Real Estate March 2017 ( Issue 41 ) by REAL|life

ISSUE 41 • MARCH 2017

BLISSFUL

SUMMER Mallorca’s most alluring stone villa | Meet today’s wine mavericks | Global spa and wellness trends

SPECIAL REPORT ANATOMY OF A CITY: HOW SA’S VISIONARIES ARE SHAPING OUR FAST-CHANGING URBAN HUBS

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Houghton on 12th, 53 Second Ave, Houghton OFFICE – 011 034 2201 || ALAN BECKER – 082 718 8100 || EMAIL – alan@thehoughton.com

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CREATIVE GROUP

HOUGHTON 2017

AN EXCITING

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PUBLISHED BY THE CREATIVE GROUP FOR TIMES MEDIA PROPERTY PUBLISHING

16 09 WORD ON THE STREET

32 SPA TREK

Whether post-flight treatments or culturally rich destinations, spas are increasingly linked to travel

15 CAR REVIEW

It may take a while to strike a rhythm with the MercedesAMG GT R but once you do, it’s a rewarding experience

16 SCULPTED SIMPLICITY

Elegance meets sculptural detailing in this Mallorcan home

41 MARKETPLACE

Property news, awards and investment advice

Old Castle Brewery, 6 Beach Rd, Woodstock, Cape Town, 7925 www.realestatemagazine.co.za | 087 828 0423 | 021 447 7130

MANAGING DIRECTOR: THE CREATIVE GROUP Terence Hewitt | terence.hewitt@thecreativegroup.info

EDITORIAL TEAM Editor Michelle Snaddon | michelle.snaddon@thecreativegroup.info Creative director Leah de Jager Deputy editor Julia Freemantle Copy editor Kirsty Wilkins Group digital editor Lauren Joubert Accounts and finance Katrien Bezuidenhout Printing Paarl Media Contributors Robyn Alexander/bureaux.co.za, Jane Broughton, Patrick Cairns, Richard Holmes, Genevieve Putter, Terence Steenkamp and Jocelyn Warrington

ADVERTISING BOOKINGS AND SUBMISSIONS Jackie Maritz | Advertising coordinator jackie.maritz@thecreativegroup.info | 078 133 5211 Love the environment! Please recycle this copy of REAL ESTATE after you have read it.

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24 MAVERICK WINEMAKERS

Unhindered by Old World traditions, adventurous local cellar masters are pushing the boundaries of winemaking

51 ANATOMY OF A CITY

How are local cities rising to the challenge of urbanisation?

60 DREAM HOME

This Art Deco-inspired build in Paris is on our property bucket list

COVER IMAGE Greg Cox/bureaux.co.za PHOTOGRAPHS Lar Photography, Greg Cox/bureaux.co.za, supplied

ometimes you just need to step off the world for a while to restore your soul. We’ve put together a midsummer issue that’s all about spaces to inspire us to do just that. Our cover story reveals a stone villa in Deià, Mallorca, which unanimously swept us off our feet the day we saw the images. A holiday retreat for London property developers Greg and Cassie Fry, its setting is magnificent above the rocky coves this pretty island in the Med. And villa Ca’n Palmer left Cape Town writer Robyn Alexander equally smitten. Explore the understated simplicity of these tranquil interiors on page 16. On page 30, travel writer Jane Broughton takes us on a global journey to some of the world’s most desirable spa destinations – the perfect antidote to today’s fast-paced, techobsessed world. ‘Spa-going has become a logical extension of our desire to transcend the ordinary,’ she says. Give it a try! And finally, in ‘Anatomy of a City’, our special report, we tracked down the visionaries behind our fast-changing urban hubs. Pierre Swanepoel from studioMAS had a positive message to share: ‘By developing our cities towards equality, resilience, adaptability and wellbeing, they can become the healthiest, greenest and richest (in both cultural and economic terms) places to live.’ Read more about what’s Michelle Snaddon in the pipeline in Jocelyn Warrington’s story on page 51. Editor, REAL ESTATE

DISCLAIMER The publisher of this magazine gives no warranties, guarantees or assurances and makes no representation regarding any goods or services advertised within this edition. © The Advertising Joint Venture. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written consent from the publisher. The publishers are not responsible for any unsolicited material.

CONTENTS

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CMY

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- Coming soon in Real Estate’s -

APRIL ISSUE For media kits and information, email editor MICHELLE SNADDON on michelle.snaddon@thecreativegroup.info or sales and marketing manager MICHELE JONES on michele.jones@thecreativegroup.info

INGENIOUS RENOVATION IDEAS, AN EFFORTLESSLY STYLISH WINELANDS HOME, RETIREMENT INVESTMENT SOLUTIONS AND MORE…

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LIFESTYLE

TEXT Julia Freemantle PHOTOGRAPHS Anna-Belle Durrant, Elsa Young and supplied

THINGS TO SEE, TRENDS TO SPOT AND PLACES TO BE

Bowled over If the name didn’t alert you, Linden’s new dining hot spot (and it is hot – getting a booking here requires planning) is an ode to all things Caribbean. With its fringed lamps, strings of coloured lights and stripey beach umbrellas, it’s as festive as they come. Add plants, rum cocktails and a couple of charmingly kitsch knickknacks and you may as well be in a beach bar. The menu is small but tasty – think ribs, crab curry and fish cakes – and the vibe excellent. 076 320 9739

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MARCH 2017

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LIFESTYLE

WORD ON THE STREET

Going coastal

Taking its easy-breezy tapas-style dining seaside, La Parada has opened a fourth branch (the others are in Kalk Bay, the City Bowl and Constantia) on Victoria Road in Camps Bay, the prime dining spot on the Atlantic Seaboard. La Parada del Mar is perfect for breakfasts and sundowners. The tropical wallpaper and cafe-style furniture inspire an instant breathing out. laparada.co.za

Crossing over Owners of the popular City Bowl eatery El Burro Nic and Rene Haarhoff along with Sascha and Hugo Berolsky, have opened a Newlands branch, bringing their particular brand of authenticity and food appreciation to the southern suburbs. The new outlet is a slightly brighter, less Day of the Dead version of the Green Point restaurant, and a more amped up take on the compact Taqueria in town. A watermelon, turquoise and canary palette, blonde wood arches and geometric detailing create a fun, candy-coloured but design-forward environment in which to enjoy the excellent (as always) Mexican fare. elburro.co.za

Love language

No one does limited editions better than Moët & Chandon and this latest offering is no exception. Moët Rosé Impérial Emoëticons Limited Edition gift box lets you say everything you need to with a fun emoji-emblazoned bottle – it’s a veritable 21st-century love note. The box is adorned all over with content-appropriate ‘Emoëticons’ (lips, hearts, champagne flutes) and comes with a page of stickers to personalise your own bottle. Available from leading liquor merchants nationwide from R649.95. moet.com

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MARCH 2017

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DESIGN TRADITION 2.0 Black Edition’s new Herbaria range of wallcoverings and fabrics takes digital printing techniques and applies them to traditional patterns to give them a fresh new edge with a collection of ultra-tactile velvets, linens and embossed wallcoverings that takes history as its starting point. The fabrics’ layered designs and rich feel make a sumptuous addition to a room, whether modern or old-school, and the wallcoverings’ innovative printing techniques allow for subtle and nuanced colour and texture. romosouthafrica.com

Best foot forward

The Rug Company Studio Collection – its inhouse range – presents four timeless new designs. Prioritising simplicity over intricacy and a lower price point for homeowners who are budget and style conscious, the new rugs are all handmade using natural materials (bamboo silk, cotton) their timeless patterns and hardy fabrication making them a lasting long-term home addition. therugcompany.com

Take the ﬂoor

BEST FOOT FORWARD Taking the Spanish classic and giving it a contemporary African twist, Espadril produces handmade shoes that take the non-negotiable elements of the iconic shoe (woven jute soles, the shape of the uppers) and added cool takes on colour and materiality. South African Rizqah Isaacs and Spanish Patricia Terre started the brand from a studio on Bree Street and combine their respective influences and personalities for unique and fun summer footwear. Available from Superbalist or at the Cape Town store. espadril.co.za

As a leader in flooring technology and trends, it’s fitting that Belgotex is breaking new ground with its impressive Design Centre in Century City. Aimed at taking the rug-buying experience up a notch, it’s a sleek, flooring-oriented space that serves as both a gallery and a place for designers, architects and clients to sit and plan, hold meetings, or just experience the product in an uplifting environment. Inspired by the Japanese aesthetic of life lived close to the ground, the space was conceived with a focus on horizontal planes and a surface approach that honours this integral part of the room. The centre is made up of a showroom, textile concept area, coffee bar and boardroom – all of which are designed to inspire. belgotexfloors.co.za

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MARCH 2017

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Royal treatment

T R AV E L

The imminent opening of The Silo hotel in Cape Town’s eponymous Silo District must be one of the most anticipated hospitality events of this year. The six-floor hotel in the Thomas Heatherwick-designed building will house 28 rooms (one penthouse) above what will be the showstopping Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa. The interiors are being designed by Liz Biden of The Royal Portfolio fame and will boast some of the best views in the city, as well a stylish and luxurious aesthetic. royalportfolio.com

21ST-CENTURY SAFARI Rare Earth’s latest addition to its boutique collection of lodges is Pel’s Post, the new exclusive-use satellite lodge component of The Outpost. Setting new standards for sustainable bush architecture, the four standalone suites are designed to open almost entirely to the elements via a cutting-edge structural design that allows for fully immersive outdoor engagement, and a killer view. Poised to overlook the Luvuvhu River in the Big 5 Makuleke Contract Park, also known as Pafuri Triangle, it’s the bush at its most natural and remote – the concession shares a border with Zimbabwe and Mozambique and is a hot spot for birdlife and large herds of elephant. Wildlife aside, this area has a huge variety of dramatic and photogenic terrain, from baobab groves to fever tree forests. All to be explored if you can tear yourself away from the stunning suites which hero South African design and safari with a contemporary twist. rareearth.co.za

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MARCH 2017

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One of the most successful innovations to come out of the Black Forest And a cuckoo clock

