DESIGN> LIVING (edition 5, 2010)

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CONTENTS 5 > E ditor’s Foreword 6 > K wanda Klothing – fashion with a conscience 8 > C hanging the world economy one bowl at a time

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11 > L ife in the city centre – Pepper Club 19 > M orningside Shopping Centre – Elegant and contemporary shopping convenience 25 > L angebaan Country Estate – Secure country living 65 > P earl Valley Estates – Idyllic living in the heart of the Cape winelands 81 > T ranquility at Southdowns Residential Estate

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INFORMATION

CREDITS CEO & PUBLISHER >

PRODUCTION ASSISTANT >

Cameron Bramley

Kyle Olsen

EDITOR >

ESTATE PHOTOGRAPHY >

Bev Hermanson

Dawid de Greef & Anine Scholtz

bev@designmagazine.co.za ADMINISTRATION > CONTRIBUTOR >

Lana McLachlan & Michelle Swart

Duncan Cruickshank DESIGN & LAYOUT > ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS >

Bluprint Design

Jaime-Lee van Sittert, Geri Adolphe, Francoise Fassler, Rachel Harper,

PUBLISHED BY >

Tatum Milosevich, Dwain Margro,

Design Information

Meyer Venter, Robbie Glen &

Block C, The Palms Office Park, Main

Tosca du Preez

Avenue, Ferndale, Randburg. 2194.

South Africa

PRODUCTION MANAGER >

Tel: +27 11 998 2800

Charl Lamprecht

Fax: +27 11 998 2801 www.designmagazine.co.za

Š 2009 Design Information.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior written consent of the publishers. The publisher and staff do not take responsibility for any errors or omissions. All information was deemed accurate at time of publication, but details may change as developments progress.

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FOREWORD There is much to be said for getting back to grass roots values when it comes to enhancing our lives. More and more people are asking – a fast paced lifestyle and the ostentatious glitz are all very well, but do they make us happy?

There is a school of thought, however, that believes that balance and aesthetically pleasing surroundings can raise our sense of wellbeing. Well co-ordinated environments can go a long way towards reducing stress and promoting harmony and contentment.

It is these values that the developers of lifestyle estates such as Langebaan Country Estate, Pearl Valley Estates and Southdowns Residential Estate have taken to heart before even breaking ground on their ventures.

It is only in the examination of how these estates have been pieced together that one can truly appreciate the extent of the effort that has gone into providing quality of life for their residents. The attitudes of developers counts for much more than we realise, when it comes to how communities in security estates function. If a developer goes to market with an attitude of making a quick buck, that mindset ultimately has a negative impact on the innocent people who buy into the marketing propaganda. On the other hand, when a developer takes a longer term, more responsible view of the development, there is the potential that entire communities can benefit, not only in the present, but for generations to come.

When one buys into the core beliefs of an estate, one is not only entrusting one’s money to them in the form of property investment, one is entrusting one’s health and the welfare of one’s family to them. That responsibility surely cannot be taken lightly.

On behalf of the DESIGN>LIVING team, may I take this opportunity to wish you all a magnificent 2010!

Bev Hermanson Editor > LIVING LIVING

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Kwanda Klothing

Fashion with a conscience

Something to look out for this season is the recently launched Kwanda Klothing. This range was developed during the ‘Kwanda – Communities with Soul’ show that has been aired on SABC 1 as the first ever community makeover TV show. This innovative approach to fashion and development has been created for sustainable job creation which, it is hoped, will endure beyond the television series.

The production of all Kwanda Klothing is done by facilities set up in five South African communities.

A team of six recent fashion graduates, under the LIVING

guidance of Selven O’Keef Jarmon, Creative Director of Kwanda Klothing, is dedicated to one of the Kwanda communities to ensure that the production follows the design and provides expertise.

“The collection is contemporary with an urban feel that is influenced by the modern take on hip-hop culture. There is a lot of hands-on components such as dyed fabrics which we do ourselves. The collection evolves easily into cocktail hour and most of the pieces can fit very well with other pieces in ones existing wardrobe. The feel is definitely South Africa

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with one eye on existing fashion trends in the world� says Selven Jarmon.

Kwanda Klothing is made in the following communities: >> Pefferville, near East London, Eastern Cape >> Mthwalume, near Port Shepstone, KZN >> Tjakastad, near Barberton, Mpumalanga >> Lephephane, near Tzaneen, Limpopo >> Kwakwatsi, near Sasolburg, Free State

Selven OKeef Jarmon, creative director of Kwanda Klothing.

Kwanda Klothing and Kwanda tv is now brought to you by the Soul City Institute in partnership with the Department of Social Development and SABC1 as well as the Department of Health, BP, MTN, DFID, CDC, Pepfar and Salga. < LIVING LIVING

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CHANGING THE WORLD ECONOMY ONE BOWL AT A TIME Fabrication Africa’s Nest Bowl brings one person’s vision to life

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Professor Neil Gershenfeld from the Massachusetts

access to laser and plasma cutters, CNC machines

Institute of Technology has come up with an idea

and a host of ways to empower individuals to create

that could make a significant contribution towards

objects for themselves.

changing the financial means of many around the world. Gershenfeld explains in his book, FAB, that

The NEST bowl is Fabrication Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s way of bring-

instead of sending megatons of products around

ing this vision to life. Using Gershenfeld â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s FABlab

the world from factory to consumer, we should be

in Soshanguve, South Africa, the individuals that

sending data around the world and making products

form part of Fabrication Africa are designing a range

in our basements using personal fabricators.

of home accessories which contrasts the vibrant, raw beauty of Africa, with the precision and purity

To prototype this idea, he established a global net-

of contemporary design. Every product is made by

work of fabrication laboratories (FABlabs) in cities

laser and then assembled by hand.

ranging from the well known to the obscure. Not only can these FABlabs be found in New York and

The range is designed by the international award-

Barcelona, but also in Pabal (India), Soshanguve

winning South African design team at Readymade

(South Africa) and Sekondi-Takoradi (Ghana). In

and can be purchased from Origin in Jarvis Street,

these laboratories, the informal fabricators have

De Waterkant, Cape Town. <

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Pepper Club: uniquely Cape Town

By Duncan Cruikshank

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12 > Over the last decade Cape Townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CBD has seen a property revolution that has rejuvenated the innercity, which like so many cities around the world, was in serious danger of degeneration.

Many businesses had joined the exodus to business nodes in what were once traditional suburbs. But, with its unique beauty and myriad period buildings, a number of forward-thinking developers saw the potential of luxury city living and so the revival of the city centre began. And what a transformation it has turned out to be, putting Cape Town firmly among the most sought-after property investment portfolios anywhere.

View of the spacious interiors and private sundeck of the presidential suite.

