Page 8 - Landscape135

PROJECT
The planting design is a combination of highveld grasses, perennial herbs and annual bulbs, contrasted
with a thicket mix of succulent type species
6 Landscape SA • Issue 135 2024
black facebrick and textured plaster walls.
Private and more public spaces on the
podium are distinguished by a change
from concrete pavers to porcelain tiles
and a level change of approx. 600mm.
Portulacaria hedge lines provide further
definition and screening. Timber is
used sparingly throughout the scheme,
bringing hints of warmth to concrete
benches or screening more private
areas such as pools and dining spaces.
Wayfinding in the form of simple powder-
coated aluminium pillars is provided at
key access points around the site.
The western corner of the development
integrates more commercial activities
into the otherwise solely residential mix.
Here, a spa, restaurant, coffee shop, gym
and conference facility spill out both on
podium level and street level. In front of
the restaurant, two swimming pools with
infinity edges hang on the edge of the
podium and frame spill-out spaces for
tables and chairs. A sunken terrace with
fire pits provides incredible views of the
sunset.
On podium level the central space
between the four buildings is divided
into three pockets. The central space is
primarily an arrival plaza to orientate
visitors. The spaces to the side provide
recreational amenities for residents
including outdoor gym equipment, large
lawn mounds for children, seating spaces,
lawned amphitheatre seating, a sprint
track, synthetic turf field and a communal
braai area.
At street level, the western corner of
the building opens onto a public piazza
with large planted mounds that frame an
artwork installation by acclaimed artist
Lorenzo Nassimbeni. The artwork is a
paving installation of dissipating ellipses
cut from red and grey terrazzo tiles that
lead the pedestrian to the front door.
Landscape installation and
irrigation
Countryline undertook the landscape
installation, and Christopher Wijnberg
says that the project had many of
the same challenges associated with
any installation. However, access and
placement of soil were ‘large tasks’
requiring additional resources and labour,
compared to other similar projects.
“The intricate and thoughtful design
by Andrew Kerrin made the job of both
plant procurement and onsite installation
challenging, and meticulous planning
was required at all stages to ensure a
successful outcome. These challenges
were overcome and we believe that the
sophisticated landscape design was
realised by our knowledgeable, well
managed team.”
Automatic irrigation is limited to lawns.
All other areas have turf valves and are
watered by hand in dry periods.
Text and photos by Andrew Kerrin n
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