The difference is Gaggenau. In the Black Forest, some things never change. Others have been evolving since 1683. Ever since our company was founded as a hammer and nail works, innovation has become a tradition for us. Such as the ovens 400 series, shown here with oven, combi-steam oven and warming drawer â&#x20AC;&#x201C; uniting cutting-edge technology with superior design. Finally, our appliances have been constantly evolving. What stays the same: they just keep looking better and better. Visit our Brand Experience Centre in Cape Town:

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CAR NEWS

GREEN

HELL

It takes a while to strike a rhythm with AMG’s newest supercar. But once that happens, the rewards are immense TEXT Terence Steenkamp PHOTOGRAPHS Supplied

s I glance anxiously over at the string of Green Hell Magno-hued Mercedes-AMG GT Rs parked in the pit lane of Portugal’s fearsome Portimão racetrack, a torrent of insecurities races through my mind. The most hard-core of all Benzes channels a potent 430kW through only its rear wheels. And it’s raining. Properly bucketing down. I’m not convinced I have the driving talent to exploit AMG’s latest supercar in these conditions… For a split-second, I consider removing the helmet and politely apologising to the Germans assembled next to the line-up of cars for my lack of courage before running into the hills. But then the voice of multiple DTM racing champ (and today’s driving instructor) Bernd Schneider crackles over the two-way radio ... and we’re off. Before the end of lap one – which was supposed to be an introduction to the track taken at a measured pace – I’ve been left behind by Bernd. I occasionally catch sight of his Benz as it crests a hill before it dips into a riot of zigzags. Three laps later, we pull into the pit lane. Despite a bitterly cold wind, sweat has soaked through my shirt and my right leg is shaking.

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The pace was astonishing, but that, plus my lack of knowledge of Portimão’s technically challenging layout and the GT R’s raw nature, meant my time on the track passed in a blur of arm twirls and clumsy jabs at the brake pedal. I feel like I’ve learnt little about the car, the track environment proving deprived of the normal sensory cues present on a public road. I decide to change tack and ask the AMG boffins whether I could take a GT R on a drive of the surrounding countryside. They happily oblige and soon the AMG and I comfortably weave a rhythm. Benz has completely reworked the suspension – it’s now a racecar-inspired coil-over system – and it shows. Where lesser GTs buck and weave on undulating surfaces, the GT R finds incredible traction. It matches that with searing pace (three-figure speeds are reached in a mere 3.6 seconds) and a ferocious V8 soundtrack accented with pops and bangs so intense they reverberate through the super-stiff structure. Two hours later, I stop back at the racetrack. This time, my shirt is dry and the earlier frown has been replaced with a smile as broad as the R2.7-million GT R’s toothy Panamericana grill. What a car. mercedes-amg.com

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SHOWCASE

-SCULPTED-

SIMPLICITY

FEBRUARY 2017

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Laid-back elegance and sculptural detailing come together in this elegant holiday home on the outskirts of the storied Mallorcan village of Deià TEXT Robyn Alexander/bureaux.co.za PHOTOGRAPHS Greg Cox/bureaux.co.za STYLING Tille Del Negro/bureaux.co.za

ome houses cling to hillsides. This one hugs itself into the terraced curves of the earth. And what a part of the earth it is: a steep mountainside on the edge of Deià in Mallorca, where regular holidaymakers include Kate Moss, Gwyneth Paltrow and Jamie Oliver. What attracts them to this place is its lack of ostentatious glitz, its simple charm. And holiday home Ca’n Palmer captures the spirit of Deià. Elegant yet easy-going in style, the house is owned by London property developers Greg and Cassie Fry and encapsulates what poet and novelist Robert Graves wrote of Deià: ‘perfect tranquillity reigns’. The house is accessed via stone stairs down the terraced mountainside. The steep site dictates that it is a fairly narrow building, with three floors. On the main level, you can step into the interior dining area directly through the front door. Situated immediately to the left, down a couple of steps, is the open-plan interior living space. The dining area also opens onto the partially covered outdoor terrace through a series of wood and glass double doors, while the lower-level living room opens, in a similar fashion, onto steps down to the pool area. The terrace is surrounded by a low stone wall with cream seating pads and cushions covered in local Mallorcan textiles, and backed with simple iron balustrades. It affords views across the valley to the rugged hillside opposite, which is dotted with stone houses, as well as vistas all the way down to the sea. The terrace furnishings and decor also include a contemporary, chunky wooden outdoor coffee table, a dining table and chairs, and plants in terracotta pots. The outdoor dining area is shaded by a bamboo pergola, while behind that, a more substantial tiled roof covers the space immediately leading out through another pair of wood and glass doors from the kitchen. During the intense heat of a late-summer day, this is shadiest part of the terrace and a great place to put your feet up: cicadas buzz and the air is full of the scent of pine trees (a small thicket adjoins the house on one side). The stone floors used in both the exterior and interior living areas connect the spaces: outside, they have been left in their natural state, while indoors they are polished to a gleam. The house itself is made of creamy reddish stone, which is set off beautifully by pale blue wooden shutters – quite modern by Mallorcan standards, where exterior shutters are traditionally painted in dark green shades.

Manuel and Amy Villanueva, who are friends of the owners, keep an eye on their sons, Hugo and Liam, as they take a dip in the swimming pool

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SHOWCASE

ANOTHER CONNECTING ELEMENT IN THE SPACE IS THE CENTRAL STAIRCASE

Throughout, the varied mix of rectangular and square shapes in the pavers creates an element of visual interest without any sense of distraction or fuss. Indoors, the polished stone is also varied with poured white microcement flooring, creating a considered flow between different rooms and spaces. Oro del Negro and Manuel Villanueva, directors at Deià-based More Design (the design practice responsible for the recent renovation of Ca’n Palmer) have always been interested in ‘the interactions between spaces and how they flow into one another and reference each other.’ Another connecting element in the space is the central staircase linking the main living areas with the bedrooms on the levels above and below. Reminiscent of a piece of modernist sculpture, the curvaceous plasterwork stairs include a thin black iron balustrade that creates a striking visual thread through the house – functioning rather like a bold punctuation mark within a clever piece of graphic design. Up this staircase on the first floor is the spacious master bedroom, a freestanding bath-with-a-view at one end and a separate bathroom that serves both this and the adjacent guest bedroom. At the far end of the main suite is a romantic private balcony with just enough room for a cafe table and two chairs, and panoramic views up the valley eastwards towards the centre of the village. It is perfect for watching the sun come up over the Serra de Tramuntana mountains – or for quiet contemplation late in the evening. Iron balustrades, stonework, wooden shutters: all are elements of Mallorcan vernacular architecture, updated to suit contemporary lifestyles and aesthetics. This is another of More Design’s strengths: the ability to update traditional ideas and designs, which also includes a sensitive response to the island’s building rules. According to Del Negro and Villanueva, building regulations are in place to protect the north coast of Mallorca from uncontrolled construction, ensuring that development will respect the traditional landscaping and architecture code. ‘These restraints are part of the process. We challenge them by being creative within their margins. And the interiors are open to interpretation, allowing us to introduce a contemporary reading of the spaces, combined with traditional materials and construction methods,’ they say.

One of the first things to catch your eye is the sculptural staircase linking the three floors. The simple, thread-like iron balustrade functions as a sort of visual exclamation point OPPOSITE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Stone steps lead down from the street level to Ca’n Palmer’s front door; Ca’n Palmer is situated on a steeply terraced hillside that makes for beautiful views of the Serra de Tramuntana mountains. The rectangular, salt-water pool is surrounded by natural stone and has a classic blue mosaic interior; the galley-style kitchen features built-in open shelves as well as deep storage drawers with a textured natural stone counter. The wood and glass doors open directly onto the covered terrace; the stone wall surrounding the outdoor terrace is backed by simple cast-iron balustrades and topped with cream canvas seating pads to form couch-style seating. The scatter cushions are covered in de llengües (Mallorquín for ‘cloth of tongues’) fabric, the design of which is derived from ikat fabrics brought to the island centuries ago by traders on the Silk Road trading route. These particular fabrics were made by Tapicería Riera (tapiceriariera.com)

MARCH 2017

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FEBRUARY 2017 15

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FEBRUARY 2017

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SHOWCASE

‘INTO THE EMPTY VOLUME COMES FORM AND SHAPE, WITH THE SPACE ITSELF SUGGESTING HOW IT SHOULD BE DESIGNED AND DECORATED’ ORO DEL NEGRO AND MANUEL VILLANUEVA, MORE DESIGN

Accordingly, sculptural plasterwork inspired by the vernacular is used for a number of built-in features of the house, including the staircase, the rounded fireplaces and the built-in seating in the living room. Natural stone basins in bathrooms as well as the kitchen sink feature textured edging created by carefully hand-chiselling of the stone; the interiors are carved out and smoothed, also by hand. Outside is the idyllic garden, terraced, planted with hardy Mediterranean vegetation and featuring a rectangular salt-water pool. Set into yet more natural stone, the pool has a classic blue mosaic interior. Around it are wooden loungers and cream canvas umbrellas to shield their occupants from the sun. This is one of those protean houses that subtly changes its character as the day progresses. In the cool of the morning, light shines gradually over the mountains to peek into Deià, slowly illuminating the views across the valley in a tranquil transition from dawn to day. By the early afternoon, when the sun is beating powerfully down, the best place to be is indoors. In the early evening, it’s time for a refreshing swim, followed by a session of sundowner drinks while the sun slowly sinks into the sea. And as night falls and the village lights up, there is a palpable holiday spirit in the air. Tomorrow is another day – and hopefully it will be just like this one. moredesign.es

The handmade integrated natural stone sink is polished inside with a textured surround. The small grove of trees outside makes for a pretty view while washing up or preparing fresh artichokes for an alfresco meal OPPOSITE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP The main interior living room is slightly lower than the dining area and features built-in seating and polished natural stone floors; the bathing area in the main bedroom features poured white Pandomo (pandomo.com.au) micro-cement flooring, a white standalone bath and diaphanous white linen curtains, all of which are offset by the use of natural wooden tones in the mirror frame and rustic stool; in the main bedroom, the peacock chair adds a playful element, while the fourposter gives the space a touch of drama. The dark ceramic pots on the mantelpiece are by Deià-based ceramicist Dora Good (doraceramics. com) and the Nordic sheepskins are from Pergarden Produkt and Scandinavian Skins (pergarden.com, scandinavianskins.com)