Our board manufacturing plant

Top quality laminated boards for the bedroom, bathroom and kitchen. is abou

The Pepper Club will be the fourth large Solomon Brothers project in which we have been involved and we are proud to be part of the family of preffered suppliers to the group.

t as flexib

le as your i maginati o

n!

When completed this prestigious hotel will contain over 100 000 square metres of Wenge veneer which has been stitched, laminated to particleboard and laquered on the automated spray line at our fully computerized, state-of-the art manufacturing plant .

All panel edges have been finished in the same veneer which has been laminated with four layers, giving a high impact strength to the edge.

Installation and fitting, as always, is done by sub-contractor Andre Miller and his team of highly qualified artisans.

Our modern factory ensures the highest quality at the best prices.

Davidsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Manufacturing is part of the Kaydav Ltd group of Companies the largest board distribution company in South Africa.

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Phone: 021 704 7060 Fax: 021 704 2266 69 Bamboesvlei Road, Ottery 7800 Cape Town PO Box 272 OTTERY 7808 email: info@davidsonsboards.co.za

A Kaydav Ltd company

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A number of historic buildings have been converted into luxury residences, while numerous hotels have been developed, encouraging a vibrant nightlife in a city which, not so long ago, was dormant the moment the sun went down.

The Cape Town International Conference Centre and the V&A Waterfront are added attractions and a steady increase in tourism in South Africa has raised demand for high-end luxury hotels within the city limits.

The Pepper Club – a R400 million five-star luxury hotel residence and spa – is set to open its doors in

Residences feature upmarket finishes with floor to ceiling windows and sliding doors to capture the dramatic views of Table Mountain, the city and the Atlantic Ocean beyond.

Cape Town during March 2010. The 20-storey hotel, which will cater for discerning business and leisure travellers, will address the growing need for a luxury hotel in the heart of the city.

According to David Solomon, chairman of the developers, Solomon Brothers Property Holdings, the hotel is already 70% booked for the 2010 FIFA World Cup period. “While the World Cup tournament will be an LIVING

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WCG Glass cc t/a West Cape Glass Tel: 0861 932 882 Fax: 0861 932 839 Contact: Jaco Van Der Merwe e-mail: info@wcglass.co.za web: www.wcglass.co.za Hardware Supplier: Contract Hardware Cape Town Contact: Duane Williams Tel: 021 671 2071 LIVING

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excellent showcase for our city and its hospitality industry, Pepper Club is aimed squarely at servicing the need for luxury leisure and business travel accommodation in the city beyond this time.

Above: The floor to ceiling windows and sliding doors provide spectacular views of Cape Town and the Atlantic Ocean beyond. Below: Views of the presidential suite’s sundeck and private pool.

“The hotel will elevate the standard of luxury accommodation to a level not previously seen in the area, offering a hotel experience on par with the best hotels in the world.”

The exclusive property consists of 210 residences – including the largest presidential suite in Cape Town at over 750 m², boasting four bedrooms, a sundeck and private pool.

The hotel’s five-star features also include, among others, a fine-dining restaurant, an intimate private cinema, a swimming pool with panoramic views, a fully equipped gymnasium, a luxurious spa, 24-hour concierge service and security. In addition, a serene palm tree-lined courtyard connects the development directly to the city’s vibrant Long Street with its boutique shops and cosmopolitan nightlife.

The Pepper Club also offers the relatively new concept of hotel suite investment for discerning buyers LIVING

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looking to invest in the property market. A hotel suite investment is, of course, a direct property investment that enables investors to purchase a suite in a hotel development in terms of the sectional title act, just as they would any other sectional title apartment.

The unit is then contracted to the hotel and forms part of what is known as a rental pool, where the revenue of the hotel is distributed to the individual rental pool participants.

Unlike a property syndication, where investors collectively buy into a single property and own an individual share in that property, purchasers of a hotel suite investment actually own the title, which can be financed by a bank if need be. As the unit is then part of a rental pool, the total hotel revenue is pooled and shared between all investors, meaning revenue does not depend on the particular occupancy level of the purchased unit. With occupancy rates for five-star hotels set to improve from the 72 to 76% levels of early 2009, with several international sporting and cultural events taking

place in the city in the next couple of years, this sort of investment offers attractive returns.

Naturally, all the residences feature upmarket finishes with floor to ceiling windows and sliding doors to capture the dramatic views of Table Mountain, the city and the Atlantic Ocean beyond. The kitchens have stylish finishes with stainless steel ovens and hobs, while the bathrooms are typically luxurious with the highest quality fittings and accessories.

In addition to the 24-hour service and all the trappings expected of a leading five-star hotel, the Pepper Club also offers the unique addition of the exclusive Pepper Club on the Beach, a groundbreaking concept in the South African hotel industry. Situated on the Camps Bay Promenade, it features a fine-dining restaurant, stylish cocktail bar and classy night spot â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all overlooking one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Guests of the Pepper Club Hotel will be exclusively shuttled to and from the beach club in Camps Bay

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at regular intervals. While Pepper Club on the Beach will be open to all, discerning guests of the Pepper Club hotel will enjoy preferential seating at the restaurant, VIP entrance at the night spot, guaranteed parking opposite the beach and exclusive use of the beach club’s restroom facilities – which includes private lockers, change rooms and showers.

positioned in the heart of Cape Town’s trendy nightlife district, offers unrivalled investment opportunities in a development concept that is becoming increasingly popular around the world. <

Guests of Pepper Club on the Beach are perfectly placed to enjoy the sea view while sipping on cocktails, indulging in sumptuous lunches or indulging in a sunset dinner. “We will provide specially catered picnics on Camps Bay beach with all the gastronomic goodies you desire,” says Solomon.

Solomon adds that the hotel with its beach club will elevate the standard of luxury accommodation to a level not previously seen in the area, offering a hotel experience on par with the best in the world.

With Cape Town seen as one of the world’s leading tourist destinations, the Pepper Club, uniquely

Top: Views of the fine-dining restaurant and lobby.

Above: David Solomon, chairman of Solomon Brothers Property Holdings.

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Elegant and contemporary shopping convenience

By Bev Hermanson

The recently completed Morningside Shopping Centre boasts some 80 handpicked retailers with an interesting mix of personally owned and operated stores that offer the things that people want most on a day-to-day basis.

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20 > Designed by MDS Architecture for developers Flanagan & Gerard Property Development and the Grapnel Property Group, the Morningside Shopping Centre, located on the corner of Rivonia and Outspan Roads in Johannesburg’s affluent northern suburbs is the epitome of minimalist, timeless design. A highly popular convenience centre, it has a presence that is nevertheless chic and upmarket.

