Business Day HomeFront 20 October 2017

HOMEFRONT 13 OCTOBER 2016 WWW.BDLIVE.CO.ZA 20 OCTOBER 2017 WWW.BUSINESSLIVE.CO.ZA

MUST READ

Willowlamp lights the way PAGE 2

Prime Joburg residential space PAGE 4

Kitchens: design for your lifestyle PAGE 6

uMkhumbane Museum in Durban's Cato Manor

Fighting stereotypes Renovate or move for value?

PAGE 16

Architects across Africa are making waves with innovative projects that are changing impressions of the continent PAGE 10

HOMEFRONT DESIGN

Creator of cosmic lights The latest collection of lighting designs by Adam Hoets has just been launched in Cape Town WORDS: HILARY PRENDINI TOFFOLI :: PICTURES: SUPPLIED

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n May this year the huge and beautif ul Mandala lamp designed by Adam Hoets won second place in the best use of decorative lighting section of London’s darc awards/ decorative, the Oscars of the lighting design industry.

Commissioned by a Perth hotel and made in his Salt River factory, the lamp consists of four clusters.

Each weighs 3.5 tons and has a 3.5m drop.

It was one of several awards and international commissions acquired

by Hoets’s company willowlamp. An inventive former architect who once designed lodges for Wilderness Safaris, Hoets has been producing seductive lights that are iridescent works of art since he came up with the concept in 2005 of joining ball chains to laser-cut metal frames. The chains fall in elegant shimmering curtains of varying configurations and lengths,

Halo

Spiral Tree

behind which LED lights are usually concealed.

“I was between architectural projects and started playing around with chain designs,” Hoets says. “I tried first to make a coiled mat, then tried hanging pieces of chain from a wire frame. I needed a way to connect them to the frame and the idea of the notch was born. This simple, elegant solution now underpins my entire collection and allows for an endless variety of forms.”

QUANTUM LEAP Willowlamp lights are a quantum leap from conventional lights and chandeliers. Some ripple like the tentacles of sea anemones when gently shaken, an effect Hoets plans to maintain by sometimes incorporating a hidden mechanism.

Some are massive and breathtakingly complex.

Most follow the universal geometric patterns found in

nature, which Hoets continues to explore in his work.

The lights in willowlamp’s 2018 collection, Small Spaces, are perfect for smaller homes or apartments but create the same impact as willowlamp’s traditionally larger statement-making installations. The new pendants vary in design and range from the small Babylove, styled on a four-leaf clover, to the array of Moroccan-style lamps that invoke the beauty of North Africa.

Each has been created to hang beautifully in a small home or apartment, while still creating the same impact as one of the larger willowlamp statement pieces. The collection was launched in late September.

“The company name is particularly evocative of nature,” he says. “It poetically suits the dangling filament nature of the company’s lights.”

HOMEFRONT He imports the chains in five metallic finishes — chrome, copper, brass, smoke and rust — and outsources other elements locally. For clients he can find chains in any colour.

The lights are assembled in his workshop by his eightman team. “No mess or noisy machinery,” says this ingenious 40-year-old who grew up in the inspired environment of his father Digby Hoets’s renowned pottery studio in a forested garden in Midrand.

Willowlamp was launched with industrial designer Sian Eliot, whom he has since bought out.

STUNNER Initially small, the company began to take off after Hoets realised during his first Design Indaba venture in 2006 that it was his large-size stunner the Flower of Life — a gorgeous chandelier with a 1920s feel — that people wanted, not so much the smaller lights, no matter the expense. So his designs became bigger.

International heft came with the help of New York’s Amaridian Gallery, the

design shop launched by Fraser Conlon and Harry Oppenheimer’s daughter Mary Slack to showcase SA’s emerging artists.

ADAM HOETS ON ART AND DESIGN Besides hotels, luxury homes and restaurants, have you made willowlamp lights for corporate situations?

The Mandala light we did for an office in Abu Dhabi was on Pinterest where it was seen by the Perth clients whose Mandala light, a more feminine version, won the international award. For me the purpose of art and design is to uplift everyone who comes into contact with it, no matter what the environment. Some of our designs are perfectly suited to a corporate location: Geometric Storm for example, which has angled tiers of chain that can move independently.

