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IN THIS ISSUE
On the cover
The hit list
REAL luxury
REAL design
18 An artwork by the Australian graphic design duo Tin&Ed, known for their complex illustrations and animations
13 THE HIT LIST Things to see, trends to spot and places to be
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RARE CRAFT Luxury watches and jewellery offer great investment value, with hot-ticket items often comprising a high level of craftsmanship – and exclusivity creates demand
24 D IS FOR DESIGN Top local and international designers shared their ideas and vision for creating a better world at Design Indaba 2019, South Africa’s most exciting creative conference
REAL trends
REAL home
REAL retirement
Pam Golding property section
40 FRESNAYE HOUSE A renovated house on the Atlantic Seaboard with spectacular views
32 NEW DIRECTIONS Fresh design trends that allow us to reflect on where we are now and where we’re going
46 URBAN JUNGLE A Somerset West apartment that heroes nature in the most sophisticated way
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YOUNG AT HEART The latest trend in luxury retirement estates is multigenerational living
PAM GOLDING PROPERTIES See the latest exclusive properties for sale by Pam Golding Properties
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. Š 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 publisher Is not responsible for any unsolicited material.
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EDITOR’S LETTER I can’t help feeling this design-focused issue of REAL|life is special. Maybe it’s because it’s on shelf for the first time bagged with Woolworths’ award-winning TASTE magazine. Or maybe it’s to do with the esteemed Pam Golding Properties coming on board as a major client – see page 66. Perhaps it’s our glamorous features. Just look at Charlize Theron (opposite) shining in Bulgari jewels at the recent Oscars. If you turn to our luxury feature on page 18, you’ll appreciate the meticulous handicraft involved in these pieces. Talk about shine… At the recent Design Indaba conference, esteemed international speakers shared their design visions. We caught up with Design Indaba’s inimitable founder, Ravi Naidoo, and a few of our favourite designers (page 24). We also have two home features – a luxury Fresnaye home with magnificent sea and mountain views is showcased on page 40, and our Win A Home team’s stunning permaculture-inspired apartment on page 46. Think retirement sounds unglamorous? Think again. On page 55 we show you the latest offerings and, believe me, what’s available is top-notch, luxurious and cool. Yes, I think this issue is special. Hope you do too.
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MY CHOICE Runner-up as cover image choice was this fabulous work by Design Indaba speakers Tin&Ed. They “combine experimental studio projects with client commissions, blurring the lines between work and play, design and art”. PHOTOGRAPH Jan Ras
At this year’s Academy Awards, Charlize Theron stood out in a sleek Dior dress that perfectly showed off white-gold Bulgari jewellery pieces featuring the brand’s iconic Serpenti design. Turn to page 20 for our feature on luxury jewellery brands.
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TEXT Julia Freemantle PHOTOGRAPHS Carol Beckwith, Angela Fisher, Karl Rogers and supplied
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THE HIT LIST Things to see, trends to spot and places to be
1 DESIGN DEMOCRACY A collaboration between 10 African designers and IKEA’s in-house creative team, conceived at Design Indaba a few years ago and launched at the 2019 festival, was a way to bridge cultures through design. The result is an exciting new homeware and furniture range, called Överallt, that will hit IKEA stores soon. The bench above, made of stained eucalyptus wood, was designed by Bethan Rayner and Naeem Biviji of Nairobi-based Studio Propolis in collaboration with IKEA’s Mikael Axelsson. ikea.com
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3 ON THE UP A stylishly simple accessory designed to add versatility to your planting display, the new Arise stand from Gold Bottom Pots is an elegant solution to giving height to your planters. It is available in natural or black, so you can choose the look to best suit your foliage aesthetic. goldbottompots.co.za
2 2 AFRICAN ODYSSEY Travelling to more than 48 countries in Africa over the last four decades, Angela Fisher and Carol Beckwith have documented the sacred rituals of dozens of African cultures, many of which have disappeared since their visit. Building relationships with these communities and their leaders over time, they’ve been allowed access few are granted. In their book African Twilight they share the beauty and mystique of these ceremonies with the world. carolbeckwith-angelafisher.com
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4 4 IT’S A JUNGLE IN HERE Two new fabric ranges from Hertex, Clarke and Clarke Exotica (pictured above) and the Rainforest collection, celebrate fauna and flora in a big way. Exotica heroes birds of paradise, jungle creatures, flowers and opulent textures in a range of jewel and earth tones; and Rainforest’s outdoor plains and intriguing prints combine influences from the Amazon and the Orient in natural colourways. hertex.co.za
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5 BE A SPORT An elegant old building on busy Buitengracht Street in Cape Town, The Athletic Club & Social is a one-stop venue for socialising, dining and drinking. It offers various spaces to choose from: an elegant ground-floor restaurant and bar; a basement bar area for live music and DJs; and a top-floor lounge, bar and balcony. Sports memorabilia, vintage sporting equipment and archival photos give the decor depth and a sense of fun. theathletic.co.za reallifemagazine.co.za
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6 FINE DINING Fyn, the much-anticipated new venture from celebrated chef Peter Tempelhoff is a celebration of Asian-inspired flavours and presentation with an earthy African foundation. The venue, a double-volume space on the top floor of a building in Cape Town’s city centre, has striking views and a dramatic, moody atmosphere. The format is a tasting menu, which is not as formal as you might expect. The food is exciting and intriguing, and the wines are just as progressive. Booking is done online. fynrestaurant.com
7 7 STAY AND PLAY Drawing on the architectural style of two adjoining buildings on St George’s Mall in the Cape Town city centre, Gorgeous George celebrates this legacy while giving it a modern update in the form of exciting interiors that showcase South African talent. Designed by Studio A, the spaces feature art and furniture by names such as Dokter and Misses, David Brits and Porky Hefer. A bar and restaurant and rooftop pool will ensure it becomes a social spot as well as a hot destination to stay. gorgeousgeorge.co.za 16
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the hit list 8 JEWEL PURPOSE The newly converted The Onyx on the Cape Town Foreshore combines hotel facilities, managed by Newmark Hotels, with apartments and penthouses. Transformed under the guidance of Cape Town architect Robert Silke together with luxury property development company Signatura, the contemporary units come in studio and one- and two-bed configurations. A restaurant on the ground floor (another is coming soon) caters to residents and visitors’ dining needs, and a gym, spa, pool and lounge on the fourth floor provide for leisure, socialising and meetings. onyx.capetown
8 9 SUBURBAN BLISS Tucked away in the avenues of Bishopscourt, Arambrook is a former private residence transformed into an elegant boutique hotel. With a spectacular garden, a pool, an amazing art collection, an in-house chef and super-luxe palatial suites, it offers all you could want from a hotel, plus personal attention, privacy and peace. Arambrook is also committed to sustainable practices. arambrook.co.za
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10 RIPE FOR A CHANGE A family-owned and -run hotel beloved by residents of and visitors to Johannesburg, The Peech boutique hotel recently expanded its offering to include 10 new luxury suites, inspired by sustainable design. Besides oak floors, spacious balconies shaded by trees, lavish bathrooms with enormous showers, and clever touches like a screened-off dressing area complete with vanity/desk, the rooms also feature carefully chosen artworks and beautiful industrial-meetsmodern architectural detailing. Service is warm and personal, and the property is a tranquil oasis in the city. thepeech.co.za
TEXT Debbie Hathway PHOTOGRAPHS Supplied
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Good news for the luxury goods market is that its current positive trajectory is projected to continue until 2025, according to the Bain & Company Luxury Study released in November 2018. r watches and eweller offer great invest ment val e with hot ticket items often comprising a high level of craftsmanship. Exclusivity creates demand. It’s luxury 101. Perhaps one of the most renowned jewellers of all time, Peter Carl Fabergé, was a pioneer of enamelling techniques, an extraordinary craft that earned him the title of Supplier to the Court of His Imperial Majesty in 1885. Applied to the imperial Easter eggs prized by collectors the world over, Fabergé’s enamelling technique has been extended to clocks, trinkets, watches and jewellery – some of which you’ll see if you visit Elegance Jewellers in Johannesburg. You’re bound to fall in love with a pendant or two.
