Page 10 - Landscape-Issue149

PROJECT

THE ONE

The One, located in Stellenbosch, offers premium student accommodation within
walking distance of the university campus. Conceived as a student village rather
than a conventional residence, the development emphasises collective spaces
and shared environments, including outdoor recreational areas within the secure

courtyards of the building complex.

Project Team
Client: Buffshelfco 54 (Pty) Ltd
Developer and Project Manager:
The One Property Group
Main Contractor: WBHO
Architect: Boogertman + Partners
Landscape Architect: Boogertman +
Partners
Interior Architect: Boogertman + Partners
Electrical and Structural Engineers:
Sutherland Engineers
Landscape Contractor: VIP Gardens The passive courtyard with screened seating area, chess board, seating nooks and study area

rchitecturally, The One seeks to Landscape design concept planting palette comprises predominantly
harmonise with Stellenbosch’s Each internal courtyard has been indigenous, hardy species selected to
Ahistorical context while embracing designed with a distinct purpose. The withstand the rooftop conditions. Shrubs
a contemporary interpretation of the local active courtyard functions as the main approximately one metre high have
vernacular. Drawing on the town’s rural outdoor entertainment hub, centred on been used in planters in front of private
architectural heritage and mountainous a swimming pool and elevated deck that residential units, providing a natural screen
setting, the buildings feature smooth, serve as key focal points. Surrounding this from the adjacent public courtyards.
whitewashed walls, recessed glazing and space are communal features, including To introduce seasonal interest and
deep-set balconies that evoke the thick- a boma-style fire pit and braai areas, all visual variety, a diverse range of perennial
walled barn structures typical of the region. positioned to encourage interaction and flowering plants has been incorporated.
A combination of pitched and flat roofs connection. Adjacent to the pool is a multi- Feature species such as the Crane Flower
creates a varied roofscape, referencing the purpose area, reinforcing the courtyard’s (Strelitzia reginae) and Kranz Aloe (Aloe
town’s traditional barn-style architecture. role as a dynamic social environment. arborescens) have been strategically
Occupying an entire city block, the design In contrast, the passive courtyard offers a placed to serve as visual focal points.
also references the historic village’s original tranquil, Zen-inspired setting for quiet and Evergreen indigenous trees, planted
rectangular grid layout and ‘werf’ character. reflective activities. It features a dedicated in raised planters, contribute to the
The structure engages with the streetscape, study area equipped with charging points ambiance by providing shade, softening
creating an interactive interface at key and Wi-Fi, along with intimate gathering the hardscape and introducing vertical
points and contributing positively to the spaces and an outdoor chess board. This scale and textural interest.
public realm. To prioritise the pedestrianised courtyard supports focused study, solitude
character of the surrounding streets, parking and smaller group interaction, providing Hard landscaping
has been concealed from street view. Two a peaceful counter-balance to the active The layout of the active courtyard was
large landscaped courtyards sit atop the courtyard. largely influenced by structural expansion
parking deck, offering residents private joints running through the centre of
outdoor study areas, braai facilities, leisure Soft landscaping the podiums. As a result, the pool was
zones and a swimming pool. In line with water wise design principles, the positioned in the south eastern corner,

8 Landscape SA • Issue 149 2025 Check us out www.salandscape.co.za