Page 10 - Landscape-Issue141(2)

PROJECT

SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPING

AT NEWINBOSCH

By Mary Anne Constable

Newinbosch Neighbourhood Estate in Stellenbosch recently received a 6-Star
Green Star Sustainable Precincts certification from the Green Building Council
South Africa (GBCSA) – a first for any project in Africa.

Project Team
Developer: Similan
Architects: Osmond Lange
Landscape Architects:
CNDV Landscape Architects
Landscape Contractor:
Life Landscapes
Main Contractor: Raubex Building

Phase One, consisting of townhouses,
courtyards, homesteads and simplex homes

he residential development, which the sustainability and liveability of The Sustainable Precincts tool
features greened communal spaces to communal spaces, and Newinbosch is a acknowledges landscaping initiatives
Tpromote active and healthy living, will prime example of how this can be put into under the ‘Livability’ and ‘Environment’
include innovative landscaping concepts practice. Similan MD Harold Spies says: categories. These aspects include
such as pocket forests, regenerative “We’ve always envisioned Newinbosch as a considerations for active and healthy living,
biodiversity and an urban farm. The project is place for everyone. Our focus is on creating biodiversity enhancements, landscape
also targeting a Net Zero Ecology certification a neighbourhood with the right mix of irrigation and stormwater management.
from the GBCSA. ingredients and liveability, without the Peta Brom, sustainability consultant from
Top of mind for developer, Similan, when poshness that alienates. It’s not an estate Ecolution, notes: “There is a strong focus
planning the project, was the goal of creating a in the conventional sense, which is a subtle on public life and community cohesion
safe, accessible and inclusive neighbourhood but very important distinction for us.” in the vision for the neighbourhood,
feel. It’s a residential development that GBCSA’s Sustainable Precincts Green Star and this is apparent in every aspect of
prioritises not just the living spaces but Certification rewards developments that implementation.”
also the shared public spaces that promote consider sustainability innovations across The Newinbosch homes have received
community interaction. the entire site, rather than the individual an EDGE Advanced (Level 2) certification
buildings. It rates the planning, design and and the new Grappa Shed lifestyle centre
A green neighbourhood construction of the precinct space only. Six will be targeting a 5-Star Green Star rating
Landscaping plays a key role in reinforcing stars signifies world leadership in this realm. as well as a Net Zero Carbon certification.

8 Landscape SA • Issue 141 2024 Check us out www.salandscape.co.za