FARAWAY TREE Three years ago Hoets began receiving commissions so massive and complicated they took up his entire headspace for long periods. It began with a design for a London mansion he named Faraway Tree and evolved into an enchanted forest he dubbed the Enchanted Faraway Tree — a series of spiralling and interwoven branches suspended from one another, and extending into an area of 3.5m x 6m.

Along with the awardwinner in Perth’s Crown Towers, willowlamp lights are in hotels all over the globe. Cairo’s Mena House.

The Ritz-Carlton in Dubai and Chicago. London’s Melia White House and The Landmark. Switzerland’s The Seerose Resort and Spa. Abu Dhabi’s Liwa Executive Suites and Shangri-La. Sweden’s Clarion Post. The George in Lagos and Angama Mara lodge in Kenya.

“The company name is particularly evocative of nature” Adam Hoets, willowlamp

What inspired your new collection?

For some time I’ve only been wanting to work on large art pieces that blow my hair back. But they’re way too big for most people’s space, and hellishly expensive. So I decided to do these smaller designs.

When the London Faraway Tree was completed I had a creative headspace, and the ideas just kept on coming.

Crystal Mandala

Spiral Nebula

Windchime PRODUCED BY BLACKSTAR PROPERTY PUBLISHING Unit G4, Old Castle Brewery, 6 Beach Road, Woodstock, 7925 021 447 7130

How do you avoid having your designs ripped off?

We have patents for the US and SA. The materials are expensive so these lights will never be mass produced. A designer’s best defence is to come up with a design too complex to imitate.

You have a large range of lights. Which are your biggest sellers?

The Flower of Life and Protea lights are the classics. My new collection includes several four-leaf clover designs in a sensual heart-shaped form that’s sweet and playful. In the beautiful Lotus Mandala the copper and brass chains blend together to create an unbelievably heavenly effect. The ghost-like Halo design was inspired by Gaudi who used inverted chain models in the structural design for the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.

A EDITORIAL TEAM Editor: Kim Maxwell Designer: Samantha Durand

PUBLICATION

Managing Editor/Copy Editor: Michael van Olst Production: Joanne Le Roux Content Business Manager: Catherine Davis

ADVERTISING SALES Michèle Jones Susan Erwee

michele.jones@thecreativegroup.info susan.erwee@thecreativegroup.info

084 246 8105 083 556 9848

HOMEFRONT DEVELOPMENT

Suite luxury Increasing numbers of affluent South Africans are forgoing large houses and turning to high-end secure apartments. The Houghton is up with the best of them WORDS: GEORGINA GUEDES :: PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

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any South Africans are opting for apartment living. StatsSA reports that in 2016, for every 100 plans approved for homes, 59 were for flats and 33 were for townhouses. In 2013, for every 100 approved plans only 26 were for flats and 25 for townhouses.

At the top end of the market, this means prospective home owners are seeking luxury, space and amenities, coupled with breathtaking locations.

On Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard or Winelands these are easy to come by — if you have the cash. In Johannesburg luxury and space are easier to find, but location is tricky.

This is why a nearly

complete development in Johannesburg’s Houghton suburb — named The Houghton — is attracting attention. It is away from the hubbub of the Sandton and Rosebank CBDs yet close to top independent schools and colleges.

GOLF CLUB Overlooking the Jack Nicklaus-designed Houghton Golf Club, The Houghton offers residents views over the treetops of Johannesburg’s man-made forest to Sandton and on a clear day, the distant towers of Pretoria. Looking east the vista stretches as far as OR Tambo International Airport.

A view is only as good as the quality of the vantage point and this is where The Houghton comes into

its own. Developed in five phases — necessary to ensure working capital after the global economic crisis of 2008 — each of the first four phases comprises between 60 and 80 units.

They range from threebedroom apartments starting at R7.9m to fivebedroom, three-storey mansions for R84m.

The penthouse suites set the bar high. Aside from the expansive rooms (the master bedroom can accommodate an additional lounging area) and the addon two-bedroom cottage, they feature a cinema room, a gym, two levels of roof garden with pool, jacuzzi, braai area, steam shower and two entertainment levels. They come integrated with top-spec

range kitchen appliances and music systems.

The Houghton is all about spacious existence.

Every living area has been designed to give residents a feeling of openness.

