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DAMP COROBRIK’S BURGUNDY PAVERS PREVENT PERMANENTLY CREATE VIBRANT DESIGN AT ELALENI COASTAL FOREST ESTATE PHOTOGRAPHS CHRIS ALLEN PHOTOGRAPHY
Elaleni Coastal Forest Estate in KwaZulu-Natal is premised on an ethos of sustainability, which includes the incorporation of natural elements in construction. To minimise the impact on natural surrounds and achieve a design that integrates with the coastal forest, Corobrik’s Burgundy pavers (10 440m2), Burgundy Cobbles (185m2) and Graphite pavers (840m2) were selected for the roads and walkways. Designed by Landscape Architects Uys & White with construction by North Global Group, Corobrik’s pavers were used throughout this naturally styled estate. The estate's developers encourage the use of sustainable building products. “We’ve noticed a particular trend of incorporating Corobrik’s pavers for upmarket estates along the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast,” says Lucas Uys of Landscape Architects Uys & White. “It exudes the right image for the estates.” He says the superior quality of the pavers and deep red colour means that impurities, such as oil and soil, are not evident, while the Burgundy colour gives a real sense of presence. The Burgundy pavers were used along all the main boulevards, with intermittent lines of concrete used to break the red aesthetic. Near the estate entrance is an iconic circle known as the Infinity Forest Circle, which includes a stainless-steel
structure designed by Lucas Uys, representing the different tree life cycles in the forest and nature. “The Infinity Forest Circle is designed to encourage the residents, and children, to develop an appreciation for the forest biome, with the sculpture becoming part of the estate’s landscape as opposed to being in conflict with it, representative of living as one with nature,” explains Uys. Enveloping this sculpture, the landscape architects chose to use a mixture of Corobrik’s Burgundy Cobbles and granite cobbles, creating a naturally aged impression. Corobrik’s Graphite pavers were used for the Msinsi cul-de-sac, providing a neutral tone that blended well with the surrounding vegetation and structures. Musa Shangase, Corobrik’s Commercial Director, says that, because of the clay materials used to create the pavers, they offer an appealing earthy nature that is aesthetically compelling and extremely durable, able to withstand high levels of loading. The pavers are renowned for their colour integrity – possible through natural pigmentation – rich texture and minimal maintenance requirements. “The latest developments, particularly along the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast, prioritise environmental concerns, which is why our breathable clay pavers are such a great option,” explains Shangase. www.corobrik.co.za
62 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019
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