Transform your living space into a luxury abode with House & Home’s meticulously designed collection of premium leather furniture.
See page 3
The fi re in a hijacked Johannesburg building in Marshalltown last month, which claimed 77 lives, and the gas leaks causing a fi re and explosion in the city’s CBD, hospitalising many, highlight concerns about poor urban management, weak by-law enforcement and inadequate governance in the city centre.
Paul Jackson, CEO of the Trust for Urban Housing Finance (TUHF), says: “Although the media coverage of these devastating events draws a much-needed spotlight to the challenges faced in the inner city of downtown Johannesburg, these occurrences are regrettably not isolated and a consequence of a much longer-standing issue.
One that must be addressed as a matter of urgency.”
CALL FOR ACTION
Having been a stakeholder in the inner city for two decades, with more thanR5bn invested in Johannesburg’s CBD, TUHF remains committed to ongoing discussions with local government concerning the persistent underlying issues that preceded the recent headline events.
“From the lack of service delivery, the increased scourge of hijacked buildings, damage to properties caused by the 2021 riots, xenophobic attacks and dangerously insu cient maintenance of infrastructure, we have relentlessly voiced our
BY ARENAconcerns and engaged with the local government to fi nd solutions,” says Jackson. “There is an urgent need for improved management and intervention in the CBD to ensure the safety of the people who live here and the imperative growth of this vital economic hub, which is not achievable without local government action.”
For more than 20 years, TUHF has played a pivotal role as a prominent impact investor in SA’s inner cities, championing Johannesburg’s CBD as a prime investment destination, especially for everyday South Africans.
“Regeneration in the inner city has seen ordinary people, with street smart and knowledge, turn rundown buildings into successful, a ordable rental housing businesses,” says Jackson. “TUHF has empowered aspiring property entrepreneurs to create safe homes and jobs within the inner city and to make an impact on communities that live, work and play here. We remain committed to the property investors we support and, as such, we must call for urgent change in the way the Johannesburg CBD is being managed.”
TUHF is deeply concerned about the recent tragic events in Johannesburg’s CBD, which highlight systemic issues a ecting capital
markets, the insurance sector, rental housing providers and tenants. The organisation blames the critical situation on poor execution by City management. Urgent improvements in urban management, compliance and administration are imperative to prevent future incidents.
“The wellbeing of the residents and businesses in the CBD should be a top priority for the City,” says CEO of TUHF21 Lusanda Netshitenzhe.
“TUHF urges the City of Johannesburg to prioritise improved management and better governance of the inner city and to take concrete steps to address its deterioration. TUHF believes in investment in the inner cities as essential to inclusive and transformative economic growth.
“Inner cities have the potential to drive real growth at a local level and provide economic opportunities to SMMEs and low to moderate income households.”
Given the threats to lives and livelihoods in the CBD, TUHF urges the leadership of the City of Johannesburg to promptly address urban management and investment infrastructure issues.
“We maintain that collaboration is essential to address the challenges that are apparent in Johannesburg,” says Netshitenzhe. “A coordinated and comprehensive approach is needed to restore confidence in the CBD for all the City’s stakeholders. This reality cannot be ignored any
longer, and TUHF joins all invested stakeholders of the inner city in calling for urgent action and changes to the way the City is managed.
“We are committed to collaborating with the City and other stakeholders to fi nd sustainable solutions to the issues facing the CBD and believe that a united e ort is essential to create a more prosperous City.”
RESPONSE FROM SA’S LEADERS Gauteng’s premier Pnyaza Lesufi recently established a commission of enquiry, chaired by retired judge Justice Sisi Khampepe, to probe the reason for the fi re and investigate the city’s hijacked buildings.
“The commission will investigate the prevalence of hijacked buildings in Johannesburg, what caused the deadly blaze in Marshalltown, and who must shoulder total responsibility for this tragedy,” he said.
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, as reported by Netwerk24, said the blame for the fi re cannot solely be placed on the government; the entire community shares responsibility. He emphasised that the community should report criminal activity, with the authorities responsible for responding to these reports.
He acknowledged the city’s e orts to remove illegal occupants from buildings, though progress is gradual.
One of the primary challenges for Johannesburg’s underprivileged is the severe housing shortage, exacerbated by rapid population growth. The City of Johannesburg currently grapples with a backlog of 500,000 housing units, with at least 100,000 people estimated as homeless according to the last count conducted five years ago. Although the City says at least 200 families (more than 400 people) have been affected by the fire, some residents of the Marshalltown building says more than 1,000 were left homeless.