SPACIOUS Wraparound windows and balconies accommodate views stretching into the distance. The penthouses have triple-volume halls. Kitchens open to entertainment areas, en-suite bathrooms are separated from bedrooms by foldaway screens and entertainment areas are abundant. Ground-floor units have gardens with pools and jacuzzis.

All units have the development’s service features that include security systems with fingerprint

access and 24-hour camera monitoring from a control room. A concierge desk will ensure residents’ shopping or parcels are brought to their unit. A generator and 600,000l of water storage takes care of any outages.

“When the units first came on to the market they were selling at roughly R26,000/m 2, priced against similar residential developments above shopping centres, which were selling at R45,000m 2,” says David Nagle, the Irish developer and investor in The Houghton. “Prices have exceeded our expectations given the demand.”

He says the specifications have continually been upgraded to present a premium product.

“It is now enjoying higher prices per square metre rates than apartments at premium shopping centres, where prices have remained static.”

BUYING IN

“Prices have exceeded our expectations given the demand” David Nagle, developer, The Houghton

Units are available in the final phase. This includes a luxury penthouse suite on one end, allowing for wraparound balconies.

Nagle says a large number of buyers are residents upscaling or converting from renters to owners.

Residents at The Houghton say it feels like being on holiday. This approach has been embraced by The Houghton’s management team, many of whom live in the development.

Says Nagle: “Once you’ve lived here, where else could you go?”

HOTEL LIFESTYLE The first four phases of The Houghton are enough to satisfy the most discerning buyers, but when the fifth phase comes into play (in late 2018) residents can expect an unparalleled live-workplay destination. Phase five is The Houghton Hotel, managed by The Leading Hotels of the World. It will be integrated with the rest of the development.

The hotel will have 61 suites, three business lounges, conferencing, a slow lounge, a spa, hair and beauty salon, private gym, resort pool, sky bar and dining options including a deli offering meals delivered to rooms or homes.

“The hotel, a noteworthy guest destination in its own right, will expand the vision of The Houghton into something like a private club where residents live, exercise, luxuriate and are entertained, all within the property,” says Nagle.

Residents already have automatic social membership of the Houghton Golf Club and full membership at a discounted rate.

Investors will find a compelling proposition in only 10 hotel investor suites being available for purchase. Guests will have access to hotel facilities.

The luxury accommodation will also be used by international companies looking for secure shortterm stays.

WESTERN CAPE AtlanticSeaboard 021 439 7415 / Southern Suburbs 021 673 4200

Bishopscourt / R35 million

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Exclusive Agents Myrna Duveen 082 443 8417 / Christiaan Steytler 082 658 0071

Constantia Upper / R19.9 million

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Clifton / R25 million

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Bedrooms 6 / Bathrooms 6 / Garages 4 / This 6-bedroom family home is set on over half an acre of private garden in sought-after pocket of Constantia Upper. All bedrooms are en suite with luxurious finishes and the upstairs balcony and wet deck encompass beautiful northward views. Studio, private flatlet, 4 garages, study and excellent security are key features of this well-appointed home.

Bedrooms 3 / Bathrooms 2.5 / Stylish open-plan home set in a tropical garden with lush oasis surroundings and uninterrupted ocean views. Open-plan kitchen leads to a charming lounge/dining room seamlessly flowing to an elegant entertainment terrace with an inviting low-maintenance garden and pool. Only a short stroll to the beach.

Exclusive Agents: Angie 083 678 7876 / Arie 083 448 0488 / Lauren 083 306 3830

Annette Hepburn 082 658 1116

HOMEFRONT HOME SENSE

Kitchen trends While the fashion remains minimalist, a kitchen is still the warm hub of a South African home

WORDS: ANNE SCHAUFFER :: IMAGE: ISTOCK

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atasha Miller of MorleyMiller has been designing kitchens for more than 20 years. It is her business to know what is trending in kitchens worldwide — from designs, colours and textures to new materials and smart technologies.

Miller says the concept of the kitchen as a family-and-friends/light entertaining space will remain, particularly in SA. “With our amazing weather, many homes design the kitchen to flow into the dining room, then to an outside entertainment area. Who wants to be trapped in an enclosed kitchen if you could be watching your kids play outside, or have your friends sit at the counter while you cook up a storm?

“Today, the seating at the kitchen island is increasingly informal, more reflective of our lifestyles — the quick breakfast, a glass of wine and a chat, or a school project.”

