Page 16 - Landscape-Issue142

PROJECT

HERTFORD OFFICE PARK

BUILDING K

Hertford Office Park in Vorna Valley, Midrand, has been at the forefront of
development in this area, with several commercial buildings at the foot of the
greater Waterfall precinct. It is surrounded by multiple amenities and transport

routes, designed to enrich this work environment.

Project Team (for Buildings K and M)
Developer: Abland/Abcon
Architect: MWLF Architects
Landscape Consultant:
Connie Pretorius Landscape Design
Landscape Contractor: Bidvest Top Turf
Main Contractor: Probest

lthough complemented by the
precinct itself, the office park has its
Aown identity with its award-winning
landscaped gardens and water features,
offering a much needed escape from the
corporate setting. An office park coffee
shop and well used communal boardroom
marry the buildings together by means of
green areas and interconnected streams and
ponds. Formal water features provide further
interest at Building I and the gym at Building
M. The park extends to the landscaped
sidewalks, enhancing the precinct.
The client’s brief called for a design
that maintains the green landscaping of
the existing park. The larger landscape
space adjacent to Building K allowed for
the introduction of a pond, walkways
Juncus effusus, a versatile grass for wet or dry conditions and sufficient seating. A predominantly
indigenous planting palette was required to
provide a natural look and feel. The overall
aim was to provide an aesthetically pleasing
and lasting landscaped base, seasonal
interest and colour, and for people within
the park to use the outdoor space.
In addition, the intention is to ensure
water saving by using water stored in the
tank farms, with municipal top-up when
required.
Landscape design concept
The entrance ‘courtyard’ between Building
K and the adjacent building to the east is
accessed via a two-way access ramp. This area
has large planters rooted with indigenous
trees and groundcovers to emphasise
the building entrances. Rectangular free-
standing pots on plinths further enhance the
greening of this area.
The level differences from the building
to the landscape area south of the building
posed an interesting challenge. A handshake
was possible, with the higher level reaching
into the green area and a two-tiered pond
A low berm planted with indigenous plants; large boulders edge the pond visually holding the lower level. Having the

14 Landscape SA • Issue 142 2024 Check us out www.salandscape.co.za