Pro Landscaper November 2020 Issue by Paper Plane Publications

Image by Jamie Thom

N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 0 - S KY 'S T H E L I M I T

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LEADER

Welcome to our November Issue of Pro Landscaper Africa, Wow, it’s hard to believe that 2020 is already coming to an end and this is our last editorial issue of the year. We really have an exciting issue in store for you… featuring some of the most exquisite rooftops across the country from residential green roof applications to commercial spaces and everything in between. Our feature writers tackle the topic of designing and implementing successful roof top gardens to offer a well-rounded issue with something for every professional! We also have an exciting interview this month which celebrates GREENinc’s 25 years in the industry. What’s more, we feature the winners of this year’s Faces of the Future Campaign with some exclusive artwork by our new favourite local artist, @phathudesigns_illustrations, be sure to check out our next generation leaders from page 30 onwards. We are gearing up for a phenomenal Coffee Table Edition, due out next month-so watch this space, we have managed to secure some of this country’s most exclusive projects and cannot wait for this big launch. @prolandscaperafrica

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@Pro Landscaper Africa Download our Pro Landscaper app

Phillip – 079 876 1341 | phillip@turftech.co.za | www.turftech.co.za

IVM Chemicals (Pty) Ltd is a South African company, which was founded and established in 2015. The company and its representatives bring a vast amount of experience to the market. The company has a team of highly qualified staff looking after its business. With individuals having over 20 years experience each, the customer can expect the most advanced and innovative service and advice. IVM Chemicals has spent many years developing strategic partnerships with manufacturers and developers of world class pesticides, nutritional and bio stimulant technologies. This allows us to provide our clients countrywide with a one stop advisory and supply solution regarding unwanted vegetation, pests, nutrition, water management and plant stress challenges.

0823712681 | info@ivmchemicals.co.za | www.ivmchemicals.co.za Facebook: ivmchemicals.sa

FEA T

CONTENTS ES

08 – Focus: Oggie's new Showroom By The MAAK, Thingking and David Brits

- The Sky's the Limit By Frank Kleinschmidt from Landmark Studios

– Community During the Time of Covid-19 By Jacques van Embden from Blok Developments

20 – Water Conservation and Innovative

Solutions to a Water Crisis By Samanta Stelli from Rand Water

–An Interview with: GREENinc GREENinc celebrates 25 years in the industry!

P O RT F O

– We See Change: Interactive Billboard

Company Profile: Lifestyle Turf & Play LI

14 Stories, SunSquare By Viridian Consulting Landscape Architects and Blacksmith Interior Designers

Kleinmond Retreat – By Swansilva Architecture and Fynbos Gardens

Part Building, Part Landscape – By W Design Architecture Studio and EarthArt Nursery and Landscaping

Sustainable- That's Treated Wood – By The South African Wood Preservers Association Machinery Focus: John Deere -

65 N U RT

40 – Company Profile: African Eco

Plant Conditioning for the Summer Season – By Nonke Plants Up on the Rooftop By Trees SA

Pro Landscaper Africa announces the winners of our annual competition Sponsored by STIHL

30 – Faces of the Future 2020

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Oggie launches dazzling new showroom in the heart of Johannesburg façade is thermo-treated Nørdic pine. Thermo treated planks are energy efficient, durable, low maintenance, and decay resistant. I think the outcome has turned out beautifully. Q: When did you introduce the Oggie outdoor range to your offerings? A: Oggie Outdoor was introduced because South Africa is of course known for its unbelievable weather, and people love to be outdoors. Many of the houses that Oggie were supplying to needed outdoor decking and cladding as well, so it was a natural progression. It took Oggie eight years to find the right outdoor decking and cladding products and Thermowood from Finland that was that perfect fit. Q: What is your favorite space in the showroom?

ocated at 31 Sixth Street, Oggie’s new showroom is undoubtedly the hottest address in Parkhurst, exemplifying contemporary design and functionality while showcasing Oggie’s extensive range of oak flooring and outdoor Nørdic Thermowood cladding and decking. The design of this build is by visionary architects C76 with inspired interior design by HK Design Studio.

Pro Landscaper Catches up with Nick Gluckman, Owner of Oggie, to find out more... Q: Why a showroom in Parkhurst, Johannesburg? A: I live in Tamboerskloof, and have a well visited showroom in Cape Town. Needing to offer Joburg a space to interact with our brand…I settled on Parkhurst. I have always loved Parkhurst as it has a similar energy and cosmopolitan vibe as Tamboerskloof. Q: What was your brief to the architect? A: I love Carl’s work (from C76) and gave him complete freedom to do what he is good at and use our Oggie oak and outdoor products everywhere - on the walls, ceilings and floors, to create an inspirational space that people will love to walk into and be in.

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We initially wanted two showroom spaces, where Oggie would take the ground floor level and we would then rent out the upstairs section to a like-minded business. However, once construction started, and with positive company growth, I changed my mind and decided to utilise the whole building for ourselves. Q: How do our trade members visit the showroom? A: Our showrooms are for the public, as well as design professionals and architects. All are welcome to pop in and learn more about Oggie products. We want this space to be a place where architects can envisage product for their next big project and designers and general public alike can be inspired to explore the many offerings and different applications of our products. Q: There are many elements to the show room. Just how many different types of Oggie wood flooring were used? A: I collaborate with professionals whose work I know and admire. The showroom floor and ceilings although showing a variety of planks and patterns, has been finished in the same colour, because that is what you would do in a luxury home. The external cladding on the building

A: Being a nature lover, the atriums are my favourite spot with their trees and gardens. It’s a wonderful green space, that I can’t wait to watch grow.

Look out for this full project in our Coffee Table Edition due out next month.

Oggie used their Thermo-treated Nørdic Pine to compliment it’s new contemporary Parkhurst showroom facade. Thermally modified cladding and decking is flexible, scalable and durable for any architectural project.

Cape Town: 021 510 2846 | Paarden Eiland Johannesburg: 011 262 3117 | Parkhurst Durban: 031 000 1000 | Umhlanga nick@oggie.co.za www.oggieflooring.com

Oggie showroom, 31 Sixth Street, Parkhurst, Johannesburg. Architects: C76. Interior Design: HK Design Studio. Thermally Modified Nørdic Pine - 26 x 115 x 3600-4200

...Oggie cladding in beautiful places.

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CAPE TOWN CREATIVES UNVEIL A

GIGANTIC INTERACTIVE LED BILLBOARD ON A ROOFTOP IN WOODSTOCK.

Image by We See Change

e See Change, a new public sculpture in Woodstock, invites people to send messages for broadcasting on a massive interactive LED billboard. Positioned on the sky line in one of Cape Town’s oldest, culturally rich and contested neighbourhoods, this innovative platform encourages connection and dialogue by beaming personal messages of hope and dreams across the area. Like a beacon opinions, desires and concerns about the world during this unprecedented epoch shine brightly at night for all to see.

The large public sculpture is a three-way collaboration between interactive design studio, Thingking, architecture firm, The MAAK and sculptor David Brits. Deeply engaged in what it means to be public, these collaborators have come together as inspired creative studios that want to see more positive, tangible change. Wahaaj Achmat, a Woodstock resident, says of the project: “The billboard is a great place to ‘publish’ messages and receive no judgement. It’s brought the community together through shared joy and happiness. We feel unique

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because this billboard is in our neighbourhood.” Max Melvill of The MAAK explained that the project is attracting messaging from both local and global conversations. At a local level, there are issues of corruption, gentrification and homelessness. On a global scale, we see narratives of black lives matter, LGBTQI+ rights, ongoing police brutality and issues around gender-based violence. “We hope that the billboard will act as a public messaging board to amplify individual voices through collective reading,” adds Ashleigh Killa, The MAAK’s co-founder. “The very nature of this project’s input platform allows for openness, honesty and anonymity – it is as uncensored as you get!” Marc Nicolson, of Thingking Studio, is the design-maker consultancy responsible for fabrication of the billboard. He explains, “The billboard is made of eight lines of 12 meter long addressable LED lights. A microcomputer linked to a 3G sim card converts the public’s messages into code that individually lights the LED pixels. Your words then scroll along the billboard. Current messages as well as an archive of past sub-

missions will be posted on the We See Change website for everyone to see”. Sculptor David Brits believes that the messages are both a call to action, as well as a call to express desires, frustrations and hopes for oneself and society in a time when it is most needed. Brits emphasises, “We See Change aims not to add to the noise, but to be a signal. The project says loudly we are stronger together and that creativity will endure. It’s a way for people to declare “I am here, I count and I care.” ” Sending a message of actionable, personal change to the billboard is easy, and can be uploaded via a dedicated website (www. weseechange.co.za). Messages will be livestreamed on the billboard from 5pm to 12am and will be seen up to 1km away by the residents of Woodstock. Sculpture Location: 15 Hercules Street, Woodstock, Cape Town. Dates: August to October 2020 Website: www.weseechange.co.za Instagram: @we_see_change

Image by We See Change

For more information on the We See Change project visit: Website: www.weseechange.co.za Instagram: @we_see_change

For more information on The MAAK visit: Website: www.themaak.co.za/ Instagram: @the.maak

For more information on Thingking Studio visit: Website: www.thingking.co.za Instagram: @wearethingking

For more information on David Brits visit: Website: davidbrits.com Instagram: @davidbrits_

Scan the QR code to interact

THE SKYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S THE LIMIT: ROOF GARDENS & THE FUTURE By Frank Kleinschmidt, Landscape Architect at Landmark Studios

12 Rosebank Link

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F E AT U R E

hether fact or fiction, it is clear why the Hanging Gardens of Babylon were included as one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. Terraces of lush foliage, flowing waterfalls and even an abundance of fauna through the many levels make this ancient landmark the more fantastical of roof gardens.

Barring the obvious waterproofing concerns of placing an irrigated and saturated soil mass on a slab, roof gardens invariably require early design input to accommodate their additional weight. The frequent inclusion of specimen trees relies on sound structural design in the initial concept stages and further requires buy-in from the developer.

In our modern times, roof gardens are somewhat tamer and can be broadly categorised into distinct groups depending on their complexity and constituent elements.

All parties involved need to understand the additional costs and the inherent risk in incorporating roof gardens into a building’s structure.

Roof gardens, or hanging gardens, are reminiscent of the palatial hanging gardens from the ancient world. They consist of deep soil beds on various structural levels, and a collection of specimen trees, shrubs and groundcovers. They also often include timber platforms, water feature elements and intricate hardscape surfaces.

Globally and locally, however, there are a growing number of notable projects demonstrating that roof gardens can be a long-lasting and a beautiful addition to the built environment.

On the other end of the spectrum are sedum roofs, or green roofs. Shallow soil beds accommodate low groundcover species planted in patterns to offset the harshness of a concrete slab roof. They are most frequently planting with sedums and other succulent species that require little water and maintenance. In an age where environmental responses are more popular than ever, bringing as many elements of the natural world into the urban context is as valuable as ever.

In urban areas across South Africa, green roofs and roof gardens have been emerging more and more frequently, from the patterned sedum roofs on the newly-completed Leonardo skyscraper in Sandton, to the intimate indigenous roof gardens found on the Cape Town Civic Centre and at the Rosebank Link in Johannesburg. In more rural areas of South Africa, schools are adopting green roofs as a way to harness the agricultural and educational benefits of these natural features. Botha’s Halte Primary School in

Worcester has demonstrated that a roof garden can be utilised as both an educational asset as well as a structural boon, in the form of water treatment and thermal insulation. Internationally, the old and new continue to delight. In Manhattan, New York, the Rockefeller Centre Roof Gardens have been an addition to the city for nearly a century, and continue to provide respite from the bustling city in their five formal garden spaces. On the opposite side of the globe and situated in the middle of Fukuoka City, Japan, the ACROS Fukuoka Prefectural International Hall appears as a densely vegetated mountain, with lush green steppes appearing from a distant. Open to the public in 1995, the roof park has formed an integral part of the landmark’s operation as an international cultural and information exchange. The development of the building involved extensive research on thermal environmental measures and conclusively determined that roof gardens are effective at mitigating the urban heat island effect described earlier. Given the rise in projects, it is further encouraging to note that there are exciting developments in the technologies available to realise them.