Black Panther star Michael B Jordan dazzles in Piaget at the 91st Academy Awards.
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Looking ahead, the luxury goods market is expected to keep rising for the next few years ne of the artisans who shine in this eld toda is Vanessa Lecci, who has worked for Cartier and Patek hilippe. specialist in rand e cloisonn and champlevé techniques, Lecci describes an enameller as the artisan who tries to manage re metal and glass with art and technique”. Coloured, transparent and opaque glass as well as thin gold threads are caref ll worked to de ne the s ect which ma even be a portrait. reallifemagazine.co.za
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FROM THE TOP The Secret Garden necklace from Bulgari’s Italian Gardens collection features tanzanite, citrine, amethyst, rubellite and aquamarine gems. | Ice-cream-cone brooches from the Bulgari Roman Sorbets collection. | Panthère de Cartier bangle fine jewellery watch.
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Craftsmanship is always at the forefront of the new luxury watch reveals at the annual Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) held in January in Geneva, Switzerland. Piaget’s Possession 2019 collection featured a pair of watches in white-gold, with dials pavéd with diamonds, in a showcase of the maison’s highly sophisticated jewellery-making capabilities. Two years ago, the maison had admirers talking about feather marquetry thanks to award-winning artisan Emilie Moutard-Martin’s exquisite handiwork on the dial of the Piaget Altiplano. Artistic crafts contribute to the rarity and therefore the value of a luxury timepiece. That means it’s often accessible only to the few who can afford it. arie Laure Cerede, creative director of watchmaking at Cartier, says that in enced their thinking aro nd the design of the iconic cat in the Panthère collection revealed this year at SIHH. “We realised the métiers d’art – the pieces incorporating marquetry and enamel – usually were bought only by collectors. That is a pity, because they are remarkable, and we have extraordinary experts in marquetry, enamel and jewellery, too,” she says. “But our idea is to modernise the shape of the panther in order to open these kinds of pieces to a larger public. So the métiers d’art for its eyes is more realistic. This is about craftsmanship. Maybe before we were more decorative. I wanted this to be subtler and very elegant.” Another ambition, she explains, is to take the rarest and nest eweller know how into the watches without turning them into bijou pieces. “Usually, when you use jewellery know-how, it’s for bijou watches. It is a category for Cartier, but it is more interesting for a watch collection like the Tank hinoise to ene t from rare know how of our jewellery design. It’s a good balance between jewellery craftsmanship and timepiece identity.”
REAL luxury
WATCHMAKING LEGACY Superior craftsmanship is evident in Breguet creations, which span more than 240 years. At Baselworld last year, Breguet revealed new horological marvels in the Classique line, such as the rose-gold Classique ExtraPlate 5157 with its silvered gold engine-turned dial bearing the traditional Clous de Paris hobnail style. Engine-turning is an engraving technique favoured by master watchmakers from the 16th century onwards, initially on watch cases. The technique was soon adopted by Abraham-Louis Breguet for dials. Another Swiss manufacturer steeped in horological legacy is Montblanc. Its watchmakers at Villeret and Le Locle share knowledge handed down through generations. Villeret’s watchmaking tradition was established in 1858. Under the name Minerva, the company gained recognition for its precise chronometry. Capable of measuring time accurately to 1/100th of a second in 1916, its mechanical stopwatches were fundamental to the evolution of modern-day motor racing.
Omega celebrates its 125th anniversary this year. The name was adopted after the invention of the 19-ligne Calibre movement by Louis-Paul and César Brandt, sons of watchmaker and company founder Louis Brandt. The innovation was so advanced that the brothers named the movement Omega and gave the company the same name in 1903. In January this year, Omega revealed the De Ville Trésor 125th Anniversary Edition in honour of the occasion as well as a new vision for the 19-ligne Calibre. When it comes to dial creation, few watchmaking companies can top Rolex for its in-house mastery of materials and finishes. Think mother-of-pearl, gold, meteorite and diamonds, some embellished with subtle sun-ray or sand-blasted finishes and others meticulously lacquered. Decorations in relief are crafted through machining or electroforming. The appliqué hour markers are always in 18-carat gold and affixed by hand. Diamonds are carefully selected using state-of-the-art technology, then set by master craftsmen and -women who complete a work greater than the sum of its parts.
The Cartier Révélation d’une Panthère watch, held at a certain angle, sees 650 miniscule diamonds trickling down the dial, forming the iconic Cartier cat figure, before gravity pulls them into a brilliant pile in the lower part of the case.
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REAL luxury ART FORM “When assessing the value of a piece one needs to consider the level of artistry that the maker brings. Iconic designs that separate designer jewellers from simple retailers or manufacturers are a key consideration when investing in fine jewellery,” says Larry Brown of Browns The Diamond Store.
“Our Brown’s Guardian Angel is just one design element present in all our signature Halo rings.” And those pieces that incorporate gemstones and diamonds naturally hold higher investment value when accompanied by the correct certification. Yair Shimansky at Shimansky Jewellers creates pieces that acknowledge special milestones in people’s lives with what is described as an “obsession with drawing out the ‘moment of fire’ captured within the most precious of stones and showcasing it to maximum effect”. The provenance and heritage of each stone that crowns a Shimansky creation is beyond reproach, thanks to a meticulous selection, tracking and certification process, meaning that customers can be confident of both craftsmanship and authenticity. Independent laboratory certification is also recommended by Heidi Wahl at First Diamonds when choosing tanzanite. She notes that investment-quality stones are a minimum of 5 carats. “The larger the stone, the more saturated and intense the colour,” she says. Of course, the beauty of commissioning a bespoke item is that you get a unique piece. “At Cape Diamond Exchange we are constantly helping people design and realise their dream jewellery creations. Custom-making jewellery with our clients is always a fun project for both sides,” says Aviva Ezra.
Bulgari necklace in white gold with emeralds, pear-cut diamonds, turquoises and pavé diamonds.