FLOW AND FUNCTION

“Grey and white are the favoured kitchen colours, but I believe that is gradually changing” Natasha Miller, designer, MorleyMiller

Miller says the first step in having a kitchen redone should be to sketch your lifestyle. “Don’t be bullied by professionals who have a grand vision for your kitchen. It’s your space.

You work in it and it needs to flow and function for you. But whatever you do, don’t compromise on the quality of your hardware.”

Miller says kitchen trends are: “For floors, clients are choosing oversized, light-coloured tiles which flow through the house — it gives the illusion of space.

“Grey and white are the favoured kitchen colours, but I believe that is gradually changing.

For cupboards, most new builds choose a very unfussy, streamlined look, with slim, thinner contouring, plain and handle-less doors. But if you’re renovating, the choice is often more

traditional, like shaker doors.” Matte greys, charcoals or “greige” cupboard doors can be offset with an unexpected element: wood veneer floating shelves or a high gloss white splashback, organic or contrast touches, which interrupt vast expanses of clean colour, Miller says.

COUNTER TOPS The wide range of counter tops has made this a fun part of designing, and it becomes about creating textures, Miller says.

“We combine different thicknesses and colours of Caesarstone and Neolith.”

Overall, kitchens are minimalist, but, Miller says, instead of that equating to sterility, clients are becoming more adventurous. “They add artwork or personal elements from travel — this brings a personal aspect into the space, which makes it feel like home.”

Lighting is important for both function and mood.

“We’re seeing lots of LED lighting under wall units for soft mood lighting and over the island, beautiful or really funky pendant lights in various exciting materials like copper or wood grains.”

Miller says dedicated tea and coffee stations are increasingly popular.

Clients are also hiding small appliances — a large cupboard with pocket doors can be closed to conceal the kettle, toaster, food processor and so on.

WORKSPACE Clutter-free worktops increase the workspace, visually enlarge the kitchen and are always appealing to the eye.

For smart kitchens, appliances which can be remotely controlled are becoming popular.

Bluetooth phone chargers in counters are making inroads, Miller says, as well as novelty items such as extractors that can change colour and play music.

FOCUS ON: BLUE HILLS EQUESTRIAN ESTATE ADVERTORIAL

Exclusive country living The perfect home is waiting for you at Blue Hills Equestrian Estate WORDS AND PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

REDDFORD HOUSE PRIVATE SCHOOL The new Reddford House private school is a collaborative initiative

by Century Property Developments, Graeme Crawford of Crawford College fame and the successful Reddam House private school in Waterfall Estate.

“Noticing the demand for and importance of top-quality educational facilities within our communities, it was imperative to cater to this need of our clientele,” says Mark Corbett, CEO, Century Property Developments.

Residents will benefit from the security and convenience the estate school offers and will be able to spend more quality family time together as opposed to wasting time commuting in traffic.

Reddford House caters for pupils of all ages, from toddlers through to Grade 12s. It offers an internationally respected academic curriculum as well as cultural and sporting activities, all within a secure, relaxed environment that promotes selfdiscipline while nurturing individuality, talent and self-assurance and prepares students to excel in the world of work.

FOCUS ON: BLUE HILLS EQUESTRIAN ESTATE

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isitors to the Midrand area and clients with their investment ear to the ground will know about Blue Hills Country and Equestrian Estate and the exceptional value on offer in this new development.

With more than 75% of the stands already sold, savvy investors have recognised this unique opportunity to acquire a large country property within a secure estate close to urban centres.

Located in Beaulieu, the large freehold stands range from 5,000m² to 15,000m² in size and are priced from just R3.1m. Clients are given the opportunity to choose their own architect and builder to construct their dream home.

“Blue Hills Country and Equestrian Estate appeals to people who want an exclusive country lifestyle within the boundaries of extremely tight, nonintrusive security and, of course, a secure financial investment,” says sales director of Century City Property Developments Rob Emett.

URBAN HUB Apart from easy access to the main arterial highways, this development is situated in a new urban hub that

includes the Reddford House private school, an upmarket convenience shopping centre and several business parks, all located near the entrance to the development.