A community of more than 200 local and foreign national wastepickers live in the Express building in Nugget Street.
Fifty families live in a ruined building on the corner of Alexander and Market streets in Johannesburg’s inner-city.
Thousands of Johannesburg inner-city residents occupy buildings in conditions like those that led to the fire that killed 77 people. They live in derelict multistorey buildings, former office blocks, sectional title buildings, tenements, empty warehouses and factories.
Sources: Daily Maverick and News24
Elevate your living space to new heights with House & Home’s expertly crafted, high-quality range of leather furniture
WORDS AND PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
Looking for a genuine leather lounge suite or a unique statement piece? Look no further than House & Home – their wide range of beautiful and expertly crafted leather furniture is made from premium hide, making these pieces stylish and comfortable additions to your home. Moreover, their leather range is especially suited to spacious homes in luxury estates, for people who enjoy the typical South African lifestyle – a seamless indoor/ outdoor flow where socialising with family and friends is a priority. These high-end estates may be situated all across the country, from the dry bushveld to the balmy South African coastlines, but the House & Home range is specially developed to suit any environment.
THE CHOICE IS YOURS
Not only do you have a wide choice of design options, from contemporary to classic, you can also choose from a selection of leather treatments, textures and colours. This means you can choose the perfect option for your specific style and environment, making your suite authentically yours.
The stylish and super comfortable
three-piece Westview suite, upholstered in full hide with top grain leather uppers, is an example of superior craftmanship, durability and exceptional value. This timeless suite has ultra-soft seating and its 70cm large movement action allows you to lie back and stretch out to relax fully.
Talking about relaxing, the impressive Jagger recliner with its black leather upper and leather-like fabric is also available in striking red and the perfect option for your home entertainment space. Its manual reclining mechanism opens with a pull handle inside the arm rest, which means you can recline to any comfortable position depending on the weight behind your push action. There’s another bonus: it has a cup-holder in the arm rest.
Looking for a single showpiece in your home? You can’t go wrong with the timeless three-seater favourite; the Chesterfield couch.
Upholstered in genuine top-grade oxblood leather, it is a beautifully crafted piece that is fi nished with the fi nest attention to detail.
These are just a few options available in House & Home’s leather range, but let’s get to know our leather coverings better so you
know what to choose to suit your style and environment best.
ALL ABOUT LEATHERS
Apart from the excellent craftsmanship and stylish design options, there are more reasons leather is an excellent choice for your home. Its breathability and adaptability to your specific temperature, for instance, makes it an extremely comfortable choice. However, it is important to know the di erent kinds of leather options so you make the right decision before you buy. House & Home’s leather range is available in three main types: corrected grain, semi aniline and full aniline.
• Corrected grain has an applied surface fi nish of pigments and sealer coats making it more resistible to marks and spillages. It has a regular texture and a colder, fi rmer feel due to the correction process that disguises the irregularities within the hide. Characteristics: consistent colour, improved light fastness, good defect coverage
and it is an easy option to maintain.
• Semi-aniline is stylish and has a natural feel. It provides a uniform look due to a mixture of dye and pigment, but all the natural marking and scars on the hide are still visible. These are not defects, it gives the leather its character and authenticity
AUTHENTIC CHARACTER
and di erentiates it from corrected grain. Characteristics: it has a natural grain surface, improved light fastness, is practical and breathable.
• Full aniline with its silky touch is a favourite with leather connoisseurs. The fi nish consists of pure dye sprayed with a dye mixture and other substances that don’t disguise any unique markings or scars on the hide.
Characteristics: looks and feels good to the touch, it has natural grains and markings, and is comfortable and breathable.
It takes at least three hides to manufacture a couch. No two hides are identical so there may be substantial variation, shape and texture present, even within the same hide. This makes leather softer and gives it a natural feel.
It also makes each couch unique.
During the ageing process, leather furniture moulds to the owner’s body shape. The colours also mellow over time depending on how it is used in the home and the environment. It all makes every piece of furniture uniquely your own. Leather also tends to absorb body oils and perspiration, making the leather darker on the areas of contact with the body. Aniline is sensitive to light and it is best to keep it away from windows and areas of direct sunlight. Another economical option to ensure you get that authentic leather look is to select lounge suites and furniture pieces with genuine leather uppers. These suites incorporate a combination of PU or PVC in conjunction with genuine leather, making it much more cost e ective but with most of the benefi ts of a full leather suite. Any of House & Home’s furniture ranges can be manufactured in the leather upper option.