REAL luxury
INSIDE DESIGN We share some insights from Bulgari creative director Lucia Silvestri HOW DO YOUR DESIGNERS INTEGRATE THE LATEST TRENDS? The trend in terms of fine jewellery is to play with more layers, colours of gold, mixing the collections. As far as high jewellery is concerned, there is a return to the choker and large earrings. WHERE DO YOUR JEWELLERS FIND INSPIRATION TO PRODUCE NEW CONCEPTS AROUND THE SERPENT, AN EMBLEMATIC PART OF THE BULGARI IDENTITY It’s about keeping up with the times, discovering new stimuli and incentives, and understanding societies and their tastes. WHICH METALS AND JEWELS INSPIRE YOUR DESIGNERS? We are always looking for innovative materials, from titanium to ceramic, and searching for all that is precious that can be complementary to gold. WHAT SKILLS DO THE MODERN DESIGNER NEED TO ACHIEVE THE LEVEL OF CRAFTSMANSHIP OF CENTURIES AGO? Obviously, the designer must be creative, but
also realistic. Creativity must be supported by feasibility. The jewel, in addition to being incorporated in the design, has to be made to be worn every day – not reserved for formal occasions only. WHAT DOES BULGARI’S DESIGNERS CONSIDER WHEN CREATING NEW PIECES: CLASSIC STYLE OR MILLENNIAL TASTES? It must be a mix. We have a rich history of tradition as well as innovation. We have always been at the forefront of design, yet our pieces can be considered timeless. CONSIDERING THE BUYING POWER OF MILLENNIALS AND GENERATION Z, IS THERE PRESSURE TO DESIGN WITH THEIR TASTES IN MIND? Yes, sure, but without moving away from our aesthetic canon. The millennial generation may have great purchasing power, but they also look for creativity and excellent quality. Bulgari watches and jewellery are available at BVLGARI Sandton reallifemagazine.co.za
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IS FOR DESIGN TEXT xxx PHOTOGRAPHS xxx and supplied
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Top local and international design talents shared their ideas and vision for creating a better world at Design Indaba 2019, South Africa’s most exciting TEXT Debbie Loots PHOTOGRAPHS Martin Dijkstra (Ravi); creative conference Thirza Schaap (Li); Nathan Cyprys (Ane); Michael Leckie (Alice); and Tina Ruisinger, courtesy of the Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative (Mariam)
We caught up with Ravi Naidoo, founder of Design Indaba, for a walk down memory lane and to nd o t what the future holds for this renowned conference
LOOKING BACK AT HOW THE CONFERENCE HAS EVOLVED, ARE THERE ANY HIGHLIGHTS YOU CAN SINGLE OUT? We’ve been constant gardeners for 24 years, adapting and changing in response to what we believe are the issues of the day. It’s so important that platforms are relevant socially, economically, culturally. So the one thing that’s persistent is the activist orientation – and along the way we’ve found different ways to express that. For example, when design was not represented on the high streets, we created an expo, and when design was adequately represented on the high streets, we moved away from it and sought other methods. IN TERMS OF DESIGN MAKING A MEANINGFUL CONTRIBUTION, WHICH NEW DESIGN/S ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT? I reckon design coming into the public square is so important. It actually serves people. I think what the design community must do is take on what is extensively a global agenda to become their own operational agenda. I think if we start to give ourselves a wider mandate to be in service of humanity and of the planet, design will come out of the shadows and become almost like a Cinderella industry and something with way more clout and relevance in the 21st century. DO YOU THINK THE CONFERENCE WILL EVER EVOLVE INTO AN ONLINE OFFERING ONLY IN FUTURE? No. I think there is a huge power in convening, in bringing people together. It’s only once a year, and we do all our other activities outside of that. The energy you feel from personal contact and the power of commissioners and practitioners all coming together is absolutely immense. Networks are created. Deep relationships are forged. And I am afraid it’s extremely difficult to do that digitally. We are human beings. We are multisensorial and we appreciate touch; I think we will always have that need. designindaba.com reallifemagazine.co.za
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MADE TO MEASURE Costume designer Ane Crabtree, who won the 2018 Costume Designer’s Guild Award for T h e H and m ai d ’ s T al e series, discusses the relationship between costume design and life DOES YOUR PERSONAL STYLE INFLUENCE YOUR DESIGNS? I think it seeps into one’s work, as do influences with regards to film, photography, fashion and art. Also, personal politics and life experiences entered into the design process of The Handmaid’s Tale. HOW MUCH DO YOUR DESIGNS DIFFER FROM COLLEEN ATWOOD’S FOR THE 1990 FILM THE HANDMAID’S TALE? I never borrow from someone else’s costume designs. I adored the 1990 film, and it certainly spoke deeply to me at the time. Atwood’s costumes reflect very much the times; the film feels ’90s in terms of colour palette and set design. I went for a contemporary look, considering the state of the world now. DO YOU HAVE A SIGNATURE STYLE? I love clothing made for long wear, like workwear from the 1900s with an industrial bent to it. I’ve been told people love “my look”, but I don’t really know what that is. Perhaps it has to do with being multiracial and having a mother who is Okinawan. WHAT’S NEXT? I took a six-month break for the first time in 29 years, but really have only had three months off, and in that time I concentrated on a documentary about my mother. My last project was The Last Thing He Wanted with Anne Hathaway and Ben Affleck. I choose projects carefully; I look for stories that matter. anecrabtree.com
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CRITICAL MASS Alice Rawsthorn, design critic and author of an acclaimed new book, D e s i g n as an A t t i t u d e , on the many meaningful contributions of design
DOES DESIGN HAVE A SINGULAR PURPOSE? Design is a complex, often elusive phenomenon that has changed dramatically over the centuries by adopting different guises, meanings and objectives in different contexts. But its singular purpose is to act as an agent of change that can help to ensure that changes of every type will affect us positively, rather than negatively. WHAT CONSTITUTES GOOD DESIGN? Good design consists of a combination of qualities that change constantly, reflecting broader changes in society. Yet there are two nonnegotiable components of good design: it must always fulfil its function, and must be ethically and environmentally responsible. All the other qualities that can make design enticing are optional. WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO YOU? Integrity. WHERE IS THE MOST SIGNIFICANT DESIGN WORK HAPPENING NOW? Everywhere. There is lots of inspiring work in Africa, particularly in health care, where designers are developing new digital tools to improve access to quality treatment. One example is the Cardiopad heart monitor devised by Arthur Zang at Himore Medical in Cameroon. HOW CAN A YOUNG DESIGNER WITH LIMITED RESOURCES MAKE A MEANINGFUL CONTRIBUTION TO SOCIETY? My book Design as an Attitude [published by JPR|Ringier] explores how a new generation of designers are using basic and inexpensive digital tools to operate independently in pursuit of their own social, political and environmental goals. They can raise money from crowdfunding platforms, generate awareness and flush out collaborators on social media and manage huge quantities of complex data on affordable computers. alicerawsthorn.com reallifemagazine.co.za
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CLEAR VIEW Trend forecaster Li Edelkoort talks about preferring a neutral palette, the dawn of the colour brown, and staying in hotels with a swimming pool and a good club sandwich DO YOUR FORECASTS EVER REFLECT WHAT YOU WEAR AND HOW YOU FURNISH YOUR OWN HOME? Actually, although I discussed the return of colour in fashion and interiors at Design Indaba, I usually wear black or navy, and my Paris home is a neutral grey, with low-lying furniture and craft from my travels. I believe in sustainable style. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE COLOUR, AND IS THERE ONE YOU DISLIKE? As a dedicated colourist, I don’t think I could ever dislike a hue! As far as playing favourites, right now I have an urge for brown and my new 2021 colour forecast for Trend Union announces the coming of a Brown Age in fashion and design. Brown is often known to be the colour most people say they dislike, since they are reminded of frugality and simplicity, yet I disagree. Incidentally, there is already a lot of brown in my home (including African craft and textiles), but I have an inkling there’s going to be more to come. HOW DO YOU RELAX? I’m a swimmer. Immersing the body and soul in water is always the most relaxing thing. I choose my hotels based on whether they have an outdoor swimming pool… and if they do a good club sandwich! My other favourite way to unwind is an annual pilgrimage to South Africa, first at Design Indaba to work out my mind and then at Singita to work out my spirit. edelkoort.com
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Trend forecaster Li Edelkoort predicts that brown will be the next go-to colour for interiors and fashion.