Century has found that Blue Hills Country and Equestrian Estate appeals to people working in Sandton, Midrand and Pretoria, as it is close to main arterial routes. The estate boasts 128 properties and some of the most magnificent flora and fauna in the area, with ample greenbelts, natural dams and established indigenous trees attracting abundant birdlife.

Residents can look forward to a unique dualism between country living and a cosmopolitan atmosphere.

The estate and its abundant facilities are conducive to a safe, wholesome, familyfriendly lifestyle.

COMPARISON Century is so confident in the success of this new development that it has made a direct comparison between Blue Hills and the exclusive Waterfall Equestrian Estate built

by Century in the Woodmead area.

At Waterfall the 8,000m² properties sold for R2.8m in 2010; now, just more than seven years later, they are valued at more than R14m

while the prices of completed houses range from R22m to a staggering R160m. Century expects to see comparable appreciation on Blue Hills Estate properties.

Says Emett: “Waterfall Equestrian Estate is a prime example of how you can grow your property portfolio substantially by making a savvy investment decision.

We envisage the same happening at Blue Hills Country and Equestrian Estate where stands of 5,000m² to 15,000m² are selling from only R3.1m.

One needs only to look at our history and trust us as a reliable developer with a proven record of achieving wealth through property investment. We are giving our clients golden opportunities on a platter.”

It is not too late to invest at Blue Hills Country and Equestrian Estate.

Don’t miss out: property values are forecast to increase as dramatically as they did at Waterfall Equestrian Estate.

GET IN TOUCH Century Property Developments Musi Motsuenyane 082 806 1735 musi@century.co.za century.co.za

“We are giving our clients golden opportunities on a platter” Rob Emett, sales director, Century City Property Development

R55 ROAD UPGRADE The country atmosphere at Blue Hills Country and Equestrian Estate will soon be complemented by access from an upgraded R55 double carriageway that services the area.

Harm Schreurs of Century Property Developments has spoken to the Gautransappointed engineers SMEC, who confirmed that the detailed design for the R55 upgrade project has been completed. The environmental impact assessment has also been passed and the

construction tender has been awarded. This will see 5km worth of the road (from the T-junction with Main Road to the south, to join Summit/ Olifantsfontein roads to the north) upgraded to a four-lane road.

Accessibility is an important aspect at Blue Hills Country and Equestrian Estate, with residents benefiting from multiple entrances, the soon-to-be-upgraded R55 road and a proposed Gautrain station within 1km of the estate.

FEATURES AND FACILITIES Reddford House private school Scenic walking and cycling paths Children’s playgrounds Tennis courts

Space for equestrian pursuits Breathtaking views Century Property Developments’ signature infrastructure

HOMEFRONT ARCHITECTURE

Fighting stereotypes Architects across Africa are making waves with innovative projects that are changing impressions of the continent WORDS: MIRIAM MANNAK :: IMAGES: SUPPLIED

uMkhumbane Museum — Queen Thomozile memorial section

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frican architecture is shrouded in stereotypes — from being seen as too rural to being contemporary or short of the required resources to build world-class buildings.

Changing the perception of what African architecture is about is crucial, says Johannesburg’s Lemon Pebble Architects director and founding partner Tanzeem Razak. “We need a broader dialogue, not just one conversation about specifics.” It is about time Africa rises while fighting stereotypes, she says.

A project that achieves this is uMkhumbane Museum in Cato Manor.

By Choromanski Architects in Durban and built on behalf of eThekwini municipality, the structure won the Built Award and the Grand Prix during last month’s first Pan African Architecture Awards.

TOP ARCHITECTS Hosted in Cape Town, the event aims to celebrate Africa’s top architects and put their work on the global map.

According to architect Rod Choromanski, the

initiative is doing just that. “There were some great entries. Every single finalist, in my opinion, responded to context, people, the environment and the culture of what Africa is about.”

The uMkhumbane Museum is the tip of Africa’s contemporary architecture iceberg.

Two other projects that stand out are the Dakar Congress Centre in Senegal’s capital city by Tabanlioglu Architecture, of Turkey, and the One Airport Square in Accra, developed by Italian firm Mario Cucinella Architects.

“Most overwhelming is to see how these and other projects cut through the stereotypes of Africa and design,” Razak says.

SUSTAINABILITY Besides being innovative, contemporary and aesthetically appealing, these three projects have taken the concept of sustainability to a level broader than just the environmental aspect.

