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PROJECT

in the Monaco World Championships
played in March 2024. The courts have
detailing that features laser cut logos in the
supporting metal beams.
The two squash courts have a wooden
playing surface and have been built to
international standards. A specialist squash
installation company from Johannesburg
assisted the main contractor with the
construction.
Bowling green
The bowling green has been installed
in accordance with the requirements of
World Bowls, ensuring that drainage and
surface tolerance meet its strict standards.
It features an artificial turf surface, also
installed to World Bowls’ requirements. A
synthetic product was chosen as it aligns
with Simbithi’s ‘eco’ ethos; it requires no
water to maintain and maintenance costs
are relatively low.
Pavilion deck
This is situated within the sports complex
and has been designed as a meeting
point for players before and after their
games, offering food, beverages and light
background music. The larger area has a
family pool, and the Simbithi gymnasium
is also close by to provide a broader
offering to residents and members. Sports
supervisors are on hand in this area to assist
where necessary.
Environmental aspects
In terms of water conservation, Simbithi
Eco-Estate has 26 dams, each of which
supports aquatic life, including fish and
plants. Through routine education and
communication drives, residents are
encouraged to participate in rainwater
harvesting activities, an ethos followed at all
community centres and common property.
Rainwater harvested is used for irrigation
and garden maintenance in common areas.
Simbithi’s eco-friendly landscape is
evidenced by its planting palette, which has
more than 600 indigenous plant species
used in the landscaping of common areas,
Padel courts and which residents are encouraged to
use in their gardens. Plants are indigenous,
water-wise and best-placed to survive in
the natural climate of this region.
Conservation of natural resources is
encouraged and the Estate adheres to
a landscaping aesthetic which focusses
on integration with nature; landscaping
principles require residents to include free-
roaming servitudes between properties,
known as wildlife corridors. This allows areas
of Simbithi to remain natural, particularly as
natural areas are merged with landscaped
gardens. Residents are encouraged to
work with the existing undulation of the
land and to honour the original landscape
of Simbithi. The undeveloped vegetation
allows for easy implementation of the
Estate’s protocols.
Simbithi was originally a sugar cane
The lap pool farm owned by the Ladlau family prior to

14 Landscape SA • Issue 146 2025 Check us out www.salandscape.co.za