Built on two levels, the 10 500 sq metre centre is dominated by a spread of eateries facing the open car park area. Here, you can relax at Tashas, Tsunami, Pomodoro, Green Peppers, Fego and other delectable spots that all offer that open air ambience.

One of the most distinctive aspects of this eastern perspective is the separate structure with its lower roof that allows light to filter in from above into the external covered seating area. The lounges are an “The main aesthetic vision for the centre was to create extension of Jo’burg’s typical pavement style eating an elegant and modern location that would suit its tradition that has been enjoyed for generations surroundings and cater for the upmarket patrons around the city. in the area”, notes Patrick Flanagan of Flanagan and Gerard Property Development and Investment. “We Essentially a dumpy u-shape in its layout, the upper wanted to move away from the conventional shop- level has an entrance on each side, leading from ping centre look. Various interior elements were taken the open air parking area. Wide walkways and the into consideration, as well as the use and application double volume atrium dissected by a bridge, washed of environmentally responsible practices where in natural light from the clerestory windows, impart possible.” a sense of space and effortless luxury.

Morningside Pharmacy

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21 > The finishes exude quality. White porcelain tiles, frameless glass shopfronts and stainless steel accents allow the tenant offerings to take centre stage. These are softened only by selected plantscaping and understated signage which has been restricted to white branding on charcoal bulkheads above the stores.

The focal point is a cluster of five enormous spherical lights that hang playfully over the atrium. Made by well known Cape Town designer, Heath Nash, the lights are a collection of recycled milk bottles that have artfully been pieced together to make the spheres.

On the opposite side of the upper level, the more formal Signature Restaurant takes in the beautiful views of Morningside and surrounds from the west elevation. Voted the Leisure Options best new restaurant for 2009 and recipient of the Diners Club Platinum Award for its wine menu, Signature has a plush interior that was created by interior design diva, Deborah Witkin. The colours were chosen to complement the view as it is seen at dusk â&#x20AC;&#x201C; deep purples, browns, golds, elements of blue and pink. The bold tree patterns on the wallpaper are complemented by the bare branch shapes of the chandeliers. A selection of carefully sourced photographs of celebrities and state leaders, all in the act of adding their signature as autographs or history-making contracts, are displayed as black and white canvasses in the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;shop frontâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Fortunately there is a separate lounge with a fully stocked bar for those that merely want to stop by for a drink, as this gastronomic venue is booked out every night.

The lower level, which is linked by a single set of escalators on the one side and lifts on the other, is shaped like a staggered cross, with an entrance from the covered parkade on the eastern side and an off-street entrance from Wagon Street in the west.

In contrast to the neutral colour palette prescribed for the building, a large expanse of vibrant colour has

Five enormous lights made from recycled milk bottles provide a playful dimension to the atrium.

The understated signage has been restricted to white branding on charcoal bulkheads above the stores.

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22 > been added in the form of a fabric artwork created

by Lemon Décor. Conceptualised digitally and then printed on to fabric and framed in aluminium, it adds an extra dimension to the space above the entrance to the Pick ‘n Pay. The frame structure allows the artwork to be changed, creating the opportunity to change the mood and ambience of the centre, from time to time.

“When you design a minimalist style building, everything must have a purpose,” says Pierre Lahaye, partner at MDS Architecture. “The inspirational style is about subtle sophistication and timeless design.

The minimalist aesthetic makes form a key factor in the design. This has given this centre a sculptural quality that is enhanced by the textures and materials that were used.”

The plush interior of Signature Restaurant designed by Deborah Witkin.

Unlike so many larger shopping malls that comprise a host of outlets from national chain stores, the emphasis at the Morningside Shopping Centre is on providing a useful selection of stores that are mostly personally owned and operated. The Pick ‘n Pay as anchor tenant, Exclusive Books and the Standard Bank are the more universally known brands that add strength to the convenience offering. Amongst the balance of the tenants, there is a range of diversions and specialist boutique-styled stores that make regular visits to the centre worthwhile.

“Morningside Shopping Centre has a distinct look, feel and ambiance which have been achieved by the seamless merging of the interior and exterior design, and the unique retailers. The response to the centre has been positive and the community has taken to the new stylish, yet unpretentious, environment, which fuses modernism and functionality beautifully”, says Flanagan.

In contrast to the neutral colour palette prescribed for the building, a large expanse of vibrant colour has been added in the form of a fabric artwork created by Lemon Décor.

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The overall effect is a classy centre, with a few signature interior pieces which offer a cool and revitalizing approach to the shopping experience. <

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Secure country living in Langebaan

By Bev Hermanson

In the early days of the Cape, when pioneers were pushing the boundaries on the lookout for adrenalin-pumping raw adventure and high society was elegant and genteel, the West Coast was still decidedly rustic. Once traversed by over 200 different kinds of animals and the people of the Khoi San tribe, this area is rich in natural heritage.

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Saldanha Bay, on the Western Cape coastline, is the

destination, particularly for water enthusiasts and

deepest and largest natural harbour in the southern

nature lovers. Only 100 km from the hustle and bustle

hemisphere and the safest in South Africa, but for

of Cape Townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s city centre, Langebaan is a breath

centuries, the lack of fresh water prevented large

of fresh air.

scale commercial and industrial activity here. This is the main reason why the area has remained rela-

Originally established as a whaling station back in

tively untouched by mankindâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s obsessive drive to

1922, Langebaan remained a quaint village over-

conquer and modernize.

looking the clear blue waters of its lagoon for more than half a century, before it was granted the mu-

Situated on the south eastern side of the bay, the

nicipal status of being a town in 1976. It wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t too

town of Langebaan has become a favourite holiday

long afterwards that the town was graced with its LIVING

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first golf course and a Mediterranean-styled casino

eventually being run by a curator for about 3 or 4

resort called Club Mykonos.

years, before it was taken over by the current developers. Named the Langebaan Country Estate, the

Ahead of its time

main attraction was the 27 hole golf course designed

by Bill Kerr.

The eighties and nineties were turbulent times for

The purchase of the 400 ha estate seemed like a

South Africa and perhaps not an appropriate time

steal at the time. The R2,1-million paid was the only

for this modest town to begin flourishing. The golf

cash offer that the curator received and the property

course was part of a residential estate launched

was sold to a small syndicate that included a retired

by Owen Wiggins in the early nineties and the en-

hotelier and a retired chairman of a large company.

tire development had a number of false starts,

When the current CEO, Craig Scott, returned from

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33 > overseas, he joined the syndicate to help them kick-

In 2003, the first phase of the new development was

start the resurrection of the estate.

approved. This entailed the sale of 250 stands and 100 group houses. With an average stand price

It’s been a ‘journey’ that Scott has tackled with pas-

of R120 000, it’s small wonder that this phase sold

sion and enthusiasm. “Buying a half developed es-

out within a month. In early 2004, phase 2 was

tate for a good price was one thing. Developing it

launched. This phase comprised 187 stands and

was the challenge,” he says. “The size of the estate

50 group houses. Later the same year, phase 3 came

is such that the landscaping alone could bankrupt

on stream, offering 240 stands at an average stand

you.” Getting back to basics was the solution.

price of R240 000.

