cc has managed to achieve a standard in specialized construction yet to be seen in the industry and that this award is a recognition of their pursuit of excellence. The proof of their success is partly based on the high satisfaction index that their end user customers, aged an average of 10 years old, have bestowed upon them. The project is artistic, educational, functional and was implemented to the highest standards possible."
011 665 2819 | microzonetrading980@gmail.com | www.microzonetrading980.co.za Tswellapele Plants CC t/a Plantwise | jenneth@plantwise.co.za | www.plantwise.co.za
Location: Westbury Pedestrian Bridge and Park Size: 6000 m2 Project Start Date - Implementation: 23/08/2015 Completed: 17/01/2017 Cost: Approximately 5.6 million 25 million with the bridge
P R O J E C T
N I N E T E E N
CORRIDORS OF FREEDOM Developed as part of Johannesburg City’s long-term strategy and commitment to providing resilient, liveable and sustainable urban environments for its civilians, IYER was appointed to this project to transform a space that the community had indicated needed attention.
The City of Johannesburg’s Corridors of Freedom (COF) initiative aims to create a people-centred city, where communities and their economic well-being are placed at the core of planning and delivery processes. While the COF as a transport initiative is well known, a lesser known driving principle is the clustering of social facilities within the Corridors to optimise space, access and quality of life. This ‘social clustering’ necessitates an integration of the COF city scale with local scale specificities and the unification of transport, pedestrian and open space systems and neighbourhoods, which have historically been largely fragmented. The ‘Westbury Pedestrian Bridge and Park’ is one such integrative ‘social cluster’ flagship COF
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project, as it seamlessly merges built, natural and human environments into an integrated landscape.
role from the onset of the project, ensuring the integration of environmental and spatial considerations.
Background The project is located at the boundary between two impoverished communities, Westbury and Coronationville. The brief came from the Westbury community itself, who during stakeholder consultation with the City of Joburg, requested a pedestrian bridge for people to move safely across Fuel Road. The existing on-grade crossing was extremely dangerous, particularly for school children. Additionally, the project also provides safe access to and from the Rea Vaya station beneath the new bridge.
Issues to Consider & Solutions to these Problems:
The Role of the Landscape Architect: The project context required a design that integrated the bridge and the park into a unified precinct. The inter disciplinary nature of the IYER practice allowed for a seamless combination of Urban Design, Architecture and Landscape Architecture into a single design gesture. The landscape architect played a key
Excessive Stormwater Runoff: A planted stormwater retention pond was proposed and constructed at one corner of the park. To prevent this from becoming too big, a large bio-swale was also constructed to help with the stormwater retention and ground water recharge. The bio-swale walls also act as seating. Universal Access Requirements to Bridge: Due to the bridge connecting to the park, access from the park had to be such that one can it was universally accessible. The ramp for this was designed to be incorporated into the design and functions of the park. The ramp formed an amphitheatre that the community can use during events.
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Safety of Users: The previous park was fenced off and had three access points with two being rather small. This lead to criminals trapping users and with the lack of lighting made it very unsafe. The solution was to open the park as much as possible with one of the fences being removed and entrances being widened where kept. To prevent users from running into the BRT lane the other fence line was moved back to prevent this occurrence and enlarged the park space. New lighting was also incorporated throughout the entire park. Trees: Due to the high volumes of water that currently flow through the space and the anticipated volumes, bio-swales and a rain water garden were incorporated into the design. The planting within the bio-swale had to be chosen so as to tolerate the large volumes of water. With the help of an Arborist to help identify and choose the correct tree species for this specific environment, we were able to make the correct decisions. The amount of leaf litter and growth rate also played an important role in the choice of tree. The trees also needed to have strong shallow roots as there is under-lying bedrock throughout the entire park. Planting: A horticulturist had to assist in the selection and specifying of a new planting palette that would survive in such harsh conditions and to come up with an alternative bio-swale system that would not flood quickly. Being a public park meant that one element of importance was the maintenance and replacement of the plants chosen. These plants need to be easy to maintain and be very water wise as no automated irrigation system was to be installed
BEFORE
Paving: The paving was chosen both to serve a functional and aesthetic role. The paver had to be smooth enough to allow water to run quickly but not become slippery. The two main pavers the Bosun linneo and urban paver were chosen for this function. They also provide a clean level surface with no bevels to allow a seamless surface, making wheelchair and pram access more comfortable. Within the parking areas permeable pavers were used to allow as much runoff to be recharged back into the ground before flowing into the stormwater system.
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SUPPLIERS Paving: Bosun Brick- Linneo & Urban Pavers 011 310 1176 Gyms: Green Outdoor Gyms - 010 593 7687 Rubber Flooring: Fibre Play And Sport - 082 806 5871 Lighting: Beka- Schreder - 011 238 0000 Trees: Sun Trees - 011 462 1872 Planting: Windy Willows - 079 492 2549
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ABOUT IYER IYER is a collective of visionary planners, urban designers and architects. The practice, operating from two major centers in South Africa, is involved in a wide range of urban development projects at a range of scales, both locally, nationally and internationally. A core aspect of the practice is the interdisciplinary design approach that underpins the conceptualisation and execution of every project. Individuals within the practice draw from a wide range of design disciplines enabling the practice to offer an interdisciplinary design service – planning, urban design, architecture and landscape design – transcending scale and boundary. Central to the approach of the practice is a belief in design as an agent or positive change, and as a key influence in enhancing the livability of cities and regions.
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ROTUNDA LINEAR PARK, Johannesburg
Currently under construction
OUR SOLUTION TO OUTDOOR PLAY Bringing the full potential of childrenPLAY. to life. OUR SOLUTION TO OUTDOOR Our extensive range of jungle gyms, climbing walls, swings and slides as well as outdoor fitness equipment and sports fields and courts can Our extensive range ofTO jungle gyms, climbing walls, OUR SOLUTION OUTDOOR PLAY. be customised andand redesigned or as bought and installed as a complete swings slides as well outdoor fitness equipment sports fields and courts be carefully customised and playgroundand solution. This range hascan been sourced from redesigned bought and installed Kompan as a complete trusted suppliers all overorrange the world including from Denmark. Our extensive of jungle gyms, climbing walls, playground solution. This range has been carefully swings and slides as well as outdoor fitness equipment sourced from trusted suppliers all over the world and sports fields and courts can be customised and including Kompan from Denmark. redesigned or bought and installed as a complete playground solution. been carefully www.gworld.co.za | 0861This 437range 738 has | info@gworld.co.za sourced from trusted suppliers all over the world including Kompan from Denmark.
Newtown Landscape Architects
Landscape Architecture Environmental Planning Urban Design Tel: 011 462 6967 www.newla.coza
Bringing the full potential of children to life
Bringing the full potential of children to life
ROOS WHOLESALE NURSERY
Roos Wholesale Nursery is a Quality Plant Supplier to the Retail and Landscaping Markets.