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This regional market project in Dandaij, Niger was lead by Mariam and shows how colourful metal canopies serve as solar and thermal protectors for vendors.
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LIVING ARCHITECTURE For Mariam Kamara, who was born in Niger and is now based in the US, architecture is much more than a creative pursuit – it also contributes to the social, economic, cultural and often political dimensions of a place
WHY DESIGN AN ALTERNATIVE ARCHITECTURE FOR NIGER? My focus is on making architecture that respects and manifests the narrative of a place. Through my practice, I try to discover innovative ways of achieving that, while maintaining an intimate dialogue between architecture, people, and context. I founded atelier - - in 2014; an architecture and research masomi firm headquartered in Niger. We tackle a wide variety of public, cultural, residential, commercial and urban design projects. TELL US MORE ABOUT THE PROJECT WITH UK ARCHITECT SIR DAVID ADJAYE, AFTER WINNING THE ROLEX MENTOR AND PROTÉGÉ AWARD* Basically, Sir David wants me to put together a project for Niamey, Niger’s capital, which he will guide me through when needed. It is shaping up to
be an amazing journey! What would people want really if they could have anything? What are the problems from a public space point of view, from a cultural and social point of view? So now the design work has started. WHAT IS YOUR DREAM? Simply to make a contribution and to leave a value behind. WHAT IS NEXT? We have several new projects in the works in the office. Some are cultural in nature and others are educational, and we even have an office building in Niamey in the works – construction should start soon. ateliermasomi.com * The Rolex Mentor and Protégé Award is an arts initiative aimed at ensuring the world’s artistic heritage is passed on to the next generation.
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REAL trends TEXT Julia Freemantle PHOTOGRAPHS Elsa Young, Dave Southwood, Alix-Rose Cowie and supplied
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REAL trends FASHION: GENDER-NEUTRAL
1. Adebayo Oke-Lawal, founder of the fashion brand Orange Culture, has been designing clothes since the age of 10. Having grown up in a system that promoted a hyper-masculine sensibility, he has created a name for himself designing clothes that do not conform to gender stereotypes. He describes Orange Culture as a movement more than a brand, designed for a creative class of men whom he describes as “self-aware, expressive, explorative, art-loving nomad(s). The riot of contemporary and traditional prints and colour, combined with Nigerian silhouettes and urban streetwear, ushers in a new era for African menswear. orangeculture.com.ng
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RETAIL: MINDFUL CONSUMERISM
3. Created by JP Bolus and the team behind the popular Loading Bay restaurant and retail experience in Cape Town, Sans is a communityminded retail concept that focuses on building relationships with local suppliers, supplying quality and promoting mindful buying – in terms of low waste, as well as knowing where what you consume and use comes from, and who made it. Encompassing Pauline’s coffee bar, Sans retail and deli, and an Aesop kiosk, the concept will make you consider the pros of steering away from mass produced and packaged retail experiences in favour of something more sustainable. sanscommunity.com
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FOOD: THE XX FACTOR
2. Spearheaded by food maverick Hannerie Visser, Food XX points to a larger movement within the food industry of a rise in the prominence of women-led food initiatives and leadership. The recent Food XX awards and conference served to highlight the achievements by women in various areas of food-related work, and are an acknowledgment of the enormous role women play in the industry. studio-h.co.za
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BATHROOMS: SPA EXPERIENCE
4. As a global brand and an industry leader that sets itself apart with cutting-edge technology and design-forward products, Kohler is at the forefront of international bathroom trends. A trend that has been gathering steam for a while, the concept of a spa bathroom is now realising its potential. The mechanics have finally caught up to the ideal, so home bathrooms can now offer an experience to rival that of a spa. The Kohler Real Rain shower is a case in point. With impressive similarity to natural precipitation – different droplet sizes, different drop rates and random formations – it offers a soothing experience to rival a real rain shower, only more luxurious. africa.kohler.com 5 4
SURFACES: ENGINEERED STONE
5. The Phoenix Stone collection from WOMAG comprises a range of engineered surfaces that are durable, lowmaintenance and resistant to scratches and stains – and they look so good that they’re a great alternative to marble and granite countertops. The tiles can be used for anything from bathroom vanities to wall cladding. womag.co.za
High-quality, affordable surfaces are sought-after;
you no longer have to pay a fortune for a marble effect Oren Sachs, managing director, WOMAG
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TEXTILES: NATURAL FIBRE
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6. Mohair has recently come to the fore as a material of choice for designer rugs. This fibre has long been regarded as the most luxurious and best-quality natural textile material available. Its long, smooth and naturally lustrous fibre and its durability, resilience, elasticity and comfort make it ideal for decor use. It also holds dye well, allowing for deep and brilliant colour. What’s more, although it’s long-lasting it will biodegrade in soil. The new Montage mohair rug by Fibre Designs displays the beautiful colours achievable with mohair, and Frances van Hasselt’s lovely hand-made ranges for her brand Frances VH and Bofred celebrate the Karoo landscape, where the mohair comes from. fibredesigns.co.za, francesvh.com
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PROPERTY: URBAN PLAYGROUND
7. Urban planning has come a long way in terms of designing public spaces holistically to align with how people live, incorporating integrated zones for leisure, commerce and art within cities. Architecture firm dhk recently completed Battery Park, a new publicly accessible urban park at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. The 12 000 m2 site was developed as the nucleus of a larger urban vision for the district, and includes a park and piazza that effectively conceal a 1 206-bay parking facility as well as new pedestrian routes to encourage activity and engagement in the precinct. The firm took the opportunity to pay homage to a historical landmark (the site has archaeological significance) whilst providing spaces for leisure and recreational activities (skate park, sports courts, waterways) and engaging the community. dhk.co.za
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REAL trends TRAVEL: ANIMAL-FRIENDLY
8. The rise in vegan-oriented business has spilled over into industries beyond eating out or consumer goods. Hospitality is jumping on the trend with spaces that offer vegans a design-forward stay with a clear conscience. Design firm Bompas & Parr recently redesigned a suite in the Hilton London Bankside – bedroom, bathroom and living room – so it is completely free of animal products. Using solely plantbased materials (as opposed to leather, wool, down and more), it features a range of alternatives such as Pinatex, a vegan-friendly leather made from fibres sourced from waste pineapple leaves. Feather pillows have been replaced with a choice of buckwheat or millet hulls and fibres from the tropical kapok tree or bamboo plants, and the room’s entire selection of toiletries, snacks, drinks and cleaning products are 100% free of animalderived ingredients. hilton.com
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COLOUR: THE BIGGER PICTURE
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. Pantone recently chose its Colour of the Year 2019: Living Coral is a vibrant and upbeat yet mellow hue (PANTONE 16-1546) that envelopes with warmth. Chosen for its capacity to provide comfort and upliftment in our continually shifting environment, it’s a response to our need for authentic and immersive experiences that enable connection and intimacy. pantone.com 9