“What stands out is their attempts to redefine African architecture from a sustainability perspective by taking a holistic stance and going beyond energy efficiency,” says Ugandan

sustainability architect Mark Olweny, who sat on the African Architecture Awards jury. He believes sustainability rests on environmental, economic and social pillars. “If Africa wants to engage in the sustainable architecture discourse it has to take a much broader stance than energy efficiency,” he says.

MATERIALS Looking at how materials are sourced is equally important, taking woodfired brick as an example.

“How they are made is rather unsustainable,” Olweny says.

“The consequences of wood-fired brick on Africa’s native forests is dire and it has social and health implications too.

We need to start looking at that.”

Fellow jury member and architect Phill Mashabane, co-founder of Mashabane Rose Associates in Johannesburg, agrees.

“Using sustainable materials doesn’t always have a bearing on the enduser. Materials change from day to day.

"What matters more in an African context in terms of sustainability is whether buildings enhance the lives of people on the ground.”

The vertical atrium at uMkhumbane Museum

UMKHUMBANE MUSEUM, SA The uMkhumbane Cultural and Heritage Museum, by Durban architect Rod Choromanksi, is in Cato Manor, 5km outside Durban. The structure was built around the tomb of Queen Thomozile kaNdwandwe Zulu, King Goodwill Zwelithini’s mother.

The R80m facility intends to preserve the region’s stories, culture and heritage.

An amphitheatre will be added as well as areas for oral and visual

performances, and social functions including book launches and festivals.

Tour routes through the community and surrounding areas are on the cards.

“The museum’s process from being built to finished product went beyond building a bricksteel-glass structure,” says Olweny. “The community has been a key component of this process, making it socially sustainable.”

In terms of its structure

the museum’s exhibition tower comprises a concrete skeleton with five floors of concrete peeled away from the main atrium, creating exhibition spaces on each level. This frame is lined with red face bricks, cut by local builders.

Working on the museum was rewarding, says Choromanksi, who didn’t expect to win. “I come from Durban, from a mixed racial background.

I wanted to take the timeline of Durban’s history and add to that.”

HOMEFRONT ONE AIRPORT SQUARE, GHANA The nine-storey One Airport Square at Airport City, Accra, Ghana, houses banks, offices, retail spaces, restaurants, bistros and coffee bars. Besides being one of West Africa’s most modern structures it is the region’s first green star-rated commercial building.

The facade is inspired by the bark of a palm tree. Besides being kind on the eye, the structure makes the most of Ghana’s vertical sunshine patterns, says Michela Grosso, communications manager at Mario Cucinella Architects. “Overhanging roofs and terraces create shade, minimise solar exposure and therefore reduce the demand for airconditioning,” she says.

Motion sensors control lighting while harvested rainwater is used for sanitation and irrigation.

Grosso says local materials and labour were used for the development, which opened in 2015. It was awarded four green stars by the Green Building Council of Ghana.

“Most overwhelming is to see how these and other projects cut through the stereotypes of Africa and design” Tanzeem Razak, director, Lemon Pebble Architects

DAKAR CONGRESS CENTRE, SENEGAL The design of the Dakar Congress centre was inspired by the geography and natural landscape of Senegal — with a strong focus on the baobab tree.

This led to a worldclass, contemporary, clean-lined complex that features meeting rooms, a 1,500-seater auditorium, a museum, restaurant and other facilities. Just like the baobab the 16,270m2 centre — by Tabanlioglu Architecture — serves as a place of gathering, celebration and dialogue.

The centre comprises tree-like columns that support a webbed roof that resembles a baobab’s canopy. With glass, metal and wood as its main components, the high ceilings of the complex give it a light feel. A network of pools, waterways and bridges connect its internal and external components.

Large windows allow for the optimal use of natural light.

Awards jury member Phill Mashabane says that although the facility is not green star-rated, it is sustainable in its function.

“Sustainability is not just about the environment, it is about social impact. We look at what buildings do for people.”

FOCUS ON: ZEVENWACHT LIFESTYLE ESTATE

ADVERTORIAL

Retire to the Cape Winelands Invest in a lifestyle estate in an area rich with culture and heritage WORDS AND PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

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ver-50s keen to invest in a retirement estate in the Winelands will appreciate the design, location and facilities offered by Zevenwacht Lifestyle Estate. Located along the Stellenbosch Wine Route, with panoramic views of False Bay and Table Mountain, the developers have incorporated an assisted living component that is a prerequisite for modern and secure lifestyle estates.

