Page 10 - Landscape SA 97

PROJECT

Sculpture by Johann Nortje, representing the leaves of the Ladder Brake Fern
(Pteris vittata), at the main entrance to the mall

FERNDALE ON REPUBLIC

Ferndale on Republic is a
recently completed shop-
ping complex in Randburg,
Gauteng, a combination
of the contemporary-style
strip mall and the more
conventional enclosed
shopping environment.
It was previously known
as Brightwater Commons
and prior to that, the Rand- Helichrysum sp adds its attractive silvery colour and good texture next to one of the
burg Waterfront. pocket parks and in the parking area

andscape architect Tiaan Laker of to its considerable length from one end to Soft landscaping
DRLA says that the main aim, from a the other.
Llandscape design point of view, was The plant palette is mainly indigenous and
to provide a low maintenance landscape A further design consideration was the water wise, with Dietes bicolor forming
with visual appeal and an emphasis on need to soften the vast expanses of the broad canvas of the landscape,
entrances, appreciating the fact that the parking space so that the plant material supplemented by hardy, low maintenance
scale of the site is approximately 1.4km and trees can provide a green, cooling material that provides colour and texture.
from entrance to entrance. “In terms of effect against the concrete areas. Climbers Kniphofia praecox and K. rooperii were
the planting, our design is a play between were provided to the façades and at the interplanted in clusters within the Dietes
the natural and the structured”, he entrances to the development, further bicolor. Agapanthus, Strelitzia reginae,
says, adding that an important factor is softening the façades. Elegia tectorum, Helichrysum sp and
pedestrian access throughout the site, due Asparagus densiflorus are some of the

8 Landscape SA • Issue 97 2020