Page 7 - Landscape-Issue154

PROJECT

SUMMIT PLACE PHASE 1

PRECINCT, CAPE TOWN

By Rainer Engberts and Carmen Lubbe, Planning Partners
Photos by Rainer Engberts

Set against the striking ecological and cultural backdrop of Cape Town, the
Summit Place Phase 1 Precinct at Riverlands is more than a feature of corporate
architecture — it is a living, layered landscape that embodies resilience, restoration

and reconnection. Located at the confluence of the rehabilitated Liesbeek and
Black Rivers and constructed on the site of a former golf course near industrial
areas, this redevelopment reimagines the relationship between nature, culture and

workplace design.

Project Team
Client: Liesbeek Leisure Property Trust
Landscape Architect: Planning Partners
Architects: Paragon Architects
Main Contractor: WBHO
Landscape Contractor: Contours
Landscapes

ith spanning podium gardens, Liesbeek River allowed for ecological biodiversity and reflects the local
ecological corridors and public integration with riverine and wetland ecological and cultural identity – all while
Wgreen spaces, the overall ecosystems, while the redevelopment enabling public access and maintaining
landscape architecture at Riverlands budget enabled generous public open the integrity of a corporate campus.
responds to both environmental and spaces and ambitious environmental At the heart of the landscape design
cultural imperatives – showcasing how restoration. Moreover, it opened a is a series of layered experiences, where
thoughtful design can reflect identity, profound opportunity to collaborate architecture and ecology merge. Podium
restore ecosystems and operate sustain­ with local First Nations communities to terraces – integral to the structure – host
ably at scale. shape a culturally significant and inclusive indigenous shrubs, textured groundcovers
landscape. and evergreen canopy trees that provide
Riverlands: A site of challenges The region’s water­scarce conditions scale and shaded spaces for informal
and opportunities required a drought­conscious, water­ meetings, reflection and rest.
The Summit Place Phase 1 Precinct is sensitive approach and the site’s heritage Throughout the site, colourful sculptural
one of many development parcels in the sensitivity demanded an integration of elements were installed to celebrate
greater Riverlands development, and the design disciplines that could respect contemporary art and animation, com­
overall Riverlands site presents a uniquely cultural narratives while meeting plementing the landscape areas. Water
complex canvas. Shaped by Cape Town’s ecological and urban demands. features, fed by recycled water and edged
Mediterranean climate, prevailing winds with riparian plants, blur the line between
and rich yet fragile riverine systems, it is Client’s vision and design sensory delight and ecological function –
defined by a mosaic of microclimates and response cooling the environment and supporting
layered histories. The client’s brief was clear yet ambitious: habitat for both people and fauna.
The project site’s location offered several create a landscape that integrates The podium landscapes attract polli­
advantages: proximity to the naturalised seamlessly with the architecture, supports nators and birds, and support indigenous

Check us out www.salandscape.co.za Landscape SA • Issue 154 2025 5