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MARCH 2017

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SHOWCASE

THIS IS ONE OF THOSE PROTEAN HOUSES THAT SUBTLY CHANGES ITS CHARACTER AS THE DAY PROGRESSES

The children of friends of the owners, Liam (left) and Hugo Villanueva, at play in the kids’ bedroom on the ground floor, which features plenty of built-in storage for toys and games. OPPOSITE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP The dark ceramic pots on the bedroom mantelpiece are by Deià-based ceramicist Dora Good (doraceramics.com); careful attention to detail abounds in the house. This simple dressingtable shelf in one of the ground-floor guest rooms is backed by a weathered mirror with an elegant arched surround. The old wooden chair is typically Mallorcan; a tumble of holiday reads on the built-in shelf behind the fourposter bed in the main bedroom; a large, built-in double bed in one of the guest rooms on the lower floor of the house. On the right, a simple shelf serves as a dressing table or simple desk

MARCH 2017

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WINE TREND

MARCH 2017

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-MAVERICKWINEMAKERS

Oceanfront locations, older vines and terroir-driven philosophies are part of the appeal for these winemakers, redefining what they do TEXT Richard Holmes PHOTOGRAPHS Richard Holmes, supplied

lthough South Africa’s vinous heritage stretches back more than 350 years, we’re still considered a New World nation in the world of winemaking. While some may perceive this a snub, it’s actually a gift, a licence to innovate unshackled by the weight of history and the bureaucracy of onerous regulation. Instead, unhindered, a handful of maverick winemakers are pushing the boundaries of viticulture and oenology in a bid to discover new terroir, forcing us to rethink our connection with the vineyards.

THE WILD WEST What comes to mind when you think of the Winelands? Verdant vineyards beneath towering mountain peaks? An oak-lined driveway sweeping towards a stately Cape Dutch manor house? How about a wind-whipped coastline and barrels in a former crayfish-processing factory? That’s precisely what you’ll find at Fryer’s Cove, the lone winery in far-flung Bamboes Bay, 300km north of Cape Town. What began as a good (or was it crazy?) idea around the braai came to life in 1999 when Jan Ponk van Zyl and Wynand Hamman

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(pictured left) planted the first vines in their small vineyard between Doring Bay and Strandfontein. Both have decades of experience in the industry – Van Zyl as a large-scale grape farmer near Vredendal, Hamman as winemaker for Backsberg and Lanzerac – but Fryer’s Cove was a passion project for these two men with deep roots in the region. ‘This was a hobby that turned into a dream,’ says Van Zyl, gazing over their four hectares of Sauvignon Blanc and two of Pinot Noir. With the ocean just 800m from the vineyard, the sea breezes maintain perfectly cool temperatures for Pinot Noir, while the salty spray keeps vine mildew at bay and lends a distinct minerality to the Sauvignon Blanc. The cellar and tasting room are as dramatic as the vineyards: in 2010 a mothballed crayfish factory in Doringbaai’s old harbour was transformed into the Fryer’s Cove cellar. Today it’s one of the most memorable wineries in South Africa, the dramatic seafront location reminiscent of broody Scottish distilleries. And the wines? Past vintages of the Bamboes Bay Sauvignon Blanc have scored well in the respected Platter’s Wine Guide, while the Doring Bay Sauvignon Blanc offers a well-priced, approachable taste of the West Coast. The Pinot Noir is also delicious, a blend of bright fruit and balanced minerality. fryerscove.co.za

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WINE TREND

GOING IT ALONE To be a winemaker, conventional wisdom has long held that you need a large estate planted with vines, alongside a cellar fitted with tanks and barrels. If it’s all packaged up with a dollop of neat Cape Dutch heritage and charm, then so much the better. But that wisdom is changing. Some of the most exciting local wines are from winemakers with not a vine to their name, instead holding the (rented) keys to someone else’s multimillion-rand cellar. These négociant winemakers are free to shop around the Winelands for vineyards that suit their winemaking vision, with no need to invest millions in a private cellar. It’s perhaps an unconventional approach to the industry, but then the wines speak for themselves. Trizanne Barnard taps into grapes from both Elim and the Swartland for her acclaimed range of Trizanne Signature Wines. Duncan Savage, long famous for cool-climate white wines while cellar master at Cape Point Vineyards, has released remarkable reds under his own label Savage Wines, with grapes drawn from the Piekenierskloof to the Cape Peninsula. At Fram wines, Thinus Krüger taps into vineyards from Citrusdal (Pinotage) to Robertson (Chardonnay) for his notable ‘wines of exploration’. Time for wine-lovers to join the journey? trizanne.co.za; savagewines.com; framwines.co.za IN TUNE WITH THE EARTH Terra est vita reads the label on every bottle of Avondale wine. Soil is life. Three words but they encapsulate the sustainable philosophy underpinning the award-winning wines from the family-owned estate near Paarl in the Western Cape Winelands. Many wine estates like to hitch their brand to the bandwagon of environmental sustainability but few in South Africa live their philosophy to the extent of Avondale’s Johnathan Grieve. A quietly passionate farmer and winemaker, Grieve’s unique BioLOGIC approach blends organic and biodynamic principles with a modern scientific approach. ‘In the wine industry you hear so much talk about terroir. But at a farming level, the irony is that by applying chemicals you’re nullifying the impact

of your soil,’ explains Grieve. ‘BioLOGIC is about creating living systems naturally. We want to create wines that are uniquely Avondale and expressive of its terroir.’ Celebrating and nurturing the soil is key for Grieve, whether it’s applying biodynamic preparations to feed the earth or introducing natural predators to curb pests in the vineyards. That terroir-driven philosophy continues into the cellar, where the focus on wild yeasts and natural fermentation dovetails with whole-bunch ferments, clay amphorae and restrained use of oak to express the true taste of Avondale. ‘If you’re trying to create natural wines it doesn’t make sense to overwork the grapes in the cellar,’ explains Grieve. ‘We just want to nurture those grapes to release their own unique character.’ avondalewine.co.za HERE BE DRAGONS? As winemakers strive to capture a unique sense of place in each bottle, it’s little wonder that adventurous cellar masters are searching for the blank spaces on South Africa’s viticultural map. Whether it’s the availability of affordable land or the prospect of dabbling in unusual climates and soil types, winemakers are exploring new frontiers. In KwaZulu-Natal, Abingdon Estate outside Howick is crafting some particularly fine Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier, while in the hills around Knysna and Plettenberg Bay sun-seeking tourists are pleasantly surprised to discover the wonderful Méthode Cap Classique and Sauvignon Blanc from Bramon Wine Estate. In the Southern Cape, there are also interesting moves afoot. Since the first vines were planted on the windy plains near Cape Agulhas in 1996, the most southerly vineyards in Africa are turning out excellent white and red wines. Bordeaux-style white blends of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon are the stars here, but Rhône-style red blends also excel in this cool and windy wine ward. Black Oystercatcher is particularly known for its white blends, while nearby Strandveld Vineyards produces Sauvignon Blanc and red wines. Winemaker Conrad Vlok has a deft touch with both Pinot Noir and Syrah, showing plenty of cool-climate spice and pepper, while The Navigator – which adds Grenache, Mourvedre and Viognier to the blend – honours the region’s nautical heritage.

Strandveld Vineyards, near the historic mission village of Elim, boasts the most southerly vineyards in Africa. Look out for the acclaimed Pofadderbos single-vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, an impressive combination of texture and intensity. Their reds are no slouch either: The Navigator is a spicy blend of Rhône cultivars that pays homage to the sailors of yore who navigated their way around the southern tip of Africa OPPOSITE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP Fryer’s Cove makes its home in the salty fishing harbour of Doring Bay; in the verdant winelands of Paarl, Johnathan Grieve has been instrumental in promoting the merits of biodynamic winemaking and viticulture; with Follow The Line, surf-loving winemaker Duncan Savage shows the versatility of Cinsaut-led red blends; like Savage, Corlea Fourie extols the virtues of old vines with her award-winning work at Bosman Family Vineyards; for Conrad Vlok, winemaker at Strandveld Vineyards, the coastal terroir and fierce wind at Avondale inform everything from vineyard rows to cellar techniques

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‘OVER TIME THE VINE GROWS INTO BALANCE’ ANDRE MORGENTHAL, OLD VINE PROJECT

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Not far off, Stellenbosch winemaker David Trafford is also breaking new ground with Sijnn Vineyards. Set halfway between Swellendam and the coast, near the Breede River hamlet of Malgas, it was the pebbly soils here that first caught Trafford’s eye. ‘Wine is about the only type of agriculture where, for the highest quality, you want poor soils,’ explains Trafford, who says the area reminded him of the iconic French region of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. In deference to the harsh climate, Trafford is focusing on Mediterranean cultivars such as Syrah and Assyrtiko. abingdonestate.co.za; bramonwines.co.za; strandveld.co.za; blackoystercatcher.co.za; sijnn.co.za OLD VINES, GREAT WINES South Africa’s winemaking heritage may stretch back more than three centuries, but until fairly recently the industry’s farmers and winemakers weren’t much bothered by exploring the potential of wines from old vines. Yields plummet after 20 years, so why keep an old vineyard producing only a few tonnes per hectare in the ground, when vigorous new vines can push out 15 or 20 tonnes of quality grapes from the same patch of land. Balance and complexity is the answer, and while the costs of working with old vines are considerably higher than high-yielding younger vineyards, winemakers of the calibre of Eben Sadie, Chris Alheit, Andrea Mullineux and Adi Badenhorst are some of the

maverick winemakers realising – and releasing – the potential of old vines. ‘A young vine is like an immature person,’ explains Sadie, whose Old Vine Series sets the bar for old vine wines in South Africa. ‘But then life batters you down a bit.Life is slowly but surely sanding you down into a smoother, more rounded individual. It happens just the same to a young vine.’ ‘Over time the vine grows into balance,’ explains Andre Morgenthal who, with viticulturist Jaco Engelbrecht, is spearheading the Old Vine Project, a remarkable undertaking begun by viticulturist Rosa Kruger in 2003. Their lofty goal is to catalogue South Africa’s 2 600 hectares of vines older than 35 years – the local threshold for ‘old vines’ – and help keep them in the ground by matching winemakers with farmers. For oenophiles, this can only be good news. Taste the remarkable single vineyard wines in Sadie’s Old Vine Series. Try the Cape of Good Hope Semillon and Pinotage from Anthonij Rupert Wines. Sample the Optenhorst Chenin Blanc from Bosman Family Vineyards or the Camino Africana from David Finlayson’s Edgebaston Winery. In common? They’re each made from old vineyards, some close on a century old. And all would be threatened by the farmer’s plough unless proud winemakers saw the potential of their deep roots in South African soils. thesadiefamily.com; rupertwines.com; bosmanwines.com; edgebaston.co.za

