Page 9 - Landscape-Issue148

PROJECT

City of Tshwane Regulations
Regulations by the City of Tshwane’s Environmental and Agriculture
Manage ment Department on open space provisioning had to be
adhered to. Due to the fact that all the shared recreational space was
on the first floor and not on grade, this was considered a green roof
and thus had to comply with the requirements set out by Council
in the town planning stages of the project. This meant that a large
surface area had to consist of planting, leading to a softer and more
inviting space with social and environmental benefits.
Soft landscaping, planting and irrigation
The base planting palette includes evergreen perennials with strap-
like leaves that provide structure and occasional splashes of colour.
It was important to take into account the changing micro-climates
on site, especially in the central courtyard where sun exposure varies
greatly between seasons. In mid-summer, this area receives several
hours of sunlight per day, whereas there is no direct sun between
April and September. Dietes bicolor and Crocosmia aurea add height
and structure to the low planters, and Agapanthus praecox create a
soft border to the central pause zone and taller perimeter planters,
looking attractive beneath the 500L Ilex mitis planted adjacent to the
pickleball court. ‘Endless Possibilities’ in the pause zone of the central courtyard. The stairs
Trachelospermum jasminoides trail against the safety fence,
eventually creating a fragrant screen between the court and behind link the space with Phase 2
Phase 2. Chlorophytum saundersiae mixed with Hemerocallis hybrids
complement the delicate texture of the fine leaves of Afrocarpus
falcatus under which they are planted. Large planters in the shady
northern courtyard contain Trichilia emetica and Clivia miniata, with
Liriope muscari in the lower planters.
The client requested that base planting be supplemented with
colourful annuals in preparation for students moving in. Warm
colours were chosen to add energy and excitement to the space, and
have been arranged to create a gradual blending of one colour hue
to another.
A fully automated irrigation system has been installed, with
ground floor areas consisting of pop-ups and standpipes. The entire
first floor is a drip irrigation system, optimising water delivery to
plant roots. Mulching over all plant beds and planters helps to reduce
evapo-transpiration.

Hard landscaping
The water feature in the northern courtyard creates a tranquil effect
while providing a focal point upon entering the space from the main
courtyard. The acoustics of the space were taken into account, and
because of the potential application of sound, the water feature
design aimed to create a soothing, trickling sound that will not The focal point of the northern courtyard is a playful sculpture juxtaposed
overpower the user. Water springs from bubblers that are sunken against the formal Rustenburg black granite water feature
into black granite slabs, with recesses cut into their edges to create a
rivulet effect. The feature forms a foreground for a sculpture placed
in the planter behind it.
Four large sculptures were commissioned by the client. They are
bold and colourful, and placed strategically on the first and ground
floors. On entering the first floor from the study centre of Phase 2, a
large heart-shaped balloon sculpture signifies the good in all of us.
In the pause zone, cartoon-like characters invite us to embrace the
potential of our own personal journeys. Set against the water feature,
one is reminded of the power of the joy of living when reading ‘life
is beautiful’ in bold red lettering. Finally, a large blue bear is the focal
point of the fitness centre exterior on the ground floor, encouraging
fun and playfulness.
Hardscape finishes complement the architectural materiality.
Seating on the first floor comprises composite decking benches
mounted against tree planters, and match the black brick of the
architecture and planted walls. On the first floor, this is softened by
artificial lawn, a practical and more appropriate alternative to natural
lawn for the high-traffic nature of the space, which is interlaid with
large stepping stones.

Information supplied by Megan Marais of Boogertman + Partners.
Photos by Franz Rabe/ Natural Photography/naturalphoto.co.za and Megan Parking along Brooks Street was arranged around the mature Jacaranda trees
Marais. that characterise this part of Pretoria n

Check us out www.salandscape.co.za Landscape SA • Issue 148 2025 7