Botha's Halte Primary School

Many benefits of the specific inclusion of ‘roof greening’ (either through roof gardens or green roofs) have been touted by leaders in the landscape industry. On a macro level, the micro-climatic benefits are proclaimed to include carbon sequestration, urban cooling, and a general reduction in the ‘heat island effect’ – the phenomenon by which the materials used to make our cities result in much warmer temperatures than the surrounding countryside. On a more localised level, individual green roofs provide micro-habits for local fauna, an opportunity for small-scale urban agriculture and communal recreation, a psychological connection to nature, and visual softening for inhabitants of taller neighbouring structures. Despite the apparent advantages, the design and construction of a green roof should always be weighed against the potential downfalls.

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F E AT U R E

Many landscape tech manufacturers are adding roof garden-specific products, from hanging structure to sedum roof containers. BERA manufactures a variety of products under its Urbanscape Green Roof System range, all designed to offer alternatives and additions to the soil that are lighter and offer better water retention. For specific green roof applications, the Mobilane MobiRoof cassettes have made planting a sedum roof easier than ever. The landscape team can plant the low square cassettes off-site and install at a later date with ease. They require little maintenance and provide an opportunity to quickly and cheaply green a concrete roof slab. It, therefore, doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seem as if green roofs are a trend thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fading any time soon. As the products that make their construction become cheaper and more reliable, it seems plausible that green roofs will become more prevalent. On a more whimsical note, it is possible that our cities of the future may consist of vast parks perched in the sky, collections of arcologies (self-contained buildings) and other structuralecological megastructures.

T ID

FRANK KL

EIN S

With our rapidly changing climate and pronounced technological strides, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon may once again make their appearance in the dense metropolitan areas of the world.

Rooftop garden, Rockefeller Centre

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GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS FRANKO: 083 449 3954 | FRANKO@BERA-BV.COM

F E AT U R E

COMMUNITY DURING THE TIME OF COVID-19 How we live and its impact on our mental health – and how this may shape development trends in the near-future

Pictured: Six On N

The importance of green communal spaces in developments and how a sense of community is becoming more important in residential blocks. A recent webinar hosted by the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Urban Real Estate Research Unit (URERU) in collaboration with the UCT Conference Centre, sought to understand how the property market would evolve postCovid-19. Professor Francois Viruly, Head of URERU, noted that “If COVID-19 brings anything out, it will be the importance of our parks and public spaces and how we think about space.”

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Jacques van Embden, managing director at urban property developer Blok, explains that living in a place that offers access to friends, family and neighbours is an important pillar in achieving a healthy state of mind. “When people spend a significant amount of time at home, they rely more heavily on their community, which circumvents a crippling sense of loneliness or isolation.” How will this increased focus on community impact property development in future? Van Embden explains: “This will place more importance on communal living – shared spaces where residents can congregate safely, helping foster a sense of connection.”

Physical space also comes into play. Ahead of launching its new development, Blok recently conducted a survey that sought to better understand the South African market and what potential investors were looking for when considering the purchase of property. Van Embden says: “Space (square meterage) was flagged as the most important attribute among those surveyed, yet there appeared to be a disconnect between what respondents desired, and what they could reasonably afford.” Interesting to note was that even with space flagged among those surveyed as being a preference, respondents indicated that they would prefer to live in a smaller apartment

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located in a neighbourhood of their choice, as opposed to a larger unit within a neighbourhood that did not appeal to them.

Pictured: Six On N

Given the knock to consumer’s wallets, affordability will increasingly drive ownership and rental decisions, which is expected to impact the size of properties well into the future. “As consumers continue to face financial pressure, we will see a rise in cost-effective micro or compact spaces with added features and other drawcards," says van Embden. “As developers shift their focus to producing an offering that will be attractive to wouldbe buyers, yet remain within reach from a pricing perspective.”

“While consumers might opt for smaller homes that better accommodate their budgets, this will be balanced by a reinvigorated focus on the neighbourhood. Rather than spending on expensive private or personal space, our broader community – and what we have access to in our immediate vicinity – will lead to a trend of living outside the home.” “Blok’s ethos has always centred around connectivity and a passion for community. We need buildings that provide greater opportunities for convenient, serviced living and diversified common space which contribute to the culture of our prized urban spaces,” says Van Embden. “We believe in the celebration of urban apartment living as a collective experience and we design with human connection in mind."

Pictured: Six On N

Pictured: Forty On L

In line with this, Blok's latest development, SIX ON N features a host of convenient attractions on its doorstep and communal spaces, such as a rooftop pool and deli, making for an incredible, connected lifestyle. "In line with the trend around the wellness movement, there is an emphasis on spaces which actively create positive effects on our mental wellbeing." Van Embden also believes that being close to the ocean or nature, which has also been found to have a positive impact on mental wellbeing, will take precedence over a larger physical space.

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F E AT U R E

And what about the increase in working from home (WFH)? How will this intersect with mental health? A UK publication recently explored the mental health issues associated with working from home, and found that the majority (61%) of its respondents, somewhat surprisingly, indicated that they would prefer to return to the office, citing social and mental health issues.

July 2021 and that it will transition half of its workforce to become permanently remote over the next decade – and many other companies across the globe are already following suit.

Yet WFH doesn’t appear to be going anywhere, anytime soon. Facebook has indicated that it would allow employees to work from home until

Van Embden concludes, “Where we live will take on multiple roles – our home will continue to be our sanctuary and shelter, but will now

www.blok.co.za/six-on-n

Jacques van

Em bd e

It seems that after the initial novelty of no longer being office-bound had subsided, people were realising that there was no longer a sense of work-life balance. They were no longer working from home, but effectively, living at work.

How will this impact developments? Prof. Viruly anticipates that there will be a rise in coworking spaces as employees continue to seek a sense of community or connection, while van Embden believes that there will also be far more attention on creating a dedicated workspace at home that promotes productivity: “We expect this to be an integral feature in many of the homes built in future.”

also become an economic hub, a classroom, and a space where we feel safe in meeting friends and family. We need to better understand the role of homes in helping or hindering our mental wellbeing, and design accordingly.”

ok Bl MD

Pictured: Ten On Q

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CREATING THE CONNECTION BETWEEN URBAN LIFE AND NATURE

Luna SHP 26x117mm used as fence element

Luna SHP Profix2 26x140mm hidden clip system decking

Luna Triple Shadow 32x140mm in the ceiling and Luna UTV 19x117mm on the walls

Luna SHP 26x92mm in the outdoor pergola roof

Project: Villa Nordic, Honorary Consulate of Finland to South Africa ; Architects: Seppo Mantyla Architects and Adler Price Architects ; Photos by NPP. Project details: Situated in Western Cape, at Stonehurst Mountain Estate, the residence follows the Nordic design by using extensively Lunawood Thermowood from indoors to outdoors. The soothing effect of Lunawood can be seen as decking, ceiling, sauna, fence and feature wall

Lunawood is a premium wood material for versatile exterior and interior applications in all climates. Lunawood products create opportunities for architects and designers to use wood in an innovative and natural way.

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DURBAN

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13 Milan Street Airport Industria, Cape Town

Unit 15. Acacia Park, No.1 Falcon Road, Shakas Head, Ballito

Kynoch Road, Chloorkop, Guateng

Gareth Hare: 083 278 8077 Igshaan Jonathan: 081 042 4266

Jason Raw: 083 867 3773 Office: 032 947 1758

Markus Renyneke: 083 278 8077

Aramex Warehouse, Old East End Industrial, Corner Alpha & Kraal Streets, Bloemfontein Koen Kruger: 076 235 6758

Universal Plywoods is the official distribution partner for Lunawood in South Africa www.universalply.com or visit our showrooms

WATER CONSERVATION AND INNOVATIVE ROOFTOP SOLUTIONS TO A WATER CRISIS

ANTA STELLI , RA SAM ND BY E AT W

SOUTH AFRICA’S WATER SITUATION Climate change, over-population, water pollution, urban encroachment, species extinction; our planet is facing a number of potentially devastating environmental threats – threats which impact us directly. South Africa is a naturally water-scarce region, with unevenly distributed seasonal rainfall. Climate change is exacerbating these weather patterns, with hotter and drier summers, water shortages, and an increase in extreme weather events such as floods and droughts. Basically, the ‘dries’ are expected to get drier, and the ‘wets’, wetter. Water is expected to become even more of a limited resource than it already is. It is essential that all business, industries, economic sectors, and the public in general start adapting their lifestyles to adopt a more water wise way of life. Landscapers and gardeners have already started adapting to water restrictions by implementing water wise landscaping principles in the way of rainwater harvesting tanks, filtered ‘grey water' (water from washing machines, dishwashers, baths and

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showers), and water efficient irrigation systems. Grey water can effectively be filtered for reuse by including constructed wetlands as part of the landscape. STORMWATER RUNOFF AND RAINWATER HARVESTING We are seeing an increase in floods across the country and this is having serious effects on the environment and infrastructure. Hard and impermeable surfaces prevent water infiltration into the ground and can result in flash floods. Using permeable surfaces in a landscape or garden can effectively reduce the impact of heavy volumes of stormwater. When designing a landscape, take note of the topography of the area, as well as the type of soil present. Compacted, clay soils increase run-off, while loamy and sandy soils are better at absorbing water. Loamy soils are best as the rich organic content of these soils hold water around plant roots. Adding mulch, compost and retention granules also increases the permeability and infiltration capacity of soil. Infiltration and percolation of rainwater through soil provides

a beneficial role in filtering rainwater and preventing debris and pollutants from entering ground water, acting as a natural process of water purification. Run-off, especially in urban areas, can introduce contaminants such as oil, detergents, solvents, dead leaves, pesticides, fertiliser and bacteria from pet waste in rivers, dams, and oceans. Rainwater harvesting simply refers to the collection, storage and distribution of rainwater from your roof or other impermeable surfaces. It’s easy – your roof and gutter system provides a perfect collection point for rainwater; all you need to do is direct it to where you want it. Rainwater harvesting has many benefits. By collecting, storing and using rainwater, there is less strain on the municipal water supply, as well as a reduction in your municipal water bill. Any flooding, erosion, and pollution that may be caused by stormwater runoff is reduced. Also, rainwater contains minerals and nutrients that can give you a more productive and healthy landscape. Gutters can be used to direct rainwater to storage containers, rain

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tanks or specific areas in your landscape. How much water can you save by harvesting rainfall? Remember that every 1m² of roof generates 1L of water from 1mm of rainfall. So, if you receive 20mm of rainfall on a roof of 100m², this will generate 2,000L of water – for free! WATER EFFICIENT IRRIGATION – DRIP SYSTEMS Drip irrigation is widely understood to be the most water efficient irrigation system available. It is a watering system that delivers water either on the surface of the soil, or directly to a plant’s root zone (sub-surface). Drip irrigation systems are water-wise for the following reasons: •

Evaporation is minimal as water is not sprayed, but water application is still efficient and effective.

•

Application of water can be directed to specific areas precisely and effectively, as opposed to spray systems that apply water to a wider area and end up spraying non watering areas of the rooftop and wasting water.

•

Drip systems save between 30-50% water compared to spray or sprinkler systems.

•

There is no compromise on plant health; in fact, there is often a reduction in fungal plant diseases as leaves are kept dry.

•

Healthy plant root systems are encouraged as water is applied directly to the roots.

•

Can address complex site issues such as wind (especially for rooftop gardens), differing microclimates, damp, drainage, and run-off due to the efficient and accurate positioning of the system.

•

Can be used indoors in atriums and greenhouses, as well as outdoors.