Discouraging the speculators

At these prices, the interest from speculators was brisk. However, the developers were looking for greater stability and in 2005, when Scott took over

Less than 90 minutes from Cape Town, Langebaan

the overall management, plans were put in place

Country Estate is ideal for commuters who prefer

to change the marketing approach to attract ‘stayers’

country living and for those that can afford to have

rather than ‘passers-through’.

a second home.

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Re-designing the golf course

different. No one had even heard of climate change

One of the first decisions taken under the new regime

issue.”

and conservation of the environment was not a big

was to re-design the golf course and a deal was struck with the Black Knight Group for Gary Player to

For the upgrade, four of the existing holes were

do the design. Being a coastal area, this lent itself to

turned into a mashie course. Four new holes were

having a typical links-style course with grasses and

then added to the golf course. All the grass on the

plants suited to the terrain and climatic conditions.

greens was replaced with an indigenous Paspalum Sea Isle 2000, a saline-tolerant grass. The new course

“It was a big decision to change the course,” says

was opened on 1 September 2007 and just over

Scott. “Back in the 80s when the original course was

two years down the line, the course is coming into

designed, the approach to building bunkers was

its own as the greens and landscaping mature.

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“It’s a challenge to design a course that is still play-

Environmental issues

able when the wind is howling – which is a common occurrence on the West Coast – and the design

Much of the land on the estate had been used as

that Gary Player came up with is excellent. We have

farmland prior to its conversion to residential use with

lots of favourable feedback from players, so we know

the result that the soil had become depleted. Reha-

it’s playable under all conditions.”

bilitating the soil was only one of the challenges,

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though. The terms of compliance specified by the

got the nod out of a group of around 30 golf es-

Department of Environmental Affairs became more

tates in the Western Cape that had been seeking

and more stringent with every phase that was

approval.

launched. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In 2003, the conditions that we had to comply with ran over 6 pages. By the time we got

Mark Duckett of Cape Lowland was appointed to

to 2005, we were working through 18 pages of

oversee the environmental compliance procedures

regulations,â&#x20AC;? Scott continues.

and a rigid set of rules was compiled for contractors, with hefty fines imposed on those that didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t toe the

Their attention to detail and their commitment to pro-

line. Central to the environmental guidelines is the

tecting the environment paid off, as in 2005, Lange-

rehabilitation requirement. Anything that is disturbed

baan Country Estate was the only golf estate that

has to be brought back to its original condition.

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41 > Only veld and fynbos plants indigenous to the area

allowing alien plants. The West Coast is one of the

may be used for landscaping and if there are lawns,

most diverse fynbos regions in the country and we

these have to be kept to a minimum and the grasses

have to make sure that we don’t disrupt the eco-

used have to be drought-resistant. In addition, bound-

system,” Scott continues.

ary walls and hard definitions to the properties are taboo. The result is a free-flowing effect of veld styled

One of the main challenges, other than the types of

gardens all blending together.

plants to be used in this semi desert environment, was water management. Element Consulting En-

“The plants that we specify for use in the landscaping

gineers, involved with the development of the estate

have been approved by the Kirstenbosch Botanical

since 1998, had two situations that had to be control-

Gardens as being appropriate for the area, but it

led. Firstly, the developers opted not to concentrate

has been quite a process to get the home owners to

the storm water. From an environmental perspec-

understand and appreciate how the plants behave

tive, it was important to get the rainwater into the

through the seasons. We’re very strict about not

soil as soon as possible and not allow the water to

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43 > run off into the sea. Due to the residential element of

treatment plant operating 24/7, water had to be

the estate, there were many more hard surfaces

stored for use as and when required. Initially the run-

than before, which meant a significant amount of

off from the plant was too low to provide sufficient

water had to be spread over a smallish area without

water for irrigation purposes and it had to be stored

damaging the surroundings.

for use at a later stage. This involved the construction of dams and water features, as well as an inter-

“To counter the effects of water coming off roofs and

linking of grey water and storm water feeds to provide

the roads, we made sure that the gradients were

a suitable network for the irrigation.

mild. We kept the houses away from any natural storm water flow and through the teamwork of the

On the electrical side, Element Consulting Engineers

urban planners, architects and engineers, we made

was commissioned to assist with the lighting on the

sure that there was never a threat of the houses

estate. “To make sure that the estate maintained a

and service areas flooding,” says Francois Ryke

wholesome country atmosphere, we had to make

of Element Consulting Engineers. “The other thing

sure that the lighting did not produce an unpleas-

that we had to be careful of was managing the qual-

ant haze over the development. All the lighting is low

ity of any water that ran off into the lagoon. Being a

level down lighting to reduce the light pollution of

conservation area, emotions run high when it comes

the area” Ryke says.

to managing the impact on the environment.”

In addition to coping with the storm water require-

Built to blend

ments, Element Consulting Engineers was involved with the planning and implementation of the irri-

The main residential activities at Langebaan Country

gation system for the golf course. In keeping with

Estate revolve around Ellefsen Village, which is

the ‘green approach’ of the development, treated

positioned between the 9th and 18th fairways.

effluent is used to irrigate the golf course. With the

This village comprises freestanding houses, duplex

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townhouses and lock-up and go apartments, all

able to negotiate excellent discounts from the sup-

embracing the philosophy of green living. Free-

pliers, which are passed on to the clients where

standing plot and plan homes are situated on golf

possible. The quality of workmanship is moni-

course fronting stands, with some overlooking

tored carefully so that the standards of building at

the spectacular water features, while others catch

the estate are maintained.

glimpses of the lagoon. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Being away from the mainstream up on the West One of the main contractors on site is Keyway

Coast, we had to pay close attention to getting the

Construction. Offering a turnkey service, this firm

right skills. This area has predominantly a fisherman

operates with a core of ten permanent staff and a

culture, which is not necessarily suited to what is

selection of sub-contractors. Having handled over

required for building. We always source quality sub-

70% of the work at the estate to date, the firm is

contractors with whom we can build a good long LIVING

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SEEF

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term business relationship, ensuring quality and good

flooring, stainless steel balustrades, granite tops

productivity,â&#x20AC;? says John Smith of Keyway Construc-

in the kitchens and built-in braais on the patios.

tion. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our head office is based at the estate so we are on hand at all times. With quite a mix of people having

The first three phases of the estate were put together

bought in the estate, including investors from over-

following a low density philosophy, but since then,

seas, we have to make sure that the standards are

the government has changed its emphasis to en-

kept to a high level, to meet their needs.â&#x20AC;?

forcing higher densities in developments, to prevent urban sprawl from gobbling up the remaining avail-

There is a strict manual of architectural guidelines. All

able land. This has meant an increase from the 1800

the residential units are available in a variety of de-

units initially planned to 3000 units once the develop-

signs with high quality finishes, including travertine

ment is completed.

