Page 8 - Landscape-Issue154

PROJECT

plant species. These connect seamlessly screens and carefully placed seating areas. Soft landscaping: A palette of place
with podium spaces, creating a continuity Architectural forms, including deep façades, The planting palette is indigenous, with the
of experience and ecosystem function. overhangs and colonnades, further generate majority of the species forming part of the
micro zones of dry shade and reflected Cape Floristic Region, one of the world’s
Microclimates as design drivers heat. This required an adaptive and resilient most diverse and endangered ecosystems.
Existing and created micro­climates became planting strategy. Layered in structure and seasonality, the
major design drivers. The orientation of the Here, planting responds with sensitivity plantings bring year­round visual interest
podium ­ with sunny northern terraces, to site conditions: full sun zones are while offering habitat and ecological
transitional western and eastern edges anchored by resilient, drought­tolerant services.
and shaded southern recesses – informed species; shaded niches support shade­ • Full sun zones feature resilient, drought­
plant selection and placement throughout adapted fynbos and understory plants. tolerant planting that thrives under direct
podium landscapes. Along water features, a diverse palette of light and heat.
Wind exposure, particularly from Cape indigenous, marginal and aquatic species • Semi­shaded areas support adaptable
Town’s persistent south­easterly, dictated the reinforces habitat value while enriching the vegetation suited to dappled light and
need for wind­resistant species, sheltering sensory experience. shifting sun conditions beneath canopy

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