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10. Driven by trends much bigger than the design and interiors industries, colour is a response to social movements, cultural cues and technological advances. Plascon’s 2019 palette is prompted by a number of current trends. For its “seasons” this year, the company forecasters drew on major social directions to create colour families that would reflect the moods of the moment. In response to our need to cocoon and socialise at home, its Luxury and Glamour palettes create a comfortable sanctuary through colour. The Urban palette caters to our ever-shrinking spaces with clean hues that complement clean lines. Seeing that individualisation is a growing emotional and social urge, the Urban and Minimal palettes answer with eye-catching upbeat tones that stand out. A move towards mindfulness is best served by the Minimal palette – whose uncluttered aesthetic offers pause for thought. plascon.com
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This season,
things are bold
– from colour and pattern to texture Gail Butler, owner, Halogen International
FABRICS: BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL
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. Halogen International’s latest look includes combining a variety of textures and colours. Using contrasting hues is a major trend, says owner Gail Butler, as is colour blocking. Velvets, linens and embossed or quilted looks are in. If you’re after pattern, go big and bright – whether your prefer florals, stripes or geometrics. halogen.co.za
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DESIGN: INNOVATION
12. Kettal is a company that is at the forefront of innovative furniture and design trends. Their products and spaces are always indicative of the direction in which industry norms are moving. Responding to the increase in green travel – bicycle commuting, share riding and so on – Kettal has launched a bike parking pavilion. Designed to be in harmony with the architectural environment, it’s a low-impact structure by virtue of transparent materials and a non-solid structure. Customisable (it comes in various colours) and hugely practical (it has electrical sockets and lighting), the design illustrates Kettal’s regard for functional design that improves life on a daily basis. kettal.com
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We asked three design studios what o ces look like now STUDIO 19
13. “People need a quiet spot for a thinking moment, a phone call or a meeting, but you have to be careful not to create spaces that will never be used. You want your staff to feel like they don’t want or need to go home – that they can have a nap in a breakaway room, catch their breath in a privacy pod to make a phone call, meet with a colleague for coffee and so on.” studio19.co
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BONE STUDIO
14. “There is a lot more emphasis on private environments that offer flexibility. There’s a move away from open-plan in general – it’s not conducive to productivity, so now the emphasis is on flexible spaces (like meeting rooms that become private offices and phonecall booths). There is a shift, too, towards office wellbeing in the form of yoga rooms, gyms, ‘mindful’ quiet zones. Tones are moving away from whites and greys to warmer tones, like dark timber, emerald and aubergine.” bonestudio.co.za 14
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HESSE KLEINLOOG
15. “People are looking for interesting and invigorating spaces to work in, and employees have greater expectations of their environment and demand more from their surroundings.” hkstudio.co.za
There is a
distinct trend
towards an ‘anti-office’ Hesse Kleinloog, hkstudio
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DuraSquare: Now with the new bathroom furniture series XSquare. The exact and precise edges of the DuraSquare bathroom series blends perfectly with the latest furniture collection XSquare designed by Kurt Merki Jr. Handle-free fronts, striking chrome profiles and 28 furniture finishes enable an individual bathroom design. Co-ordinating mirrors feature a touch-free control panel for demisting and light or dimming functions. Duravit South Africa (Pty) Ltd, 30 Archimedes Road, Kramerville, Sandton, Johannesburg, Telephone +27 (0) 11 555 1220, info@za.duravit.com and at www.duravit.com
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sanctuary
MODERNIST
TEXT Debbie Loots PHOTOGRAPHS Johan Lourens
Making the most of the spectacular sea and mountain views from this Atlantic Seaboard house was at the top of the owners’ list when they decided to redesign it 40
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ABOVE LEFT The living space opens up for an uninterrupted indoor-outdoor flow. ABOVE RIGHT The house is designed to showcase nature from all angles.
It doesn’t get much more idyllic than this: high up in wind-free Fresnaye, with endless views across the Atlantic Ocean and Lion’s ead. magni cent setting the owners agreed it s st that the ear old propert needed a ma or transformation. The wanted the house with its small rooms and small windows turned into a modern open-plan sanctuary with cosy spaces and quality nishes a home where the co ld work and rela . reallifemagazine.co.za
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TOP Glass stacking doors open the living area to the pool deck, which looks out over fynbos and rock formations on Lion’s Head. ABOVE Sweeping city and sea views can be enjoyed from the open-plan living area, which opens out to a patio.
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The owners approached architect Mark Zuckerman to do the major redesign, but when renovations started the mountainous terrain and working within the existing structure of the house proved to be challenging. Mark explains: “We had to keep the roof in place while jack-hammering out concrete slabs. Programming the structural changes to the building was of utmost importance, as the footprint is not huge. This made sequencing really important.” Another major feat was the substantial excavation at the back of the house, which eventually saw a unique steel staircase in a glass o go p to link the gro nd oor with the top oor. t was reall worth it sa s ark. cross two oors the staircase
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ABOVE The living area, designed for relaxed living and entertainment, features a dramatic steel-and-glass staircase (left).
affords lovel views of the garden the mo ntain and the sea. Toda the completed ho se with its wooden oors and a tomated m sic and lights feat res three en s ite edrooms a f ll g est s ite a g m two st dies and a pool all set across m ltiple levels serviced a lift and leading to open terraces with those ea tif l sea views. nd with mongoose g inea fowl and a wide variet of other ird species at home in the neigh o rhood it s little wonder the likes of resident amaphosa and former president de lerk live aro nd the corner. zsarchitects.co.za
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TOP The large passage with solid oak floors doubles up as a library. The book case is custom-made and the steel table is by Gregor Jenkin. BELOW Leading off the open plan living area, the kitchen is fitted with bespoke shutter doors and wooden cupboards, adding to the seamless feel between the spaces.
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Balwin Properties’ The Polofields won the five-star award for the Best Leisure Interior at the African Property Awards 2018
STAR LIVING
Situated within the magnificent Waterfall Estate, The Polofields provides an urban lifestyle with sustainability at the core of the architectural design. Brought to you by internationallyacclaimed JSE-listed property developer, Balwin Properties, The Polofields now introduces The King’s Collection; an exclusive range of 2 and 3-bedroom apartments. With prestigious signature features from black taps, modern cornices and stunning new splash backs, this stylish collection offers luxury open-plan living with fitted SMEG appliances, a private patio and incredible views of the vibrant neighbourhood. The Polofields lets you live like a King with concierge-style living, world-class facilities and everything you need right on your doorstep.
Balwin Properties continuously step up their designs to achieve ecofriendly living. The Polofields is certified by Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiency (EDGE) and registered with the Green Building Council South Africa. “We strive to consistently curate topquality products,” says Balwin CEO Steve Brookes. “The recent five-star award for The Polofields as the Best Leisure Interior in South Africa is a testament to the work our team is doing at creating unrivalled modern lifestyles across South Africa”. Make an appointment to visit The Polofields to see the interior finishes and features for yourself.