Growing Health
Contact: Gerrie 082 410 7219 | Office: Elsie 011 956 6939 accounts@roosnursery.co.za
Growing Health
Fertilizer for Certified Organic Growing
Sizes Available: 2kg, 5kg, 10kg and 25kg Tel: (013) 933 3172 / (061) 454 9632 • Cell: 079 896 5814 Email: info@talborne.co.za
www.talborne.co.za
healthy soil = healthy plants = healthy people
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SUPPLIERS Paving: Aveng Infraset - 011 876 5100 Bosun Brick - 011 310 1176 Outdoor Gym Equipment & Outdoor Play Equipment: World Outdoor Fitness - 083 781 7080 Size: 32,100 m2 Cost: +-R 90 Million Location: Rotanda Park, Turffontein Timeline: Appointment September 2014- Sign off August 2018
P R O J E C T
T W E N T Y
CORRIDORS OF FREEDOM: ROTUNDA LINEAR PARK
One of Johannesburg’s oldest parks has been given what can only be described as an Extreme Makeover. As part of the Corridors of Freedom initiative, Iyer Associates tendered in a Joint Venture with Newtown Landscape Architects (NLA). This park revitalisation has been an investment into the community and has brought about growth for the people utilising these spaces and a sense of pride in their surrounds and facilities. This park is set to bridge divides, unite a community and build the Turffontein residential suburb.
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Lighting: Genlux Lighting - 011 825 3144 Art: Trinity - 082 897 7498 Planting: Mbobo Construction Main Contractor: Nyoni Construction - 011 794 5208 assisted by Lonerock - 011 540 2300 Pebble Seats: Igneous Concrete - 011 827 7425 Bollards & Litterbins: Streetscape - 021 703 9000 Shading Structures: In Demand Trading - 011 791 1888 Wooden Benches: Umdabu - 082 772 3593 Irrigation: Controlled Irrigation - 0116080767 Product: Rain bird
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The Rotunda Park project was commissioned by the Johannesburg Development Agency on behalf of the City of Johannesburg to improve integrated urban areas through urban renewal and improved infrastructure and public amenities. This particular project is part of the City of Johannesburg’s ‘Corridors of Freedom’ initiative. Rotunda forms part of the Turffontein Residential Precinct earmarked for densification. The park is one of the tangible outcomes of the City of Joburg’s broader spatial vision as per the Growth and Development Strategy 2040. The Rotunda Park precinct project forms part of the Turffontein development corridor identified in the Turffontein Strategic Area Framework (2014), aimed at changing the existing spatial dynamics and ultimately the lives of residents through the optimal mix of economic, educational, transport and recreational opportunities. Part of this vision is to create safe neighbourhoods designed for cycling and walking with sufficient facilities and attractive street conditions.
proximity to the inner city means that the area functions as the first point of entry into Johannesburg from Southern Gauteng. The Turffonetin Precinct has a unique character due to its long history but has been in a general state of decline for several decades. Its traditional grid-iron layout creates numerous opportunities for a network of quality spaces. The project is part of this network and is situated near to the existing Rotunda Park and De Villiers Street. The Brief The brief was a result of consultative engagements with the local & broader community that would be affected by the park. Committee meetings and workshops were held so that the community could have a better understanding and give them the opportunity to influence the design.
The objective of the project is to align it with Corridors of Freedom and Transit Oriented Development principles.
Subsequently a concept was created for the design of a meandering green corridor with a rich variety of activities plugged into it. The park includes facilities such as outdoor gyms, play areas, and futsal court. Due to the planned densification of the area there was a need for more extensive passive & active open recreational space.
Context The Rotunda Park Precinct Project is located immediately south of the Johannesburg CBD, in the Turffontein residential suburb. Turffontein's
The initial scope of works entailed the development of Complete Streets, accessible and inviting public open spaces and community facilities. However, during the design and
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consultation process the brief changed and was ever evolving due to different opportunities and constraints that affected the development of the park. The end result was for an open, linear park that could accommodate a variety of uses for both the immediate and surrounding communities. Materials A variety of suppliers were contacted and consulted with during the course of this build. There are also many elements and intricacies within the node. The professional team had extensive planning & involvement with Johannesburg City Parks & Zoo to ensure that they will be happy with the asset they receive and will therefore happily continue with the maintenance and care of this space as an extension of the Rotunda Extreme Park Make-over. The trees, which are heritage elements, had to be saved & integrated into the park design which proved a challenge because they were in the direct line of the road construction. Due to a reduction in budget, the whole design had to be quickly & drastically redesigned while still maintaining its original concept. Nimbyism also proved to be an issue with certain residents. Due to the budget cuts several of the central part of the exiting road surfaces was retained as walkway. Resting and play areas were emphasized with new paving, rubber and artificial grass. Parts of the few large trees which had to be removed, were re-used as timber benches and seats.
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A B O U T I Y E R A S S O C I AT E S
BEFORE
Iyer tendered in a Joint Venture with Newtown Landscape Architects (NLA) who increased the capacity to deliver the original project in the required time frame. NLA brought 20 years of experience in Landscape design, particularly public park design, along with urban planning and urban renewal skills to the team. This was particularly useful in resolving issues surrounding the old existing trees and value engineering of the original park design NLA strives for sustainable environments that have cultural, artistic and ecological merit. In their designs they recognise the realities of the contemporary situation as well as the influences that gave uniqueness to place. This integrated approach is evident in the many different projects completed by the firm. NLA are committed to quality of design and service. Drawing on our extensive experience we can respond quickly and effectively to the specific needs of their Clients. Iyer is an innovative design studio specialising in urban planning, urban design, architecture and landscape architecture. They have a proud history of planning sustainable city regions, delivering inspired public spaces and designing buildings with a pulse that remains timeless and true to both people and place. The practice has its roots in the major metropolitan areas of Durban and Johannesburg. The practice, operating from two major centres in South Africa, is involved with a wide range of urban development projects at a range of scales, locally, nationally and internationally. A core aspect of the practice is the interdisciplinary design approach that underpins the conceptualisation and execution of every project. Central to the approach of the practice is a belief in design as an agent of positive change, and as a key influence in enhancing liveability of cities and regions.
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05
S C H O O L S / E D U C A T I O N A L F A C I L I T I E S
Making playgrounds safer... Playsafe safety playground flooring offers real shock absorption and significantly reduces the risk of fall-related injuries. • • • • • • • • • •
Excellent shock absorption with high elasticity Held together with integrated connector pins Smooth and soft playground flooring Critical Fall Height (CFH) legislation compliant Suitable for indoor or outdoor areas (UV stable) PlaySafe is available in standard and bright EPDM colours Ideal for children’s playgrounds, aquatic theme parks and landscaping Wide variety of peripheral rubber playground accessories available Quick and easy to install ( D.I.Y) Allows children to play without risk of injury PlaySafe is a brand of PlaySafe is a brand of
National Tel: 086 178 2789 E-mail: info@seamlessflooring.co.za www.playsafe.africa
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P R O J E C T T W E N T Y - O N E
EDUPLEX
Eduplex is an inclusive parallel medium (English and Afrikaans) mainstream school, which caters for both normal hearing and a small number of learners with a hearing loss. It is a place where values are affirmed, young minds are enriched, and dreams take flight. Servest’s Landscaping & Turf division worked tirelessly on this project which resulted in its great success. Servest recently achieved some brilliant acclaim at the 2018 SALI Awards of Excellence and along with two Trophy Awards of Excellence, was honoured for Specialised Turf Construction for Eduplex. It is an incredibly intricate project with many different aspects, which have come together seamlessly.