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50 > “We have identified the best areas for building and have densified these areas so that we still have corridors of open space,” Scott elaborates. “To reduce the impact that the buildings have on the surroundings, we encourage the home owners to go for colours that blend with the surroundings.

This means steering the aesthetics away from the typical West Coast style of white walls, grey roofs and the traditional stoep, which is actually quite harsh on the eye. We have specified that roof tiles must be beiges and browns with a natural clay look and wall colours should be earthy.”

“With the estate extending now to 3000 units, we will be looking at expanding the variation so that we can create pockets that are villages with their own character. When the estate is complete, it will almost be a town on its own, so the variations

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53 > in style will add a bit of extra dimension to the neigh-

bowls green and the recently-opened Zest Health

bourhoods.”

& Beauty Spa is fully equipped with spa bath, O-zone bath, sauna and a team of professional therapists

Facilities

on hand for massages and beauty treatments. The spa also has gym equipment for those who enjoy a regular workout to keep fit and in shape.

Apart from the golf course, driving range and the clubhouse complete with Pro Shop, the Langebaan

For refreshments, there’s the Breeze Café that dou-

Country Estate has a number of accommodation and

bles as a perfect halfway house for the golfers. The

leisure offerings. Forty golf suites, four golf lodges

Blaze Bar and Cocktail Lounge overlooking the 18th

and two corporate lodges are available for out-of-

green has a flat screen TV for sports fans and com-

town visitors. There are two tennis courst and a

fortable couches around a large fireplace – ideal for

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winter evening get-togethers. And then thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the Horizon Restaurant that specialises in Sunday buffets, a la carte gourmet breakfasts and mouth watering spit braais. Seating up to 150 diners, the Horizon Restaurant has a stylish interior with a dance floor and its own fireplace for chilly days.

In the pipeline A beautifully appointed conference facility has just been completed, to attract the corporate market.

This, of course, can easily double as a family function venue for parties and weddings and for awards ceremonies.

There are further plans in the pipeline for the building of a retirement village, which the developers are confident will do well, even in the prevailing climate. Some of the best areas, particularly on the slopes, are still to be developed (with great sensitivity and consideration of the ridge lines) and a site has been reserved for a school.

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A selection of indigenous game will soon be intro-

gaming in the casino and gym and sauna facilities.

duced and as a diversion for the children, a Putt Putt

Tours of the area can be taken on horseback, quad-

course has been planned to keep them busy.

and mountain bikes and game viewing is offered at the Elandsfontein Private Game Reserve.

Surrounding attractions

Bird watching

The most popular activities in Langebaan are sailing,

The area is a world renowned birding spot with

wind and kite surfing, angling and bathing in the

migratory birds coming from as far as Siberia, Green-

lagoon. Club Mykonos offers squash and tennis, mini

land and northern Europe â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in fact, the Langebaan

golf, indoor and outdoor swimming, in addition to

lagoon has been proclaimed a World Ramsar site

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(the site deemed to be of global significance to wet-

The West Coast Fossil Park

land bird species). There are a number of hides overlooking various areas of the lagoon, from which birds

Situated on the Langebaan Road, the West Coast

can be observed, without disturbing them. The islands

National Park has remains found at the site dating

near the mouth of Saldanha Bay are also worth a

back to between five and seven million years. Over

visit. You can get there by boat under the guidance

200 vertebrate and invertebrate animal species

of a park guide to see the breeding colonies of Cape

were uncovered during phosphate mining opera-

Gannets, penguins, cormorants and other marine

tions in the early 90s and a 14ha area has since

birds.

been demarcated within the former mine property and declared a national heritage site.

West Coast National Park Run by Isiko Museums of Cape Town, this site is The lagoon is also the focal point of the West Coast

recognised as containing possibly the greatest

National Park that was established in 1986 to protect

diversity of five million year old fossils in the world.

the wetlands, salt marshes and indigenous fynbos

Excavations are ongoing and visitors can tour the

and fauna in and around the area.

digs by arrangement.

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61 > Wine routes

come out in full bloom. Langebaan is at the southernmost tip of this district and actually has an awe-

If you are going to be spending any length of time

some display of its own. However another hour

at the Langebaan Country Estate, do take time

and a half to five hours away, you will see vistas

out to go on the Swartland and Olifants River

that make the travelling well worth the trip.

Wine Routes. There are many wine estates in and around Malmesbury and Vredendal, in particular,

Whale watching

that offer popular wines for every palate.

From winter to early spring, the Southern Right Whale The Flower Route

can be spotted in the area. From Namibia on the West Coast, right around the Cape of Good Hope to

Between July and September, the world famous

beyond Hermanus, there is the possibility of viewing

Namaqualand daisies and other varieties of flora

a wide variety of these magnificent marine mammals.

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63 > The West Coast Lagoon Festival

For culture lovers, the works of local artists can be viewed at the Bay Gallery and there are a number of

Held every autumn at Club Mykonos, this exciting

restaurants, eateries and coffee shops in the town,

weekend festival includes activities for the kids,

as well as a variety of stores that sell everything from

such as puppet shows, crafts and mini Olympics,

seafood, groceries and hardware, to sports and

as well as music events, lagoon sports and the

holiday equipment. <

popular Silver Falcon Air Show.

Photos by Dawid de Greef

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65 65>>

Idyllic living in the heart of the Cape winelands

By Duncan Cruickshank

Officially opened in November 2003, Pearl Valley Golf Estates was destined to be a leader, a residential golf estate that many would follow as an example, having overall standards that few would reach and fewer still would surpass.

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Given its stunning surroundings, positioned as it is

Town and ideally close enough to the wineland cen-

in the shadows of the imposing Drakenstein range

tres of Paarl, Stellenbosch and the picturesque

of mountains that make up the Franschhoek valley,

town of Franschhoek. Given its ideal location and

Pearl Valley Golf Estates was always going to be

family-friendly facilities, it is no surprise that it has

a winner. Add to that, a Jack Nicklaus signature golf

attracted younger families as residents and inves-

course and you are already way ahead of the pack.

tors, adding to the youthful community atmosphere.

