Page 9 - Landscape-Issue140

PROJECT

The bar deck is set amongst local, indigenous vegetation, creating a slightly separate space. Streams flow between pools for childrens’ play, and decking allows for seating for diners. Existing trees were protected
Shielded from pool loungers during the demolitions and building works

Majestic rock formations are kept central to the view in the new design Shapes used in the pool design emulate the folds of the surrounding mountains

very complex, and needed to take into release of flood water, without impacting formations. Careful consideration was
account pool design, safety aspects, access, on the floodplain. given to minimise the footprint of the
pumping and hot water distribution A further design aspect was the limited buildings, instead giving prominence to
systems, as well as the design of specialist space available for parking and CNDV had the landscape. The concept of the buildings
items. to redesign the parking area to free up 800 within the new landscape was to emulate
As there is a finite amount of hot water, m2 of recreational space, while keeping the the cave-like structures of the rocks, and
the water volume in the ten new hot pools same number of parking bays. new structures (upgraded ablutions,
and four mini spa pools had to remain According to Kylie Dickson, principal children’s entertainment area, a ticket office
more or less the same as the five old pools. architect at Rooted Studio Architects, and central bar area) were developed to
Narrower and shallower pools with islands the primary design strategy was to use mimic organic pods emerging from the
were designed and the water is now the flowing and bending sandstone rock natural surroundings.
effectively re-used three times: once in the formations of the Montagu region to inform
hot pools, then in the cold pools, and then the design of the pools, buildings and other Planting
for irrigation. Pumping has been minimised outdoor areas at the resort. This was required to be locally indigenous,
due to the pools flowing into one another. She says the Montagu region is unique necessitating the removal of all palm
The design allows for flooding and the geologically, with ‘awe-inspiring’ rock trees from the site.

Check us out www.salandscape.co.za Landscape SA • Issue 140 2024 7