CONTACT Kim Brookes Tel: +27 11 450 2818 Cell: +27 83 775 9055 | Email: Kim@balwin.co.za
REAL home
Melissa Oosthuizen and Sinead Turner’s stylish design for a Somerset West apartment heroes nature and texture in the most sophisticated way
Friends since they studied together at Greenside Design Centre, Melissa Oosthuizen and Sinead T rner rst connected over shared tastes in design and common life val es seven ears ago. hile distance separated them after they graduated, they came back together as the Perma Peeps to put their design philosophies to the test for Season 5 of the in ome competition roadcast on . aving originall entered for the previo s season of the show in 2017 (after being persuaded by a friend to get a last-minute entry in), fate decreed that 2018 would be their year as one of the three teams competing for the hono rs. The twofold process sees one of three teams win the dges vote at the c lmination of the overall competition t also res lts in a viewer winning one of the ea tif ll designed apartments, which this year were located at alwin roperties aardevlei ifest le state in omerset est.
j u ng l e
URBAN TEXT Julia Freemantle PHOTOGRAPHS Karl Rogers
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elissa of ast a s nterior esign and stom rnit re and design activist inead are both passionate about people and nature, and are advocates of alternative s staina le design sol tions and the importance of local so rcing. arth minimalism is the best way to describe their design aesthetic – simple and spare, but with boatloads of te t re and personalit . The simplicit of the spaces is given additional dimension with retro accents and is a cele ration of nat ral materials and in ences with a sophisticated and artisanal r an twist.
emoh LAER
In the living room, earthy textures ground the space, which is elevated by accents of marble. Softness is introduced by way of pastel pink and grey upholstery, and an ethereal wall-hung artwork (a collaboration with Our Workshop and a favourite piece of the designers), which serves to add drama and height.
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REAL home The scheme offers interest witho t eing overwhelming co rtes of raw ind strial s rfaces like concrete and wood and the m ted t c rrent colo rs spring green ellow pink and p nch lack are a reath of fresh air. The spaces are open and ow easil and storage was foregro nded so the apartment is f nctional as well as atmospheric. e did o r est to design a place that was conte t all relevant to the area in which it is located. The indoor o tdoor lifest le this home offers is e i le and caters to the man needs of a homeowner s lifest le. nd the plants literall ring life and energ to the space sa s elissa. There is a ig emphasis on s staina ilit thro gho t. ermac lt re and alternative materials and the com ination thereof inspire s sa s elissa. ith one of their iggest in ences eing ies van der ohe s dict m ess is more the set o t to create an r an sanct ar . r design st le comes from o r elief in the idea and implementation of minimalism within one s dail life not st in design. e tried to incorporate r an permac lt re wherever possi le in the apartment the idea eing to show people an alternative wa to design re se of materials sa s inead. The press rised format and str ct re of the competition meant the had to reign in some of their ideas d e to time constraints t the fo nd the process reall rewarding. e developed o r pro ect management skills and learnt more a o t o rselves o r design eliefs and lang age and also got to practise o r gro ting skills. o m ch gro ting sa s elissa. inead agrees. e learnt a lot a o t o rselves and o r design o rne s in life. e have grown as h man eings and have an increased nderstanding of o r ind str . ost importantl we learnt that we have famil in each other for life. The ltimate reward was the apartment winner choosing their design as their pri e. e had worked so hard and it reall felt great to have the recognition and to know that o r space wo ld e en o ed and loved the winner sa s inead.
OPPOSITE In the kitchen, the two designers have merged industrial and organic elements in a seamless mix of textures and tones. Different shades of grey give the space dynamism despite the simple colour palette. The everpresent plants in the apartment inject life into the space, giving it vibrant colour and energy.
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ABOVE LEFT In the kitchen, below the shelves housing decorative mismatched bowls, a living herb wall ensures the cook always has a fresh supply. ABOVE RIGHT A clever use of the bedroom wall for display and storage is one of the many ways Sinead and Melissa have maximised the available space. The knitted throw and statement pendant light add an organic feel. OPPOSITE The cool industrial effect of raw cement and stone is countered by warm wood and a playful use of colour – another example of the subtle balance of contemporary and lived-in that the two designers have managed to strike throughout the apartment.
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Earthy minimalism is the best way to describe their design aesthetic –
simple and spare, but with boatloads of texture and personality
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YOUNG AT HEART South Africans over-50s are spoilt for choice when it comes to retirement living TEXT Georgina Guedes PHOTOGRAPHS Supplied
The retirement home of yesteryear is no longer. Today, retired individuals (and those approaching retirement) are making their homes in retirement estates or even in amenityrich destinations known as retirement resorts. These developments offer a range of services and facilities to rival any high-end lifestyle estate. In fact, some even occupy space in the same estates that younger families are drawn to, highlighting another trend in retirement accommodation – that of multigenerational living within one development. “Today, retirees want a varied type of lifestyle that includes travel, cultural and intellectual stimulation, and sporting activities,” says Arthur Case, CEO of Evergreen Lifestyle, which has more than 600 units across six retirement villages in Gauteng and the Western Cape. “Many are still working in some capacity, so they want to be active and entertained.” We took a look at some of the leading retirement destinations around South Africa (and one outside of our borders that might just appeal to South Africans) to discover exactly what the world of retirement looks like in 2019.
Val de Vie Evergreen
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WESTERN CAPE 1. SOMERSET LIFESTYLE RETIREMENT The Somerset is a luxury retirement village situated in Somerset West. It provides a tranquil and secure setting for over-50s who are still physically and mentally active. According to Rob Jones, sales and marketing manager at Somerset Lifestyle Retirement, the village has a number of services and amenities to cater to this residential profile. For dining, it has a coffee shop with café food, and the restaurant, which has an à la carte menu and bar, credits 15 meals to each resident’s account monthly. There is a library and conference room, which can be booked for meetings, and a gym where residents can keep fit and trim. A heated pool is currently in planning. Basic clinic services and wellbeing checks are provided to all residents. Additional services are available for a fee as required. Care can be provided in the clinic or in the residential unit depending on the requirement. Units are equipped with all mod cons, including fibre to the home, satellite television and a telephone system that enables free calls within the village. All units are equipped with the Call4CareTM Carephone emergency response system. Residents gain access to the village with a unique ID card, which can also be used to pay for the range of services internally, as the environment is cashless. The village is protected by a 2,4 m-high electric fence and two-meter palisade fence. There is also a concrete beam beneath the fence as an anti-dig protection. thesomerset.co.za
2. QUADRANT GARDENS Situated in Claremont, Cape Town, the mixed-use lifestyle development Quadrant offers luxury urban retirement to the over-60s. It comprises 75 apartments ranging from studios to three-bedroom penthouse units, and is set to be completed in the first half of the year. Quadrant Gardens is the fourth and final phase of The Quadrant, a lifestyle development in Claremont that combines apartments with restaurants, shops and offices, while also offering personal grooming and wellness facilities, and a gymnasium with a 25 m-long indoor pool.
