Page 6 - Landscape-Issue159

PROJECT

Because of the limited space for development, the villas were elongated along contour lines parallel to the cliff edge, drawing guests through the space and
right to the cliff edge

Metal privacy screens and other hardscape components are intentionally The hotel and fire pit
structural, and were selected for low visual impact

Mountain suite exterior, and metal screen. Timber decks are compatible with the rugged mountain setting

rock formations were architecturalised, creating villas with stone-clad This philosophy aligns with the environmental authorisation and
walls that separate different spaces. sustainability ethos of the project.
The building is low, nestled into the landscape as a place of
shelter. Because of the limited space for development, the villas Plant selection and ecological strategy
were elongated along favourable contour lines parallel to the cliff All plant material was selected from locally indigenous species
edge, with expansive views of the mountains and the valley, drawing suited to the acidic and nutrient poor soils typical of the Suurberg
guests through the space, right to the cliff edge. A green roof was ridge environment. Species selection prioritised tolerance to shallow
added to integrate the building into the landscape and offer thermal quartzitic substrates, exposure and low water availability.
mass for insulation. Ultimately, the building reflects the landscape, Indigenous grass seed mixes were introduced as pioneer species
shaped by the site’s constraints yet seamlessly related to its context. to achieve rapid soil stabilisation and surface coverage. These grasses
function as ecological groundwork, facilitating natural succession and
Landscape design philosophy enabling self-propagation and dispersal of locally appropriate species
This is rooted in authentic place making, with the intention of allowing over time. This succession-based approach is critical in such harsh
the landscape to re-establish its former ecological richness. The ridge conditions where soil development and ecosystem recovery are
objective was not to impose a manicured garden aesthetic, but rather gradual processes.
to enable natural systems to reassert themselves in harmony with the A single exotic species, Trachylospermum jasminoides, was
built form. The development draws strongly from the character of introduced in a limited and controlled way on the timber horn features
the Suurberg Mountains and surrounding protected landscape, with of the suites and public buildings. It was selected because it is non-
emphasis on ecological integrity and long-term resilience. invasive, non-self-seeding, evergreen and visually softening without

4 Landscape SA • Issue 159 2025 Check us out www.salandscape.co.za