Page 18 - Landscape SA 100

LANDSCAPING FEATURE

Pergola structure with shade changing Aerial view showing the different outside spaces. Astro grass was used on top of the
throughout the day and bringing passive other buildings to soften the view and add to the parkland character.
movement into the amenity space

Reflections sculpture the social aspect without a lot of thought
going into the design and actual use of the
A sculpture of four barefoot figures on a landscape.
concrete foundation is located just off-
centre within the space, and helps to bring Fortunately, it seems that in this project,
the vertical scale of the high rise down all three of these pillars were used as a
The extensive mounded lawns are planted to a more pedestrian level. The artwork foundation – and by being environmentally
with waterwise Cynodon and closer to the by Anton Smit is called Reflections and responsible and designing for the
units, All Seasons Evergreen was used. was inspired by a poem by William Carlos enjoyment and livelihood of the residents,
Williams. much effort was focused on them and on
Hard landscape elements the actual use of the garden, strengthening
His other works are displayed around the social aspect of sustainability.
A network of polished concrete flagstones the Menlyn Maine shopping centre, and
connects to the larger amenity areas with material mostly include stone and metals, “The visual, aesthetic appeal from the
the main nodes of honed concrete surface as well as other polymers and mixed high-rise apartments is very important
beds and tan coloured Artevia decorative mediums. to the residents and I think we achieved
concrete. The flagstones connect the that objective,” says developer Henk
main entrance points with the feature Unique project Boogertman. “The lighting at night is also
geometrical shapes at the connection very attractive and the park, which is used
nodes. There is a pond-less water feature The term ‘green building’ is much more extensively, caters for both children and
toward the north of the park, and a pool than just a buzzword, and also embraces pets,” he adds.
on the 16th floor. more than just environmental aspects.
Sustainability is rooted in the three well The name Trilogy was initially inspired
Jacques van der Merwe of Greenacres known pillars – environmental, economic by the one, two or three bedroom studio
Landscapes was responsible for the hard and social aspects. apartments. Coincidentally, it seems fitting
landscape installation, and says that that this also considers the three aspects of
during construction, a ramp was used to In the South African climate, where there sustainability, namely the environmental,
bring all the material in with Bobcats. The are water and electricity challenges and economic and especially the social needs
concrete works were meticulously cast on disruptions, economic and social aspects of the users. LSA
site. will be enhanced if the environmental
or ‘green’ scores are high. For example, if
When viewing the garden from the top a building is designed and constructed
floor next to the pool, geometrical patterns correctly, with natural light on the inside, Project Team
Developer: Menlyn Maine
form a beautiful focus wrapped inside the there would be a large saving on electricity. Main Contractor: WBHO
buildings, with panoramic views towards Architects: GLH Architects
the north. To create a sense of place inside In practice, sustainability tends to focus Landscape Architects: Landmark
the park, the outside ‘rooms’ were created on the environmental and economic Studios
Landscape Contractor:
with pathways, screening and a feature pillars only, and water harvesting tanks are Greenacres Landscapes
artwork of figures within the landscape. added to a waterwise palette, neglecting

16 Landscape SA • Issue 100 2021