Fruit from coastal vineyards, like these near Elim, are increasingly sought-after by winemakers further afield. While the likes of Strandveld Vineyards and Black Oystercatcher have put down roots on the Agulhas Plain, vintners from Stellenbosch to Franschhoek to the Cederberg are increasingly sourcing grapes from cooler wine-making regions OPPOSITE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Stellenbosch stalwart David Trafford has pioneered winemaking on the banks of the coastal reaches of the Breede River with his terroir-driven wines from Sijnn; at The Drift outside Napier, Bruce Jack plays with unusual cultivars such as Tannat and Barbera; a visit to the new tasting room at Sijnn, coupled with a stop at the Elim wineries, makes for a captivating coastal wine tour

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Taking inspiration from Coco Chanel’s apartment – the designer was a resident at the Ritz for 40 years – the five-treatment room Chanel Spa features frescoes, gilding, silk fabrics and now fully restored neoclassical swimming pool OPPOSITE A warm welcome to the peaceful sanctuary at Shangri-La’s Hambantota Resort & Spa in Sri Lanka

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LUXURY TREND

SPATREK From big cities to exotic outposts, spa time is linked inextricably to travel, whether seeking post-flight treatments or culturally rich destinations TEXT Jane Broughton PHOTOGRAPHS Supplied

he most glamorous spa to open in 2016 was Chanel Spa at the meticulously restored Ritz Carlton Paris. Dedicated to the brand’s famous skincare, it offers luxurious treatments using the products along with an iconic heated swimming pool in the basement, which is steeped in fashion history and has been the location for many fashion shows over the years. While in the city, it will no doubt become a destination spa for Chanel devotees. Whether travellers are seeking an indulgent escape filled with pampering treatments or want to embark on a strict, results-driven regimen away from the demands of daily life, spa or wellness travel continues to be the fastestgrowing sector in the travel industry. According to the Spafinder Wellness 2016 Trends Report (spafinder.com/blog/trends/2016-report), it’s worth in the region of $94 billion, while wellness tourism is valued at $494 billion.

Healing Holidays (healingholidays.co.uk), a UK-based travel company that arranges tailor-made vacations to the most desirable spa destinations in the world – from Switzerland to Bali – reports a noticeable shift away from physical wellbeing to healing of the mind. ‘We’ve seen a dramatic increase in enquiries for emotional retreats in the past year,’ confirms CEO Frances Geoghegan. ‘Clients are desperate for somewhere to reflect, heal the soul and find comfort. Bereavement, a traumatic marriage break-up or the stress of a new job are the most common reasons why people seek help. The demographic is interesting, too, ranging from 20-somethings to those in their late 70s.’ Increasingly, spa-goers are turning to wellness travel specialists such as Healing Holidays for last-minute, fully inclusive offers, including transformative, week-long medical spa breaks and niche retreats focused on emotional healing or menopause.

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CLEVER SPA MANAGERS SELL TIME AS OPPOSED TO TREATMENTS

Sales at Vana Malsi Estate in India (vana.co.in) have apparently rocketed but with good reason. It’s one of those retreats that meet your expectations: a range of truly authentic therapies, exposure to Indian culture and staff who show discretion, empathy and intuition. ‘Vana is my favourite place on earth,’ says Geoghegan. ‘It’s exquisite and lends itself to complete immersion. It offers Ayurveda, Tibetan healing and Chinese medicine. There is meditation, yoga, chanting and singing. The staff are nurturing, gentle and empathic – among the best you will encounter. Our sales to Vana shot through the roof in 2016; it’s quite astonishing.’ Locally, Taffryn Kinsey, spa director at Delaire Lodges and Spa (delaire.co.za), strives to employ therapists who have emotional intelligence – who genuinely care and empathise with clients. ‘We have regulars who phone to make appointments and tell us what they are going through emotionally,’ she says. ‘There is an element of trust, of putting their heart and soul into our hands. Often I make up individual treatments according to specific needs. I believe it is this genuine care and concern for individuals that places us above the rest.’ Medical spas remain a big draw, with options such as Lanserhof (lanserhof.com) leading the way thanks to Dr Franz Xaver Mayr’s preventative and regenerative approach to health and 24-hour medical supervision. Weight loss and anti-ageing remain top concerns. ‘Women are particularly drawn to Lanserhof because its leading expert here, Dr Benedetto, is a woman. It’s reassuring to have a female perspective on your health, no matter what you are going through,’ says Geoghegan. ‘Many who are taking the medical route are also opting for in-depth testing. Cancer screening, DNA and gene testing are now the norm in preventative health care.’ Villa Stephanie (brenners.com), which opened in 2016 on the grounds of Brenners Park Hotel and Spa in Baden-Baden, offers everything from decadent Sisley body massages and Japanese blossom baths to shiatsu and kickboxing classes for improving mental discipline and emotional balance. Bad Ragaz is swamped with wealthy regulars, who book in annually for medical checkups followed by a few days of hydrotherapy in the Tamina Therme (taminatherme.ch), comprising mineral-rich thermal pools, steam rooms and hot baths. It offers one-stop-shop male and female screening weeks during the year, which are extremely popular, confirms Geoghegan. In the introduction to the 2016 Tatler Spa Guide, editor Suzanne Duckett emphasises that time has never been more precious, that it’s the new luxury. Clever spa managers sell time as opposed to treatments. Depending on how much time a client has and what they want to` fix, treatments can be expanded or shrunk to fit. Capetonians and regular visitors to the city were waiting in anticipation for the recent revamp and reopening of the One&Only Cape Town’s ESPA Spa (oneandonlyresorts.com). It is the only spa in Africa to house ESPA, says

Accessible to anyone – not just Grand Resort Bad Ragaz guests – Tamina Therme offers four therapeutic bathing programmes incorporating the positive effects of the 36.5°C pure thermal water OPPOSITE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Designed by German architect Christoph Ingenhoven, Lanserhof Tegernsee takes the sauna to the next level: generous proportions and a floor-to-ceiling glass wall bring the picturesque outdoors in; no detail is overlooked at Vana Malsi wellbeing retreat in northern India, where every aspect of every single treatment and touch point has been carefully considered and personally tested by owner Veer Singh, from the organic ingredients to the foot bath ritual

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THERE’S AN EVEN GREATER YEARNING FOR BALANCE IN TODAY’S FAST-PACED, TECHOBSESSED WORLD

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Rosemary Read Larsen, the resort’s spa and fitness manager. The UK brand is focused on wellbeing philosophies and treatments that can be manipulated and combined to suit each individual, rather than a one-size-fits-all menu. ‘Clients choose their own aromatherapy oils through sensory testing and undergo in-depth skin analysis using skin vision lamps, before suggesting which facial and body treatments to have,’ she explains. The spa’s latest innovation for facials is a US import called Nuface, which offers ‘fitness for the face’, says Read Larsen. It creates great prevention awareness about the ageing effects of the elements on the skin and gives instant visible results.

ALTERNATIVE DESTINATION SPAS Travel is exhausting, with growing numbers of travellers demanding experiences to aid relaxation and combat stress and jet lag. Frequent fliers are willing to shell out to get what they want. As lines continue to blur between work and play, thanks (or no thanks) to advanced technology and mobile offices, there’s an even greater yearning for balance in today’s fast-paced, tech-obsessed world. Statistically, there are millions of wellnessminded travellers who want to stay active and eat mindfully when they’re away from home. Enter the spa as a recovery zone for jet-lagged travellers. Several of the Spafinder Wellness 2016 trends tie in with this, whether it is spas on cruise ships or active holidays combined with Zen-calm spa treatments to restore aching muscles and sun-baked skin. The addition of Canyon Ranch (canyonranch destinations.com) as the spa and wellness provider on Regent’s new Seven Seas Explorer is an exciting development. The introduction of a new category, the Regent Suite, offers a cruise industry first: an on-board, in-room spa complete with unlimited treatments. This is curated by Canyon Ranch SpaClub at Sea in partnership with the beauty experts at Red Flower and luxury cosmetics brand Natura Bissé. Signature highlights, using the seven seas as inspiration, include the Arctic Sea Nourishing Circle, a deep-tissue massage using ingredients sourced from the Arctic Circle. Surfing is no longer the preserve of hippies. It’s gone upscale, with research showing that it’s a uniquely powerful mind-body workout. There has been an explosion of surf retreats, from Costa Rica to Indonesia, often combined with yoga and spa treatments. The name on everybody’s lips is Nihiwatu (nihiwatu.com) and not just because ex-Singita general manager Jason Trollip is now in charge as the managing director – or because it was singled out by Travel + Leisure readers as being the best in the world. Along with surf lessons and horse whispering on the beach, the award-winning resort on Sumba Island in Indonesia offers the Nihi Oka spa safari, a full-day excursion which begins with a hardcore hike followed by the reward of a delicious breakfast, two spa therapists on hand and unregulated time – a truly tailor-made spa day.

