Page 17 - Landscape135

PROJECT

incline, as establishing field platforms
and walkway connections with gradients
was complex. This led to the installation
of extensive Loffelstein retaining walls
and to soften them, planted terraces were
incorporated as much as possible.
Landscaping brief and design
concept
The client’s brief called for a landscape that
would enhance local biodiversity, with a
specific focus on enriching bird habitats
and promoting their presence in the area.
The landscape design was undertaken
in accordance with Green Star principles,
using indigenous or endemic plant species
that are inherently water efficient and low
maintenance. Burger blended the design
with the natural environment in which
the project has been established. Organic
shapes have been used to mimic nature,
and rock-packed gabions as well as stone-
clad walls have been used to “speak to
the natural setting of the site”. Burger said
it would have been too expensive to use
gabion walls as retaining structures at the
sports centre, and Loffeslstein walls were
installed instead.
Another important aspect of the design A catchment dam also serves as an attractive water feature
concept was to create social spaces in
which residents and the general public
could unwind, relax and connect with
each other.
The Montessori school landscape
design is driven by the senses and
educational exploration, fostering a
love of learning and nature. It includes
shady spaces with wooden jungle gyms,
a vegetable/herb garden, hand water
pump feature, texture paths, hop scotch,
tunnel berms, sand pits, swings and a
dedicated area for ride-on toy bikes.
Soft landscaping and planting
Plant selection for the lifestyle centre
prioritised endemic species native
to the Andersite Mountain Bushveld
region, alongside indigenous varieties
known for their water efficiency and low Swimming pool at the estate’s lifestyle centre
maintenance requirements.
For the residential development,
landscape contractor David Kearns
of Vibing Gardens supplemented
the planting palette with additional
indigenous plants selected for these
same reasons. Burger adds that the site’s
natural features guided plant selection,
and that the “striking backdrop of the
koppie added distinction to the project.”
The planting design features mainly
grasses and succulents, chosen to mimic
the natural landscape.

Hard landscaping
A simple selection of paving was used
throughout the development. Bevel
paving was chosen for the walkway
alongside the parking areas, while
cobble-style paving was used for all main
walkways. Light-coloured paving was
intentionally chosen to draw attention to Retaining walls with smooth front edges were installed and planted to create appealing green walls

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