When using a drip irrigation system, it is essential that the water be filtered before use, especially if any form of grey water is being used. Failure to do so will result in excess clogging of drippers, even if they are the “selfcleaning” type. LANDSCAPE INNOVATION – ROOFTOP GARDENS AND GREEN ROOFS Rooftop gardens and green roofs have been around for many decades, especially in highly populated urban areas such as cities and towns. Initially, rooftop gardens were used mainly to provide insulation in cold northern hemisphere climates. These days, with limited ‘green’ space,

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F E AT U R E

rooftops gardens are used to reduce the heat island effect in cities, reduce stormwater runoff and flash floods, create small safe havens for insects and birds, and beautify the environment. In essence, this is a creative and functional way of reducing reliance on municipal water, saving water, and preventing pollution. Rooftop gardens can be as simple as a few container plants artfully arranged in an open space, or as complex as a fully waterproofed and vegetated roof surface. In a rapidly growing urban environment with limited space, many people are choosing to live in flats, apartments, and townhouses. A rooftop garden or landscape is ideal for those living in homes without gardens. They make use of unused or underused space and are great for plants and veggies that require full sun. Veggies such as tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, peas and beans, tall corn and rambling squashes, carrots, radishes, beets, kohlrabi, fennel, potatoes, and onions are ideal for rooftop food gardens (but may require some protection from the wind in some areas). If you are looking more at an aesthetic landscape, consider hardy, sun-loving water-wise plants such as indigenous highveld grasses and succulents (hydrozoned appropriately); think of plants such as Dietes grandiflora 'Iris', Tulbaghia violacea 'Wild garlic', Agapanthus praecox, Plectranthus neochilus, Carpobrotus edulis 'Vygie', Aloe marlothii 'Mountain aloe', Drimiopsis maculata 'Leopard lily', and the well-known Chlorophytum comosum 'Hen and chicken'. Remember that there are a number of factors to consider when implementing a rooftop garden or landscape:

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•

Make sure your structure/building/roof can support the load of a rooftop garden (Engineering requirements will apply). Using lightweight planting materials such as vermiculite, perlite and sphagnum moss which can alleviate the problem of weight, and absorb and hold water well.

•

Rooftop environmental conditions such as full sun and strong wind can be tough on plants. If necessary, provide shading for more delicate plants, and buffers (for users and plants) to prevent excessively windy conditions.

•

Speak to an expert if you are interested in implementing a fully planted green roof. You may need to consult with a structural engineer or architect to conduct a structural analysis of your building.

•

A simpler, more cost-effective solution is to use containers and raised plant beds. Lightweight containers are ideal as they are portable, flexible in use, and affordable. You can really get creative and can easily change the design as required!

Back to water-wise irrigation – luckily, drip irrigation is great for rooftop gardens and landscapes. Because of the tough environment, rooftop gardens often require daily watering. However, they are also susceptible to water loss. Drip irrigation can prevent water loss to evaporation, while efficiently providing the correct amount of water to plant roots. To further reduce your water usage, consider directing harvested rainwater to your rooftop garden. Remember to place rubber mats, wooden pallets, or other material to buffer the containers or planters from the roof to allow for more efficient drainage and to protect roofing materials and structure. There are so many ways to save on your municipal bill by capitalising on free water. By harvesting rainwater, using mulch, and using water efficient irrigation systems such as drip irrigation, you can dramatically reduce your reliance on potable water, especially in landscapes and gardens. Rooftop gardens are water–saving, creative, innovative, spacesaving solutions to a limit in garden and landscape space. For more information on water conservation principles, please contact Samanta Stelli at sstelli@randwater.co.za or 011 724 9371. Sources: 1. Reinders, F.B., Grové, B., Benadé, N., van der Stoep, I. and van Niekerk, A.S. (2012). Technical Aspects and Cost Estimating Procedures of Surface and Subsurface Drip Irrigation Systems Volume 1: Main Report (WRC Report No. TT 524/12); Volume 2: A Manual for irrigation designers (WRC Report No. TT 525/12); and Volume 3: A Manual for irrigation farmers (WRC Report No. TT 526/12). 2. https://lifestyle.co.za/rooftop-gardens/ 3. https://www.sahomeowner.co.za/rooftopgarden-basics/ 4. ht t p s : // w w w.t h e s p r u ce . co m /ro of to p gardening-1403340 5. https://www.bbg.org/gardening/article/ start_a_rooftop_container_garden 6. https://www.waterbrothers.co.za/rooftopgardens/

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Botswana Innovation Hub - 2019

INTERVIEW

CELEBRATING

AN INTERVIEW WITH

GREENinc

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INTERVIEW

REENinc Landscape Architecture celebrates 25 years in the industry! Pro Landscaper sits down with directors Andrew Kerrin and Stuart Glen to reflect on some of their phenomenal work and see what they’ll be focusing on next.

Who was the founding figure of GREENinc? And how has the firm evolved since 1995? STUART: There were three of us actually: myself, Anton Comrie and Erika van den Berg. Erika retired some years ago and two of the talented youngsters, Annamari and Andrew, became directors more recently. With Anton and Annamari emigrating, we are back down to two directors.

After 25 years, what are some of the team’s proudest projects and where can they be found?

Freedom Park - 2013

"I believe our greatest role as landscape architects is to be in the interstitial. Landscape is about connection. Connection to past (heritage), to people (community), to place (ecology), to future (opportunity)”

- Andrew Kerrin

STUART: I’ve just been writing about KPMG Crescent, which is in Parktown in Johannesburg. It was our first commercial project, and we were very proud of it. We are passionate about designing public space, and we did inner-city rejuvenation work at Hollard Street and on the Braamfontein regeneration project. We have a lot of experience in heritage projects and on therapeutic design for hospitals. Heritage projects include Freedom Park in Tshwane, Liliesleaf Farm in Rivonia and the Sharpeville Cemetery and we’ve worked on numerous hospitals across the country, most famously the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital, also in Parktown. We’ll be featuring 25 of our special projects on social media over the next year. ANDREW: We’ve had the privilege of working on some amazing projects, both locally and abroad, and in some incredible locations. And while there’s always an incredible feeling seeing what once was an idea become a three-dimensional reality, the real reward is in witnessing others experience joy within that creation. When people take ownership of a space, when they use it for their own personal enjoyment, the space takes on meaning. Landscape designs are always about people. If we’re not designing for and with others, I personally believe we’re missing the point. Ninety-nine percent of the memories associated with the projects I’ve had the opportunity to work on are of the team of people we worked with, the communities we got to engage, the clients who pushed us to find better solutions and the friends we made in the process. This is what our team is proud of. prolandscaper.co.za

INTERVIEW

Q: As the team has had several major changes

over the past 2 years, how have you adapted to account for this change? STUART: Well, I think the changes have left us leaner (but not meaner!) and well-positioned for the future. They’ve been an opportunity for some re-invention and rejuvenation with some fresh young blood. ANDREW: As Landscape Architects we’re well trained to deal with adaptation (it is probably why we are constantly responsible for hiding or fixing mistakes on projects). When I started working at GREENinc I clearly remember Anton once saying that the time an employee spends working at a firm is a privilege, we all get to share in. There is no ownership. Only an opportunity to share each other's space, time and ideas. Since day 1, we’ve built our practice around the idea of collaboration, both internally between colleagues and externally with each professional we are lucky enough to partner with. It is what makes projects richer. It has been hard losing many of our GREENinc colleagues and friends over the last while due to economic conditions that many in the industry know too well. But, as they now have the opportunity to share and partner with others across the globe, we have the privilege of growing the company with fresh insight from an equally passionate, younger generation. And we’re having a blast.

Q: Who are some of the key role players in the firm who have helped GREENinc reach 25 years? STUART: We have been really fortunate to have had amazing clients and fellow professional team members, particularly architects, who have put their faith in us.

Q: As Stuart is based in Durban, how do you

see your projects being positioned across the country in the next few years? STUART: We have long worked right across the country, Africa and even in Europe, so where you sit doesn’t seem to make too much difference. But yes, with me here hopefully we will see more GREENinc projects in KZN.

Q: As our November issue focuses on green

rooftops and podiums, what are the benefits for this type of design in urban spaces? Has the team completed any previous green roof

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Marula Game Ranch - 2016

INTERVIEW

ANDREW: On a personal level, I’ve really come to appreciate the value of community. We’re social animals, that like to move and be outdoors, and in a country like South Africa, we are blessed with amazing weather and locations. So, we’ve got an opportunity (actually a duty) now to push for better public spaces (for all) and to create cities that people can live and thrive in. The average guy on the street wants this just as much as you and me. (I’ve been so impressed with how communities have taken ownership of their streets during lockdown, meeting for coffee, exercising and finding ways to make a living). So, as an industry, we need to showcase our ability to be innovative and imaginative. We have so much to offer.

Q: What do you consider to be the most important role of a landscape architect? Forum Homini Boutique Hotel - 2006 Gateway Circle - 2015

or podium work that you could draw from in reference? STUART: It’s a very pertinent topic. Andrew was pointing out just the other day that most of our work has at least some on-slab component. I’ll let him talk about some of those projects, but it’s great that developers are starting to reap the benefits, from optimising usable outdoor space to improving thermal performance and slowing stormwater runoff. ANDREW: What’s great for me about rooftop design, is that we're finally starting to take urban density seriously. We can’t continue to sprawl out over the edges of our urban areas. And by designing tighter, more efficient and multifunctional spaces on previously unexploited surfaces, like rooftops, we’re actually giving these spaces more chance of succeeding. Because they’re actually close enough to walk to, and with sufficient density around them, there’s more opportunity to engage with others, which means there’s a better chance of creating good community – and strong communities are safer and more resilient to change or adversity.

Q: How do you think the build industry will

overcome COVID-19, and what are some of the key take-aways from this pandemic for your firm? STUART: It’s been a difficult time, but history has shown that pandemics tend to act as catalysts for urban redevelopment, so hopefully we can expect an uptick in opportunities.

STUART: Landscape architects bring a valuable additional design viewpoint to projects, one that considers natural processes and ecosystems. So, although we may be focused on designing facilities for people, there’s always an environmental consciousness there. It’s ingrained, perhaps because of our training. It enables us to mediate between construction and the natural environment. So we should be able to play an important role in sustainable development. ANDREW: I believe our greatest role to be in the interstitial. Landscape is about connection. Connection to past (heritage), to people (community), to place (ecology), to future (opportunity). While many of our spaces can be deemed destinations in their own right, a far greater proportion of these spaces are designed to facilitate movement. Which means they are experiential. So, they can’t be static. They need to be richly layered and constantly changing so that a multitude of different users, moving and resting, coming and going, throughout the day and through different seasons, will find joy and satisfaction in these in-between spaces. As designers, we believe that the greatest opportunity for design to be at a threshold – at the meeting place between to entities. This could be at the entrance to a public square, the connection of two floor materials or the moment when a mother lets go of her child’s hand as the child runs into a play park. This is where we spend our energy getting the design right. And again, it's about connection.

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Marula Game Ranch - 2016

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INTERVIEW

Q: What will be one of your next big projects that we should look out for?

ANDREW: We’re involved in a number of really exciting urban schemes, predominantly involving housing. Two of them are in collaboration with dhk Architects - Conradie Park, in Cape Town and Ellipse Waterfall, in Midrand. They range from luxury living to social housing. Both are currently onsite and we’ll share more about these projects in the months to come. We’ve also been working on some great masterplanning and urban design projects in Lesotho (together with the World Bank, Cowi and ASM Architects) and in Botswana (in collaboration with URBA). While it may take many years for anything to be built out of these planning projects, we will definitely be sharing our work on social media and on our website later in the year.

Q: Are there any architects or developers that you would still like to work with? Or any that you would like to work with again?

STUART: We’ve worked with the London office of Foster and Partners and with SHoP from New York, and I think that was interesting because they do things a bit differently from what we’re used to. Hopefully there will be more opportunities like that. ANDREW: Equally, there are so many small South African architectural practices that are doing phenomenal work locally. Many of them are young practices that are not afraid to push the envelope and challenge their clients to be innovative and contextually appropriate. We’ve worked with so many firms like this over the years, that it's difficult to single out any one in particular. But we look forward to the opportunity to continue these relationships and develop new ones, too.

Q: Which designers have been the biggest

we are well-equipped to work on any scale. We have done a fair amount of large-scale planning, working closely with urban designers – in fact, PG on our team has an Urban Design degree from Harvard – but we also get down to fine detail, where our BIM software experience helps us coordinate really closely with architects and other professionals where our work overlaps. Sometimes, literally!

Q: You

do quite a bit of work outside of SA. How does it differ working in neighbouring countries? And, what are some of these challenges? ANDREW: As a company, one develops a network of trusted professionals and suppliers that are integral in developing quality landscapes that last. The further one ventures from your base of operations, the harder this becomes. And so, there’s often a lot of risk involved in challenging the status quo in a country or region that you don’t fully know or understand. But our recent collaboration with ShoP Architects from New York on the Botswana Innovation Hub in Gaborone has taught me that anything is possible, even in Africa. The parametric design of their building façade resulted in the need to produce hundreds of very intricate and highly finished unique panels, each different in shape and size. But each of these panels, produced locally, have been installed perfectly. And the result is truly amazing.