The four-tier security development comprises Zevenwacht Lifestyle

Homes and Zevenwacht Assisted Living, which incorporates 54 Independent Living Apartments and 15 Assisted Living Suites designed as one-bedroom apartments, bedsitters and furnished rooms.

LIFESTYLE HOMES Young-at-heart retirees looking for a beautiful freestanding home in a prime location with 24-hour security should look no further than Zevenwacht Lifestyle Homes.

Top-quality interior finishes include polished porcelain tiles, laminate

flooring and granite counter tops and cupboards in the latest colours. You can choose your appliances from a selected Bosch and Siemens range.

Automated garage doors and tiled garages are standard at all homes.

Residents have access to estate facilities such as a clubhouse with library and fireplace that leads out to a wooden deck where time can be enjoyed with family and friends. For offsite adventures the estate is perfectly situated near golf courses, shopping centres, wine estates and much more.

EXTRAS Standard services include Call4Care, five days of recuperative care at the Care Centre, weekly clinics and a dedicated managing agent.

Added extras include hairdressing, housekeeping and cooked meals.

A loyalty programme that offers discounts from varied service providers including dog-grooming parlours, wine merchants and restaurants is offered to all residents.

Prices for these two- and three-bedroom homes start at R3,199 900.

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APARTMENTS AND SUITES There are 54 Independent

Living Apartments designed for practicality and convenience.

Homeowners can choose between a one-bedroom design and a bedsitter, which come with a selection of well-chosen finishes. The Assisted Living Suites are located in the 1,500m2 Care Centre.

They comprise a spacious furnished room en suite and a kitchenette.

Their incorporation in the Care Centre means residents have access to all medical facilities and carers on duty as well as all daily meals, weekly housekeeping, linen and laundry services.

In addition, the Care Centre is designed to promote interaction among residents via stylish lounges, dining areas and a braai room.

Prices start from R949,900, excluding a standard monthly levy that includes 16 meals a month.

Assisted Living Suites are available to rent from R14,800 a month.

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GET IN TOUCH Zevenwacht Lifestyle Estate Tel: 087 802 9005 e-mail: sales@msp. property zevenwacht-lifestyleestate.co.za

HOMEFRONT INVESTIGATION

Refurbish or relocate?

Comparing the hidden costs of selling, buying and moving home, versus a clever refurbishment in a good suburb, to maximise a return on investment WORDS: SUNGULA NKABINDE :: PHOTOS: PAM GOLDING PROPERTIES, SEEFF PROPERTIES, LEW GEFFEN SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY

duties, legal fees, bond registration fees and estate agents’ commissions all add to the price of a new house.

“And with property prices growing slowly at the moment, it takes longer for the value of homes to increase enough to cover upfront costs and enable home sellers to come out ahead,” says Kotzé.

ADDITIONAL COSTS

Three-bedroom house in Parktown North, Johannesburg

Three-bedroom house in Claremont, Cape Town

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n tune with a tighter economic climate, savvy property owners are being cautious about overcapitalising if they want to see a return on investment. Adding value to a residential investment is about finding the most financially sustainable solution.

The space requirements of any home will change over time. A new family member might need their own room or a hobby could develop into a business venture — there are many reasons to expand.

Choosing the wisest option to increase a living space can be a puzzle: is it better to sell your present home and buy a bigger property or is it prudent to renovate?

Both options will be costly and disruptive.

RealNet estate agency group MD Gerhard Kotzé says moving is unsettling and expensive. Transfer

Renovating can be as problematic. Construction can play havoc with the household routine and it might become necessary to make alternative living arrangements while the work is under way — an additional cost.

Head of home loans at Standard Bank Andrew van der Hoven says alterations often run over budget. “Material prices could increase during the alteration or your proposed plans to renovate could meet unexpected problems that you need to work around.” Security is also likely to be compromised during the alteration process, Van der Hoven says.

Another risk is that the renovation may not deliver the intended outcome: a contractor might do a patchy job or the changes are so compelling the rest of the home pales in comparison, leading to the possible expense of further renovations.

