Page 7 - Landscape-Issue159

PROJECT

posing ecological risk. Its use is confined strictly to built elements and
it does not form part of the naturalised landscape matrix.
Organic compost solution used
Loop Solutions is a material circularity business that partners with
local mushroom producers to repurpose spent mushroom media,
following its primary use. Once the growing cycle is complete and
the material has been heat treated, Loop Solutions processes it to
recover fibrous components for nutritional use in dairy feed.
The remaining fraction, comprising residual organic fibres,
together with peat originally sourced from Ireland, is further refined
and repurposed for soil improvement applications. This combination
provides both structural capacity and organic content, supporting
moisture retention, aeration and overall soil functionality.
This approach ensures full utilisation of the material stream,
where nothing is wasted and all components are re-integrated into
productive use, aligning with the broader sustainability objectives
Nature walk in the pristine surrounds of the hotel demonstrated at Hiddn.

Hard landscape components
These were intentionally kept minimal and primarily structural in nature.
They include timber decks, elevated timber walkways, metal privacy
screens, gravel access roads and pathways, and boma features. Materials
were selected for low visual impact and compatibility with the rugged
mountain setting. The intent throughout was to reduce landscape
fragmentation and maintain permeability of the natural system.

Environmental compliance
CEN Environmental Management Unit (CEN IEM Unit) was appointed
to undertake the required Environmental Impact Assessments and
construction compliance monitoring in terms of the NEMA and
NEMBA Acts. The project followed the prescribed basic assessment
process and authorisation was issued, together with approval for the
Environmental Management Programme that governs construction
The pool at sunrise and operational activities.
At the outset, CEN IEM Unit undertook an assessment of the site
to ensure that highly sensitive areas would be excluded from the
development. Several specialist studies were commissioned by
them to better understand the system that was to be developed
and to ensure that the necessary areas were excluded. The studies
comprised wetlands, palaeontology, archaeology as well as a
terrestrial biodiversity assessment.
The EIA ensured that the development would have a minimal
adverse impact on the environment.
The environmental authorisation imposes strict requirements
which informed the rehabilitation approach. These included,
amongst others:
• adherence to the approved activity description;
• minimisation of disturbance footprints;
• protection of undisturbed surrounding landscape;
• mandatory use of locally indigenous species;
Timber walkways have a low visual impact and are compatible with the rugged • implementation of operational environmental controls;
mountain setting • ongoing alien and invasive species management.
The landscape rehabilitation strategy was developed specifically
to give practical effect to these conditions and to ensure long-term
ecological functionality within a highly sensitive, protected area.
The rehabilitation process was led by Warren Lange of Hort Couture
Landscape Architecture and Planning, Bruce McNicol of Terra Nova
Create and Wilson Nxamleko and his dedicated team of former
rangers from Addo Elephant National Park. From inception, the
project adopted a hands-on, knowledge-sharing model rather than a
conventional, contractor-driven landscape approach. Wilson brought
local ecological knowledge and practical field experience, which has
been central to shaping a responsive rehabilitation methodology.
On-site challenges
No conventional landscape contractor was appointed. Instead,
Wilson and his team implemented the works under direct landscape
architectural guidance so as to promote local skills. This approach
The timber waffle canopy acts as a shading device, an abstract interpretation of yielded significant benefits through upskilling and ecological literacy
the Yellowwood tree canopies found in the gorge below development within the local workforce.

Check us out www.salandscape.co.za Landscape SA • Issue 159 2025 5