Q: What are some of your major goals? And

what are you anticipating your focus being for the next five years? ANDREW: In all respects, our goals remain essentially the same. We love the work we do and we love partnering with other professionals, designers and developers to create places and spaces that are meaningful and enriching. Places for people. And places that respect the natural landscape on which we are intricately dependent.

influence over the team?

STUART: That’s a difficult one. We’re like magpies looking at shiny stuff, and not necessarily landscape or architecture-related. But I can say that the office copy of Stephen Stimson’s “Ten Landscapes” got very well-thumbed.

D AN

REW

STUA

What types of spaces are GREENinc more geared towards and why? (E.g. public, commercial, industrial?) STUART: Designing public space feels like a noble calling, but I wouldn’t say that we are more geared to that than any other type. And prolandscaper.co.za

FOTF

Faces of the Future

Faces of the Future: The Next Generation, is a campaign we launched in line with Youth Month 3 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ago and has grown year on year, receiving attention from firms around SA and even abroad. The Faces of the Future campaign is a keen indicator of the exceptional talent of the next generation across the following sectors: landscape architecture; architecture; urban planning; landscape and build contractors; site managers; horticulturists, landscape designers; interior designers, and all professions, relating to the green industry at large. We would like to congratulate the young green industry pioneers making waves within their chosen fields and present some of the brightest candidates to our industry. To be considered as a 2020 Industry Face of the Future the only requirement was that candidates were 30 years of age or under as from the 1st of January 2020 and that the candidates who entered are active members of the profession, directly involved in the sectors mentioned above. This awesome initiative is all about connecting youth to firms, supporting, and promoting the professions that make up our green industry, and of course highlighting the exceptional work within our industry. Well done to all of the selected candidates who entered themselves, were entered into the awards by a mentor or were selected by the Pro Landscaper Africa panel. Pro Landscaper Africa has partnered with STIHL for this amazing campaign and we are thrilled to announce that the grand prize winner will receive a R5000 cash prize courtesy of STIHL. Sponsored by:

Gugulethu Msezane,29 Marketing Manager at Amaloba Projects

Hailing from humble beginnings in the isolated community of Hammankraal, and under mentorship of former colleagues, such as Jonathan Ferguson, Gugulethu has grown into an industry leader in the landscaping community. Horticulture was not her preferred field for a career, but she serendipitously stumbled onto this field and it has now become her lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s passion. Her success would not have been possible had it not been for the dedication and diligence of the lecturers at the DUT and Jonathan Foley's School of Horticulture where she did her practical training. Gugu has achieved numerous accolades including, winning prestigious awards such as a SALI GOLD award for the Best Specialised Construction for the vertical garden in Netcare Pinehaven in 2016, while working for Bidvest Top Turf. She has penned articles for Pro

Landscaper Africa on urban planting palettes, as well as partaken in educational television projects to inform and encourage young people to consider horticulture as a future career path. As an operator, she pioneered the transition from the carpet systems to the modiwall systems, to implement vertical gardens systems. Through her involvement in SALI, as an EXCO member, and together with other young players, they are now mobilizing for the transformation of the industry by actively participating on this green industry body and promoting other young up-and-coming women and new members. She will be speaking at a womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s conference on the 28th of November 2020, on the different careers in the green industry and mental health. She helps women â&#x20AC;&#x201C; young and old, employed or not, to be better human beings and strives to empower them to look after their wellbeing.

Katy Rennie,29

Intern at Stellenbosch Botanical Gardens

2019 Masters of Landscape Architecture student at the University of Cape Town Thesis title: FERAL | Re-wilding the Urban Child through Process Driven design and an Appreciation of weeds In an era where sustainability and resilience have become trendy buzz words and nature has become viewed a resource to manage, my thesis questioned whether our efforts are truly serving the entities they are striving to protect. This project began with an interest in weeds and their toughness and tenacity. The growth

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of weeds is a result of decay, soil formation, water collection, and dispersal mechanisms. Children growing up in an urban environment are the specific users targeted in this thesis. The site selected for this project was composed of two abandoned plots adjoining Queens Park in Woodstock, Cape Town. These plots are both levelled and dominated by hard surfaces such as slowly decaying asphalt and concrete slab. The intention of this project was to test how much could be done with as little material input as possible. Using plants that are free and prolific allows children to have unprescribed and tactile interactions with nature, it will also

increase the biodiversity of the city by valuing novel ecosystems and reducing costs. Play elements were created by stacking, tilting, cutting and removing cut concrete. The intention was to create a space that children could learn, imagine, play and grow whilst nature grows and transforms the space. By acknowledging that landscapes are open systems and by utilising the processes and life forms that thrive in the city, such as weeds, the designer can work with the energy of nature and society to create adaptive spaces that are appealing to children.

The Faces of the Future Grand Prize Winner is...

Nabeelah Kader-Hashim,28

R5000 cash prize winner courtesy of STIHL

Candidate Landscape Architect at SSH Design

2019 Masters of Landscape Architecture student at the University of Cape Town Thesis: City of Sweet Waters: Re-introducing the city of Cape Town’s ancient water system by revealing spatial memory The City of Cape Town was once known as the Place of Sweet Waters, or ‘Camissa’ by the indigenous Khoena tribes. These ‘sweet waters’ refer to the 36 flourishing springs and 4 rivers that once ran unimpeded through pre-colonial Cape Town. It was due to the openly accessible freshwater resources and fertile land that Cape Town was colonised by the Dutch East India Company in 1652. My thesis aimed to re-integrate the hydrological system of indigenous streams by revealing them and the slave history that has been hidden with it.

Riebeeck Square holds great potential for performing its original function – a public space as designated in 1700s opposed to the parking lot that it is today. Longmarket Street, running from Bo-Kaap to District Six, holds the potential for this type of development through integration with public spaces. Developing this design further would start with extending a network of spaces onto Longmarket Street and visually sharing the story of buried history.

After the mapping process in this thesis, it was concluded that one street not only fed into these sites but also intersected all four water tunnels – Longmarket Street, which is treated as the spine of the design. The point at which the Longmarket Street axis is obstructed was identified as the site of intervention for applying the design – Riebeeck Square. Riebeeck Square is a heritage site with St. Stephen’s Church, and is the only public open space that this water tunnel runs adjacent to.

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Josephine Dalberg,26

Candidate Landscape Architect at Tarna Klitzner Landscape Architects

STREETSCAPE TRANSFORMED

Master of Landscape Architecture Student at University of Cape Town 2019 and winner of the Corobrik Most Innovative Final Year Landscape Architecture Award Thesis title: A River Remembered: reconnecting to landscape, memory and resource through water routes Josephine’s thesis investigated the possibility of re-routing an existing concrete water channel, or leiwater, in Clanwilliam, allowing residents from a disadvantaged community to access water for food gardens and the greening of their environment. This thesis started with an inquiry into how historical human relationships within the Cederberg landscape have been lost over time. The project’s research process led to an understanding of the central role that rivers and tributaries have played in human 0

engagement with landscape in the region’s history. In this local context, rivers functioned not only as a vital water resource but also as navigational corridors that cut through the Cederberg’s complex mountain range. These were water routes that supported human patterns of movement and gathering whilst simultaneously connecting far reaches of the wilderness. This project seeks to redefine the Clanwilliam streetscape by reimagining infrastructure through the lens of historical memories of human relations to water systems. Currently the town’s relationship to water is not very evident in its urban fabric; this thesis challenges that by making the vital resource a part of the residents’ everyday experience when moving and gathering through the town. The biggest lesson learnt through this project has been the process of coming to terms with the fact that sometimes one’s intervention needs to be a simple one for it to have a maximum impact.

10m

Benjamin Kollenberg,27

Candidate Architect at LYT Architecture & Director of Collective Studio Africa

Benjamin always wanted to be an architect. As a result of growing up with two architect parents, he was always involved in a multiplicity of projects, mostly collaborating with architects looking for a fresh opinion, an alternative perspective or an extra pair of hands to hold the tape measure.

Citizen Hyde Park

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This love for design and construction has been again and again reaffirmed as he began studying

architecture and working simultaneously, always attempting to engage deeper and push himself further. Benjamin believes that this immersive and inquisitive approach hugely benefited his architectural development if nothing else aiding in his excelling through university, where he graduated his Masters with cum-laude as well as being awarded top Masters student and best architectural student for the duration of his studies – at Wits University from 2012-2018.

The three key projects Benjamin has been involved in and submitted for the FOTF awards were submitted because they challenge the status quo and propose alternate, more efficient and especially more sustainable future possibilities. They engage simultaneously in socio-economic issues, environmental reparation, as well as the role of built interventions in redefining life in the city in general and within Johannesburg in particular.

the sum of the many respective parts. Every day he is inspired to be practicing this profession where he can enact meaningful change, while continually evolving my own personal passion for design and the built environment.

These projects are: Sandton Drive Link Bridge, Citizen Hyde Park & CAPITAL CAPITOL Benjamin is truly interested in design, the natural environment and questioning why things are as they are. He really believes in architectural and design thinking to provide holistic social, economic and environmental solutions where the collective interventions can be far more meaningful than

Sandton Drive Link Bridge

Sandra Zaroufis,25

Candidate Landscape Architect at Landarch

2019 Masters of Landscape Architecture student at the University of Cape Town Thesis: ‘Waar is iGolide eGoli?’ Applying revelatory design and phytoremediation in the mine-waste-affected community of Riverlea ‘Waar is iGolide eGoli?’ is a phrase that combines Afrikaans and isiZulu/isiXhosa and translates to: “Where is the gold in the city of gold?” The City of Johannesburg emerged from the “discovery” of gold in 1886. Today the emanating spatial layout is that of a divided city, rife with environmental issues and injustices. As the legacy of colonialism and apartheid lingers, wealth and green landscapes are concentrated in the North, whilst poverty and dusty landscapes characterize the South of Johannesburg. Riverlea, a previously ‘coloured’ community, southwest of Johannesburg CBD, is surrounded by mine dumps. The mine dumps affect people’s respiratory health, pollute the air, water and soils, with heavy metals, and attract illegal mining.

The research explores three main categories: the seen, the hidden and the in-between. The mine dumps, large mounds of pale-yellow sand, landmarks of Johannesburg, form the seen. The unseen are vertical tunnels, commonly referred to as mine shafts, that are pathways and retaining walls which increase in depth as one moves south of the site and allow for illegal mining. The in-between is the community engagement with this space. There is an active opportuni-

ty to rekindle the community’s connection to nature, perhaps with a botanical garden. The historical social and environmental damage of gold mining in Johannesburg cannot be undone, but merely mitigated. Phytoremediation is one in many other methods through which the impact of mine waste can be reduced and rehabilitated.

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Annemie Vermeulen,29

Candidate Architect, 2 AD Space Architects Inc.

Annemie Vermeulen was a Masters of Architecture student at the University of Pretoria and won the 2019 Corobrik Most Innovative Final Year Architecture Award. Thesis title: Exploring the potential of latent space in the inner city of Pretoria: Toward architectural remedies for regenerating and weaving urban fabric. Annemieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s thesis used the Land Bank block in Pretoria to conceptualise a new relationship between the inner-city user, buildings, and latent space, by overlaying urban, architectural, heritage, contextual, programmatic and technological design strategies. These palimpsestic strategies are given architectural effect through additions and alterations to existing buildings as well as new infill through connections, insertions, extensions, and appropriations. The three-legged programme of the study stems from the immediate needs of the case study area, such as young parents struggling to support their children, homeless people under the overhangs of abandoned buildings, and children playing in the streets. The lower leg component is run by a non-profit organi-

sation through a Building Livelihoods Centre. It consists of a community (soup) kitchen, day care and supervised play area, female homeless shelter, and an empowering programme for the homeless to volunteer for work in the vertical fields. The middle and overarching programme is a new social space driven by food, including a culinary school, bar and restaurant that inform the citizens about nourishment. The upper leg consists of research laboratories forwarding research on agricultural yields and improving sustainable energy systems. The goal of this study is to act as prototype for future densification of Pretoriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inner city, where missed opportunities should be harnessed. The case study area can act as a catalytic project when applying palimpsestic strategies to other city blocks in Pretoria. The common architectural practice and legislation should be questioned and possibly altered to suit the adapting and varying needs of the complex scenarios that originate in Pretoriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vibrant environment. This flexible approach could ensure growth and resilience of the socio-ecological-urban system, allowing it to thrive through change.

