Page 26 - Landscape-Issue152

PROJECT

ENPROTEC

Enprotec is a multi-disciplinary engineering group specialising in mining and
minerals processing, with branches in Pretoria and Middelburg. Banie Erasmus of
Swirls of Green Landscaping was approached to design and install the landscaping
at their Pretoria head office and for this work, received a gold award in the 2025

SALI Awards of Excellence. The project was entered in the category of Landscape
Design and Construction.

garden, a formal, paved walkway, a fully as tree aloes flanking the entrance and
Project Team automated irrigation system and the strelitzia reginae grouped among fine-
Client: Enprotec Engineering manufacture and placement of custom- textured groundcovers for added contrast
Landscape Design and Installation: designed steel planters. Each element and emphasis. The inclusion of indigenous
Swirls of Green Landscaping was carefully planned and executed to trees was an especially important
align with the overall design intent, while consideration, both to reinforce the low
addressing the site’s specific challenges. maintenance, waterwise ethos of the
A key challenge was the natural slope design and to support local biodiversity.
rasmus explains that the project from the parking area down towards the
comprised two phases: the atrium building entrance, which required precise Hard landscaping
Eand the main entrance. In the first level adjustments and contouring to create Swirls of Green was responsible for the
instance, the client requested the creation smooth, safe transitions throughout the design, manufacture and installation of
of an atrium – a peaceful space for staff to space. The in-situ cast concrete pavers recessed steel planters, in-situ cast concrete
use during smoke breaks or private calls. forming the main walkway were chosen pavers, steel spheres and steel and timber
The space will also be used for entertaining for their durability and were finished with benches within the atrium. Additionally,
clients and small, informal seating areas a non-slip surface to ensure visitor safety in they transformed an existing, dilapidated
were therefore required. The atrium space both wet and dry conditions. planter in the atrium into a striking water
has a water feature incorporating the The existing soil on the site was of poor feature. To reinforce the garden’s structured
company’s logo as the focal point. quality and did not provide sufficient layout, they also installed steel edging
For the main entrance, the client did drainage, so a custom soil mixture was throughout, ensuring that the strong
not provide a specific brief, other than brought in to enhance soil structure and formal lines of the design were maintained.
requesting accessibility for wheelchairs and ensure proper drainage for healthy plant
a clear walkway connecting the entrance growth. Irrigation and maintenance
to the workshops. Beyond that, they were The slanted and partially recessed steel The automatic irrigation system was
given creative freedom to develop the planters were custom-made to create a bold designed to be both efficient and
design. focal feature while integrating seamlessly waterwise, tailored to the specific plant
into the contours of the walkway. Their palette and layout. It was installed from
Contemporary garden design placement, combined with the structured an existing tank and pressure system. Care
Erasmus says that their objective was planting and geometric paving, brought was taken to avoid overspray onto the
to design a contemporary, evergreen together a cohesive and contemporary concrete walkway, ensuring user safety
garden requiring minimal maintenance, aesthetic. while minimising water runoff and wastage.
while remaining waterwise. The layout Swirls of Green is responsible for weekly
was guided by formal lines and geometric Plant selection maintenance of the landscaping.
shapes, incorporating berms and subtle This was guided by key criteria: evergreen
contours to enhance structure and form. To foliage, waterwise characteristics, a Judges’ comments
define the space and create visual interest, naturally neat growth habit, hardiness The SALI judges’ comments for the project
slanted, circular steel planters were custom- and a strong emphasis on predominantly were as follows:
manufactured and placed on either side of indigenous species. The design for this corporate client makes
the walkway, partially intersecting with it Erasmus aimed to create visual interest use of large format pavers intersecting with
to evoke the sense of an elevated garden through contrast in texture and leaf geometric circular motifs. Steel planters
flanking the path. colour, for example Gazania regens var. cutting into the walkways – a striking detail
The design was developed to offer strong Leucolaena was mass planted alongside when viewed from the first floor boardroom
visual appeal from all angles, with specific the steel planters for a bold, silvery-green – offer a stunning perspective of the
emphasis on the view from the boardroom groundcover. Asparagus densiflorus was garden’s thoughtful geometry.
on the first floor. Plant selection focused used near flat feature rocks, interplanted The planting scheme is minimalist and
on evergreen species with a naturally tidy with Falkia repens to soften the hard edges low maintenance, making use of both
growth habit, carefully chosen to maintain and add a lush, layered effect. To enhance indigenous trees and perennials. This
a clean aesthetic throughout the year and this soft, textured planting, steel spheres ensures a polished, inviting look all year
to complement the structured lines formed were strategically placed within the round.
by the circular planters and square paving Aparagus, creating the illusion that they Over time the garden has flourished
blocks. were floating just above the foliage; this into the welcoming and functional space
adds a playful sculptural element and draws envisaged by the client.
Installation the eye into the planting.
The scope of work encompassed the Structural focal points were established Text and photos supplied by swirls of Green
complete installation of the landscaped using strong architectural plants such Landscaping n

24 Landscape SA • Issue 152 2025 Check us out www.salandscape.co.za