SA’s penthouses are among the most desirable globally, from those in the Western Cape with ocean and mountain vistas to Gauteng’s sleek and chic city pads
WORDS: : STAFF REPORTER AND SUPPLIED :: PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
If you’ve got a few million to spare and you’re eyeing exclusive real estate, you’re in good company. SA’s luxury penthouses are among the world’s most soughtafter properties, o ering stunning views, prime locations, privacy, exclusivity and serious status. It’s where discerning high-end buyers are investing their wealth. This is according to licensee for See Atlantic Seaboard and the City Bowl Ross Levin. Whether it is the spectacular sight over the Atlantic Seaboard and out towards Robben Island, views over the Indian Ocean in Umhlanga or beautiful cityscapes from the exclusive patios of Sandton penthouses, demand for these home is growing, says Levin. “Buyers are looking for views and exclusivity, luxury interiors, and often a concierge and valet service as well. It is also about status and convenience.”
THE WORLD’S MOST PRICEY
The world’s most expensive penthouses have all sold for more than $100m (about R2bn). Notable examples include the Odeon Tower Penthouse in Monaco ($ 440m), Penthouse D in London’s One Hyde Park ($237m), the Ritz-Carlton Penthouse in New York ($118m), Woolworth Tower Residence in New York ($110m), House No 1 in The Peak in Hong Kong ($102m), and CitySpire Penthouse in New York ($100m). Penthouses consistently command higher prices compared to houses due to their rarity – typically, there’s only one per building, located on the top one or two floors, providing unobstructed 360° views. These spacious residences, ranging from 600m² to 1,000m², feature premium fi nishes, ensuite bedrooms, smart luxury features and often private terraces,
sometimes with pools. They also o er access to fi ve-star amenities, including gyms and private lifts.
PLACE OF NATURAL BEAUTY
Penthouses on the Atlantic Seaboard in Cape Town are highly sought after, fetching a premium of 40% to 50% compared to other apartments. Prices range from R55m (about $ 3m) to R250m ($13m) for penthouses here. Exclusive options include penthouses at the One&Only at the Waterfront, Waterfront Marina and Clifton overlooking Moses Beach.
According to Adrian Mauerberger, a luxury sectional title agent with See Bantry Bay and Sea Point are becoming sought-after areas. The most exclusive options include The Bantry, Aurum, The President and The Fresnaye. Prices start at R30m.
The Poplar by Horizon Capital Residential is a boutique apartment
block in Cape Town o ering exclusivity and a luxury lifestyle. The last of the development’s three penthouses o ers an apartment area of 90m2 and has a private 75m2 pool terrace with stunning rooftop views of the city, harbour and sea.
Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the apartment with natural light, overlooking iconic Cape Town landmarks.
The design combines elegance and sustainability features, while CCTV and secure access provide peace of mind.
“The Poplar is our third development in Vredehoek that follows a more gentle art-deco inspired aesthetic,” says group MD David Sedgewick. “We’ve tried to capture the heritage of the area by incorporating more curvature, setting back the building from the boundaries to ensure breathing room between neighbouring properties and incorporating timeless vertical accents.”
CITY OF GOLD
In Sandton, Waterfall City’s ultra-luxurious penthouses have been sold for up to R75m.
Exclusive options include the Michelangelo and Da Vinci, with prices ranging from R80m to more than R250m. Ellipse Waterfall, developed by Tricollt and Attacq Limited, has only seven beautifully designed penthouses, ranging from 165m² to 390m² and priced between R7.7m and R14m available for sale.
One such penthouse spans two levels and o ers panoramic city views. The interior features an open-plan kitchen, lounge, dining area, two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a balcony on the fi rst level. The second level houses the master bedroom with a walkthrough wardrobe and lavish en-suite bathroom, leading to a private terrace and second lounge.
The unique double-level design o ers distinct living areas, and soundproofi ng ensures peace and quiet. Ellipse Waterfall provides 24-hour security, CCTV, secure parking, backup power and water facilities. Residents also enjoy top amenities including dining at the Olives & Plates restaurant and wellness services at TriFit Wellness and Life Day Spa.
PEARLS OF UMHLANGA
According to See licensee for Umhlanga Anni Eisele, the area o ers exclusive penthouses with a 45% to 50% price premium over other apartments.
In-demand options include The Oysters, which sold for R13m, was resold for R29m after renovation, and is now valued at R35m. The Pearls of Umhlanga penthouse sold for R50m in 2021, the highest in the Durban and Umhlanga area.