Andile Nzama,30 CEO of RAD Horticulture KZN

Andile studied Horticulture and landscaping at the Durban University of Technology and completed her student practical training under the Ethekwini Parks department. She graduated with a National Diploma in Horticulture in 2014. She has worked at Leitch Landscapes and WBHO Construction, before starting her own landscaping company RAD Horticulture.

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Andile Nzama is an upcoming self-employed 100% BBBEE landscape contractor that is impacting the industry on the East Coast of KwaZulu-Natal. With her roots in construction and installation she knows how to tackle a project methodically and delivers according to specification on time, every time. Andile is passionate about conservation horticulture and believes it’s a key but often neglected ingredient for creating and maintaining sustainable landscapes.

She is grateful for those who have mentored her and encouraged her to attain to her current position, amongst them Ryan Pembroke of Leitch Landscapes and Jonathan Foley from the Durban University of Technology. She is excited about playing her role in landscape development and wants to continue her trajectory as a major landscape company in the province. She hopes to inspire further young women to follow her example. Some of Andile’s best projects include: The M4 Highway and Hawaan Forest

rehabilitation; La Mercy Surrounds and the Durban Courthouse. Andile believes in the long-term benefits of empowering local communities and enhancing their immediate physical environments by developing a culture of growing plants for themselves. To reach this objective, she recruits labour drawn from her hometown of Inanda, KwaZulu Natal and has trained them in both planting skills and construction work.

Samantha Benjamin,25 Candidate Architect at dhk

2019 Masters of Architecture student at the University of Cape Town In her own words: I consider myself to be one of the ‘Faces of the Future,’ as I, a woman of colour, am passionate about developing my career as an architect, as well as my passion for adaptive re-use. Currently only 21% of architectural professionals in South Africa are women, meaning there is room for improvement to help women build successful careers in architecture. During my postgraduate studies, the core of my design evolved around the subject matter of adaptive re-use. I appreciate the adaptability of architecture and the principals of adaptive re-use within the built environment. I believe there is value in existing structures, which retain the buildings heritage and provides a contemporary layer of architecture that can be deemed useful or beneficial in the future. There is great value in adaptive re-use, as it is a decision to preserve the past while developing for the future. In South Africa there are many historic sites and unkept buildings that add physical value and rich histories to the context of the buildings which help with cultural development. There are always two-sides to adaptive re-use; the tangible and the intangible. The tangible being the physical value of the existing structure and revisiting rich textures and unique elements of an old buildings while the intangible keeps stories alive of a community or the memory of those stories who weren’t worth being told in the

past. This is only the beginning of my architectural career; I am only 25 and I know I have a lot to offer. My passion for architecture has exceptionally grown and I have established a sense of self-growth that has exceeded my own expectations. Projects: 2020-ongoing: Conradie Park, mixed-use development, Pinelands, Cape Town 2019: Masters Thesis: Living on Burrowed Time – the adaptive re-use of Lion Battery 2017-2019: Axis – residential block, Century City Additional: Every year, the University of Cape Town employs a small group of postgraduate students to tutor first and second year students History and Theory of architecture. I was fortunate enough to tutor a group of 15 to 20 second

year students in 2018 and 2019. Assisting at this scale, you understand the pressure of succeeding as a student. I am truly passionate about mentoring as I wish there would have been someone during my undergraduate studies to assist with design and mentor. One develops an important relationship between undergraduate students as a post graduate student that you become an accessible tool in terms of design and technology. It can be something as simple as a layout, how a detail works or how to present your drawings. I keep in contact with a few students that I tutored, and offer advice when needed. Mentoring and tutoring is a small but powerful tool. With time the value of education gains more value of importance, therefore education and mentoring is essential.

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Sarah Tuke,26

Candidate Landscape Architect at Boogertman + Partners

2018 Landscape Architecture student at the University of Pretoria In her own words: The experience I have gained from design firms in the private sector has provided me exposure to a wide range of categories within landscape architecture, architecture and urban design. This includes: •

Commercial, with projects in my portfolio including Stimela Mall in Barbeton, (done at Boogertman and Partners)

•

Residential, including an array of Balwin projects such as: Greencreek Development, Greenlee Development and Mooikloof Mega City (done at Boogertman and Partners)

•

Urban, including Nkosi City in Mpumalanga (done at Boogertman + Partners)

•

Corporate, including Lynwood Corner Office Park in Pretoria (done at Boogertman + Partners )

•

Regional Park Design, including Maputo Park in Alexandra (done at kwpCREATE)

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I believe the future of our profession is dependent on the adaption of real sustainable design into projects at various scales and the economic growth of – not just the country – but the continent. I do believe I am an industry 'face of the future': I am driven and work twice as hard than what is expected of me to push the industry to acquire change. I will continue to strive to mutuallyinspire my teammates besides me (and even my superiors above me) to continue to hope and work for change in this industry with its fair share of challenges. Some of my proudest projects are: 1. My Masters Dissertation Name: Mountainbound: uncovering a landscape dialect through the sustainable settings for ritual of an active cultural landscape binding three towns on the Magaliesberg mountain 2. An African Agrarian City designed by my team at Boogertman + Partners Name: Nkosi City Location: Mpumalanga Province Status: Conceptual

3. A memorial designed in honour of Walter Sisulu by kwpCREATE Name: Sisulu Circle Location: Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens, Johannesburg Status: Built (Featured in February 2020 issue of Pro Landscaper Africa!) How I positively influence the professionals around me is by always delivering quality work that is beyond what's expected. In my communication with other green industry professionals, I always put my best 'landscape architecture' foot forward in the hopes that through my work and actions, there is more respect given to the profession. It is with that said, that I aim to influence other professionals to hold landscpe architecture to the very highest standard.

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Q: When was African Eco established and out of what need? Research and development commenced in 2015. At the time, we were managing the UCT estate under the Turfworks banner, our parent company. We were using loose aggregate to define pathways and manage tree pits. While we loved the idea of natural aggregate, it became very apparent that loose aggregate migrates everywhere! You find it on your lawn, flower beds and inside buildings. It is a nightmare to manage and you constantly have to top up levels. During an annual trip to the UK, I came across a UV stable two-part polyurethane product that binds the aggregate together using a forced action tumbler. The result is a seamless, smooth, non-slip decorative aggregate that can be utilised almost anywhere with very low maintenance. Q: What is the main market you service? We have both domestic and commercial clients, including architects, historical estates, private hotels, higher education institutions, building companies, private schools and landscape architects. Q: Who is an architect or landscape architect that you aspire to work with?

PROFILED COMPANY: AFRICAN ECO Pro Landscaper catches up with African Eco, a division of the Turfworks brand, supplying aggregate locally to the architectural and landscaping trade. 40

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We have worked with some innovative and inspiring professionals in the industry who have clear vision and understanding of the clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s requirements and attention to detail. We have undertaken projects with Robyn Connors Architects in Steenberg Golf Estate and Ross McGill Landscapes in Bishopscourt, as well as numerous projects at UCT with horticulturist Noelene le Cordier. We are currently working with Robyn Millenaar Architects and Mary Maurel Gardens on a very exciting project in Franschhoek due to be completed at the end of November 2020. Q: What are some of the key projects you have supplied to and worked on? There are definitely two standouts. We were approached by the V&A Waterfront Group to consult with a drainage issue on the roof terrace at the SILO Hotel in the Waterfront.

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As our product is permeable, it was the perfect solution for their problem. We provided a turnkey solution to incorporate drainage and redirection of water to the necessary areas of distribution; unfortunately, it was covered with Astro Turf as per the client specification. We spent four weeks on site with the most amazing sun rising over Cape Town harbour from the east, and the busyness of the dry dock repairing sea vessels to the west. Another exciting project was for Anglo American at the historical estate of Vergelegen in Somerset West. We were approached by horticulturist Richard Arm to provide a solution for the historical herb garden. The herb garden is beautifully managed with a perfectly pruned privet hedge as a border for a path leading to the tasting room, stables, restaurant and walks on the estate. A sun dial centres the herb garden which is utilised daily by chefs in both restaurants. The pathway was laterite-based, with loose stone which caused endless issues when raining and with maintenance. The client requested a natural finished solution in a more â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;farm styled themeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; that blended into the estate.

The result is a stunning natural aggregate resin bound pathway that incorporates the feel of the estate; Vergelegen Estate is well worth a visit if you have not been. Q: What are some of the products you supply? Our parent company Turfworks currently manages the Bishops College Estate and has contractual duties to UCT grounds and gardens. We have an extensive range of specialised sports turf machinery to include both natural and artificial turf and currently service sites such as Newlands Cricket, Newlands Rugby, Harleyvale Hockey, UCT sports fields and a large number of bowling and golf clubs in the Western Cape. We offer a turnkey solution for our clients to include and ground works, cobbled edging, drainage, turf management, landscaping and maintenance. Q: African Eco has introduced ADDAGRIP to the South African market â&#x20AC;&#x201C; what makes it different from other resin bound surfaces?

ADDAGRIP is BBA certified and recognised as a world innovator in the system. This inspires huge confidence in the product, allowing us to offer up 25 years warranty on areas that are utilised according to specification. Q: What specifications can you meet? Colour, thickness, permeability? What are the different specs of the product? There are different specifications for different applications dependent on need and base. Driveways, pathways, patios and pool surrounds will differ in terms of thickness of the product applied. We have a varied range of prolandscaper.co.za

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imported stone, including various colours and shades, and a local product which is quarried from the Smalblaar River in Rawsonville. We can blend different stone colours together to meet a clients requirements. Q: How long is the prep time for this product? (I.e. how long does it take start to finish to complete a project? And are there any specifications to the base/ground before this is laid?) We can complete up to 200m2 per day, and then allow 12 hours to complete the curing process. We require a firm stable base; the product can be laid over pretty much any existing surface dependent on usage. Q: Where is the best place for this product to be installed? This product is very versatile and can be utilised almost anywhere to incorporate your hard landscaping design needs.

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Q: How important are SuDS to the landscaping industry? As the industry advances and new innovative products are brought onto the market, we become more aware and realise how important water and drainage to existing vegetation and ground water levels are. The SuDS system is more compatible to storm surge overflows, soil percolation and bio-filtration â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a system brought in to protect our water and direct them to where needed and, in most cases, not aimlessly sent to storm water and out to sea. Q: How has COVID-19 affected African Eco over the past six months? The pandemic and lockdown have affected everyone in all sectors of industry. A number of projects were placed on hold, but it gave us some time to continue with research and development. We have a permanent exhibition at the Building Centre in North Gate, Cape Town, and utilised the time to redesign and

refine our demo stand. It is a great point of reference for industry professionals and clients to view our product. Q: What are your future plans for African Eco? How would you like to expand? Ongoing research and development in the landscaping industry remains crucial to us going forward. Finding new ways to overcome everyday challenges in our industry remains our key focus. We would like to see the African Eco Resin Bound Aggregate System be implemented as a solution to all needs, whether they be decorative or out necessity for drainage solutions.

We specialise in colourful decorative rubberised flooring. Easy maintenance. Recommended for indoor and outdoor play and gym areas.

OH Multi Group specialises in Landscape Design and Installation, Landscape Maintenance, Specialised Turf Maintenance, Environmental Services and more. www.lifestyleturfandplay.co.za | Info@lifestyleturfandplay.co.za 011 660 2634 | 082 875 0873

info@ohmultigroup.co.za // www.ohmultigroup.co.za 0711143776

Cape Town 4 Bertie Ave, Epping 2 (021) 535 2004 Knysna 34 Sandpiper St, Knysna Industria (044) 382 6575 www.rarewoods.co.za

We supply a wide range of decking products South Africa’s largest stockist of speciality timbers. We are proud suppliers to the finest residential, commercial and leisure projects across South Africa and neighbouring countries.