The newly launched Seven Seas Explorer introduces a private Canyon Ranch SpaClub spa as part of its $10 000-a-night Regent Suite – the biggest suite at sea. Guests can indulge in unlimited massages, facials and body treatments, administered by expert Canyon Ranch therapists; Nihiwatu is a fine example of a holistic wellness escape, although its charms are not limited to its idyllic setting. It’s also an opportunity to immerse yourself in the ancient traditions of the island’s local Sumbanese culture, including Ikat weavings, preserved for centuries OPPOSITE At Babylonstoren, a private water ritual in the marble hammam is a must. The hour-long treatment includes a traditional scrub, dynamic stretching and massage. A fabulous add-on is the intensive honey and salt scrub that stimulates blood circulation and encourages cell renewal

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SPA OPENINGS IN AFRICA

SPA-GOING HAS BECOME A LOGICAL EXTENSION OF OUR DESIRE TO TRANSCEND THE ORDINARY

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While we don’t have the expertise or resources of medical spas and wellness retreats, there are several exciting new spa options in Africa. In Franschhoek, the fabulous Leeu Estates Manor House and Spa (leeucollection.com) opened last year, introducing South Africa to the Ila range of nourishing, subtly scented, organic products using wild-harvested ingredients from the Amazon to the Himalayas. It has three treatment suites, a 15m heated infinity swimming pool, a spacious indoor plunge pool, a gym, newgeneration fitness equipment and two spa suites. Babylonstoren (babylonstoren.com) is continually upping its spa game in response to the desires of guests visiting this picture-perfect farm. Revitalised in time for summer, the Garden Spa’s signature treatment is the hammam water ritual followed by a bamboo massage. Expect further exciting additions in store for 2017. There’s also an outdoor pool, gym, yoga and a garden cafe menu. Attached to the farm’s nine new onebedroom Farmhouse suites is a hydrotherapy relaxation area for the exclusive use of in-house guests. Included are an outdoor pool, Himalayan salt room, sauna and indoor heated vitality pool. Lanzerac Wine Estate (lanzerac.co.za) – under new ownership and management since 2012 – has opened a new spa with Elemis and TheraVine products. The rebuilt spa has six therapy rooms, manicure and pedicure treatment areas, two relaxation areas, a NeoQi bed for TheraVine thalassotherapy, a traditional Rasul chamber with sensation showers, a mist room, sauna and steam rooms, and an indoor heated pool. The More family has recently rebuilt Ivory Lodge, its top-tier property in Lion Sands Game Reserve (lionsands.com). There are now two spas: one to service the eight luxury suites and a dedicated facility attached to a new twobedroom villa for the ultimate in exclusivity. Opened in January in the Seychelles is Six Senses Zil Pasyon (sixsenses.com) on private island Felicite, including a Six Senses spa with five double treatment rooms, communal wet areas, private changing rooms, al fresco treatments in a herb garden, an outdoor pool with an experience shower, a beauty salon specialising in manicures and pedicures, and a yoga pavilion on the ocean’s edge. In line with a worldwide trend for ondemand treatments, such as those offered by Zeel (zeel.com), the latest development in local spa circles is Wellness Mobile Hideaway Spa (perfecthideaways.co.za). Based in the Cape Winelands, it will bring its spa-on-wheels to you – be it at home, the office or at a specialoccasion venue. Spa-going has become a logical extension of our desire to transcend the ordinary. We have new, one-of-a-kind experiences, especially when we travel. For those who are accustomed to ondemand, cutting-edge spa therapies in the world’s great cities, a massage experienced outdoors overlooking the ocean or in the cool depths of a forest may be the defining moment of a trip.

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT The sleek treatment suites at the Four Seasons Westcliff spa offer tranquil views of the outdoor lap pool, while just one level up is a suitably urban, après-spa garden with sun loungers tucked between the foliage and a bar serving cocktails; opened in October, The Six Senses Zil Pasyon has only 30 villas, plus 17 private residences, which means that guests don’t need to bump into each other as they explore the island’s pristine beaches and coves. While grown-ups escape to the 650m2 spa, cleverly positioned between boulders and ocean, the resort’s Trouloulou Kid’s Villa entertains four to 12 year olds with interactive games and activities; there’s more to the Amani Spa at Mara Bushtops than this gorgeous relaxation deck overlooking the camp’s animal-dense salt lick. Guests can also enjoy the open-air gym, an authentic Arabian mud-cleansing ritual in the rasul steam room or a dip in the chilled plunge pool on a hot day. In the evening, lie back on one of the beds in the heated infinity pool and star gaze OPPOSITE At the Leeu Collection’s spa, the 15m outdoor infinity pool is linked to a spacious relaxation area and expertly equipped gym. On a beautiful Franschhoek day, it’s a wonderful spot to appreciate the mountain views and surrounding indigenous gardens

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The new-look Saxon Spa is everything youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d expect from a venue of its stature. Designed by Stephen Falcke, the Sandton sanctuary combines harmonious elements of wood, copper, linen and water. A coupleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s spa pavilion, special energy balancing crystal chandeliers and dishes serving vegetables from the garden illustrate the holistic approach of the spa

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PROPERTY SALE AGREEMENTS: YOU’RE FOOLED IF YOU THINK THEY ARE JUST A FORMALITY Concluding a sale agreement with or without the assistance of an estate agent and whether or not a pre-printed form is used often appears, deceptively, to be a simple exercise of filling in the blank spaces. The agreement records the promises made by the parties to each other with regard to the sale of a property, dealing not only with what is usually both parties’ largest asset, but also with technical intricacies that are often not visible to the untrained eye. Consider, for example, the December 2016 judgment in Jubi Properties (Pty) Ltd v Boyce where the seller and buyer negotiated an agreement after the buyer’s first offer to purchase the property lapsed (as the seller was not amenable to contract on the terms offered). The agreement that was finally concluded was based in main on the provisions contained in

the lapsed offer and that document was made part of the final agreement. So, in an attempt to avoid complication, the parties backdated the agreement so that it fell within the period of acceptance of the initial offer. But the relationship between the parties soured and litigation ensued, the court being asked to determine whether the due dates for compliance with conditions arose with reference to the date in the initial offer, or from the date of the subsequent agreement. Disputes frequently arise between sellers and purchasers and either party may seek to escape his or her contractual obligations. So be vigilant when concluding a property agreement. It is, as a rule of thumb, advisable to always obtain the guidance of a property specialist attorney before putting pen to paper. Contact STBB at www.stbb.co.za.

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P R O P E R T Y N E W S , AWA R D S A N D I N V E S T M E N T A D V I C E

THE KIDS WILL BE ALRIGHT

TEXT Genevieve Putter PHOTOGRAPHS Julien Lanoo, supplied

Florence’s Museum of Innocents, originally established in 1419 as the first recorded sanctuary for abandoned children, has been given a €12.8 million makeover, spearheaded by design studio IPOSTUDIO. Intended to become a new centre for tourism and conferences, the restoration and renovation of the museum took three years to complete. The intricate web of buildings, hallways, stairways and passages are just as intricate as the important activities and functions that take place there. Aside from the exhibited artworks of Botticelli and Ghirlandaio, the museum includes a multifaceted array of archives, programmes and installations dedicated to the many children who passed through its doors over the centuries. UNICEF’s Global Office of Research is also at Museum of Innocents, which includes a library for research on and the documentation of childhood as well as a care centre for at-risk children. ipostudio.it

BRIDGE OVER (UN)TROUBLED WATER Design firm NEXT is renowned for designing jaw-dropping public bridges. Their newest masterpiece: the 185m-long Lucky Knot bridge in Changsha, China. This is the result of winning an international competition to design the city’s bridge over the Dragon King Harbour River. It was created with recreational, tourist and ecological goals in mind and connects many levels – the river, road and upper park – in the shape of a knot, hence the name. In Chinese folk art, a knot represents luck and prosperity. nextarchitects.com

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BICYCLE DIGS In October last year, Norway opened its first Bicycle Hotel in LillestrĂ¸m as part of its ongoing environmental and sustainability initiatives. Designed by Various Architects, it comprises a public space in the form of a roof garden with a two-storey bicycle rack inside, complete with transparent glass walls allowing for natural light to flood the space. variousarchitects.no

TAKE A LEAF OUT OF THIS BLOCK Japanese architect Keita Nataâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Greendo apartment complex is the meeting of a Hobbithome aesthetic and minimalist design. The five-unit complex in the city of Takamatsu is built into the hillside. Each apartment is embedded in cantilevered levels into the terrain. The garden of each unit forms the roof of the one underneath, providing insulation and a consistent temperature in the apartments. archi-element.com

HISTORIC HIGHS FOR WATERFRONT AND CLIFTON APARTMENTS The rate per square metre for a V&A Waterfront canal-side apartment reached an all-time high of R94 167/m2 (Kylemore) in the last year. The Front Yacht Basin reached a record high of R132 336m2 (Palgrave). The Silos have had the highest level of resales with four units sold at a record high of R96 667m2 to R99 929/m2. Entry level, two-bedroomed apartments have now reached R9 995 million. Foreign buying remains low. Of the R2.1 billion in total sales at the Marina since 2011, just over 20% went to investors predominantly from the UK, Switzerland and Australia. Clifton apartments, too, show records of R146 465m2 (Eventide) and R151 079/m2 (San Michele), up from a peak rate of R120 000/m2 (Heronwater) in 2015. The overall selling price in 2016 was about R22 million (compared with R16.87 million in 2015), according to estate agent Lance Cohen, reaching R45 million and R74 million in Eventide. seeff.com

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LIMPOPO’S NEW SHOPPING EXPERIENCE Limpopo’s first fully enclosed, double-storey shopping centre – Thavhani Mall – is set to open in August. The R1 billion project is a partnership between Thavhani Property Investments, Flanagan & Gerard Property Development and Investment and REIT Vukile Property Fund, and will include more than 134 shops, retailers and service providers within its 50 000m2. Thavhani Mall is part of the Thavhani City urban precinct mega-development, built on a 27ha site in Thohoyandou. Aside from the mall, it is set to include the Thavhani Office Park, a motor city, private healthcare facilities, a library, community centre, information centre, and the 40 000-capacity Thohoyandou Stadium. thavhanimall.co.za

Those who are most successful at investing in property understand that there are certain core principles that can’t be compromised. But sometimes, you also have to show a little creativity