Size: Field A: Soccer/Cricket and Rugby: 19 441 m2 Field B: Hockey/Cricket Oval: 10 752m2 Mountain Bike and Pump Track & 4 Tennis Courts & 2 x Standard surfaced tennis/ netball combination courts – new builds 1 x Standard surfaced tennis, resurface existing court, and install 2 x Artificial multi-sport courts Timeline: September 2016 to May 2017 Cost: R11 million Location: Queenswood Pretoria
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SUPPLIERS Pump Track: Velosolutions - 082 850 1062 Artificial Turf Supplier: Belgotex Grass - 083 281 7770 Real Turf: Evergreen Turf Kikuyu and Cynodon grass sods 012 948 9728 Paving Construction: East Rand Paving - 011 743 1377 Plant Hire: Meintjies Plant Hire – 011 708 1385 Construction of brick wall around courts, steel & netting structure: PVS Construction - 083 793 4549 Hard courts: M & AA Tennis Courts - 079 7367 247 Cricket Net Construction: Turfscapes – 012 664 4086 Irrigation Contractor: Mainline Irrigation - 083 387 0050 Product: Hunter Rain bird Fencing: Harrop Allin - 012 803 2013 Sports Equipment Supply: Gimtrac (Pty) Ltd - 012 666 8258
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Nico van der Merwe Snr, contacted Servest back in 2013 for the proposed sports complex at Eduplex School, Queenswood, Pretoria. The client was, at this initial stage, in the process of finalising the transfer of the property from the Tshwane City Council to Eduplex. The designs for the proposed sports complex were then discussed and finalised between Servest and Eduplex for the construction of the sports fields: Field A was set to be a Soccer/Cricket and Rugby designated area, with long jump and triple jump run-ups, a natural athletics track marked with field events; discus and shot put. The Rugby poles erected here are a combination of 11m high removable (hinged) rugby/soccer combination poles as well as 6 m high fixed rugby/soccer combination posts. Tennis/netball combination courts were also to be constructed, 2 of which were converted to an artificial multi-sport court with full side and roof netting with lighting and resurfacing of 1 existing court. Field B was to accommodate the Hockey/ Cricket Oval with artificial cricket wicket. Cricket practice nets with artificial turf were also constructed. Field B is also home to the awe-inspiring Mountain Bike and Pump Track which has proven to be a huge success with its undulating levels, enormous size and twists and turns at every corner. The Client was set on construction for the track and what was delivered exceeded expectations. Servest under the supervision of Velosolutions did the earthworks in preparation for the surface laying of the Pump Track. The result of this complex development is best witnessed by the children who are making great use out of each aspect of this build. The SALI judges duly noted that the outstanding design and robust construction of this project make it a worthy winner of this category. The attention to construction detail is evident in the way in which the drainage levels have been implemented, ensuring year-round use of the facility. The incorporation of clever flood lighting that does not bother the residents has also ensured that the facility can be utilised to its maximum. The construction is robust, and the materials used will ensure that this facility is used for many years to come with minimum maintenance required.
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ABOUT SERVEST TEAM Servest’s Landscaping & Turf, Installation / Construction teams have been involved for many years and in many large projects. Servest Turf built the 2010 FIFA World Cup Stadia pitches, Moses Mabhida Stadium Durban, Mbombela Stadium, Harry Gwala Stadium, Pietermaritzburg Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg, Sugar Ray Xulu, Practice Fields at University of Johannesburg, Michael House and St Stithians- amongst others. Servest have a long-standing presence in this industry and produce world class construction and installation. www.servest.co.za
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Professional Body to the Outdoor Power Equipment Industry The strict quality assurance policies and professional submission to consumer protection together with ongoing accredited staff training makes the oppasa member a leader in performing services and supplying quality products in the outdoor power product arena. Please search for a professional dealer in your area under the business section of www.oppasa.co.za For more information on the oppasa or to join the association contact 013 665 3192 or visit www.oppasa.co.za
P R O J E C T
T W E N T Y - T W O
PIONEERING PLAY
Cost: R4.5 Million Timeline: 3 months Size: 8900m2 Location: American International School of Johannesburg (AISJ) , Midrand.
The American International School of Johannesburg (AISJ) is a top educational facility located just to the north of Johannesburg, near to Dainferne and Steyn City, in Midrand. The School regularly considers improvements to its existing facilities and as such decided to build a new playground on an eastern portion of the existing school grounds. With a motto that reads “Together we dare to imagine, inspire to succeed, and courageously make a difference” its no wonder that their newest addition of a children’s playground is nothing short of awe inspiring! The project had a brilliant team at the helm, comprising design by Insite Landscape Architects, installation by Greenacres Landscapes and custom design, supply and installation by Microzone Trading 980cc. This project has also recently won Microzone Trading 980cc & Tswellapele Plants (joint venture), the prestigious SALI Shield of Excellence at the 2018 awards to validate its pioneering nature in outdoor play.
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The Site The site was bounded by a wetland along the entire eastern boundary and existing sports fields lie to the west of the site. An existing roadway was located to the north and the site itself had an existing small timber play structure and shade cloth area. The site had a strong fall or slope down from north to south. Construction of the new playground Construction of the playground started with the shaping and construction of 3 terraces to create comfortable level playing surfaces or platforms for the children. The platforms are circular, consisting of soft artificial fiber and are connected by paved walkways. The center piece of the platforms and some of the surrounding play areas are especially custom designed play equipment. Custom designed play equipment The playground has many pieces of custom designed and colorfully painted play equipment which, as a culmination of elements, create a fantastic play zone for the children. Microzone Trading 980cc was appointed for the manufacturing of all the specialized play equipment and made a major contribution to the success of the project because of their involvement. Microzone Trading 980cc have also recently won the SALI Shield of Excellence, largely for their exquisite work on this project. Specialized custom designed play equipment included the following elements: •
An aesthetic and awe inspiring yellow and blue painted “Rocket Tower” is the feature Landmark of the playground. The tower is approximately 8 meters high with the main element showcasing long steel poles. This element required structural engineering input. Children can climb up the core of the structure to the “second floor” for great views and then take a spiral enclosed fiberglass “python” slide back down to the bottom. It is an exhilarating experience and has proved to be a big hit on the playground.
•
Two wide concrete slides leading to next terrace which are custom built and designed so that two children can slide down simultaneously.
•
Circular spanned swings frame a few of the terraces.
•
A specially designed roped climbing tower
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is the main feature of the second terrace or second floor. The special rope was of key importance to the project and again is used to highlight and encourage different skills on each level. •
•
Fun framed steel maze structures provide hide and seek elements and nodes around the lower terraced area of the rocket. If you manage to make your way to the very top terrace of the structure you will find trampolines and “hanging baskets.” The different levels provide intrigue and appeal to different motor skills within the children adding to its excitement.
The play equipment needed to be colourful and attractive but also, most importantly, it needed to encourage the children’s development during play, so duly noted this aspect was of paramount
importance for this project. This was well achieved by Microzone Trading 980cc through their technical input from engineers and through the impressive quality of the finishes on the products. The quality of the finishes is especially important because it ensures that no surfaces or edges will cut or harm the children in any way. Insite Landscape Architects believe that the playground is very successful as witnessed by the children playing on it, around it, amidst it and the very positive comments they have received from the teachers has been good confirmation. Children can be incredibly good judges of products because their honesty and willingness to experience things is in many respects a litmus test. The play equipment has been incredibly successful based on the roaring reaction and Insite Landscape Architects is extremely proud of the project and end result.
