Page 20 - Landscape-Issue138

FEATURE

2024 ILASA MERIT AWARDS

The 2024 ILASA Merit Awards were presented at the SAGIC Convention in
Stellenbosch, held in June. The three categories in which projects could be entered
were Research, Technology and Publications, Planning and Design, and Export of
Services.

WINNERS
Category 2: Planning and Design
The winner was CNDV Landscape Architects for
Avalon Springs, and the judges’ comments were
as follows:
This project is an excellent redevelopment
of a world-class hot spring facility in a unique
landscape setting. The project is responsive to
the cultural-historical context and the upgraded
facility is integrated with care and sensitivity into
the landscape and biophysical environment.
The complex brief and phased development
approach were not easy to achieve and yet
appear to have been successfully executed. It
is clear that the project team went above and
beyond to ensure successful delivery within the
budget. A standout feature is the meticulous
consideration of every detail of the pools,
Avalon Springs restoration: Spa pools cater for smaller groups and families spaces, surfaces and planting, and the finished
product is of a very high standard and quality.
It is robust and makes use of local materials and
local artisans.
There is a good selection of water and land
plant species, with appropriate variation in form
and texture. One point of concern, however, was
that all the iconic Washingtonia palm trees were
removed.
Perhaps future phases may restore the
budget to include interpretative signage as this
would be a valuable educational resource.
This outstanding project is not only world
class but demonstrates the exceptional value
that landscape architects contribute as lead
designers in a project. Well done!

Second place in Category 2 went to ARLA
Consulting for Rehabilitation of the Sand and
Langevlei Confluence.
Shapes used in the pool design emulate the folds of the surrounding mountains
Category 3: Export of Services
The winner was The Ochre Office for Emantini
Medicinal Garden, Eswatini (Swaziland), and the
judges comments were as follows:
A fantastically designed and well executed
project. The attention to detail and love poured
into the design and detailing of the project really
showed in the execution of the final product.
The intricacies of the paving and structures,
coupled with the collaboration with local
artisans, ensured that this project gave back to
the community during and after construction
through the upskilling of local community
members.
The planting scheme was well considered
and well executed from the planning stage
to installation and maintenance thereof. The
framed view to the surrounding landscape is the
cherry on top of this delightful project.
Dense planting and new trees help to create intimate spaces within a confined footprint. n

18 Landscape SA • Issue 138 2024 Check us out www.salandscape.co.za