KNOW IT,NAIL IT TEXT Patrick Cairns PHOTOGRAPH iStock by Getty Images

or property investors, nothing is more crucial than gaining knowledge. Those who take the time to educate themselves and do thorough research are the ones who are most likely to set themselves up for success. The world’s greatest investors, whether they are putting their money into companies, properties or ideas, don’t invest in anything they don’t understand. Simply put, if you know what you are doing, you are reducing your risk. The biggest threat to your wealth is often your own decision making. The more you know, the less likely you are to make bad choices. That starts with educating yourself about property investing in general. Understand the principles of leverage, cash ﬂow and investment yield, and set yourself related goals. Essentially, this means running your investments as a business. Don’t think that property is a passive investment: to gain the most value, you need a business to guide every investment you make. From there, you can get into the speciﬁcs of where and what you want to buy. This means gaining a deep understanding of the market. Many of the most successful property investors

are specialists. They know that they have a better chance of good returns if they focus on a particular kind of property in a specific area. This might limit their opportunities, but it drastically increases their chances of making informed and profitable decisions. It is also critical that you never buy a property without also knowing what your exit strategy will be. This is easier if you can clearly define why you have added a property to your portfolio in the first place. By doing so, you can clearly see when it no longer meets your criteria. In addition, don’t get tied into underperforming investments. If a property is no longer delivering your desired rental yield or something has fundamentally changed in the market, then be prepared to walk away. Your capital may be better deployed elsewhere. Finally, remember that you can’t know everything so surround yourself with people who can add value. A good attorney, a knowledgeable accountant, informed estate agents and a smart tax specialist can save you a lot of time and money. They can advise you on the most efficient ways to run your property portfolio and help to ensure that every decision you make is based on the right information.

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This contemporary masterpiece in Bryanston features exceptional finishes and views from every space. The volumed entrance spills into vast interleading receptions, with a cocktail bar, covered patio and elevated pool. The gourmet Slavin kitchen includes a central island, integrated Miele appliances and scullery. There are also four double bedroom suites, a pyjama lounge, gentlemanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s study, self-contained guest wing, provision for a theatre and cellar, and a tennis court. Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms 5 Garages 4 Living areas 6 Regan Harris +27 (0)82 320 6464 regan@hamiltons.co.za Colin Cloete +27 (0)76 536 1529 colin@hamiltons.co.za www.hamiltons.co.za web ref: 13432585

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PEARL VALLEY AT VAL DE VIE, WESTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA

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This stylish north-facing home on the acclaimed Pearl Valley Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course has upmarket finishes throughout. The open-plan living areas and central double-volume space bring light into all spaces. Pearl Valley at Val De Vie Estate is located in the beautiful Franschhoek Valley and is surrounded by the majestic Simonsberg Mountains. The secure, safe estate has been rated the top Residential Estate in South Africa for 2015 and 2016 by New World Wealth. Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 4.5 Garages 3 Living areas 4 Annelize Reinmuller +27 (0)76 788 9918 Leigh Robertson +27 (0)82 882 8243 property@sirpearlvalley.co.za www.sothebysrealty.co.za web ref: 1997464

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PEZULA GOLF ESTATE, KNYSNA, SOUTH AFRICA • R28.5 MILLION

This Knysna home features phenominal views of the lagoon and surrounding golf course from almost every bedroom and entertainment space. Features include Gaggenau kitchen appliances, a home automation system, high-speed fiber optic internet, a steam room and a gym. The 500-bottle wine cellar with an adjoining cinema, pool table and view into the pool through the underwater glass windows will impress guests. A separate golf cart room also provides easy access into your home after a day on the course. With plenty of storage space, an automated sprinkler system, a rim-flow pool and two 5 000-litre tanks for rain water storage, no additions are necessary. Impeccably maintained and recently refurbished, this spectacular property exemplifies elegance and style. It’s also situated close to three golf courses, two spas, shops, restaurants and schools. Bedrooms 7 Bathrooms 7 Garages 3 Living areas 3 Jared Watney +27(0)72 616 8853 jared.watney@everitt.co.za Angela Clack +27(0)83 243 1808 angela.c@everitt.co.za www.chaseveritt.co.za web ref: CEKN-0308

CONSTANTIA UPPER, CAPE TOWN, WESTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA • R14.2 MILLION

This newly renovated family home offers elegant living, located on more than 4 000m² of lush garden, watered from a borehole. A large jungle gym and solar-heated swimming pool are garden features, with room for a potential tennis court. The kitchen and dining room lead out to an enclosed patio with built-in braai and outdoor entertaining facilities, and includes an integrated sound system. The air-conditioned bedroom wing contains three bedrooms and two bathrooms, plus a master suite. Situated on the far end of the home is a full guest suite with a separate study, which could be used as a secluded work-from-home office. Additional features include a wine cellar, staff accommodation and full security system. Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms 4 Garages 3 Living areas 2 Sally Gracie +27(0)83 459 9523 sally@everitt.co.za Di Forster +27 (0)72 122 9798 di.f@everitt.co.za www.chaseveritt.co.za web ref: CSFB-1440

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BANTRY BAY, CAPE TOWN, WESTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA • R85 MILLION

This impressive residence at the end of a private road was built on a 1 106m² plot around massive mountain boulders. It’s only one of five residences in Cape Town where you can see the sun rising and setting. This villa offers luxury living with panoramic sea and mountain views. The home features superior finishes, an office/study, gym, wine cellar, two pools (one heated) and a fully equipped kitchen, along with air-conditioning and underfloor heating throughout. In addition, there’s high-speed wireless internet, a central vacuum system and security system with an alarm and CCTV cameras. Bedrooms 6 Bathrooms 6 Garages 2 Living areas 4 Ari Voyiatzis +27(0)83 415 0757 +27 (0)21 423 4488 ari@remaxliving.co.za www.remaxliving.co.za web ref: RXAU-0704

BANTRY BAY, CAPE TOWN, WESTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA • R26.2 MILLION

This four-bedroom apartment facing Saunders Beach overlooks the ocean and includes a spacious sitting room and kitchen. It’s set over two levels for maximum sea views and has a Jacuzzi on the terrace and a braai on the large sea-facing balcony. The property comes with a garage, share of the caretaker’s room and several balconies facing all directions. The residence is a short stroll from the centre of Sea Point, beautiful beaches and promenade. As an added bonus, the apartment is pet-friendly, making this an ideal place to settle down or enjoy as a holiday home. Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 4 Garages 1 Living areas 1 Faye du Preez +27(0)72 650 7123 +27 (0)21 423 4488 faye@remaxliving.co.za www.remaxliving.co.za web ref: RXAU-1182

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ANATOMY - OF A -

CITY As the 21st century surges ahead, metropolitan areas are bearing the brunt of global megatrends such as climate change, population growth and income inequality. How are South Africa’s cities rising to the challenge? TEXT Jocelyn Warrington PHOTOGRAPHS Ruben Smit/Sasol and supplied

ities are the birthplaces of civilization; centres of culture, trade, and progress; cauldrons of opportunity – and, it’s estimated, they will be the home of 80% of the world’s population by 2050. After decades of unchecked sprawl, more people than ever are moving back to the city, which, in the 21st century, must now respond to a whole raft of new challenges, from ever-changing economic conditions, income disparities and mass migration to natural-resource depletion and climate change. ‘In a time of increasing complexity, our cities need to evolve to the point where they are able to balance prosperity and wellbeing with efficiency and equality in ways that continually restore their social and natural capital,’ says Pierre Swanepoel, director at studioMAS Architecture and Urban Design (studiomas.co.za). A visionary in city development and renewal, Swanepoel asserts that many of these qualities are already being rolled out in South Africa’s major cities, but there is still plenty of work to do. Among the various models introduced to reshape our cities with the goal of equalising their landscape of opportunity, Cape Town’s new Transport Oriented Development (TOD) plan is particularly ambitious. Aimed at eradicating the hangovers of apartheid segregation, in particular the long distances that those from lower-income groups must travel to work, as well as the city’s lack of housing density and land-use intensification, TOD is the City of Cape Town’s spatial and transport planning agenda for the next 16 years. It is also the City’s strategy for successfully integrating the anticipated 500 000 new homes, 3.5 million square metres of additional office space, 1 million square metres of extra retail space and 4.5 million square metres of industrial development that will be required to service the city’s projected population growth by 2023. In a nutshell, TOD stipulates that all future developments in the CBD must have the right mix of land uses that produce or attract movement in the right places, with the aim of balancing travel patterns across the city.

Resolving the commuter crisis is not unique to Cape Town. Reducing traffic congestion and minimising car dependence has been top of mind for Gauteng’s city planners for some time now. In Sandton, which, with some 10 000 businesses and head offices as well as the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and one of the biggest convention centres on the African continent, is the country’s commercial, financial and business gateway. The busiest Gautrain station currently services almost 60 000 daily commuters. The reduction in travel time it has afforded users is testimony, too, to the runaway success of the 80km mass rapid transit railway system. In 2016, this is estimated to have been a saving of 3.5 million work days. And, if the eThekwini Municipality is to fulfil its vision of elevating Durban’s status to ‘Africa’s most caring and liveable city’ by 2030, the implementation of its Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system is nothing short of critical. The R20 billion project, which will result in nine transport corridors developed in phases over the next 10 years, is designed to incorporate buses, taxis and trains into a single public transport system, allowing commuters to change modes of transport seamlessly by swiping a single card. A first of its kind in South Africa, the system will also integrate bicycle and pedestrian walkways as well as park-and-ride facilities. If successful, it will mean that 85% of all the city’s residents will live within 300m of a transport facility. Swanepoel, who prescribes dense urban living as a panacea for the environmental and resource crises of our age, makes an impassioned case for the role of our cities in addressing the important issues in these volatile times. ‘By developing them toward equality, resilience, adaptability and wellbeing, our cities can become the healthiest, greenest and richest (in both cultural and economic terms) places to live,’ he says. While he admits that these goals may never be fully achieved, there’s little doubt our cities will be richer and happier if we aspire to them, and if legislators and urban designers infuse their every plan and constructive step with this intention.