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MEET THE TEAM Client: (AISJ) - 081 016 9706 Project Manager: Stephen Henrey (JM Henrey & Associates) Quantity Surveyor: Ane Fourie (Rainier) (TMS Quantity Surveyors) - 072 513 9135 Architect: Briget Grosskopff Main contractor: VDLV Landscape Architect: Insite Landscape Architects info@insitegroup.co.za + 27 (0) 12 667 2780 Landscaping contractor: Greenacres Landscapes - 082 567 8285 Play equipment specialist: Microzone Trading 980cc - 076 171 2315
SUPPLIERS Furniture: Igneous Concrete - 011 827 7425 Copings: WilsonStone - 011 616 7129 Paving bricks: Bosun Brick - 011 310 1176 Corobrik - 011 871 8600
Greenacres Landscapes were the landscaping contractors involved on this project and assisted in bringing the vision to life. Peet van der Merwe explains that their contract involved quite an array of skill in both soft and hard elements of the build: Final earthworks and levels to all hard landscaping and soft landscaping areas; Preparation for paving, playground and equipment areas; Installation of all paving; Installation of all rubber areas under equipment; Construction of ramp at entrance; Sub-surface drainage; Irrigation; Planting of trees, shrubs and groundcovers; All Furniture, benches and finishes. Some notable challenges on this project included the short period of installation as the contract had to be built and completed during the summer break of the school. The play area is also situated next to a wetland area, so Greenacres Landscapes had to ensure that most of the runoff water ran into the wetland to keep its natural feed continuing. The team therefore had to install sub-surface drainage to assist with this aspect. There were numerous meetings with an environmentalist to ensure that all of these aspects work. Safety The children’s safety was a big priority to the installation of the trampolines. Greenacres had to add additional rubber to ensure that it is safe if a child falls and also adheres to all safety guidelines. Earthworks; base preparation, installation of paving, construction, fencing, irrigation and planting was all sourced and installed by Greenacres. The only work that needed to be sub-contracted was the rubberizing and artificial turf which was done, quite beautifully by
Mat Marketing. The project was completed, with the end result being impactful, investing in the children's educational play development skills along with AISJ. The very colourful and appealing playground with all the different shades, nuances and textures made for a memorable project indeed. Microzone Trading 980cc’s Zak Prinsloo explains that the client required play equipment that was of an incredibly high standard and equally as safe. The concept had to be very carefully planned and designed for practical yet durable usability. Majority of the play equipment is a first of its kind in South Africa type of product, which was exciting because the team got to work on a somewhat pioneering project. It called for innovation and custom elements which were created locally where possible with some elements imported from various locations across the globe. This was by far one of the most exciting, yet challenging play equipment projects the team has ever worked on. Microzone Trading 980cc had to work closely with other contractors all within the same space which is never easy- as everyone needs to finish their respective work and every aspect of the build is dependent on each other’s hands-on approach to meet deadlines and work together. Managing the production and installation locally was one thing, but managing the product design, lead times, time differences and manufacturing internationally was another aspect completely. The general feeling at the end of this project however was one of elation, as all of the teams were so proud that the elements came together to create a beautiful space for the students that exceeded expectations.
Lawn: Evergreen Turf - 011 948 7913 Rubber Matting: Mat Marketing International - 011 708 3421 Fencing: Noag's Market - 011 3962300 Artificial Turf: Belgotex Grass - 033 897 7500 Balustrades: Spiral Engineering - 011 474 9115 Planting: Bristelcone Nursery - 012 207 9904 Tswellapele plants - 011 953 4540 www.prolandscaper.co.za
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ABOUT INSITE LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS Insite is a landscape architectural practice which has world class experience in creating inspirational, dynamic and authentically engaging spaces within a local and international portfolio. Insite believes that landscape design creativity adds value to any project and the team strives to implement innovative design solutions. They are a creative ideas company, passionate about landscape architecture and conservation, with the ability to deliver excellent services within the entire spectrum of landscape architecture. Insite has a proven track record in the delivery of multiple prestigious projects nationwide and internationally.
www.endemic.co.za | 012 819 1186 | info@endemic.co.za
WELCOME TO RAMBRASS INTERNATIONAL Established in 2000, Rambrass International custom designs, manufactures, installs and maintains a full variety of play equipment for parks, schools and public areas. For 20 years we have worked closely with clients from planning and design right through to manufacturing and final installation of custom fabricated equipment. Our current operations are primarily located in South Africa, but we are structured and able to deliver a comprehensive range of services throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. We also recently opened a branch in Cleveland, United States of America and Gabarone, Botswana.
082 417 7397 |
076 062 0405 | www.rambrass.co.za | info@rambrass.co.za
P R O J E C T
T W E N T Y - T H R E E
GOING TO THE CHAPEL Cndv landscape architects undertake a restoration project for this historic landmark at Bishops Diocesan College with the Brooke Chapel and Founders House as focal points.
PORTFOLIO
Location: Brooke Chapel and Founders House (Restoration), Cape Town Timeline: 1 year from start to finish Cost: +- R 2 million
T
he Brooke Chapel was built in 1880 and Founders House was begun in 1852 with the final Brooke Wing, with tower and physics laboratory completed in 1905. Bishops (Diocesan College) required the levels around the Brooke Chapel to be reduced in order to restore levels to the way in which they were historically. Over time, levels had been increased, resulting in damp getting into the Chapel via covered weep holes. Exploratory excavations around the Chapel and at the entrance to Founders House, as well as old photographs, revealed that levels had been increased by as much as 800 mm over the years. Old entrance steps up the Chapel and Founders House had been ‘’buried’’ over time. The existing tarred court of Founders House, as well as a small gathering area in front of the historic Chapel, needed careful intervention. The school also wished to do a ‘’pilot project’’ showcasing materials, style, signage and lighting, in order to obtain comments on these, potentially to roll out on future upgrade projects. Excavations in the vicinity of the memorial garden had to be very carefully done, in order to preserve areas where ashes or memorial artefacts were located. All excavations around the buildings were done carefully by hand. Existing storm water structures, running underground, had to be located and incorporated in the site works and final designs had to be adjusted accordingly. Fortunately, the contractor, Naumann Construction, were excellent in this regard. The professionality of the builders made the work of cndv landscape architects a pleasure. Materials were chosen in consultation with the team. Existing sandstone was re-used from site to repair stone plinths and create new edges and walls. It was felt that new stone would not have the required patina to blend into the setting. The decision was made to go for unit paving in the court. Founders House and the Chapel are of the most historic landmark buildings in the Bishops’ school grounds. The decision was made to use long lasting and appropriate materials for the project – sandstone borders with cobbles in the court using genuine granite cobbles, sourced in South Africa. Founders House would receive a channel of sandstone around the base, and levels would be adjusted to expose the historic second step. Granite tiling was incorporated at the building entrance to define the space.
Photographs: Sean Thompson
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1927
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PORTFOLIO The schools’ historian, Paul Murray, was consulted regarding the correct interventions.
SUPPLIERS Contactor: Naumann Construction 082 651 7002 Gate Manufacturer: The Harbour Forge, Hout Bay 083 381 5331 Tile and Cobble Paver: Mazista – Cape Town 021 511 6640 Signage: Go Graphic 021 702 1970
Photographs: Sean Thompson
The bollards and the plinth for an old sundial had to be custom made for the project. Fine sandstone on traditional laterite base was used as a softer surround to the Chapel. The external tiling on the new Chapel forecourt and steps / ramp is in the same granite, specially cut to form a traditional pattern. As a sample for future projects, some new signage was installed, a genuine wrought iron gate was commissioned, and some localised lighting was installed. Soft landscaping was kept to a minimum, with only some lawn being replaced where levels were adjusted, and some planting added to the memorial garden. ABOUT CNDV LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS Cndv landscape architects under the direction of Tanya de Villiers enjoyed this project immensely. Cndv has a special interest in historic landscapes and restoration projects. They pride themselves on being sensitive to context and history and inclusive in processes. They enjoy working with historians and incorporating historic material to strive towards the most correct and authentic approach to interventions around historic buildings or within historic landscapes. Cndv landscape architects have more than 20 years’ experience in a wide variety of large and small projects, mostly in and around Cape Town and Durban.