OUR EXTENSIVE OFFERING INCLUDES: •

A huge range of timber decking options

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Durable structural timber for pergolas and outdoor architectural elements

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A full range of thermally treated timbers

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Welcoming facilities with a large showroom allowing you to explore our broader offering – from custom manufactured solid wood flooring, to incredible and unique live-edged slabs

We love to get involved early in your project and be on hand to offer expert advice as your vision unfolds.

RareWoodsSA

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PROFILED COMPANY: LIFESTYLE TURF & PLAY Play with Purpose Q: What gap in the market did you see when you started Lifestyle Turf & Play? I wanted to be proactive as a South African woman in business, and I was looking for a unique business model where I could use my skill set, be a problem solver and emerge myself into providing a service I knew was needed. I had observed for some time, that parents were consciously looking to take their children to places that were safe, picturesque, and had engaging play areas for their children, however the surfarces were not always safe and appealing. Nto mb i

Once you identify the market, that’s when you really need to actively convince people of the benefits of a safe play environment, moreover the municipalities and local authorities to ensure public parks are community spaces where kids can enjoy their playgrounds. This was a challenge I was excited to take on and it’s something I am now incredibly passionate about.

as M

o ag

Q: How would you like to be known by the trade community?

Lifestyle Turf & Play is a company that also install their rubber according to strict regulations and international critical fall heights standards.

are seen as the perfect space for our product. From schools, to promenade play spaces, to shopping centre’s and roof top play areas for urban living, we can install this in the most unique spaces. It is also used for equestrians, gym areas outdoors, water play areas, pathways, fitness areas, sporting tracks in stadiums and even roof top running tracks and sports courts. It’s a versatile product.

Q: Where can the colourful rubberized surface be utilised?

Q: Why choose rubber flooring for children’s play areas?

The beauty of this product is that you can get incredibly creative with it. Of course, play areas

Rubber flooring is an excellent choice for both indoor and outdoor installations where a du-

We want to be known as the go-to brand associated with safety and excellence in play. We want to be known to give a better meaning to the phrase ‘play with purpose.’

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rable surface is required. The hardest wearing flooring finishes are rubber flooring. Rubber is the top choice for indoor play flooring because it is durable and easy to maintain. It also fosters imagination – when children are allowed a safe place to run, climb, tumble and crawl, they feel confident to engage in an active play environment. It is essential for building children’s social skills and motor skills. Q: What is critical fall height? Critical fall height is the vertical distance between the surface of the play area and the high-

C O M PA N Y P R O F I L E

est designated play area. This height determines the impact attenuation, or shock absorbency, required of a play surface. For us we need to ensure that the colourful rubber is installed according to the critical fall height. This will ensure the safety of the children as they are engaged in play. Q: Who do you mainly supply to? Our clients vary in size, from residential estates and individuals to commercial corporate clients and even municipalities. Residential, private and public entities are all key clients of ours. Q: Do you supply EPDM and wet-pour surfacing to the market? Yes, we are well-versed in installation of both wet-pour surfacing and EPDM rubber. Our wet-pour is made up of small granules of rubber mixed with a polyurethane binder. We

mix this on site and then lay over a prepared sub-base.

different texture and intrigue in the space and really, both products complement each other.

Our EPDM rubber (ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber) is a type of synthetic rubber, which can be used in a wide range of applications. It is long-lasting and is UV-resistant rubber that has a great tensile strength and is resistant to abrasions. Perfect for high traffic, exterior spaces.

Q: What are your favourite types of projects to work on?

Q: What colours are available in your rubber flooring? Whatever colour you can imagine, we can deliver it! Q: What made you expand your brand to focus on both turf and play? We provide both turf and rubber product as our experience has suggested most clients want a mix of each in their play areas. It offers

Every project has its own unique and exciting elements, but I like working on complex projects, where clients supply the architectural design with various intriguing elements and we have to then install this intricate design. Q: What are the most unique projects you have worked on? Some of our most exciting work has been with Joburg City Parks & Zoo. We have also worked on Jewel City in Joburg, Maboneng. This for me was the most unique project and I liked the challenge as it needed to be installed in a small space. The end result was simply WOW!

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Image: Tsogo Sun

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Tsogo Sun, SunSquare

A CITY HOTEL FOR THE NEW GENERATION

14 STORIES

PORTFOLIO

Size: Three separate areas comprising: 1,230 m² Total Size: 2,670m² Hard landscaping value: R550,000 Total Cost: R700 million Client: Green Willow Properties End-use tenant: The Tsogo Sun Hotel Group SunSquare Cape Town City Bowl is one of the hottest hotel in Cape Town’s city centre. Hip and fresh with a design edge, this modern city hotel is making waves with tourists and locals alike. Situated on the corner of Buitengracht and Strand Street, the bustling location of SunSquare inspires visitors to explore the surroundings and get to know the city. With landscape design by Viridian Consulting Landscape Architects and interior design by Blacksmith Interior Designers, we take a look at the rooftop gardens that boast elegant design and implementation, not to mention panoramic views of the city. The Tsogo Sun Roof gardens and street-level landscape were commissioned for design in 2014, and then existed only conceptually for two years until 2016, after the building works were almost completed and Viridian was engaged to produce tender documentation for the landscape installation and roof gardens. Installation began in 2017, and the 12-month maintenance period came to an end in early 2018. The client's brief was actually rather straightforward: low maintenance and low cost with a sensitivity to long-term maintenance feasibility on a limited budget. The professional team gave inputs, and with Viridian's guidance the brief was developed to achieve a rooftop installation that served a number of design imperatives over and above the client's requirements. “A few things stand out in making this project successful”, says René Maria Brett, Director at Viridian Consulting Landscape Architects. “The design came about, almost of its own volition, through creative collaboration. While Viridian had a strong vision, it was the inputs of the team – even the quantity surveyor – that produced this beautiful design. Secondly, although the roof garden is nothing but gravel, artificial turf and pavers, its visual impact is significant, and renders the space softer, cooler and lusher than the surrounding roofscapes. Thirdly, when considering the design aesthetically, the scale and the form of the pattern are somehow right; spatially, the ratios just work. Viewed from the rooms and from the surrounding buildings, there is a

satisfying balance of form and colour. Lastly, the simplicity of the design made for very pragmatic maintenance practices - the artificial turf is the only material fixed to the roof surface. The gravel and pavers can all be easily removed and re-instated to access the waterproofing or services beneath, and should the need arise to provide access to the roof landscape - it can be converted into a comfortable landscape without much loss or additional material.” As with all project's issues creep in that need to be dealt with and overcome. One of these was the fact that the site confronted the design team with a not entirely flat rooftop. The horizontal plane was unpredictably sloped, and created vertical faces and reveals that forced adaptations to the design to accommodate these little surprises. Another challenge, especially true of rooftop gardens was access. The construction team were obliged to move material from the ground floor to the 5th and 16th floors without the aid of a crane or mechanised lifting – and so, the gravel was carried by hand up flights of stairs.

Pro Landscaper catches up with Blacksmith Interior Design to unravel the interior design concept for this project.

Q: What was the design brief from the client for the rooftop bar?

A: The brief was to design a simple, timeless

space that can be adaptable and flexible for both bar service as well as for functions. The area needed to provide a combination of cocktail seating suitable for both the bar environment and small functions together with more comfortable lounge seating in order to encourage patrons to stay and enjoy the space.

Q: What drove your furnishing choices? A: In order to highlight the exceptional pan-

oramic views we chose to create a fresh, monochrome colour palette which would provide a neutral background to allow the views to become the artwork and colour. The design introduces a very contemporary aesthetic through geometric lines seen on the ceiling design, bar joinery and chevron floor pattern. This design theory was carried through from the SunSquare public areas which also present an angular and geometric pattern on various elements.

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PORTFOLIO

SUPPLIERS: Pavers: Revelstone – 021 761 9739 Lighting: Spazio Lighting – 011 555 5555 Decking: Decks 4 Life – 076 908 2175 Product- Eva Last Composite Decking – 021 003 3126 Pool and pool paving: Radiant Pools – 021 691 6907 Furniture: Core Furniture Concepts – 021 461 9078 Weylandts – 021 914 1433 Vinyl flooring: Moduleo Installed by: Pro Carpets

Image: Tsogo Sun

Floor and wall tiling: Tile Space – 021 510 2081

Image: Tsogo Sun

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"The design of the roof garden - as

they remain inaccessible spaces - was conceived of as a canvas with two dimensional properties, to be viewed from above not within. The client wanted to preserve the possibility of opening the roof landscapes to future uses, and the design responded by taking on the form of a simple and elegant abstract surface pattern. The forms that respond to the linearity of the building facade comprise of gravel, pavers and artificial turf".

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PORTFOLIO

MEET THE TEAM: Architects: Ruben Reddy Architects Landscape architects: Viridian Consulting Landscape Architects Interior designers: Blacksmith Interior Designers

Being a commercial property, we were mindful to use quality finishes that withstand a busy environment. A light grey tile with a sandstone appearance was applied to the columns in order to protect them against damage and to add subtle pattern. The choice of non-slip flooring was important since the bar is situated adjacent to the indoor pool area. A combination of tile and vinyl plank was used for durability and

Main contractor: Murray & Roberts

textural interest while the wood-look provides warmth against the contrasting black and white furniture. Polypropylene seating was used for its longevity and contemporary appeal while a few other light oak pieces aid in softening the overall look. Dimmable lighting and interesting LED spheres provide ambiance at night and all furniture items are lightweight and easily rearranged into varying layouts thereby allowing the space to become multifunctional.

What encouraged your decision to use entirely fake flora?

Sub-contractor responsible for installation: Regal Civils

A: This hotel was developed in the height of

the drought in Cape Town so providing an “evergreen” aesthetic which didn’t require water was important. The artificial planting is also a costeffective solution long term and allows for easy maintenance while adding to the contemporary look and feel.

Q: Who designed and installed the pool? A: While the pool shape and detail was provided by the architect, we were involved with all the surrounding finishes including the navy pool tile which was selected for it’s luxurious deep blue and inviting appearance in line with the moody colour palette seen through the hotel. The full height green-wall aims at providing a garden in the sky and aids with acoustics and softening the otherwise hard finishes around the pool area. Image: Viridian Consulting Landscape Architects

ABOUT VIRIDIAN CONSULTING LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS:

Image: Tsogo Sun

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Since 2004, the team, founded and lead by René Maria Brett, has been committed to finding solutions to create attractive and functional landscapes in Southern Africa. They create ecologically resilient landscapes within the boundaries set by nature, socio-economics and budget. From initial site analysis and planning, to collaborative design development and project management, materials selection and developing post-project landscape management schedules and monitoring, the team believes that intelligent landscape design and uncompromising personal service benefit both its clients and the environment. They work closely with developers, town planners, architects, civil engineers, municipal authorities and environmental specialists.

Proud Supplier to Sun Square

CREATING STRIKINGLY BEAUTIFUL, AWARD-WINNING POOLS SINCE 1972. Recipients of the NSPI Trophy for Excellence in Structural Engineering; The International Pool of The Year Gold Award -International Spa and Pool Institute- USA; Numerous National Pool of The Year Gold Awards; Multiple Regional Pool of The Year Gold Awards.