Typically, a large proportion of residences are second

Pearl Valley is ideally situated â&#x20AC;&#x201C; near enough to, yet

homes used predominantly during weekends and

far enough from the major metropolitan area of Cape

school holidays, or by international investors.

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69 > However, Pearl Valley has recently opened the pre-

Pearl Valleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s impressive estate infrastructure is

school section of Bridge House School on the estate,

dominated by the state-of-the-art clubhouse, which

giving greater options for residents who are on the

is the centre of community life for the residents

estate throughout the year. A popular independent

and visitors to the estate. The clubhouse, which

school, Bridge House School conveniently serves

covers some 4500 square metres, is central to

the Paarl, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch area for

the community theme that is part and parcel of

boys and girls from Grade 1 to Grade 12.

the offering that makes residential estate living here so sought-after.

Apart from the spectacular Jack Nicklaus signature course, activities abound at Pearl Valley, ranging

One could ask: what makes a golf estate like Pearl

from the state-of-the-art gym for the exercise

Valley so successful from an investment point of view,

conscious to the spa for those looking for some

especially when there is a severe downturn in the

serious pampering to the fully fledged equestrian

property market worldwide? There are several an-

centre that caters for novices and expert riders.

swers to this question and they make for an excel-

There are several beautiful hiking trails and moun-

lent study when it comes to choosing an estate in

tain-biking routes throughout the estate and the

which to invest. Firstly, the Western Cape (or, more

boma down at the Berg River offers the perfect

accurately, the greater Cape Town area) does not

setting for outdoor sundowners or picnics and

have an oversupply of residential golf estates.

barbeques for up to 150 people.

Pearl Valley is one of only a few â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;marquee-name

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Boschenmeer Golf & Country Estate,

investors at Boschenmeer are attracted to the excellent 24-hour security, tranquility, and the country lifestyle amongst beautiful landscaped gardens, greens and fairways. Living on Boschenmeer estate is like living in a glorious private landscaped park with rolling laws and water features that are maintained by someone else.

in the Paarl-Franschhoek Valley Val de Vie Winelands Lifestyle Estate,

lies within the celebrated Paarl-Franschhoek valley along 1.8 km of prime Berg River frontage. Most of this region, which is home to some of the world's most acclaimed wine estates, is being proclaimed as world heritage in order to preserve the rare natural beauty and the grape growing tradition of the area. Buyers now have the opportunity to invest in this unique corner of the Western Cape in an estate combining world class polo, recreational facilities, a historic award winning wine estate and fine cuisine.

Henriette Basson Cell: +27 83 777 3354 • Office: +27 21 872 5236 e-mail: HenrietteB@Everitt.co.za • www.Everitt-LifestyleEstates.co.za/Winelands

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P e a r l Va l l e y G o l f E s t a t e , nestled in the heart of South Africa's beautiful Cape Winelands, Pearl Valley Golf Estates is recognized internationally as a prestigious destination for world-class golf and premium lifestyle. But to its residents, guests, partners and investors, it is something altogether more… it is a place of natural splendour, of good friends and excellent cuisine, of appreciation of life's finer pleasures – and, of course, a spectacular round of golf.

71 >

signature design’ courses in the area – and there

strict and processes put in place have ensured that

is no doubt that this has an effect on the desira-

this necessary phase in the lifespan of a newish es-

bility of the property around the course.

tate is as smooth as possible. A building contractor’s Code of Conduct must be strictly adhered to and

Pearl Valley is maturing – the estate was officially

large deposits are required by approved contractors

opened six years ago, which means that the major-

before they move onto the estate.

ity of large-scale construction is completed. There is no longer the constant din of cement mixers, bull-

Pearl Valley is owned by Leisurecorp, the Dubai-

dozers and jackhammers pounding away to disturb

based company that also owns the V&A Waterfront

the peace! Design and construction guidelines are

in Cape Town, and it is managed by world-leader

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Troon Golf. This brings a level of service that is world-

in demand with approximately R80 million rand of

class and a high level of commitment to members

property being transferred this year to date, with

and residents. Troy Hart is Pearl Valley’s general

stand prices ranging between R3.7 to R4.5 million,”

manager and he is understandably passionate and

he explains. “The estate is achieving year-on-year

upbeat about the future.

asset growth and is receiving increased volumes of enquiries predominately from the local and na-

“While it has been a challenging year for the property

tional sectors – people who are looking at settling

industry, Pearl Valley continues to move forward

in the winelands valley because of the lifestyle

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and high level of broad-based infrastructure in-

when it comes to recycling bottles, plastics and

cluding schools, universities and various activi-

paper and with respect to water usage. We need

ties within close proximity.”

to investigate energy management systems that will ensure that we are doing our bit for the envi-

While he is pleased with this continued growth,

ronment – this is a fundamental part of living in a

he is also very serious when it comes to sustain-

community.”

ability and believes it is vital to meet certain objectives when it comes to responsible environ-

It is this sort of outlook that is encouraging young

mental practice and water usage: “We need to

families to settle in this forward thinking commu-

educate our residents regarding best practice

nity, with many families ‘trying before they buy’ by

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77 > renting homes on the estate. Amazingly, the con-

Director of golf, David Murray, and his team had their

version rate of renters to owners is more than 50%

hands full ensuring that every visitor to the estate in

– a remarkable statistic.

that week had an unbelievable experience and course superintendent, Mike Westman, did a superb job of

Pearl Valley’s celebrated golf course has been the

ensuring that the course was in pristine condition for

home to the South African Open Championship for

some of the world’s best professionals who partici-

the past couple of years and December 2009 saw

pated in the championship, which is co-sanctioned

the world’s second oldest Open return for the third

by the Sunshine and European Tours.

time. “The SA open has been excellent for Pearl Valley,” explains Hart, “as it has helped to reinforce the

Living on a golf estate is a particularly attractive

Pearl Valley brand, which was already strong. It

option when it comes to wide open spaces with

has really put us in the international spotlight and

excellent security. When that golf estate includes

we have seen some 3000 rounds being played by

a course designed by one of the world’s most

international tourists as a direct result.”

legendary golfers and it is situated in the heart of one of the most beautiful winelands areas anywhere

That is exposure that money just can’t buy. For the

in the world, it fast goes from an attractive option to

third time, golf fans have arrived in their thousands

the only option. Pearl Valley’s residents do agree.

to support the event, again exposing the estate and its lifestyle to scores of potential investors who might not ordinarily have made the trip.

Photos by Dawid de Greef.

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81 81>>

House Coetzee.

Tranquility at Southdowns

By Bev Hermanson

After the excesses of golfing and equestrian estates, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s refreshing to stumble on an estate that offers a unique farm lifestyle. By no means industrial in its make-up, Southdowns Residential Estate features homes that, while following the old fashioned Highveld style, are nevertheless upmarket in their finishes and dĂŠcor.