Take in the breathtaking 180° views of the Indian Ocean. Delight in walking directly onto Christmas Bay Beach. Explore the lush coastal forest as your back garden. Ride life’s adventures with your own private stabling and equestrian facility. Select your stand from just R1.85 million, bring your dream home to life and enjoy the best in coastal living every day.
Considered a closely guarded treasure of the North Coast, Seaton residents have direct access to over a kilometre of pristine beach frontage on the treasured Christmas Bay. This combined with the fragrance of country grasslands and lush coastal vegetation invites you to lose yourself in this premium coastal estate.
Brookfield at Royal is launching phase three of their premium development next month. Here life is beautiful and a round of golf on an award-winning golf course is always on the menu – breakfast, lunch or dinner
WORDS AND PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
It doesn’t matter who you are, where you come from or where you’re going, the new Brookfield at Royal is where your life begins.
A home in this premium development o ers you the heart of living a beautiful life in Africa. Here you’ll fi nd a leafy refuge situated within the precincts of the prestigious Royal Johannesburg – close enough to the rhythmic pulse of the continent’s vibrant commercial mecca, Johannesburg.
ALL IN ONE
You’re in business, an entrepreneur, you travel, you appreciate the timeless pleasure only found in a round of golf,
the gravitas of playing on a course where the greats of the game made their name. You value a superior, modern lifestyle, a place of safety and luxurious comfort. The precious sense of childlike freedom that comes from walking out of your door and into a huge parklike garden – where safety concerns are furthest from your mind. You want that for yourself and your family. Here luxury apartments with topnotch fittings and brand appliances, generator back-up power, stateof-the-art security, CCTV and a 24-hour guard is only the start of the beautiful Brookfield story.
Set in an enclave of trees and overlooking preserved wetlands, the
magnificently crafted Brookfield Private Clubhouse with premier amenities o ers you a holistic family lifestyle package. Here, children can play, carefree, in a gorgeous playpark built just for them. You can throw a blanket on the grass for a picnic, braai in the dappled sunlight underneath the trees, go for a relaxing walk or invigorating run along walkways and trails, and take the children for a spot of fi shing. This is your life as a resident at Brookfield.
MAJOR CLUBHOUSE PERKS
What’s more, your social membership at Royal Johannesburg gives you access to use the facilities within the exclusive Royal Clubhouse as well
as a 10% discount on all food and beverages. Here, premier amenities are yours for the taking. These include a state-of-the-art gym, a leisure pool, family-friendly restaurant The Old Oak with an authentic pizza oven, and a crèche for the little ones. Planning your wedding day or celebrating a birthday or special event? Perhaps you just want to throw a party. The impressive banqueting and wedding venue is the perfect place for your family and friends to revel in the festivities. And for business meetings and events, the fully equipped business centre is available to you too. Best of all though: imagine rubbing shoulders with some golfi ng greats at the next big tournament at one of the two award-winning golf courses. It is not something you want to miss.
EVERYTHING OUTSIDE IS CLOSE
For a sense of local community venture out to The Neighbourhood on the Square – it’s a short distance away from Brookfield at Royal. This trendy centre is alive with boutique outlets and grocery stores, quaint restaurants and co ee shops. A canopy of trees provided shady spots for relaxing in the tranquil landscaped areas. Want a bigger mall experience? The Eastgate shopping centre is less than 5km away, the popular Rosebank Mall is less than 10km away and Sandton City a short drive of 17km away. Excellent private schools and Netcare hospitals are also close by and, if you need to get to the airport quickly, jump onto the freeway and you’re there in no time via Gillooly’s Interchange – OR Tambo International Airport is only 18km away. Visit tricolt.com for launch details.
CORAL COVE IS BREAKING GROUND!
We are delighted to announce that construction has commenced for Coral Cove.
With the July 2023 commencement date, move-in dates for residents will be before the end of 2024. All garden villas, apartments, communal areas and care centre of Coral Cove will be operational and complete, affording residents the opportunity to utilise the full array of Auria’s facilities and services.
Coral Cove by Auria Senior Living is a 21-hectare continuing-care, purpose-built retirement community for over 70’s, situated on the magnificent KZN North Coast, within the safety and serenity of the Zululami Luxury Coastal Estate.
2 & 3 Bedroom Garden Villas from R3,6m
1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments from R1,69m
BOOK A TOUR OF OUR SHOW UNIT.
Sales Enquiries: 087 537 0539 | coralcove@auria.co.za | www.auria.co.za