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06
E S T A T E / F A R M
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Si ze: +- 50 000m2 Ti me l in e: +-4 years Co s t : +- R55 million
P R O J E C T T W E N T Y - F O U R
THE LEEU COLLECTION
ART M EETS LANDSCA P E
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ROOFTOP PLANT SELECTION: Trachelospermum jasminoides Cascading Bougainvillea orange Rhus crenata Rhagoda hasta Lavender mini Escalonia Agapanthus ‘nana white’
Pictured: Four Quarters vineyard and Manor House main lawn
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PORTFOLIO
F
ranschoek is not only home to some of the most acclaimed wine farms in the Cape but has recently earned bragging rights to its latest resident, The Leeu Collection. Words fall short of describing these pristine gardens, which are in the very least a perfect example of "art meets landscape". Growing from a single residential property into commercial hospitality to embrace hotels, vineyards, a wine cellar and tasting room, a spa, restaurant and microbrewery, these gardens are truly a noteworthy body of work. With design by Franchesca Watson and implementation by Heimo Schulzer Gardens, The Leeu Collection has been realised. The Concept
The Bokkie Garden
In 2012 Franchesca Watson was asked to meet an Indian businessman, Analjit Singh, who had bought a property in Franschhoek with a view to developing gardens around the house. The client proved to be one of those rare individuals who truly love and understand gardens, and who has strong unafraid personal taste. Franchesca explains, “As a garden designer, it is my role to understand and interpret my client’s ideas - I concluded that he wanted international gardens with order above all, symmetry, balance, perfection, definition and simplicity. Layered beneath these overriding principles, are reflections of the clients complex and gymnastic mind: every idea and detail is spun out: patterns are developed involving colours and mathematical proportions, plants are used as architecture cut into curves and precise angles, valuable art is set thoughtfully into the landscape with perfect mountings and lighting.”
The language of the Leeu Collection landscapes
Nothing about the design of this garden is casually thrown together or left to chance. Above all the client loves the luxury of lawns, light bright foliage, repetition, perfection. The gardens grew in size and scope as the property morphed from residential to hospitality and adjoining properties were acquired. Ways were found to connect the properties and the garden thus features many connections to enable one to move through the landscape: individual garden spaces open out from transitions, buildings are partially clothed in greenery, hundreds of trees were planted.
This is achieved by formality and simplicity, with repetition of a tight palette of key plants and striving to achieve perfect maintenance, year-round. Hedges and trees are the are the strongest link throughout the gardens and are used as architecture. Geometric pattern is strong and introduced in all the gardens in some form.
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When one enters the Leeu Collection properties, one is immediately immersed in an ordered and serene landscape. This strong effect is not by chance: every concept, arrangement and detail has been put in place to create this one feeling. As the properties grew in number and extent, a cohesive language for the Leeu Collection gardens was evolved. Thus, there are certain aspects of the gardens that repeat in all the properties and which have become part of the Leeu Collection signature. There is a balance of both public and private garden spaces, and a balance between formal and “wild” aspects of the properties. Where possible both food and wine production areas are incorporated into the gardens. Deep serenity underlain with complex details forms the basis of all the gardens.
Rooftop Gardens Plant use on the roof garden relates to the overall design theme of the property. Rhus crenata and Rhagoda hasta clipped into shape
“Every idea and detail is spun out: patterns are developed involving colours and mathematical proportions, plants are used as architecture cut into curves and precise angles, valuable art is set thoughtfully into the landscape with perfect mountings and lighting."
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SUPPLIERS Compost & topsoil: Red Tractor Compost - 021 987 1650 Lawn: Green Buffalo - 082 885 7127 Nonke Plants: 021 887 6972 New Plant: 044 889 0055 Induli: 021 785 3581 Just Trees: 021 871 1595 Habitat: 021 855 4400 Shadowlands: 021 903 0050
reinforce the formal pattern and style of the garden. Bougainvillea cascading over the edge visually soften and balance out the formality of the garden, adding interest with its orange flower colour. Predominance of evergreen plants is used, and those plants which deliver good leaf texture, form and presentation are favoured. Flowers are not overwhelming, and plants are chosen more for their leaf character and tones of green. Where there is flower colour it tends to be bold splashes, such as bright bouganvillea tumbling over parapets and Fiddlewood trees that flush copper a number of times a year. Trees are particularly treasured and cared for and many mature specimens are planted to enhance the properties. The gardens are maintained year round by Leeu Estates’ own maintenance teams. Garden tours are available and hosted by the estate as well.
Installation of The Leeu Collection gardens: Due to the immense scale of the Leeu Collection projects, all plants & materials were sourced from all over the Western Cape and often up country as well. All of Heimo Schulzer Gardens suppliers had to be able to provide large quantities, at a consistent level of quality- on time to fulfil the requirements of projects. The main challenges included tricky soil conditions and designing extensive agricultural drainage systems. Throughout most parts of the gardens the existing soil was upgraded using combinations of washed sand, river sand, imported topsoil and medium compost. Kilometres of agricultural drainage systems were installed throughout all the gardens. The projects were tough and hundreds of people were involved, but they all worked well together to make the projects a success and to live up to the standards of The Leeu Collection.
Kraaibosch: 044 889 0092 Little Orchard: 060 919 3939 Trees SA : 021 842 0003 Stone Age: 021 875 5604
ABOUT HEIMO SCHULZER GARDENS
Krige Tree Services: 021 447 1369 Romi Irrigation: 021 982 0199
Pictured above: Vineyard Cottage and Leeu Spa
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From small intimate gardens to large wine estates. For more than 15 years Heimo Schulzer has had the great pleasure of bringing to life many gardens in and around Cape Town’s inspiring landscape. Over the past few years they have had the opportunity to expand and be involved in several projects within the winelands area. Their local Cape Town office is passionate about creating beautiful gardens and that client visions become a reality. They are known for their quality and sophistication, great customer service and attention to detail. They take pride in their fine attention to detail and transparency in dealings with clients. Contact Heimo Schulzer Gardens on 021 702 3616 or www.hsgardens.co.za
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2019
COMING SOON...
media@paperplanepublications.co.za | 062 585 3616 | www.futurescapeevent.co.za
Timeline: June 2015-August 2018 Cost: +- R10 million Location: Lourensford Wine Estate, Somerset West, Western Cape
P R O J E C T
T W E N T Y - F I V E
LOURENSFORD ESTATE
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Nestled in the fertile bowl of the Helderberg mountains in Somerset West, Lourensford Estate was originally part of the Vergelegen farm established in 1709 by Willem Adriaan van der Stel, the then Governor of the Cape. The estate is a 4500 ha working agricultural farm, however, the emphasis is placed on the conservation of the Estates unique biodiversity and rich floral heritage. Commissioned by Lournesford’s proud owner, Christo Wiese, Keith Kirsten Horticulture International (KKHI) refurbishes this pristine estate.