+27 60 819 1979 | hello@radiantpools.co.za www.radiantpools.co.za

Completed: 2019 Size: 290mÂ˛ Location: Kleinmond, Western Cape

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Image: Swansilva Architecture

L K E

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This unique family home is located in the small town of Kleinmond on the South coast of the Overberg overlooking the Palmietberg Mountains to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the south. This home stands in an indigenous fynbos garden with a decked courtyard at its heart. It was designed by architects and husband-andwife team Johan Swanepoel and Ann-Mari Da Silva of Swansilva Architecture, and their brief was to create a space that can be used as a retreat for the client’s family, and where the family are encouraged to interact with one another via the central courtyard forming the link between the various spaces and volumes. The living space, kitchen and courtyard is intersected by the bedroom block, which cantilevers over the front door to protect it from the elements typical of living near the ocean, while announcing its presence to the street. The interior spaces are orientated towards the beautiful views and the sanctuary of the courtyard, which also acts as an extension of the living room and outdoor dining area. The living room roof has been covered in a fynbos roof garden, providing seamless “green views” from the main bedroom towards the mountain, integrating the building with the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. The landscape The town is located between mountain and sea

in a natural landscape of ‘fynbos’, forming part of what is known as the Cape Floral Kingdom, the smallest of the world’s six floral kingdoms. The fynbos has become increasingly endangered in recent years. The holding idea behind the form of the house – a brick mass rising from the fynbos – whilst retaining some of the vegetation on the roof and welcoming indigenous fauna to nest and inhabit it. The building has been pulled back from the street to allow for the fynbos to take over the remainder of the plot, exhibiting the beauty of the natural flora in lieu of the manicured green lawns of neighbouring properties. Material palette The material palette was built around budgetary constraints and the two most commonly used building materials in this part of the world: rough cast off-shutter concrete and the humble brick. For the off-shutter concrete, the shutter boards were laid in a random manner to prevent the concrete from looking too controlled whilst adding to the laid-back beach aesthetic. The bricks are locally sourced non-face brick which were bagged and painted to expose the texture and enhance the feeling of engaging with a handmade object. At the same time it renders the building in a white coat which reflects the changes of atmospheric lighting conditions. The movement of light One is constantly aware of varying light qualities throughout the day; this is reiterated by

a skylight cutting across the living room space from east to west and drinking in the light throughout the day. There are numerous window openings that have been arranged according to the view, framing different elements of the landscape as poetic stills, all the while letting in the level of sunlight required to keep the spaces cool in summer and warm in winter. The western elevation has been left devoid of any window openings to prevent the harsh western sun from penetrating the house and excessively heating the interior, but balconies have been positioned in a way for the inhabitants to still

SUPPLIERS: Paint: Dulux – 0860 330 111 Cement Finishes: Cemcrete – 011 474 2415 Nurseries: NewPlant – 044 889 0055 Shadowlands – 021 903 0050 Rooftop drainage: Kaytech Zipcore – 021 531 8110 Kaytech Geomesh – 021 531 8110 Delta MS 20 – Cavity membrane (as SuDS)

Image: Epitome Studios

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PORTFOLIO

take advantage of the colourful sunsets over mountain and sea.

Image: Markus Jordaan

The landscape contractors, Fynbos Gardens, explain that the owners of the property are avid gardeners and, because of this, very little upkeep is needed on the property. The team has given them some tips in maintaining their garden, which has proved to be helpful. Fynbos Gardens goes yearly to cut back any shrubs and bushes that have overgrown, otherwise the owners take care of the rest and are really involved in the property’s gardens. After the contractor waterproofed the roof, the landscaping team used Delta MS20 Cavity Membrane as SuDS for the rooftop garden. A drainable soil mixture was made for this specific site, as topsoil is too heavy to be drained and something lighter for the rooftop was needed. For the planting, the landscaping team went with hardy indigenous plants, as this area typically experiences strong winds and is also close to the beach. They also wanted plants on site that would flower throughout the year. The rooftop garden After the builder waterproofed the concrete slab on the roof, the team at Fynbos Gardens installed a layer of zipcore, geomesh and bidim. They then used their special soil mixture, consisting of milled pine bark, river sand, organic compost and potting soil. The team prepared the soil with an organic slow release fertilizer. The planting palette includes Elegia tectorum “Fishhoek”, and Osteospermum 'Ricky White' and Plectranthus neochilus as a ground cover. Recently the team has incorporated Aristida junciformis, Pennisetum 'Cream Falls' and Lomandra 'Tanika' which is an exquisite sight to see as the grasses catch the wind. Fynbos flower bed around the house The soil was again prepared with organic compost and an organic slow release fertilizer. The species chosen for this section of the house include the following; Acmadenia, Agathosma, Coleonema, Erica, Leucadendron, Leucospermum and Protea cynaroides. Also planted were Olea africana trees and as a ground cover Osteospermum, Plectranthus, Gazania and Arctotis. In the courtyard you will spot an Apodytes dimidiata tree, under planted with Chlorophytum saundersiae in mass.

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Image: Markus Jordaan

MEET THE TEAM: Architects: Swansilva Architecture Engineer: Cigela Consulting Contractor: Hu-art Construction Landscape: Fynbos Gardens

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Image: Markus Jordaan

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Image: Epitome Studios

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Fynbos Gardens Hermanus Landscaping, Irrigation, Garden Maintenance and Nursery

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High Quality Exotic & Indigenous Plant Suppliers to the Trade Since 1983 044 889 0092 | info@kraaibosch.com www.kraaibosch.com

028 313 1763 fynbosgardens@hermanus.co.za 15 Mimosa Street, Industrial area, Hermanus, 7200

Location: The Willows, Pretoria Size: 735m²

PART BUILDING,

This home lies nestled on the northern slopes of the Bronberg Mountain in Pretoria. The area is covered by a combination of rocky bushveld and highveld grassland. As an area, it is home to a remarkable diversity of plants, birds and animal life – as a whole, the area is regarded as a sensitive environment. Between the steep, rocky slopes of the mountain, the golden mole and the logistics of constructing a rather large accommodation requirement into a low profile ‘landscape’, this home had to literally carve the site open to find its ‘perch’. This is where the journey of design began for architecture firm W Design Architecture Studio, winning the firm a Pretoria Institute for Architecture (PIA) award in 2019.

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The first and most lasting impression of the site is the dominating presence of the mountain – the rocks and bushveld trees combined with the expansive view over the north-eastern suburbs of Pretoria and the extension of the Magaliesberg ridge creates a unique place ‘between a rock and a open place’. The home and all its functions aim to create a sheltered platform right in the middle between these two. The conceptual idea and inspiration were to merge the landscape with the architecture – creating a series of single storey or ground level platforms which protect the outline of the horizon. Each platform is set back from the levels below, following the natural contours

of the property, and the roof of these spaces is used to ‘reclaim’ open landscape in front of the upper levels. This unfolds the land and allows a contemporary space with panoramic connections to the landscape from all areas of the home. The set-out point for the new structure was guided by a ‘scarred’ portion of the property, a derelict platform left behind from previous development before subdivision and densification. The old platform essentially positioned the current living areas and central space of the home – between the visible rock face of the Bronberg and the open views to the north. Below this level, all services

Part Landscape

were positioned as a solid native stone clad structure ‘above ground and earth covered’. The bedrooms are placed in the landscape on the level above. The absolute focus for these spaces – part building, part landscape – is to celebrate and be aware of its fantastic natural surroundings and views by keeping the built form as low profile as possible, and in effect, allowing the landscape to eventually cover and merge with the manmade forms. As the indigenous vegetation and natural beauty recovers, this home will seamlessly adapt and fuse with its natural habitat.

The concrete cantilever was completed by KTT Projects, allowing the rooftop garden to hover over the outdoor space as if floating. To elevate the architecture further, indigenous veld grass was planted on the roof terraces.

“No house should ever be on a hill or on anything. It should be of the hill. Belonging to it. Hill and house should live together, each the happier for the other.”

MEET THE TEAM: Client: Private Architects: W Design Architecture Studio Landscape contractors: EarthArt Nursery and Landscaping Contractor: KTT Projects Image credits: Jamie Thom for W Design

- Frank Lloyd Wright prolandscaper.co.za

SUPPLIERS: Irrigation: Netafim Drip Irrigation – 021 987 0477 Mainline Irrigation – 011 444 4454 Plants: EarthArt Nursery – 082 601 3730

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PORTFOLIO

Pro Landscaper catches up with EarthArt Nursery and Landscaping to hear more on the pallette chosen for the green roof and the surrounding garden elements.

What is the planting palette you settled for on the green roof?

We planted Aristida junciformis, an indigenous tufty grass, which grows to about 800mm in height. It offers wonderful seasonal variation, with a fresh green colour in summer, fading to brown in winter, almost mimicking winter wheat. Being on a roof, it also moves with the wind which adds life to the building.

Q: What SuDS or irrigation was used for the rooftop planting?

A: We installed Netafim drip irrigation, which

uses less water more effectively, and unlike traditional overhead irrigation, it does not waste water or stain nearby glass balustrades and windows.

TREES PLANTED ON SITE: Buddleja saligna Combretum erythrophyllum Harpephyllum caffrum Heteropyxis natalensis Olea africanum Pittosporum viridiflorum Rhus lancea Other Aristida junciformis Carissa 'Green carpet' Cotyledon orbiculata Cotyledon oblongata Crassula arborescens Dymondia margaretae Falkia repens Juncus effusus Plectranthus neochilus Portulacaria caffrum

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PROMOTING THE USE OF PRESERVATIVE TREATED TIMBER

PROMOTING TREATED TIMBER PRODUCED BY SAWPA MEMBERS

Tel: 011 974 1061 admin@sawpa.co.za www.sawpa.co.za

F E AT U R E

Sustainable - That’s Treated Wood

construction material provided and renewable by Nature, with predictable performance, that captures carbon from the atmosphere and locks it away for decades, with low energy demand and a feelgood appeal appreciated by almost everyone – that’s treated wood. Wood is part of the bioeconomy, can be sourced responsibly, is a flexible and adaptable material that can be used efficiently and aligns with the concept of a circular economy. At the end of its life wood can be reused in an ongoing process of uses, recycling or recovery of energy. Wood is consequently one of the few truly renewable construction materials.

in buildings whose main structural components are made of wood, will produce significant CO₂ savings as prescribed by the Kyoto Protocol*. WOOD PROTECTION The natural durability of wood is limited to the heartwood, but this depends on the species, growth conditions and provenance. Apart from a very few, mostly tropical hardwood species, most untreated wood is vulnerable to biodeterioration by fungal decay and wood destroying insects. These biological agencies also degrade the sustainability credentials of untreated wood leading to early failure in service, premature release of CO₂ and economic loss, more characteristic of a linear economy than a desirable circular economy. Commercially important wood species are typically derived from locally grown wellmanaged forests delivering high growth rate material. Due to high demand, modern processing practices are designed to maximise wood production yield, meaning it is impractical and uneconomic to exclude sapwood. The sapwood of all species are susceptible to insect and fungal attack, and requires protection against insect attack and, in prolonged wet conditions, fungal attack. If non-durable, heartwood may also require protection depending on the wood species, the conditions of use and the service life required. Most South African grown commercially important species of pine and eucalyptus are non-durable and requires preservative pre-treatment.

In recognising the short life of untreated wood when used in exposed applications and conditions, e.g., agriculture, marine and freshwater areas, structures and fencing, and the inconvenience and cost of failure, humankind has from antiquity attempted to prolong the life of wood. The discovery of the biological causes of wood damage and decay, coinciding with the start of the Industrial Revolution, led to the development of effective treatments. This has culminated in the preservatives and processes available now for many uses of treated wood that meet the health, safety and environmental requirements of today’s regulatory regime. SUSTAINABILITY Sustainability is often defined as meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs**. For true sustainability, we need to integrate the goals of a high quality of life, health and prosperity with social justice and maintaining the earth’s capacity to support life in all its diversity. These social, economic and environmental goals are interdependent and mutually reinforcing, and are recognised widely as the three aspects of sustainability. Only through balancing social, environmental and economic aspects can we achieve true sustainability. Both treated wood and the biocides used in wood protection conforms to the principles of sustainability and for clarity these are addressed separately.

Wood offers a simple way to reduce the CO₂ emissions through: • the carbon sink effect of the forests; • the carbon storage effect of wood products; and • substitution for carbon-intensive materials. Not only is the production and processing of wood energy efficient, giving wood products a low carbon footprint, but wood can often be used to substitute other materials like steel, aluminium, concrete or plastics, which require large amounts of energy to produce. Every cubic metre of wood used as a substitute for other building materials reduces CO₂ emissions to the atmosphere by an average of 1.1 tonnes (t). If this is added to the 0.9 t of CO₂ stored in wood, each cubic metre of wood saves a total of 2.0 t CO₂. Based on this, an increase

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F E AT U R E

these characteristics and consequently are now accepted as both effective and safe, if and when used correctly and appropriately.