An iconic new addition to the Sandton skyline, Sasol Place is the new home of the chemicals and energy company’s 2 500 employees. Designed by Paragon Architects (paragon.co.za) to foster a single high-performance corporate culture, the building boasts a five-star rating from the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA)

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JOBURG

CASE STUDY: SASOL PLACE, SANDTON

Designed by Paragon Architects (paragon.co.za) to emulate CASEanSTUDY: S shape, Sasol’s SASOL eye-catching PLACE, 67 SANDTON 000m2 global headquarters is an iconic new landmark Designed on the by Sandton Paragon skyline. Architects Home (paragon.co.za) to 2 to 500emulate staff members an Sshape, whoSasol’s were previously eye-catching located 67 000m2 in 17global different headquarters offices across is an Johannesburg, iconic new landmark the on building the Sandton was designed skyline. toHome provide to a2 consolidated 500 staff members and who cost-effective were previously HQ andlocated to foster in 17 a single different offices high-performance across Johannesburg, corporate theculture, building explains was designed Fay Hoosain, to provide Sasol’sa Senior consolidated Vice President and cost-effective of Strategic HQ Projects. and to foster a single high-performance corporate Withculture, floor plates explains surrounding Fay Hoosain, two Sasol’s large internal senior vice atriums president and connected of strategic to projects. a central circulation core by With a number floor plates of bridges, surrounding the design two allows large internal businesses atriumsand andfunctions connected to to operate a central in relative circulation privacy corewhile by a remaining number ofintegrated bridges, the in design a singleallows office complex. businesses ‘The wide and array functions of facilities, to operate such inas relative a 300-seater privacy restaurant, while remaining pastryintegrated shop, convenience in a single store, office fitness complex. and wellness ‘The wide centres, arrayconference of facilities, such facilities as a and 300-seater landscaped restaurant, garden, pastry all provide shop, great spaces convenience for our staff store, to enjoy fitness and and also wellness to meet centres, withconference customers,’facilities says Hoosain, and landscaped who adds garden, that theall company’s provideemail greatvolumes spaces for have ourdecreased staff to enjoy sinceand thealso move tointo meet Sasol withPlace. customers,’ says Hoosain, who adds Green that features the company’s include an email energy-efficient volumes haveHVAC decreased system, since rainwater the move harvesting, into Sasoloccupancy-sensor Place. LED lighting Green and features automated includeblinds an energy-efficient that track theHVAC sun. system, And, at rainwater 4000m2, harvesting, the rooftopoccupancy-sensor garden is one of the largest LED lighting in the and country automated and hasblinds been that landscaped track the 2 to encompass sun. And, at four 4000m separate biomes , theindigenous rooftop garden is one of aimed attracting a variety local ‘With theatlargest in the countryofand hasbirdlife. been landscaped 90 per cent of the full spend flowingbiomes back to encompass fourproject separate indigenous into aimed the local economy, we achieved a five-star at attracting a variety of local birdlife. ‘With green rating from GBCSA – a significant 90% of the fullthe project spend flowing back into the accomplishment forwe a building ofathis size,’ says local economy, achieved five-star green rating Hoosain. from the GBCSA – a significant accomplishment for a building of this size,’ says Hoosain.

MARCH 2017

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SPECIAL REPORT

SANDTON: FROM SUBURBIA TO SKYSCRAPER CITY It is hard to imagine that Sandton, with its busy streets, towering office blocks, high-speed trains and multinational corporations, was once a vast open tract of land and that its municipality was only established in 1969. Today, Africa’s richest square mile, where infrastructure upgrades and the development of modern office blocks, hotels and mixed-use spaces is ongoing, is considered the financial and economic hub of the continent. And, as home to more than 20 buildings certified by the Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA), it is also the continent’s epicenter of sustainable construction. In line with this, eco-mobility forms a crucial part of Sandton’s future as a major hub and projects such as the Gautrain and the Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit System, which is currently underway, cater significantly to the cause. The City of Johannesburg has also invested R180 million in massive improvements to the area’s roads and pavements, with the aim of making them more pedestrian and cycle friendly. ‘We’re seeing a growing demand for apartment properties enabling a live, work and play lifestyle for those wanting to take advantage of the cafe culture and commercial opportunities offered in the greater Sandton area,’ says Rupert Finnemore, Pam Golding Properties’ regional head of Gauteng. But, while the extent of densification that has occurred here is undeniable, it is certainly not of the all-encompassing kind. Units in high-rise executive apartment blocks such as the Michelangelo and Sandhurst Towers are priced exclusively for the premium market. However, given that Sandton Central is now home to more than 300 000 residents, there appears to be no shortage of upwardly mobile urbanites clambering to occupy them.

Designed to allow business functions to operate in relative privacy while still remaining integrated in a single office complex, Sasol Place is configured around a pair of vast light-filled atriums, which connect to the office floors via a series of bridges

‘OUR CITIES CAN BECOME THE HEALTHIEST, GREENEST AND RICHEST (IN BOTH CULTURAL AND ECONOMIC TERMS) PLACES TO LIVE’ PIERRE SWANEPOEL, DIRECTOR, STUDIOMAS

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SPECIAL REPORT

‘THE BUILDING WILL BE ONE OF THE MOST EFFICIENT AND ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE IN SANDTON’ JAMES TANNENBERGER, CEO, ZENPROP

CASE STUDY: DISCOVERY GLOBAL HQ, SANDTON Situated on the corner of Rivonia Road and Katherine Street, Discovery’s new 110 000m2 global headquarters is the largest single-phased commercial office development in Africa. When complete (occupation is scheduled for the end of 2017), it will house all 8 000 of the financial services group’s Sandton-based employees, who are currently working in four different buildings in the Sandton CBD. The innovative design pivots on three linked office towers, each with a groundlevel lobby, eight office floors and rooftop sporting facilities. Nine basements will provide parking for more than 6 000 cars. ‘Discovery is a decidedly flat corporate culture and the design enhances this abiding communal spirit by way of large open floor plates that wrap around expansive atrium spaces, creating visual continuity between all the levels,’ explains Rudolph Pienaar, office divisional director at Growthpoint Properties (growthpoint.co.za), which, together with Zenprop Property Holdings (zenprop.co.za), developed and jointly owns the building. Among its striking architectural elements is a swirling double-glazed glass facade, essential for both natural lighting and thermal heat control. Reflective blinds on all the facades will also contribute to daylight harvesting, while grey and rainwater systems will minimise the use of potable water. ‘These features and many more will make the building one of the most efficient and environmentally sustainable in Sandton,’ claims Zenprop CEO James Tannenberger, who says the project is on target to achieve a five-star GBCSA green rating.

MARCH 2017

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DURBAN

DURBAN: FLYING THE FLAG As host to the 2022 Commonwealth Games, a first for the African continent, it’s finally Durban’s time to shine. Not only will the games elevate the eThekwini Municipality’s long-term 2030 Development Plan vision, but preparations for handling the expected 200 000 visitors are also fast-tracking major construction in and on the outskirts of the city. Ground has already been broken on the Durban Point Waterfront project (durban point.co.za). This means that the city’s coastal skyline will be changed by 750 000m2 of new development, including skyscrapers in excess of 55 storeys. Other infrastructure upgrades include the extension of the promenade and all surrounding roads, public transport networks and water and electricity channels. On the North Coast, Cornubia (cornubia.co.za) is a R25 billion fully integrated human settlement project undertaken by Tongaat Hulett Developments (thdev.co.za) together with the City of Durban. Launched in April 2014, this mixed-use development, which will comprise residential, commercial and industrial sites, is spread over 1 200ha and has been declared a national priority project. Another mixed-used development and also on North Coast, the 1 000ha Sibaya Coastal Precinct (discoversibaya.co.za) will give rise to more than 9 000 residential dwellings and 500 000m2 of commercial properties, as well as schools and hospitals. Extending from the Ohlanga River in the south, the Mdloti River in the north and the N2 highway in the west, the R50 billion precinct, which will be developed over the next 15 to 20 years, has been split into five nodes, with 60% of the landscape being rehabilitated and left as green spaces. Meanwhile – strategically located between the seaports of Durban (Africa’s busiest port and the southern hemisphere’s biggest container terminal) and Richards Bay, the country’s largest deep-water port – Aerotropolis (aerotropoliskzn.com) is an ambitious new development project based on a 60-year master plan. Its development, in conjunction with an airport city component – Dube TradePort (dubetrade port.co.za) – and burgeoning seaport infrastructure, will position KwaZulu-Natal as a key business point in South and Southern Africa. And, if that wasn’t enough, Durban’s Integrated Rapid Public Transport Network is underway and promises to offer a world-class road network by 2022. It will provide a faster and more efficient public transport network to the City of Durban during the Games and, hopefully, long after.

Occupying a tract of prime KwaZulu-Natal North Coast property and scheduled for completion in 2020, Umhlanga Arch (umhlangaarch.co.za) will be a 45 000m2 mixed-use development catering specifically to the business and lifestyle needs of the upwardly mobile urban professional OPPOSITE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Discovery’s new Sandton HQ is the largest single-phased commercial office development in Africa; Discovery’s ‘garden in the sky’ will feature a 620m running track, multi-sports courts and a wellness centre; the building’s eye-catching glass facade draws natural light into the building, reducing the need for excessive artificial lighting

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SPECIAL REPORT

CASE STUDY: UMHLANGA ARCH, NORTH COAST Prominently positioned on the slopes of Umhlanga’s Ridgeside and boasting admirable sea views, Umhlanga Arch (umhlangaarch. co.za) is a new R600 million mixed-use development by Multiply Property Holdings that will eventually encompass 45 000m2 of residential and commercial facilities, including a hotel and 163 apartments. Due for completion in early 2020, the development will service well-heeled young professionals in a diverse and sustainable urban environment, says John van Wyk, owner of Craft of Architecture (coasite.com), the lead designers on the project. ‘The Arch was specifically envisaged as a mixed-use development as opposed to a residential scheme, which presented far greater scope to create something human, vibrant and strong in character,’ he says. ‘A well-designed mixed-use development lends itself to placemaking, the art of creating a real sense of place specific to a site or community. It was important to design a diverse and sustainable urban environment that could produce a vibrant new neighbourhood for its residents as well as prospects for businesses and, ideally, local employment opportunities. The key was to integrate all the relevant “users” – offices, residences and retailers – in such a way that they will exist in perfect symbiosis.’