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Slightly remote from the N1 Polokwane freeway

These days, however, Irene has almost merged with

that connects Johannesburgâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s northern suburbs

Centurion and the surrounding suburbs and the

and Pretoriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s affluent eastern suburbs, the district

area is a bustling hive of activity. As in most cases

of Irene was once predominantly farmland. The

where there has been a flurry of development, an

Irene Country Club, The Irene Country Market and

upsurge in crime would seem to be inevitable. The

the Irene Dairy Farm have been amongst the main

response, of course, was to come up with a secure

attractions to the area, and for many decades, a

solution in the form of gated residential estates and

visit to Irene was seen as a country excursion.

Irene has a number from which to choose. The most

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unique of these is known as Southdowns â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and let

Everything about the estate has been carefully con-

me assure you, security is tight there!

sidered. The initiators of the project lived the dream for 13 years before any ground was turned. Before

Originally part of the Irene Dairy Farm, Southdowns

the residential component was started, the South-

covers roughly 200 ha that has been divided into

downs Shopping Centre was built on the extension

around 600 residential stands. Fifty hectares of the

of John Vorster Drive, to make sure that there was

original farm have been incorporated in the estate

a retail convenience centre close enough to justify

and recreational open spaces make up 35 percent

the relocation of families to the area.

of the total land coverage.

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Recommendations for the built forms

The design philosophy captures a farm atmosphere

The vision of the developers was to make South-

was built on the Transvaal Highveld around the

downs one of the most sought after residential es-

1890 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1910 period. The typical elements of this

tates in Gauteng by offering a unique lifestyle in an

genre are white walls with vertically proportioned

environmentally sustainable manner. In keeping with

windows, pitched roofs, the extensive use of ve-

this objective, they have aimed to create an aestheti-

randas and vertical slatted doors and shutters. A

cally appealing built environment whilst preserving

contemporary architectural interpretation of these

the sense of place of Irene.

guidelines has been encouraged, with the emphasis

with an architectural language that is based on the turn of the century, unembellished Victorian style that

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on simplicity, scale, proportion and refined detail applied to the exterior of the structures. However, to give authenticity to each residence, owners have been allowed unrestricted carte blanche when it comes to the interior layout and finishes of their homes.

The sense of community in this estate has not been left to chance. The harmony that is encouraged has been thoroughly thought through. There are a myriad different aspects of the planning that have all been laid down in the architectural guidelines and all of the building plans have been evaluated taking into account the effect that each building would have on the adjacent properties, whether already developed or vacant. Homes had to be designed so that the visual privacy of neighbouring homes is respected

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House Coetzee. and that all private outdoor spaces are not compro-

to adjoining properties. Air conditioners and pool

mised in any way.

pumps must not be audible from adjoining properties and the landscaping has to take cognisance

Large windows and balconies situated on the south

of its effect on adjoining properties, particularly in

and west sides of double storey homes have been

terms of the effect that any trees will have when

discouraged and outbuildings and yards have to

placed on or close to the site boundaries.

be positioned so that there is limited disturbance

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The emphasis is on the use of rectangular building forms that are sited parallel to the site boundaries as far as possible. The building coverage is restricted to 50 percent if a single storey and 40 percent for a double storey, with 60 percent of the square meterage downstairs and 40 percent on the upper level.

Garage doors should ideally not face the street, but where they do, they must be at least 5 metres back from the street. Wendy houses, tool sheds and lapas are a definite no-no and boats and caravans have to be housed in garaging to minimise visual clutter.

The use of sustainable natural materials has been encouraged wherever possible, with earthy colours used for decoration. Roofing has to be pitched and the materials are restricted to corrugated or Chromadek metal sheeting, corrugated fibre cement sheeting or slate tiles, in either a red or grey colouring, to give uniformity to the skylines. Walls may be either smooth plaster, timber plank, handiplank or

horizontal shiplap timber cladding, facebrick, corrugated metal if it matches the same corrugated metal used for the roof, or Irene stone.

Infrastructure Over and above the provision of security to the residents, the developers have gone out of their way to achieve a high level of self sufficiency in the estate. The roads are made of interlocking paving blocks and the verges have paths wide enough to take golf carts and bicycles. Each traffic circle has a theme and the developers made sure that all the streetscapes and services were already in place so that all the building contractors needed to do was focus on the building on each site.

The Southdowns Energy Management Company is responsible for all electricity supply in the estate and has been tasked with managing the electricity LIVING

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demand to keep it as low as possible, without caus-

related soils. This is an important consideration as

ing undue inconvenience to any homeowner. To

the excessive ingress of water over protracted peri-

facilitate this, the Home Ownersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Association has

ods into the subsurface profile could lead to the for-

been given access to the electrical circuits of all

mation of sinkholes or dolines. The planning of storm

geysers, underfloor heating and any other devices

water runoff was, therefore, vital and all buildings

drawing more than 5 amps.

have to have gutters to channel water runoff from the roofs. Rain water storage tanks are encouraged,

As a supplement, home owners are allowed to in-

but otherwise, storm water is channelled via under-

stall solar heating systems, provided they have

ground pipes and surface channels to disperse into

grey roofs. However, as Irene experiences a lot of

the Hennops River nearby.

frost during winter, only the solar panels may be installed flush against the roof, with the rest of the

Other than rainwater, the water supply is via the

system housed inside the roof.

municipal supply, which is metered at each home.

The responsible management of all water usage

When it comes to water management, there are two

around the residences is encouraged and in par-

vital facets that have to be managed. The most sig-

ticular, irrigation, backwashing of swimming pools,

nificant is the storm water management. Along with

the checking of leaks from water features and swim-

about a quarter of Gauteng Province, the geology

ming pools and any excessive use of water has to

of the Irene area is made up of dolomitic rock and

be monitored.

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Natural gas supply In addition to having the standard trappings of municipal water and Eskom electricity, Southdowns is the first development in South Africa to supply natural piped gas to every home in the estate. Having concluded an initial ten year contract with the developers, Sasol Gas extended two kilometres of pipeline to the estate. A further 10,5 kilometres of piping was then installed within the estate to ensure supply to each stand and apartment, as well as the school, arts centre and shopping complex. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Natural gas is a reliable, clean energy source and unlike other fossil fuels, it emits lower levels of potentially harmful by-products into the air,â&#x20AC;? says Jack Prentice, managing director of Southdowns LIVING

A Journey oďż˝ Discovery

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A member of the Cape Union Mart Group

Menlyn Park

99 >

Management Services. “It is cheaper and safer than liquefied petroleum gas and, through the pipelines, it is instantly available.”