SUSTAINABLE USE OF BIOCIDES Products containing biocides, such as wood preservatives, are a family of products intended to destroy or control harmful or unwanted organisms (such as fungi and insects) that have detrimental effects on the environment, on animals, on humans, their activities or the products they use or produce. Biocidal products are used in a wide variety of ways by both industrial and professional users as well as by the public.Sustainable use can be defined for biocidal products as the objective of reducing the risks and impacts of the use of biocidal products on human health, animal health and the environment. Treated Wood – A Sustainable Choice shows how economic, environmental and social aspects of use of biocides in wood protection deliver sustainability. Wood preservatives were among the first biocidal products to be subject to regulation and standardisation in respect of

TREATED WOOD AS A SUSTAINABLE MATERIAL Treated wood is the material of choice in every situation where its characteristics make it suitable. With such protection, designers have the choice of the foremost renewable and sustainable material. When structures come to the end of their life, treated wood may be segregated for cascading and recycling to extend the useful life of the material. Even when disposal eventually becomes the only option, energy generation by burning certain types of preservative treated timber, returns carbon to the atmosphere where it is turned back into wood by trees using the energy of sunlight. As the amount of CO₂ emitted from combustion is no more than the amount previously stored, burning wood is carbon neutral - a truly circular economy.

os to demonstrate the sustainability characteristics of treated wood - wood for construction, railway sleepers, poles for electricity, telecommunications, landscaping and decking. It also sets out the Circular Economy credentials of treated wood and highlights the importance of best practice and education of designers, specifiers, installers and users and how the treated wood industry leads in developing guidance and programmes to assist these groups in optimising sustainable use of treated wood. SAWPA would like to thank the European Institute for Wood Preservation (WEI-IEO) and the European Wood Preservers Manufacturers Group (EWPM) for allowing the use of information contained in their executive summary of the complete brochure. www.wei-ieo.eu or www.ewpm.org www.sawpa.co.za or contact us at admin@sawpa.co.za or +27 11 974 1061

TREATED WOOD – A SUSTAINABLE CHOICE The full brochure uses four typical use-scenariUntitled-3 1

2013/10/25 12:02 PM

John Deere introduces new S-Series Ride-on Mowers

esigned and developed in the USA, our S-series meets the changing demands of our customers. The new S-Series provides a machine that is comfortable, easy to learn, and easy to maintain for inexperienced owners. It delivers exclusive features; like the new easy-read fuel gauge, new 15-in. (38-cm) open-back seat, Hydrostatic transmission and side-by-side pedals on all models, new body design and model numbers.

NEW FEATURES: MowerPlusâ&#x201E;˘ Easy-read fuel gauge An industry-exclusive at this price point, an easy-read fuel gauge is now available on the dashboard. This allows the operator to have quick and easy visibility of their mowers fuel level. This exclusive feature will be available on the S120 and S180 models.

An ergonomic design change has also been implemented with the repositioning of the Park break and where applicable, the Cruise control. These controls have moved up to the dashboard for an easier operator experience. Some of the changes that was implemented on our E-Series mowers such as the Side-bySide pedals and 300 CC battery upgrade from the previous 195cc battery to ensure a more reliable start, will all feature on the new line-up of all our S-Series Ride-on mowers.

New 15-in. (38-cm) open-back seat The open-back seat design not only allows for a comfortable operating experience, but it allows for airflow which will keep the operator cool.

Our Easy Change 30 second oil change system which makes changing the engine oil easy, quick and clean is exclusively available on the S180 model.

New body design The new body design incorporates the next generation tractor styling, which you will see on our latest Agricultural tractor designs, with a change in the hood and lights.

MODEL NUMBERS

MOWER DECK

ENGINE

S100

42 in. (107cm)

17.5 hp (13.0 kW)

S120

42 in. (107cm)

22 hp (16.4 kW)

S140

48 in. (122cm)

22 hp (16.4 kW)

S180

54 in. (137cm)

24 hp (17.9 kW) Extended Life Series, Easy Changeâ&#x201E;˘ 30-second oil change system

Attachments for S-Series Ride-on Mowers Our newly designed Material Collection System (MCS), or in simple terms our baggers, was redesigned to drastically reduce setup time from 20 minutes to as little as 5 minutes. We are looking forward to introducing these new machines to the African market. These machines will feature at your John Deere dealers from March 2021. Contact your closest John Deere dealer if you would like to make one of our new models part of your family. prolandscaper.co.za

Single Application Multiple Benefits

MulticoteÂŽ (8) 15-3-12+Mg+ME Controlled Release Fertilizer for Nurseries & Landscaping

Optimal plant nutrition

Haifa South Africa

Less fertilizers are needed

Saves labor and time

P.O.Box 1409, Brackenfell, 7561, South Africa Gerrit Burger | 082 8008766 | gerrit.burger@haifa-group.com Michael Koch | 083 2314516 | michael.koch@haifa-group.com www.haifa-group.com

Simple application

Environmentally friendly

NURTURE

PLANT CONDITIONING FOR THE SUMMER SEASON ON THE FARM

e catch up with Clive Mullett, production manager at Nonke Plants, to hear all about what goes into looking after their production of plants over the summer season. We have three different fertilising programmes at Nonke Plants. We always try to keep the process as easy as possible; we use an agronomist to assist us with the choice of fertiliser in each programme and take into account our varied plant range. We aim to get the most efficient nutrient supply possible within a reasonable budget. Production houses and pot plants Our New Guinea impatiens are given five grams of a four month Controlled release Fertilizer (CRF), Multicote (4) 15-3-12+Mg+Me at planting, this takes them through the growing period and for the period on the nursery shelves. We plant all year through, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an easy way to see the plants have sufficient nutrients. Our Fuchsias are cut back completely in July each year and then also given five grams of (four month) controlled release (CRF) to take

them to flower, and are sold from November onwards. If we fertilise too much from December through June the vegetative growth is profuse, and we constantly need to cut back. Basically, we are starving the plants to control their growth. They are pretty tough plants and bounce back very quickly and the flowers are so rewarding â&#x20AC;&#x201C; their only drawback is that whitefly love them too. The young cuttings and 28 cavity multitrays are fed each morning with Nulandis Polyfeed 6:1:3(44) with a good balance of nitrogen phosphorus potassium and micronutrients, starting from September to May at an EC of 0.75. We use an Irriquip fertiliser pump to do this accurately. During the winter, we stop using fertiliser and instead use a foliar feed. This is because the plants are placed outside and the rain often flushes the fertiliser straight through the small cavity trays. We also turn off our irrigation in winter and mostly water by hand as needed. Nursery planting blocks with 15, 17, 19, 21 cm pots and 10L, 20L bags Our normal programme for this area is putting down a weekly feed of three weeks

of ammonium sulphate at an EC of 1.2 and one week of a blend of calcium nitrate, micro nutrients, Qula Hydro Tree Plus, qula fortuna and potassium nitrate at an EC of 0.9. We do this each season from July to May. The rain also flushes plant containers in the winter and the plants need very little irrigation, so we then top dress with limestone ammonium nitrate 5g for pots, and 10g and 20g for the 10 and 20 litre bags. We are also doing some trials on fish emulsion as a monthly supplement to our feeding programme which we can use all year. The problem we have is the high pH 7.8, in the raw materials we use in producing our growing medium, as well as the high carbonates and bicarbonates in our irrigation water, which also has a pH of 6.67.

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NURTURE

Most nursery plants are happy with a pH of 5.5 to 6, but we have a constant of pH 7 and above in our containers. The plants struggle to take up the nutrients and quickly show it by yellowing in general, with the dietes species just not growing at all. We will now be feeding ammonium sulphate during the winter at an EC of 2.0 every two weeks as ammonium sulphate helps bring down the pH in the containers, instead of the top dress of limestone ammonium nitrate. We will also be adjusting the nutrients added to our growing medium which will help to lower the pH By adding 4m3 gypsum and 1,250kg of Kieserit (magnesium sulphate granuales) MgSO4 magnesium sulphate to our 400m3 of raw sawdust. Nursery 40 litre production Here, we make use of twelve month controlled

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release fertilizer (CRF), Multicote (12) 15-3-12+Mg+Me, applied at 160g per 40 litres at planting, while topping up once a year. At planting, this is placed about 10cm below the soil surface before the bag is filled to correct soil level. On topping up, dibbles of controlled release fertilizer will be placed in small holes, 10cm deep made in the surface of the soil. This is sufficient as in the winter the controlled release is less active because of the lower temperatures, and as it warms more nutrients are released in the summer. As Kevin Handreck â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a leading soil guru in Australia â&#x20AC;&#x201C; says, the key is nitrogen, finding a balance with all the other nutrients, and making it available for your plants throughout the year. Do this by testing your raw growing medium materials, water supplies and get a reputable agronomist to analyse and make

recommendations so that problems with pH and EC can be rectified before you use the growing medium in the nursery. Regular testing of growing medium and leachate in containers with growing plants will quickly give indications of potential problems that can affect plant growth.

NONKEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S KEY SUPPLIERS: Multicote from Haifa RSA / InteliGro Irriquip Polyfeed from AECI / Nulandis

NURTURE

UP ON THE ROOFTOP

By Trees SA

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NURTURE

an you imagine a forest of various species of trees, on top of your roof, overlooking the Cape Town harbour at the foot of Table Mountain? This was the dream of one of the residents of Higgovale, and we helped to make this dream a reality. Looking at this case study, we provide insight into the logistics of getting 22 mature trees (collectively weighing a total of 12 tons) and 100 cubes of compost delivered and planted in a period of only two days.

closure. This was a main through road connected to various other busy streets. We required a full road closure and used four flagmen to regulate the traffic on the two days. 6.

The key to planting mature trees on rooftops is planning. This is not a task that can be tackled quickly as the following steps need to be in place before you can plant the trees: 1.

Planter sizes – you have to plan your planter sizes relative to the size of the trees’ rootballs and also the ultimate size you’d want your trees to reach. The smaller the planter, the smaller the tree will remain.

Waterproofing of the roof and accommodating drainage for your planters – your mature trees will need water, and lots of it. Ensure that you accommodate for drainage and that your roof waterproofing is done correctly. Accommodating the staking of trees – your planter also needs to accommodate the securing of the trees from windy conditions, something which is usually more prominent on top of roofs. In this case, we used specialised eye bolts that were glued into the cement planters that added security for the trees. These bolts needed to be secured to the planters before the trees were planted.

Mobile crane access – a site visit between Trees SA and the mobile crane company will always be required to determine the viability for mobile crane access and the size required to lift the trees to the desired locations on top of the roof garden. In this case, a 95-ton metre mobile crane was required.

Road closure permits – usually with the use of mobile cranes, a road closure permit will have to be obtained from the municipality. These usually take two weeks to obtain, so you have to set aside this time in your planning. In this case, a road engineer was required to formulate a traffic management plan for the road

Stockpiling of trees and compost on site before the day of planting – in this case, due to the large quantity of trees and compost and the limited time available with the mobile crane, we had to stockpile the trees on the site beforehand. This required additional planning to find a suitable area to safely store the trees and put them on temporary irrigation. The transport of the trees from the nursery to the site took approximately two days, and in some cases these trees are so large that you have to have an escort vehicle behind the truck for safe transport on highways and main roads. Irrigation – this is your most important aspect to do correctly in order to ensure the survival of the trees post installation. It is best to have the irrigation system in place before the trees are planted but this can also be done afterwards if you have commitment to water the trees by hand in the interim. Weather – mobile cranes can’t operate in high-wind conditions, so you have to keep an eye on the weather before you book the mobile crane.

to ensure that the trees are planted safely and correctly. We are responsible for rigging the trees, which requires an expert level of skill to ensure you don’t break branches or ring-bark the trunk. Each tree is rigged, lifted and planted individually, which is extremely time consuming. In the case of our Higgovale rooftop garden, we rigged two trees at the same time in order to get the planting done in time. Each tree bag has to be assessed for strength and accommodated with additional straps and bag if found to be old and tearing. When planting is done, all trees are staked, and irrigation is put in place. What we also offered for the success rate of the trees, is a monthly aftercare service to check up on the trees’ rootball moisture and overall growth. Looking back at our project: the flagmen, the radio communication, the road closures and vehicle maintenance on the ground were juxtaposed against the tranquillity and serene environment created on the rooftop by the instant forest. With species ranging from fruiting trees, such as pomegranates, apple, pear, plum and one grand mulberry tree, as well as the beautiful indigenous milkwood and cross-berry, all the way through to exotic silver birches and Japanese maple trees, this forest makes for a magical adventure – almost as if you have stepped into a new world!

Once all the planning has been done, the planting of the trees can be actioned. When planting large trees with mobile cranes, good communication and safety on the site is key. We make use of two-way radios between the crane operator and the Trees SA planting team

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Landscaping Irrigation Maintenance