Page 19 - Landscape-Issue128

PROJECT

STARRATE

Starrate is a supplier
of pharmaceutical
packaging and
biological solutions for

Africa. It is a commercial
project, situated in the
light industrial area
of Springfield Park in

Durban.

Project Team
Client: Starrate
Landscape Design and Construction:
Landscape Inspirations

hehnaaz Asmal of Landscape
Inspirations says that the client
Sspecified an indigenous, low
maintenance garden, but wanted to
retain the established Royal Palms and
Spindle Palms that would survive the harsh
surrounding environment.
Although the business is situated in a
light industrial area, the surroundings of
which are unkempt, not landscaped and
deteriorating, the landscape philosophy
was to provide a positive impact on the
mindset of employees and visitors by
creating a garden that uplifts the space.
The client hoped that in doing so, the
surrounding businesses would adopt a
similar approach, promote the importance
of environmental awareness, and enhance
the visual appearance of the area.
As the site was not previously
landscaped, soil conditions were very
poor and were mixed with asphalt, rubble
and debris. As a result of this, the existing
material was excavated to a depth of
500mm and thereafter topsoil and compost
were imported for planting. Ground levels
were extremely uneven, as was the paving
on the sidewalk. In order to undertake
an overall revamp of the site, Landscape
Inspirations removed the sidewalk paving,
despite it being municipal property. The
correct ground preparation was carried out,
levels obtained and the existing paving re-
laid, thus enhancing the finished product
by paying attention to the small details that
impact on the overall appearance of the
site.
A further challenge was that the building
is located in a cul-de-sac and the wind
creates a vortex within this space; as it is an Established palm trees were retained as they are able to survive the harsh, industrial environment n

Landscape SA • Issue 128 2023 17