Quadrant Gardens itself offers residents a rooftop terrace with a recreational area and croquet court, an in-house restaurant, open-plan bar, private courtyard garden, lounge, library and on-site care centre. Services such as laundry and housekeeping, 24-hour security, meals, in-apartment care level options, and 24-hour emergency call response are also offered. The neighbouring Library Square and Life Kingsbury Hospital offer easy access to emergency, high-care and surgical facilities, as well as over 30 specialist consultants. quadrantgardens.co.za
3. VAL DE VIE EVERGREEN RETIREMENT VILLAGE The addition of the Val de Vie Evergreen Retirement Village to the broader Val de Vie Estate has delivered true multigenerational living. The estate was named the Best Multigenerational Estate in the World at The Global Awards ceremony held in London in December 2018. Fleet Coffee Roastery on the estate has become a surprising hub where residents can be found working on their computers, people holding social or business meetings or just grabbing a coffee on the way to the office. The leisure activities are suitable for a wide range of people, but there is no segregation at the many fitness and social areas. Young and old are involved in groups for walking or running. The recently completed dog parks allow the community and their pets to get together in a casual outdoor environment. What’s more, the Val de Vie Foundation supports the local community and offers an opportunity for anyone who has a desire to help or who has skills like teaching to become involved in upliftment projects. The recent construction of the Polo Village Office has attracted many professionals to the estate, including medical doctors, beauticians, accountants and lawyers. The retirement development will obviously have its own facilities, such as a clubhouse, bowling lawns, library, swimming pool and restaurant. This will be the only area of the estate that will be dedicated exclusively to the older generation. valdevie.co.za
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WESTERN CAPE 4. EIGHTONN
6. ZEVENWACHT LIFESTYLE ESTATE
EIGHTONN is a boutique independent living development by Blok in Sea Point. It offers spacious two- and threebedroom apartments for residents aged 50 and older who are looking for a future-facing modern home in the city. EIGHTONN features facilities like a rooftop wellness studio and pool, a deli and a social area leading out onto a beautiful garden. It also offers a holistic care package that includes an on-site building manager and care services that accommodate the current and future needs of residents. In keeping with modern building features, the development also offers security services, high-speed internet, and water-wise fittings and appliances. blok.co.za/developments/eightonn
Zevenwacht Lifestyle Estate for over-50s, which borders Zevenwacht Wine Estate, offers 99 freestanding homes and 54 independent-living apartments. At the clubhouse, residents can enjoy picturesque views and relax in front of one of the fireplaces on chilly days. All residents enjoy the benefit of discounts at the prestigious Zevenwacht Wine Estate and the array of facilities on offer such as the spa, wine tastings and restaurant. The estate promotes an active social calendar and has its own shuttle for regular excursions. Medwell SA manages the health-care centre with assisted-living suites and 10 beds for those in need of frail care. There is a coffee shop for visitors. zevenwacht-lifestyle-estate.co.za
5. BUH-REIN RETIREMENT VILLAGE The award-winning Buh-Rein Estate in the Northern Suburbs of Cape Town now caters for the full spectrum of the market with the introduction of the Buh-Rein Retirement Village in November. The 87-hectare estate offers a multipurpose sports field, family restaurant, cycling and jogging paths, open-air gymnasium as well as a future convenience centre with Checkers as anchor tenant. Security is ever-present. The village offers assisted-living and independent-living apartments, and also a care centre for both frail-care and memory-care patients. The whole village is wheelchairfriendly, with convenient elevator access on all floors. There will be a lifestyle centre with two restaurants, a deli, library, gymnasium, hobby rooms, salon, indoor heated pool as well as an indoor and outdoor braai area. A bowls lawn is also included, and for the retirees with “green fingers� there will be an immaculate herb and vegetable garden. buhreinretirement.co.za
7. THE VILLAGE AT LANGEBAAN COUNTRY ESTATE Currently on sale, with construction to commence this year, the 323-home retirement village at Langebaan Country Estate on the Cape West Coast will be part of a dynamic community, with all the established comforts, facilities and activities within the existing estate accessible to mature residents, with the addition of full frail-care and assistedliving facilities. Langebaan Country Estate already accommodates families with young children, couples, semi-retired people and corporate commuters. The Village will offer world-class hospitality and technology, along with village and home maintenance, upkeep and refurbishment. It will provide access to gyms, golf, bowling, running and cycling trails, two swimming pools and art classes. langebaanestate.co.za
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GAUTENG & KZN 1. WATERFALL VALLEY MATURE LIFESTYLE ESTATE Just 10 km north of the Sandton CBD, between Woodmead and Kyalami, lies the 24-hectare Waterfall Valley Mature Lifestyle Estate, which offers the over-50 resident an upmarket, secure lock-up-and-go lifestyle in a resort-like environment. Waterfall Valley Mature Lifestyle Estate has a wide array of facilities. The clubhouse offers panoramic views of the valley, river, natural greenbelts and chipping and putting greens is the social core of the development. It boasts a 100-seat movie theatre, multifunction ballroom, library, multiple lounges, an elegant restaurant and ladies bar, fully equipped gym with steam rooms and pool. For the more active and outdoor retirees, the estate offers 37 km of walking paths along the scenic river. Tennis courts, bowls, croquet, a horticultural centre, arts and crafts studio, hair dresser, billiards room, cigar lounge, delicatessen, health spa and even a travel agent. The estate provides specialised doctors and nurses on call 24 hours a day. Permanent on-site nursing staff may provide assisted living services to residents from within their homes, or refer residents to the fully equipped care centre facility – which is located at the sister estate Waterfall Hills. waterfall-estate.co.za/developments/waterfall-valleymature-lifestyle-estate
2. LIVEWELL VILLAGE Livewell Village in Bryanston (there’s another in Somerset West) is a specialised purpose-developed residential facility that provides care for people with dementia. The village provides a comprehensive range of services to support families and provide a comfortable and nurturing environment for residents. “We created the Livewell Villages as a result of heartfelt concern for the dignity and care of South Africans with dementia and a strong need for specialised individual care facilities in this country. They have been designed with the health, dignity and well-being of the person living with dementia in mind,” says Ivan Oosthuizen, chief executive officer of Livewell Group.
