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PROJECT FEATURE
in the hard landscape contribute to the
latter. Robust seating elements have been
installed in demarcated zones under trees
and throughout the landscape for visitors
and tenants to enjoy the outside areas.
Landscape installation
This was undertaken by Countryline.
Environmental aspects
Existing indigenous trees on site were
surveyed and, as far as possible, protected
during the construction phase to provide
Plant choices are species of a flowering nature that grow well in the area a mature look and feel to the centre,
as if it has been there for a while. Says
Vunderink: “This is something that we
as landscape architects strive to execute
as far as practically possible. Due to the
heat and water scarcity, the trees give
welcoming shade to tenants and visitors,
and seating areas have been allocated
under the trees to allow people to enjoy
the environment. Water is a crucial aspect
which had to be taken into consideration,
as it determined the plant choices made.
With the maturing of the landscape, it is
becoming evident that selections and
placement of trees and plants were well
thought through, and the plants and
trees are thriving.”
Irrigation
A combination of dripline and spray
irrigation has been installed on an
automated basis. Water is sourced from
boreholes located on site and reticulated
to the areas as required. Irrigation
runs mainly in the evenings when
temperatures are cooler, and weather
permitting. Mulch in the plant beds
assists with retaining moisture in the soil,
reducing irrigation needs.
Storage tanks, with borehole supply,
are located in the basement of the centre
and water is reticulated to the various
planting zones as required.
Information and photos supplied by Wim
The design concept aimed to create a lush, green landscape in an area known for being dry and bare Vunderink, DRLA
tree choices are of a flowering nature and
provide colour all year round. In the food
court pots were proposed, with shade
loving plants creating a sense of home
while enjoying a meal. Trellises along the
food court area support climbing plants,
creating a green wall of planting and
flowers. They create the feeling of sitting
in a forest setting.
Hard landscaping
Local suppliers were approached to
assist with providing the hard landscape
elements used for the project. A
combination of clay and concrete has
been used to demarcate and guide
pedestrians along the colonnade and
in the parking area. Different textures Trellises with climbing plants create a pleasant green wall n
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