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PROJECT

without waste. The system can run on
non­potable water, a vital consideration
in water­scarce Cape Town. Wherever
possible, the majority of irrigation water is
collected from rainwater or recycled from
other interior building services. Roofs and
podium terraces are designed to catch
water, which is then treated, stored and
reused across the site.
Landscape installation
This was undertaken by Contours
Landscapes and according to Stephen Steyn,
it was “one of the most complex landscape
installations they have undertaken”; a tight
urban site, vertical logistics, winter weather
and rigorous structural limits meant that
every cubic metre had to be choreographed.
Over 3800 bulk bags (mostly lightweight
growing medium) were lifted to multiple
floor plates and then moved to planters
on each level. Where overhead restrictions
prevented bulk placement, materials were
hand­carted across floors, which was slow
and labour-intensive work. In total, 3873
individual crane lifts were done in order to
get everything in place.
The growing medium was installed in
specified layers, and before every lift, each
bag was weighed to remain within the
structural engineer’s load limits for slab and
crane operations. Installation took place
during a very harsh winter and security
constraints on the precinct added a further
challenge. In addition, the site footprint was
extremely confined and deliveries had to
dovetail with other trades, avoiding queues
of trucks and traffic congestion.
Plant installation comprised 42 trees,
21 000 shrubs and groundcovers, and 400
bulbs.
Steyn says that Planning Partners
The podium gardens, ecological corridors and public green coordinated information efficiently and it
spaces have created a landscape that supports biodiversity was “a pleasure working alongside their
and integrates seamlessly with the architecture. The landscape team”. The landscape has since knitted
design is a series of layered experiences and throughout the site, very well and is performing as designed.
sculptural elements complement the landscaped areas. Contours’ maintenance division is
undertaking maintenance on the site.
Maintenance as stewardship
The long­term success of the podium
landscapes depends on thoughtful
stewardship. Maintenance regimes prioritise
the health of indigenous plants, careful
pruning of canopy trees, efficient water
management and seasonal adjustment.
cover or architectural elements. aggregate concrete “lily pad” walkways Here, maintenance is not an afterthought –
• Shaded niches accommodate hardy, float among planting beds, offering both it is part of the ecological choreography of
shade­tolerant plantings that contribute aesthetic rhythm and practical circulation. the site.
to biodiversity while providing structure, Terraces, steps and gathering spaces are
texture and year­round visual interest. embedded within green pockets, softened Conclusion: Landscape as living
by planting and artistic sculptures for infrastructure
At the podium level, these zones blend interest. Further features include activity The Summit Place Phase 1 Precinct at
to create a dynamic interplay of textures, zones such as a padel court, elevated Riverlands is a compelling case for landscape
colours and forms – echoing the natural viewing deck and green roofs to coffee as more than amenity – it is infrastructure,
patterns of the Cape’s wild landscapes. shops. identity and ecosystem. By engaging deeply
The irrigation system is designed to use with local ecology, cultural narratives and
Hardscaping and water-wise water efficiently, aligning with Green Star the site’s climatic complexity, the design
infrastructure SA sustainability standards. It uses sub- exemplifies how corporate landscapes
Hard landscape elements ground the design surface drip lines, smart zoning and weather can do more ­ they can heal, connect and
in material richness and function. Exposed sensors to ensure exact water application, perform. n

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