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PROJECT

Project Team
• Client: Asvid Holdings/Leading Hotels of the World
• Landscape Architects: GREENinc
• Architects: Boogertman + Partners
• Main Contractor: Steffanuti Stocks
• Landscape Contractors: Life Landscapes
• Plant Broker: Tshala Plant Brokers

Water features take the form of channels, pools and waterfall shoots and spouts, all
themed on the Highveld typology of a water thread moving through the landscaped areas
Design concept
The design philosophy re-imagines a On the upper terrace, a linear water
river concept due to the fact that an element provides interest and helps to
underground stream daylights onto the draw visitors deeper into the garden
golf course. “We crafted the theme of a space. It also establishes a recurring
flowing river around this aspect of the site, theme, namely that all primary spaces are
the idea being that of a perennial stream connected by water. In the gardens of the
cascading over cliffs to a river below,” upper deck, the water origin is within the
says Kerrin. The concept references the planting and water features take the form
typology of the Highveld region with its of channels, pools, and waterfall shoots
waterfalls, pools, cascades and a mountain and spouts. A large waterfall creates the
stream all creating the sense of a water illusion of a connection to the adjacent
thread through the landscaped areas, golf course and its wetland stream.
which comprise the following:
• an upper terrace In the sunken garden, collection pools of
• a raised adult pool water become gathering points for people.
• a sunken garden with family pool, Whereas the upper terrace is characterised
pergola and cocktail bar by low perennial planting, the sunken
• a sunken spa garden with pools, sauna, garden is nestled in deep forests, with
steam room and outdoor shower tightly planted trees creating privacy and
• a conference break-out space with establishing a sense of place.
reflection pond The main entrance to the hotel is
• natural stream connecting to the golf understated, says Kerrin, but still creates
course. a sense of arrival; the simple water feature
introduces the “language of water”, the
The upper terrace consists of a raised major feature of the project.
restaurant space, separated from a cocktail
deck below. Stone walls create a separation The restaurant area on the first floor
line between private unit gardens connects inside and outside spaces,
and public spaces and are prominent extending the usable seating space. This
hardscaping features throughout. Planted is the south side of the building which is
earth mounds also create privacy, enclosed shady, and the forest-like effect “hugs” the
spaces and height screening. building.

Well-established roadside planting

Landscape SA • Issue 91 2019 5