The Livewell Villages have been specially designed to provide enabling and stimulating environments for people living with various stages of dementia, in addition to around-the-clock carers who are meticulously screened and specifically trained in caring for individuals with impaired memory and cognitive function. A team of companions also keep residents company through an activity plan that has been specially designed by Livewell’s occupational therapists. Pets are welcome. livewell.care
3. THE RETREAT RETIREMENT ESTATE The Retreat Retirement Estate in Hazeldean, Pretoria East, offers two- and three-bedroom freestanding homes with private gardens, as well as apartments. It offers three indoor swimming pools, a gym, a steam room, a library, and a clubhouse where meals can be provided. There is also a social club with a variety of activities to keep residents busy, including, bridge, billiards, crochet, Pilates and bingo. The Retreat offers a fully operational frail-care centre, on site medical services and 24-hour emergency assistance. crafthomes.co.za/properties/the-retreat
4. LAZULI LIFESTYLE AND RETIREMENT ESTATE Lazuli Lifestyle and Retirement Estate for the over-50s is located at Port Zimbali on the North Coast, with Zimbali Coastal Estate as its neighbour. Its focus is sophisticated retirement with holistic wellbeing, offering an abundance of walking trails through conservation and wetland areas. Estate facilities will include a residents clubhouse complete with heated lap pool, private gym, sauna, steam room, business centre and relaxation lounge, where residents can socialise. The recently launched Sentinel Hill apartment block will contain a health and wellness centre for temporary medical recuperation of patients. The estate is pet-friendly and offers a range of accommodation options: one- to threebedroom apartments, semi-detached units and freestanding homes with their own gardens. Some have the option of private pools. There is 24-hour on-site security. lazuliestate.co.za, lakes.zimbali.co.za
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MAURITIUS
LES RESIDENCES DE MONT CHOISY Les Residences de Mont Choisy is a resort-style estate on the island of Mauritius, a stone’s throw from the cosmopolitan town of Grand Baie. It caters for maturing couples, with a combination of housing and services that allows residents to be independent but also to enjoy the convivial common areas that are adapted to the needs of seniors. It incorporates swimming pools, a restaurant, spa, fitness facilities, beauty salon, bar lounge, a wellness centre with a hammam and sauna, and a creative studio for painting, arts and crafts. Residents have the option to subscribe to the Espace Club, where they can relax, entertain and socialise with friends and family The lounge/library has a computer with internet access and a television, and activities such as bridge, scrabble and card tournaments can be arranged. All apartments have free internet access. A nurse is available on site, and there is a 24/7 emergency service offering assistance in and out of residence. residencevillasmontchoisy.com
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You deserve a place to enjoy life - play golf, take up bowls, go to the gym, have the kids over for a weekend, go for a walk, a run or take a bike ride in a safe environment, enjoy your pets, pop down to the restaurant for a bite to eat and, most importantly, feel part of a community – this is that place!
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Lodge 1, Clubhouse Drive, Langebaan Country Estate
Blok’s latest development, EIGHTONN in Norfolk Road, Sea Point, represents a new boutique approach to independent living
UrbanIDYLL Independent-living developments appeal to people who, in retirement, want to maintain a high standard of living and continue to live in a beautifully designed home, but with access to care services should the need for them arise. EIGHTONN, the latest project by Cape Town urban property developer Blok, offers spacious, highly accessible two- and three-bedroom apartments with the high spec that people have come to know and expect of the brand. EIGHTONN allows residents to remain within the urban communities they have considered home for years and encourages residents to get to know their new neighbours better. “Communal living has always been the cornerstone of Blok’s design ethos, and with EIGHTONN we were able to take this further
by designing a number of communal spaces and features that promise to continue the vibrant life people are accustomed to,” says Blok managing director Jacques van Embden. “A communal dining area and deli, a rooftop wellness studio and an inviting garden provide residents opportunities to interact with their neighbours and entertain guests.” EIGHTONN also offers residents a holistic care package that includes an on-site concierge as well as care services such as in-unit emergency systems and an on-site registered nurse to accommodate their current and future health needs. This is in addition to round-the-clock security, highspeed internet, and water-wise fittings and appliances. For more information, visit blok.co.za.
Web: blok.co.za | Tel: +27 87 820 0050 | Email: sales@blok.co.za
ANXIOUS WORLD
MEE T SEC URED INVE ST MENT
Not for the first time, Fedgroup is challenging the perceived ‘wisdom’ of market commentators. With Fedgroup’s Secured Investment, you get full capital security with an effective annual return of 12.1%* for five-year investments of R5 000 or more. You’ll also have the option to reinvest your returns, or draw a monthly income. What’s more, you’ll pay zero fees.
Talk to your broker or contact us today. SIcontact@fedgroup.co.za Tel: 0860 065 065 www.fedgroup.co.za
secured investment
*Effective rate if the interest is reinvested over the five-year fixed period at the nominal rate of 9.5% p.a. Fedgroup is a registered Collective Investment Scheme Reg. No. 1956/001143/07
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2019/02/25 13:42
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2019/01/29 10:22
THE TWO SIDES OF BUYER’S REGRET: FROM YOUR CONVEYANCER’S PEN Despite your earnest efforts to exercise caution when purchasing a property, whether as a new home or as an investment to generate rental income, a large portion of the decision is emotionally motivated. You “fall in love” with the place. And it is perhaps at this moment, coupled also with the fact that the price is right, that you urgently need to move, or that you could not fi nd anything more suitable, that you put pen to paper and sign an agreement without performing a proper inspection of the property and checking the provisions in the sale agreement. Similarly on a seller’s side, there is often some urgency and frustration in getting the property sold, as you have made plans for moving to a new residence, you are amidst applications for new bonds, and you are on standby to have your current home in a pleasant appealing condition as you wish to be ready when your agent phones with a request to bring a prospective buyer to view the home.
the purchase price, the transfer date and the occupation date, as she was busy planning her move to her new home at the same time. She is sure that she mentioned to her estate agent to convey this to the purchaser.
As a result, conveyancers will confi rm that the most frequent calls in a general practice relates either to defects in a property sold, or to items that the buyer thought were included in the sale agreement and the seller is adamant were not. Some call this “buyer’s regret”, but it is as much a concern for the buyer as for the seller, as it upsets the smooth running of a transaction and often causes costly delays as the buyer might insist on holding back a portion of the purchase price or try to walk away from the deal.
But what if the stove, even if uncontested, was not fully functional because two of the plates no longer heated up? Again, the agreement is the manifestation of what the parties agreed to and your conveyancer will refer thereto when a purchaser has a complaint about defects of this nature. Some of the agreements provided by agents include warranties regarding fi xtures and fi ttings in the home, either that the seller warrants that they belong to him and he is entitled to sell these to the purchaser, and/or that the seller warrants that they are in a good and working condition. In the absence of the latter warranty or any other formal confi rmation that the stove was fully functional, the buyer will generally not have recourse.
Let’s look at the following real-life example. John buys a property in which there is a state-of-the-art stove. Part of his excitement to buy relates to the fact that this stove is part of the home. Amidst all the clauses in the sale agreement, there was a provision that the stove was included in the sale, amongst other things such as light fi ttings, remotes for air-conditioners, pool cleaning accessories, and the like. Sarah, the seller, is however on the point of selling the stove as it was quite an expensive acquisition and she had at all stages meant to sell it before she moved, so that she can install something similar in her new home. Sarah never really read these details of the sale agreement and concentrated more on the clauses that dealt with
In the above scenario, the legal outcome will in most instances be that the written agreement trumps, as this is the formal recordal of the parties’ agreement. In fact, the Alienation of Land Act explicitly prescribes that generally all provisions of the sale of land must be recorded in a written agreement in order to be binding. Many sale agreements include a clause to this effect, confirming that the agreement is the sole record of the consensus reached between the parties and that no amendment thereto will have any effect unless reduced to writing. John can insist that the stove remains; Sarah will have to live with this in light of the content of the written agreement.
What is the moral of the story? From a conveyancer’s point of view, the moral is that it is very important for sellers and buyers to consult with an attorney before entering into a sale agreement, so that they can be advised of the consequences of the provisions; and should they want to address any aspect specifi cally, how best to do it. For expert conveyancing advice, contact us on www.stbb.co.za or on info@stbb.co.za.
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