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SUPPLIERS Project Information: Keith Kirsten & Raymond Hudson Mature Trees: Habitat Wholesale Tree suppliers – 021 855 4400 Just Trees – 0218711595 Themba Trees – 083 419 0223
The Brief: The brief was simple, the client wanted to make the garden a unique destination. This required upgrading infrastructure as well as the landscape. The garden was disjointed and needed continuity and flow.
The area adjacent to the Romantic garden was used for overflow parking. It was initially a stressed lawn area which Ray designed to redirect the main flow of traffic from the original Oak Avenue through the exit road and installed a raised bridge with an underpass walkway.
KKHI decided to capitalize on it being an important Biodiversity hotspot and focus on using as much fynbos and indigenous plant material as possible.
This allowed for kids to pass safely from the new circular interactive fountain area with concentric berms to the Buffalo sculpture lawn on the other side.
Although the estate was brimming with exotics such as Viburnums, Cape May, Hydrangeas, Azaleas and Camellias we reasoned that these types of plants could feature mainly in a section of the garden that Keith termed the romantic garden, where most of the Camellias were already thriving under a forest of ancient Oak trees. This is the first area that the team started on and developed a series of paths along a canal with bridges crossing to seating areas for visitors to relax and enjoy the shaded garden. The next plants to be added were Magnolias, Maples and new generation Azaleas.
Lourensford has always had a series of disjointed office buildings, which were loosely arranged around a lawn with random paths. This area was formalized focusing on the attractive Cape style building that serves as an office to the Karstens group, who manages the fruit-growing sector on this estate. New formal pathways of herringbone red brick were laid with a central hedged Lippia lawn feature in a lozenge shape. Double paths with Liquidambers between, underplanted with fynbos and perennial colour, strengthen the design of this large courtyard.
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Shrub and ground cover suppliers include: Aboreta Nursery – 021 864 3857 Nonke Plants – 021 887 6972 Elands – 0419555671 Induli Nursery – 021 785 3581 De Fynne Nursery – 021 869 8467 Irrigation: Contractors: Loxton Irrigation- 021 883 9860 Product: Netafim- 021 987 0477 Pathway Paving: Corobrik - 031 560 3111 Cobbles: Cape Cast- 021 845 4189 Paving Contractors: Mellish Paving - 021 855 3488 Water Features: Water in Motion - 083 227 5950 Images: Lourensford Estate
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BEFORE
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Parking was an issue, but Keith called on the expertise of Hannes Bouwer Architects - who had designed the buildings at Cavalli Stud Farm, to develop a whole new parking area alongside the Winery precinct. The car park garden is a feature with a large selection of trees and carefully thought-out plantings of indigenous plant material. While this parking was being planned KKHI got stuck in, redesigning the winery garden, which resulted in the team removing the tall enclosure of Cupressus leylandii that were screening the view of the magnificent surrounding mountains. This garden with its existing central pond feature was upgraded and had a whole new paving layout and raised berms installed in the place of the conifers. These raised berms were planted mainly with fynbos being just high enough to screen the new car park and low enough to capitalize on the panorama of majestic mountains nearby.
ponds and watercourse. Once this was achieved, all exotics and alien vegetation were removed and replaced with Informal fynbos and indigenous plantings. It was then contoured and the lawns were rehabilitated spanning the road to the ponds. The entire irrigation system needed to be upgraded in the process, so this proved a challenge. It was upgraded largely to a drip system which conserves water. A Horticultural specialist was appointed to manage the garden once these changes were implemented. The garden now functions as a cohesive whole. The flow of the pathways allows for easy access and exploration of the different themed sections of the garden and the wide variety of fynbos and indigenous plant material is a delight to all who visit.
Hannes Bouwer architects redesigned the Farmers market precinct, which KKHI landscaped together with the Aleit Groups’s Office entrance area. Bouwer Architects also rebuilt the Coffee House building adding a Health Spar and retail shops. Feature paving with a rill and two water features link to the main walk up to the winery. The low formal hedges enclosing informal fynbos plantings further enhance this walkway. The Manor house driveway was rebuilt with a camber and repaved allowing the runoff rainwater to access the garden. The avenue of Oaks was given specialist attention, as were all the trees on the estate. The hydrangeas on either side were also composted and mulched to give them a boost and restore them to their former glory. The wedding venue was given a new car park and landscaped up to and around the main building. New paving installed at the entrance to the facility and trees planted on either side give life to this venue. The terraces were hedged with Syzigium pondoense and planted with perennial colour and fynbos. The Pin Oak Avenue up to the venue was cleaned up and the water channel alongside formalized and stone pitched. The last point of call was to refurbish the entrance approach road. This involved building a new watercourse with ponds and streams between the in-and-out-roads. Large boulders and rocks were brought in to enhance the 144 Pro Landscaper Africa | December Coffee Table Edition 2018
BEFORE | AFTER
A B O U T K E I T H K I R S T E N H O R T I C U LT U R E I N T E R N AT I O N A L ( K K H I )
KKHI specializes in Horticulture and Landscape Project Management (Local and International). From hotels, wine estates, private estates and large corporate contracts, Keith Kirsten Horticulture International develops, implements and maintains landscape projects for corporate and private clients.
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After working for a number of years in the landscape industry, Anthony Teuchert decided to start his own business and in 2010 Atlanticscapes was established. The company specializes in the design, installation and maintenance of both commercial and residential gardens in the greater Cape Town area. Past and current projects include Estates, Shopping centers, Wetlands, Rooftop gardens and a variety of exciting residential gardens. One of our main focuses is the use of mostly indigenous and water wise plants in our landscapes. This ensures our gardens flourish in the sometimes-challenging local conditions. anthony@atlanticscapes.co.za | 083 289 2672
P R O J E C T
T W E N T Y - S I X
SOMERSET LAKES CLUBHOUSE Somerset Lakes and its surroundings offer countless activities for visitors and residents alike and many amenities amidst an attractive and serene environment. The estate is proud to have Reddam House Somerset onsite, which facilitates effortless living with easy access to education. Somerset West’s state-of-the-art indigenous nursery is a never-ending supplier of Somerset Lakes’ award-winning landscape. The five-star clubhouse, with sparkling swimming pool, overlooks the six-hectare lake, backed with the stunning scenery of the Helderberg. Planning Partners designed the landscape, with implementation of the gardens by Atlanticscapes.
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The Brief for Planning Partners was to take this prominent space and turn it into a place that appeals to everyone and where they are welcome. A naturalistic waterfront and boardwalk to nowhere, offering both peace and activity and nature at the water’s edge. Atlanticscapes’ work on the clubhouse gardens lasted 3 months. The project started in November 2016 and was completed in January 2017. The clubhouse island started in May 2016 but was completed only in October 2016 as the project was brought to a halt for 2 months, due to the dam filling rapidly during one rainfall. Work started again once the bridge to the island had been built. The project was commissioned by Omwieco, the developers of the Somerset Lakes estate. The landscape was designed by Trevor Dix at Planning Partners. The clubhouse architects were KMH Architects and the Engineers were Ingerop South Africa, part of an extensive professional team. The clubhouse is the focal point of Somerset Lakes development, positioned centrally and wedged between the Stone Pine forest behind and the old farm dams in front. Indigenous gardens flow from the pool area to the dam, providing various semi-secluded spaces for groups to picnic or just sit and enjoy the view. Including a play area meant that both children and parents are suitably entertained during their visit. The diverse indigenous planting palette has proven to be incredibly popular with the local birdlife with a large variety of birds having been spotted around the clubhouse. One of the more difficult items of the installation was the sourcing of large rock. In total more than 50 large boulders averaging 1m x 1,5m in size, many weighing more than a ton, were sourced from JKT Rocks based in Somerset West. Once the boulders had been hand-picked the problem of delivering them arose. Regular sized trucks were not suitable to transport the rock as there were concerns of damaging the trucks when loading the boulders. So, a mine dump truck was brought in to transport the rock from the quarry to site.
