Page 8 - LandscapeSAIssue114

PROJECT

Another existing element was the natural
drainage line and seepage (groundwater
in the area) that was integrated into the
design as irrigation and the creation
of the previously mentioned pond.
Lastly, the views of the mountain and
orientation of the building influenced the
landscape design.

Hard and soft landscaping
Some of the hard landscaping aspects
were gabion retaining structures,
retaining walls and timber decking that
helped create the forecourt and landing
areas around the building, as well as
timber pathways joining into existing
timber elements, including on the
rooftop garden.

Storm water channels were constructed
of natural rock to absorb the flow off Front view of the environmental centre showing voids in the roof overhang to allow plants to trail through
the embankment around the back and visually connect the ground floor and roof garden. The glass front of the centre is oriented towards the
of the building; they empty into the concert lawn and stage.
constructed, natural soil pond. Paving
and stairs are also present, speaking to
the levels and flow around the building.

Solar panels were installed on the rooftop
garden to comply with the power demand.
Their orientation and positioning were
taken into consideration when it came to
planting choices on the rooftop garden,
in order to avoid shading and obscuring
over the panels.
For the soft landscaping, tolerant species
(for extreme conditions) were chosen
as they can handle a wide range of soil
moisture conditions. On the rooftop
garden, succulent species were used,
anticipating that it would be very hot and
dry in summer and very wet in winter.
Geoplast, a specialised drainage layer,
was used; it consists of a cup-like drainage
structure that creates mini reservoirs to
hold water, ensuring that soil moisture Roof garden planting includes succulent and fynbos species, as well as geophytes rescued from the nature
holding capacity on the roof garden can reserve. This has resulted in a diversity of micro habitats.
be increased, whilst still allowing for free
drainage to prevent water logging. This
successfully regulates the roof garden
drainage.

Landscape installation
Ezra Watson of Bantu Environmental
Solutions was the landscaping and
irrigation sub-contractor for the project.
He says he took on the project “because
of its uniqueness”.
Irrigation, water saving aspects
and maintenance
Maintenance is being done by on site
nature reserve staff (City of Cape Town).
Irrigation consists of a combination
of sprayers and drip irrigation on the
rooftop garden, using the recycled,
captured groundwater which is recycled
into the tank system for the large lawn
areas.

6 Landscape SA • Issue 114 2022