Designed by Craft of Architecture (coasite.com), the residential component of Umhlanga Arch (umhlangaarch.co.za) will comprise 163 high-end apartments; currently under construction on Durban’s North Coast, the R50 billion Sibaya Coastal Precinct (discoversibaya.co.za) will offer a mix of commercial and residential buildings as well as medical and educational facilities OPPOSITE, FROM TOP Unprecedented government and private investment is reshaping the urban environment of Durban and its surrounds. Projects currently underway include Ocean Dune (oceandune.co.za) and Pebble Beach (pebblebeachsibaya.co.za) luxury residential developments (220 and 160 units respectively) at the 1 042ha Sibaya Coastal Precinct

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URBAN WARRIOR Iyer (iyer.co.za) has worked on the Point Waterfront Development, Moses Mabhida Stadium Precinct, Cornubia, Sibaya Coastal Precinct and GO!Durban Stations. Editor Michelle Snaddon asked founder and chief creative director Nathan Iyer for an update… HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE THE VISION FOR THE AEROTROPOLIS? This unique, large-scale project for a future city has involved years of planning and anticipation of how we are going to live, work and travel in the future. Because of its location on the major northern development corridor, it focuses on a much bigger part of the city, which has required us to look at the existing skills base in the area and acknowledge the spatial inequalities of our past and ‘dysfunctions’ we’ve inherited (including extreme poverty and low education levels in some areas). The vision for the Aerotropolis is multifaceted: it’s about an economic plan, about setting up new head offices and enhancing productive spaces and working with advancing technology. It’s reached an exciting stage now with affordable residential and investment opportunities for potential investors and for people to live and work close to the airport hub. WHY IS CORNUBIA BEING HAILED A SUCCESS STORY? Cornubia has been close to our hearts for the last 10 to 15 years. Its sheer scale is unique in South Africa. What’s been so interesting is that Tongaat Hulett Developments, as a significant, development-minded landowner of greenfield land within this Aerotropolis corridor, is thinking about a vision for the future in partnership with the City. Good institutional structures are therefore in place with national, local and provincial government as well as Dube TradePort, so you can get the fundamentals right. Low-cost, affordable housing is now being built in Cornubia (2 300 units), which is a wonderful opportunity to start again and bring people closer to the city and provide access to jobs. And we’ve just received approvals on the city centre, which is similar to Umhlanga town centre (mixed-use), only more affordable. HOW ARE THE TRANSPORT INITIATIVES PROGRESSING? The integration of the BRT system has been vital. We were involved in the preliminary planning from the beginning. The first phase goes through Cornubia. Go!Durban’s major bus route system will traverse the Gateway shopping precinct, linking Umhlanga with Cornubia, Phoenix and Bridge City, a major new node in the KwaMashu area. And from there, there’s a link currently under construction to Pinetown. The positive here is that planning of infrastructure like this ensures sustainability. WHAT MAKES SIBAYA COASTAL PRECINCT AN EXAMPLE OF GOOD URBANISM? We take our design inspiration from historical cities. If you look at traditional areas such as the Bo-Kaap in Cape Town, the buildings relate to the street – there are eyes on the street and foster a sense of community. The other inspiration is sustainability – taking it beyond the green landscaping aspect with optimised green architecture. Globally, the bigger vision is to surround these spaces with good public transport, public open spaces and educational facilities. Sibaya Coastal Precinct is an example of how we like to create new town centres that incorporate and create even more positive spaces, such as boardwalks and cycle trails, all surrounding the highest level of amenities while still providing access to nature. An integrated connectivity is part of our ethos. We try to bring that through in all our work. WHY HAS SIBAYA COASTAL PRECINCT GONE BEYOND THE NORM? The Precinct’s design creates a truly meaningful experience with a nonmotorised environment in certain areas. It follows the trend of eco-living but takes it further with a genuine understanding of wellbeing and what makes a sustainable city. People now want a real connection with living spaces and nature, so we’re first building a boulevard as a green corridor. The road has split levels so that a central promenade runs through it where people will cycle, rollerblade and walk. It’s an essential space, not ‘a nice-to-have’. The 65ha Hawaan Forest, which is set on a sand dune that dates back 18 000 years, now also falls within the Sibaya Coastal Precinct and will be our ‘Kirstenbosch of KZN’. With access to more than 100 rare species of indigenoustrees species via elevated boardwalks, it’ll have a visitor centre, meeting places, a restaurant, an adventure centre and treetop zip-lines. We see this living space as a productive part of the Precinct – not just for residents, but for Durban as a whole.

‘SIBAYA COASTAL PRECINCT TAKES IT FURTHER WITH A GENUINE UNDERSTANDING OF WELLBEING AND WHAT MAKES A SUSTAINABLE CITY’ NATHAN IYER, FOUNDER AND CHIEF CREATIVE DIRECTOR, IYER

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CAPE TOWN

SPECIAL REPORT

CAPE TOWN: FROM BOOM TOWN TO GHOST TOWN? Cape Town’s construction explosion is showing no signs of slowing down, especially now that the city has been listed among the 2016-2017 Global Cities of the Future winners for direct foreign investment – an accolade that can only boost investor confidence. ‘We currently have more than R4 billion under construction, R1.7 billion in planning and a further R2.6 billion proposed between now and 2020 in the CBD – that’s more than R8.6 billion in total, but there’s no doubt that more new developments will be announced in the coming months,’ says Carola Koblitz, communications manager for the Cape Town Central City Improvement District (capetownccid.org). ‘In the Culemborg portion of the Foreshore, an area still widely considered to be part of the traditional “downtown” Amdec’s Harbour Arch development is estimated to add a further R8 billion of investment,’ she says. But, despite the city’s apparently insatiable appeal, Koblitz warns of the complexities of building around pre-existing social constructs. ‘Up until the mid-2000s, the Cape Town CBD had little residential development and a small population,’ she says. ‘The few apartment buildings that existed then (with around 750 tenants) are still around today, but what we’ve seen is incredible interest in living in the CBD. New residential units developed since the mid-2000s today stand at somewhere between 3 500 and 4 000, with an estimated downtown population of about 7 000. The challenge is to ensure that the CBD does not become a place of incredibly expensive residential units only occupied during the holiday season. We need homes that people who work in the CBD can afford.’ While Koblitz admits that it is impossible to expect private developers alone to cater to this market, the need can be addressed on tracts of government land that still exist in the CBD or in close proximity to it and through public-private partnerships. ‘We eagerly await, for instance, the outcomes of the City’s development of the Foreshore Freeway precinct, which includes a specific request for the inclusion of affordable housing within the footprint,’ she says. ‘We also have a large number of educational institutions in and close to our boundaries and we need more student housing, not to mention housing for young professionals who are just starting out. Those residences already built are snapped up even before they open their doors – perhaps we can encourage developers to look further in this direction.’

CASE STUDY: 100 BUITENGRACHT, CAPE TOWN Although initially dogged by controversy, the building proposed for the commercial edge of the city has been given the green light and plans are again afoot for the development of what is being touted as the largest mixed-use Green Star-rated development in the CBD. ‘100 Buitengracht will comprise 4 000m2 of convenience retail but, most importantly, it will deliver significant housing (250 residential units) and expanded economic opportunities to many who may travel into Cape Town daily, wasting hours in the traffic,’ says developer José Rodrigues, director of Vantage Property (vantagepropertiesbw.com). ‘It will also offer an alternative to housing in the Bo-Kaap, thereby relieving the gentrification effects that are already being felt there’. Situated in the former ‘buffer zone’ between the white-owned CBD and the non-white Bo-Kaap, the design of the R1 billion proposed building strives to bridge this debilitating urban legacy. ‘Where most full-block buildings have turned their backs on the Bo-Kaap, ours has sought to pay tribute by facing and cascading toward it,’ says Rodrigues. According to Andries Samuel of the appointed Fabian Architects (fabianarchitects.co.za), the envisaged approach respects the low-rise character of the colourful residential neighbourhood but accepts the reality that the future of Cape Town as a growing city is upwards. ‘The primary outcome of the structured development of cities should be the resolution of conflicting interests,’ he says. ‘Since cities are complex entities and can easily prejudice some agendas over others, the solutions to these conflicts should have a multi-disciplinary and policy driven approach. The proposal at 100 Buitengracht is an excellent example of this and was commended as such during the City of Cape Town’s approval process.’

Comprising 4 000m2 of retail and commercial property and 250 residential units, the 100 Buitengracht development is pegged to be largest mixed-use Green Star-rated development in Cape Town’s CBD

MARCH 2017

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Imagine sitting on the balcony of a Parisian penthouse watching the city lights slowly flicker to life across the urban skyline. This is life at Exaltis, an Art Deco-inspired building in Porte D’Auteuil. The village, once on the outskirts of central Paris, merged with 16th Arrondissement in 1860. Today, it’s an exclusive neighbourhood with glam boutiques and artisanal breweries, making it attractive to upmarket buyers and developers. Even the Molitor, for instance – the pool of which was featured in Life of Pi – received a five-star makeover. New builds such as Exaltis are in high demand in Paris due to low supply and tend to be the preferred choice for international buyers because of their ease of upkeep. In particular, low mortage rates in the French capital and the euro’s strength add to the investment appeal of Paris’ property market. Paris has also placed among the top 10 most important cities for ultra-high-net-worth individuals in 2015 and 2016, according to Knight Frank’s The Wealth Report. Apartments at Exaltis, which include home automation, are priced from €540 000 each and are on the market locally through Pam Golding Properties. The penthouses in particular allow residents full access to views over the City of Lights, some with 360° urban vistas.

MARCH 2017

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USEFUL CONTACTS n Pam Golding Properties pamgolding. co.za/international-property/france +27 21 762 2617 n French embassy in South Africa ambafrance-rsa.org n LUXE city guide to Paris luxecityguides. com/destination/paris n My Parisian Life blog myparisianlife.com n Haven in Paris havenin.com n Paris tourism en.parisinfo.com

TEXT Kirsty Wilkins PHOTOGRAPH Supplied

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