Each home is fitted with its own gas meter, which is read monthly, so there is no need for residents to worry about changing gas bottles and remembering to order new supplies. This means that in the event of load-shedding, this estate could continue to function unaffected. In fact, the selection of gas cookers, gas braais and fireplaces has become much more varied and sophisticated over the years and now one can even use gas for underfloor and water heating and for lights.

State-of-the-art security A Telkom network has been provided, not only for those who wish to have landline telephone links, but also to operate as an intercom system linking all homes to the gatehouse and to each other. This intercom linkage does not carry any call charges, so communication with the gatehouse remains reliable. In the event that a homeowner does not have a Telkom connection, the intercom is programmed to call specific cell phone numbers, the cost of which is covered by the homeowners.

Connected to the Estate Security System, there is

“You can get some extremely sophisticated gas fireplaces these days,” says Denise Pretorius of the Southdowns sales division. “Some even have speakers to give you the crackling sound and a remote control, so you don’t need to get out of bed to adjust the settings . . . or to put more wood on the fire!”

an alarm monitoring system that is based on three channels – fire, intruder and panic. Further, all residents have access to the estate through a fingerprint identification system, so there’s no worry about losing those darned access cards or remote devices.

Thermal imaging cameras have been installed right LIVING

101 > around the perimeter and on the river frontage there are also dig detectors to prevent intruders from burrowing under the security fences.

Two very different house designs To see just what can be accomplished within the framework of the architectural guidelines, Design> Living magazine was invited to view two of the beautiful residences completed at Southdowns.

The brief for House Roos, designed by architect Pieter Mathews of Mathews & Associates Architects, was to achieve as much transparency as possible. The extensive use of glass optimises the views of the pastures and surrounding landscape. The colour palette has been restricted to the primary colours of grey and white, bar the vivid red around the staircase, to draw the focus up the stairs to the upper level.

House Coetzee.

The owner had wanted to create almost an ‘art gallery’ atmosphere in the house, so the lounge and airy dining area blend seamlessly with the thoroughfares. The kitchen has large foldaway windows out onto the patio and the living areas can likewise be fully opened to achieve that indoor/outdoor effect that takes best advantage of our South African climate.

The interplay of steel, aluminium and corrugated iron along with the use of roof trusses and glass adds interest through changes of textures and form. A side studio/lounge faces an open plan ‘passage’ from the garage that opens to an atrium shielded from the street view by a screening wall.

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House Coetzee. deep overhangs. Uplighting at night creates the

The architecture of House Coetzee, designed by Paul

effect that the roof is floating, giving the home a

Boshoff of Paul Boshoff Architects, has likewise

somewhat surreal charm.

pushed the boundaries. Built in an H-shape, the house comprises an interesting combination of the old

House Coetzee.

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House Coetzee.

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and new, with both natural and modern finishes.

The open plan style has been toned down through the use of ‘walls’ that screen, rather than close off the spaces. The kitchen has a contemporary cottage aesthetic, with the natural colours of the tinted cement floor and the taupe walls setting off the white of the cabinetry.

The special paint effects are tastefully applied to impart texture, rather than novelty to the interiors.

The furnishings are somewhat colonial in style, but coloured to blend with the colour palette. The light fittings are exquisite, adding an element of interest and intrigue to the superbly co-ordinated décor.

These are but two of the tastefully built homes that can be seen throughout the Southdowns development.

Southdowns College As with many of the more comprehensive gated developments, the focus is on providing quality family life. To give parents peace of mind and the convenience of close access to educational facilities, the developers included a school as part of the estate.

Known as Southdowns College, the school opened its doors on 15 January 2007, with an enrolment of 130 pupils.

Run by Centurus Colleges, Southdowns College is an independent school that has the vision to provide exciting value-added elements to the curriculum through four pillars – academic enrichment, sports, environmental education and the visual and performing arts.

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proud to be associated with the Southdowns estate

LSB PROJECTS CC PROJECT MANAGEMENT & CONSTRUCTION

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E-mail: lsb@netactive.co.za Cell: 082 497 3320 Fax: 086 513 6489

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111 > In addition to catering to the needs of the families in the estate, the college also accepts learners from other areas and there is a hostel that accommodates up to 70 boarders during term times. The hostel is made available to touring sports teams during the holidays, so thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always plenty of activity to be found in and around the college.

Sports offered include rugby, hockey, netball, tennis and cross country, while cultural pursuits include music, dance, drama, chess, pottery and ceramics, singing and public speaking. Adding adventure pastimes to the menu, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s horse riding, mountain biking, hiking, orienteering, rock climbing and canoeing, which are arranged as outside pursuits.

The Sport and Art Exchange A delightful inclusion in the Southdowns offering is the Sport and Art Exchange that is a separate complex situated close to the college. Known as SAX, this complex boasts a 600-seater theatre, a fully equipped gym, a dance studio, an accredited gallery, and art studio for drawing, sculpture and painting and a state-of-the-art music centre that has separate booths for sound recording.

Other facilities to be found at SAX include office space and meeting rooms suitable for conferences and presentations. A canteen and restaurant provide much needed refreshments on campus.

Irene Country Club Part of the motivation behind not going the golf course route was that the developers were concerned that golf would not be sustainable in the LIVING

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future due to the tremendous pressure placed on

halfway house, terrace and restaurant. These facili-

water supplies for irrigation. However, to meet the

ties, along with access to the deli and restaurant at

demand for this elite sport, they injected R20-mil-

the Irene Dairy Farm, can be reached along a ‘coun-

lion into the building of a new clubhouse at the

try route’ that can be reached through a security

neighbouring Irene Country Club.

controlled gate.

The golfing aspect of this popular country club was conceived back in 1910 around the time that the

Along with the convenience of the shopping centre, this means that residents need not stray too far from

Union of South Africa was formed. The first nine holes

home for any of their social, educational or house-

of the golf course were originally laid out 1912 and

hold requirements. In addition to adding quality to

then, due to the great enthusiasm generated for

life, the superb features that Southdowns offers go

the pastime, it was extended to eighteen holes in

a long way towards substantially enhancing the in-

1922. Among the first vice-Presidents to be involved

vestment value that is inherent in these homes. <

in the club were General Smuts and Sir Percy Fitzpatrick and since then a number of notable celebrities and sporting greats have joined as members.

Advertisers relevant to the feature homes: > House Roos – Arnokon, LSB, The Gas Company,

In addition to golf, the Irene Country Club offers

Bladcon, Lafarge/ Bens Paving and Absolute Doors.

squash, bowls, cricket, tennis, squash and swim-

> House Coetzee – Hi Fi Installations, Elaine Jansen van

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Rensburg and Arrowood Projects.

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