Size: 4150m² Landscape installation: 5 months Cost: R1.5 million Location: Somerset Lakes Client: Omwieco
The clubhouse island was conceived late in the project development and was created to accommodate people for functions and events, and as a starting point for across-the-dam swimming. This corner of the dam was unsightly as it had silted up, so the island was built with material from desilting and deepening the dam.
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The island events lawn turns its back to the notorious South-Easter with a protective berm, trees and shrubbery breaking the wind. As mentioned earlier the clubhouse island was interrupted during installation. Originally the island was a small little tuft of land no more than 20 square meters right on the dam edge. A coffer dam was constructed around the old island and the area where the new island and desilting was planned. The little water that was left in the coffer dam was pumped out. Once the civil earthworks had been completed the island was graded to the final levels and the soil prepared with lots of compost. The coffer dam allowed the trucks to deliver the compost and trees directly onto the island. Just after the trees had been planted there was a huge cloud burst which resulted in the coffer dam around the island being flooded. A surge of storm water broke through a section of the coffer dam wall and the empty area around the island filled within an hour. By the next morning the lake was full. Unfortunately, only half of the project had been installed when this happened. Approximately 30 boulders 0.5m in diameter still had to be placed, which were to function as a seat and to retain the protective berm. The lawn and plants also needed to be taken onto the island, and the remainder of the installation was put on hold until the bridge from the boardwalk to the island had been built. The task of moving the boulders onto the island, together with the rest of the material needed to finish the project, was then undertaken by hand.
Another aspect which can become an issue on a development of this scale is the availability of water, especially with the recent drought the Western Cape has been experiencing. Fortunately, all the landscaping at Somerset Lakes is irrigated using water from their dam. The irrigation system is set up to have lawns and plant beds on different stations. In addition, all the 150 odd trees are on their own station. Each tree has its own bubbler so if the need ever arose only the trees can be watered and not the rest of the landscape. This has had its benefits. Many of the trees have more than doubled in size in the last 18 months since they have been planted. This can be attributed to good soil preparation and each tree getting a proper watering every time the irrigation system operates. One more unusual component of this project is the perched beach. The beach is wide enough for a volleyball court and accommodates boulder bench seats and a naturalistic boulder and log play structure. Being a beach, the sand had to be deep enough for kids to be able to dig holes and build sandcastles, so the beach was excavated to 0.5m deep. The base of the beach is lined with bidum, and rock packed along the boardwalk edge from the base ground level up to the underside of the boardwalk. The rock is backed with bidum which contains the sand and prevents it from being eroded into the lake, while the natural rushes stabilise and establish along the water’s edge. From the clubhouse there is a seamless transition from terrace to lawn, to beach, to boardwalk, to water; to the view beyond. Somewhere.
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SUPPLIERS Organics: Reliance Compost - 086 188 8784 Trees: Prime Trees - 071 581 1575 Just Trees - 021 871 1595 Plants: Nonke Plants - 021 887 6972 Cape-scapes - 082 379 4452 Rock: JKT Rocks - 021 854 4918 Irrigation: Fluidra / Hunter - 021 948 2252 Play Structure: Dreamweavers - 079 782 1389 Boardwalk (separate contract): Town and Country Projects - 084 682 6641
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PORTFOLIO
A B O U T AT L A N T I C S C A P E S After working for a number of years in the landscape industry, Anthony Teuchert decided to start his own business and in 2010 Atlanticscapes was established. The company specializes in the design, installation and maintenance of both commercial and residential gardens in the greater Cape Town area. Past and current projects include Estates, Shopping centers, Wetlands, Rooftop gardens and a variety of exciting residential gardens. One of our main focuses is the use of mostly indigenous and water wise plants in our landscapes. This ensures our gardens flourish in the sometimes-challenging local conditions. Contact details: anthony@atlanticscapes.co.za 083 289 2672
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P R O J E C T T W E N T Y - S E V E N
RETIREMENT RETREAT Faircape Retirement Holding's Tokai Estate, with its unique architectural design, indigenous planting and peaceful boardwalks is set to be one of the most luxurious and rewarding of all retirement villages in the Western Cape, with breath-taking views of Constantiaberg, the Silvermine Reserve and Table Mountain, as well as first class health care, top security, and all the entertainment and cultural enrichment anyone could ask for. TERRA+ Landscape Architects were mandated by the Faircape Group, as part of the professional team to contribute to the realisation of this project.
Lo c at i o n : Tokai Estate: Cape Town Si ze : Approx 9 HA Ti me l i n e : Design: 2014 Construction: Jan 2016 – March 2017 Co s t : +- 4 million (Softscaping)
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TLandscape Architects, along with the he client's brief saw TERRA+
help of the appointed professional team, design and develop this parcel of land situated in Tokai. The plot of land was part of an existing farm and is bounded on the west by existing urban development and to the east a wetland and stream which forms part of the existing Dreyersdal Farm. The intention was from the outset to develop a high-end retirement village with clubhouse and healthcare facilities. It was critical that the design should provide the end user with a product that would enhance their sense of well being and also provide a development with a strong community and unique identity. The design was developed through quite an extensive, long process. The consideration of the end-user was always a driving force behind the decision made, bearing in mind that the outcome had to be a development with long lasting quality and beauty. To this end careful consideration was given to the types of materials and their lasting durability and quality. The use of such materials defines the end character of the development. Materials such as natural stone and clay brick were specified to ensure this design intent was met. These materials also complimented the plant design and overall architectural finishes of the development as a whole.
In addition to the above-mentioned aspects, the environmental issues were strongly emphasized, with storm-water management one of the key elements which influenced the design.
The storm-water management design was an integral aspect of the overall design and to a large extent determined the internal green spaces and layout. In addition to the internal green spaces acting as detention facilities, the road system was utilised as a recharge mechanism for the storm-water on-site with a central storm-water “sock” under the roadway, "Environmental issues were strongly allowing for stormwater emphasized, with storm-water to seep back management one of the key elements into the soil. A synergy which influenced the design." between the engineers and the design team allowed for these elements to become design opportunities with multi-functional elements incorporated into the layout/design. An example of such an element is the use of dropped “speed” valleys which act as stormwater catch-pits and traffic calming mechanisms at the same time.
