PORTFOLIO
so no potable or “new” water has been used for the water feature. At the bottom end of the water feature, there is a sump and the water is then returned, back to the meulsloot. It was very challenging to calculate the levels to ensure that the water would reticulate. In turn, these levels determined the levels of the water feature and paving. Breaking into the existing manhole to connect the water reticulation system for the water feature to the existing meulsloot water was a difficult exercise for the contractors. The concept was for the water wheel to be seen as a sculptural piece and focal point at the end of the water feature, so it was not to be functional. The inclusion of the cog that historically formed part of the functioning of the water wheel was not part of the original scope of works. This cog was also based at Wilgenhof and was later included in Meulplein with the work being arranged by and paid for by the Arts Association Stellenbosch. Similarly, the signage regarding the history of the water wheel was designed by Strijdom & paid for by The Arts Association Stellenbosch. Sourcing Materials With a municipal tender, one generally cannot specify a specific supplier. The requirement of the municipality’s supply chain is that the tender must be as open as possible to all tenderers and not biased in favour of any one supplier
or contractor. An exception was that Corobrik Autumn pavers were specified as the Meulplein finishes needed to tie in with the existing hard landscaping in Stellenbosch and the overall municipal masterplan. Thus, it was up to the landscaping contractors to source materials. In terms of the trees, Just Trees were Cape Contours preferred supplier. Portia Bolton, Harold Daniels (Stellenbosch Municipality) and Caren Speirs went to Carl’s site, looked at the variety of different species and then selected the individual specimens. Quercus nigra(water oaks) were chosen for the historical connection of Stellenbosch to oaks and their relationship with water. Difficulties included: • • • •
Access to site and prevention of public access during construction phase Limited storage space for materials Weather delays The moving of the water wheel was very difficult. The original truck could not lift the water wheel due to the weight of the wheel.
This project has, since completion late last year, been entered into the SALI Awards of Excellence by Cape Contours.
ABOUT CAREN SPEIRS & IXIA LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS Caren qualified in 1991 and worked for EDP (Environmental Design Partnership) in Johannesburg for 3½ years. She worked on the landscaping design and contract administration of a number of commercial properties in Sandton and Rivonia and a residential development in Westcliff Ridge (now the Four Seasons Hotel). In mid-1995, she moved to the Cape and worked until the end of March 2001, for her family’s small property development business. From April 2001 to December 2006, Caren worked for DMP (Dennis Moss Partnership) where her primary project was De Zalze Golf Estate. She was also involved in Eden Island in the Seychelles. Ixia was formally registered in December 2017.
100 Pro Landscaper Africa | December Coffee Table Edition 2018
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