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SUPPLIERS Landscape Contractor: Arrow Landscapes Paving Contractor: Highland Paving Corobrik: Cape Stormberg Pavers - 021 888 2300 Decking Contractor: Decks4Life - 021 762 4752 Best Deck: Composite Decking - 083 444 0655 Saplings Timber Trading: Timber Irrigation Contractor: Cape Irrigation Systems Product: Rain Bird - 082 440 3479 Large Tree Supplier: Trees SA - 021 842 0003 Stone Mason: Stone Age Construction - 021 875 5604 SUDS (Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems): Aurecon - 021 526 9400 Architects: COA (Craft of Architecture) Main Contractor: Murray and Roberts Civil Contractor: Martin and East Lighting: Province Lighting - 021 464 4661 Granite Tiles: Sangengalo - 021 907 1680 Urban Design Masterplanning Blue Green Planning and Design Imagery Supplied by COA & TERRA +
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These in-turn offered the possibility to incorporate detail in the road surface which created additional traffic calming. All the principles of SUDS, as prescribed by the CoCT, were subscribed to. TERRA+ was involved from inception with the design of the overall street layout, gentle curving of the street and re-alignment of buildings which also contributes to the general pedestrian safety on the development. The principle of “no pavement� where the street becomes the pedestrian walkway allows for vehicular movement to be secondary to pedestrian movement. Narrow streets and unconventional intersections also contributed to diminishing the dominance of vehicular movement on site. All the design considerations were with people and how people use the space was kept in mind. The client also stressed the need for a development that would be resource effective. This implied the use of mostly indigenous plant species and an extensive matrix of planting to increase biodiversity and interest in the development. ABOUT TERRA +
Due to the size and programme an onsite nursery was established once building construction started. This allowed the landscape contractor to establish plant material and trees to acclimatise to the site conditions. The added advantage of this was that there was minimal plant loss once trees and plants were planted. Due to the increase of planting and diversity there was an increase of wild-life to the development with most notably the appearance of the rare endangered Leopard Toad and the visit of a Cape Eagle Owl. TERRA+ Landscape Architects were involved from inception in the overall framework development, hard-landscaping and soft-landscaping layout and design, as well as contract management.
"It was critical that the design should provide the end user with a product that would enhance their sense of well being and also provide a development with a strong community and unique identity." 156 Pro Landscaper Africa | December Coffee Table Edition 2018
TERRA+ was founded in 2012 by Ankia Bormans, a registered Landscape Architect with over 5 years experience working in other firms in Cape Town before starting her own company. Ankia Bormans received her MLA from the University of Cape Town, and has since worked full time as a Landscape Architect. TERRA+ is a Landscape Architectural practice that works independently and in collaboration with other Landscape Architects and various disciplines to ensure that projects are environmentally responsible, resilient and sustainable. This allows for a wide range of projects across a wide range of scales and levels of detail design. Through expertise in the field and collaboration TERRA + offers the ability to deal with projects ranging from Masterplan development, both urban and rural, right down to landscape architectural detail design.
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P R O J E C T T W E N T Y - E I G H T
LOUNGING AT THE LAGOON A water-lover's paradise, right in the middle of Pretoria! This is a one-of-a-kind development and a fantastic pioneer for creating truly liveable spaces, anywhere. This development titled The Blyde: Riverwalk Estate- incorporates a Crystal Lagoons' lagoon for swimming, kayaking and paddle-boarding, not to mention the fantastic view of the Lagoon from your residence’s balcony. Along with the onsite Lifestyle Centre and its many leisure facilities, The Blyde has something for everyone. The developer, Balwin Properties contracted Uys & White Landscape Architects to design the landscape that would accompany this pioneering project with implementation of this design vision by Greenacres Landscapes.
Size: 1.5Ha Cost: +- R2.5 million Timeline: 3 months Location: The Blyde; Riverwalk Estate, Pretoria East, Gauteng Client: Balwin Properties
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PORTFOLIO
SUPPLIERS Client: Balwin Properties - 011 450 2818 Landscape Contractor: Greenacres Landscapes - 014 576 1925 Paving Suppliers: Vibro Bricks - 012 374 5533 Bosun Brick - 010 001 8398 Interactive Water feature: Pool Spa and Filtration Supplies 011 793 1381 Lighting Design: Romor Group - 011 435 1493 Decking: MOSO Bamboo Africa - 086 111 4971 Planting: Bristlecone Nursery - 012 207 9904 Plants and Large Palms: Malanseuns - 012 549 2128 Sebenza farms - 011 571 0600 Lawn: Evergreen Turf - 012 562 0778 Compost: Culterra - 086 128 5837
The Blyde at Riverwalk Estate is located in Pretoria East, Gauteng. The lagoon is the first crystal clear lagoon in Sub-Saharan Africa incorporating Crystal Lagoons technology, and it spans 1.5Ha. The landscaping surrounding this unique development is over 1Ha in size. This particular Lagoon is patented in 190 countries and has revolutionised the global real estate market by bringing idyllic beach paradises to new locations, where unlimited activities, such as swimming, kayaking and paddle boarding can be enjoyed. The Lagoon at The Blyde Riverwalk Estate joins the ranks of over 600 Crystal Lagoons projects in different stages of negotiation. The Lagoon and surrounding landscape, features beaches, a pedestrian promenade as well as exclusive clubhouses for residents’ usage. Crystal Lagoons has developed an innovative concept and technology, allowing for the construction and maintenance of unlimited sized bodies of water with crystal clear conditions, 100 times less additives and 50 times less energy. The Landscape implementation was phased over a period of three months and coordination and timing were of critical importance. As one can imagine, quite a few services were necessary within the adjacent area and these all had to be managed and coordinated to ensure a successful product at the end of the day. The Brief Landscape Architect’s Uys & White were requested by Balwin Properties to come up with an inspiring design for the landscaping around the crystalline lagoon. The brief was simple -“It had to set the bench mark for other lagoons powered by crystal lagoons technology in the future”. The team wanted to create an instant impact and have an interactive landscape with lawn areas around the lagoon, as well as make use of plants that will not be harmful to visitors, children and pedestrians. The paving design around the lagoon was visualised with flowing, meandering lines so as to create a relaxing experience for the user. This destination needed to appeal as a holiday destination rather than a landscape within a development. The palm boulevard was envisioned to create a sense of nostalgia and of walking along your favourite Island destination’s beaches. This is in stark juxtaposition to its location, right in the centre of Pretoria, South Africa. The idea was to create a space that transports the visitor into paradise. The selection of paving material had to be pedestrian friendly. This ruled out rough surfaces
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and textured paving. Further to this, the colouring had to highlight the colour aesthetic of the housing units around the crystalline lagoon and within The Blyde Development. All paving was packed in stretcher bond to add to the flowing lines of the boulevard and typical pedestrian flow around the lagoon. This created a barefoot or “flip-flop” user friendly area that was ideal for its specific setting. The landscape implementation was managed and installed by Greenacres Landscapes, who succeeded in sourcing over 140 open ground palm trees that were planted along the boulevard and within the Crystal Lagoon Landscaped node. The effect was instant and created a feeling of a discovered paradise rather than a newly implemented landscape. The landscape also comes to life at night and a romantic setting is created with the palm trees along the boulevard showing off their lights after dark. The cantilevering MOSO Bamboo decks, are equipped with a light blue LED strip at the bottom which also illuminates to guide the pedestrians at night. This creates an amazing floating deck effect, as the blue light really compliments the luminous turquois water of The Lagoon. Bollard lighting was provided at intervals along the promenade for those residents wishing to go on an evening stroll or explore the lagoon.
A B O U T U YS & W H I T E ( P T Y ) LT D
Landscape Architects Uys & White (Pty) Ltd, was established in 1964, with the head office being situated in Faerie Glen, Gauteng. The company has developed expertise and gained experience on a broad spectrum of Landscape Architectural and Environmental Management projects over the past 54 years, thus enabling us to successfully complete a wide range of projects throughout Africa and abroad. Our scope of projects ranges from detail soft landscape and hard landscape design projects, to large-scale precinct and urban design, environmental planning and impact assessments.
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