Moving, too, can have unexpected consequences.

A new home may have faulty plumbing or the roof leaks in heavy rain.

LOAN BALANCE Head of customer strategy at Nedbank Homeloans Bruno Chingandu says applications to renovate using a home loan might not require valuation or registration if the loan does not exceed the original loan balance. Credit behaviour and affordability would be the main considerations.

A big consideration, says Chingandu, is what to do with the existing property if a homeowner buys a bigger house. “Property

HOMEFRONT “Property market trends in the area must be factored in to prevent clients having to service multiple bonds” Bruno Chingandu, head of customer strategy, Nedbank Homeloans

Five-bedroom house in Bryanston, Johannesburg market trends in the area must be factored in to prevent clients having to service multiple bonds.”

Van der Hoven says that from a bank’s perspective it’s up to the owner whether they want to buy a new property or renovate their present home.

The bank recommends careful consideration.

FINANCING It does, however, request plans and quotations for a renovation if the alteration needs financing. For major structural renovations the bank would look for a contractor registered with the National Home Builders Registration Council.

“There is a strong

likelihood moving will be more expensive than renovating,” Van der Hoven says. “This is dependent on the extent and complexity of the changes being made — it will determine the specialist skills needed for the project — and the cost of these skills is not cheap.”

Pam Golding Properties area principal for Durban coastal Carol Reynolds says the present buyers’ market suggests renovating may be the better option.

Reynolds says there is an alternative: because a home that presents well will always fetch a better price it may be worth doing a small cosmetic renovation, selling and upgrading.

Renovating should add value, enhance your lifestyle and make your home more saleable. If done cleverly you can flip your home for a profit.

PROFIT “I have an example of a home in upper Durban North which was bought, renovated and sold. It was bought for R3.5m.

The owner then spent R250,000 on cosmetic changes and resold it a year later for R4.5m,” she says.

FNB household and property strategist John Loos says that if you stay in a low-income area where buyers are looking for affordable basics, it is probably not a good idea

to install a swimming pool. Most buyers will be looking for the minimum space they need at the most affordable price, says Loos. Renovate in line with what people who typically buy in your area want.

Reynolds says the first step to avoid overcapitalising is to ascertain the price ceiling in the area. If the home is one of the best in the area it is better to sell and upgrade — not only the home, but also the area. If the area is prime overcapitalising is not a potential risk.

Once the area’s price band has been established home owners can decide on a budget. This includes

comparing the cost of the renovation to the value added to the home.

GOLDEN RULE Says Reynolds: “In many cases the building cost is high and owners may not be able to recoup what they have spent on the renovation. My golden rule is simple. If the renovation is cosmetic rather than structural it will generally add value and not cost too much. If there are big structural changes costs can run away with you and you run the risk of overcapitalising.”

Perhaps the best way to deal with moving versus renovating is to avoid it or at least delay it.

Kotzé says first-time buyers are beginning to wait until in their mid-30s, with many hoping that with some forethought and a little luck they may not have to move again until they retire.

“It is important to remember that buying too much house at the outset can be wasteful in terms of rates and utility costs, as well as the time and cost involved in additional maintenance and gardening,” says Kotzé. “The trick is to find the balance between having enough space for a growing family, but not so much that the property becomes a financial albatross.”

ADDING VALUE WITH ALTERATIONS Pam Golding Properties national sales executive Jason Shaw says renovators can add the best value by focusing on these aspects: A spacious, modern, practical kitchen Modern, well-designed bathrooms A loft room Convert a garage into a cottage, bedroom or office Convert domestic quarters into a flat or cottage A patio with built-in braai and roof or retractable cover Air-conditioning or heating Skylights or larger windows in dark rooms Three-bedroom house in Lonehill, Johannesburg

It's that feeling that no matter where you go from here, you know, deep down; it doesn't get better.

One on Whiteley is THE ONE when it comes to living, shopping, dining, playing and working in the lifestyle capital of Johannesburg, Melrose Arch.

With new 1-bedroom units available from R2.2 million, One on Whiteley is the perfect match for the first-time buyer or avid investor.

On show: Weekdays 8am-5pm, Saturdays 10am-2pm and Sundays 2pm-5pm.

Pam Golding Properties - Melrose Arch, 16 The High Street.

For more information: Victoria Russell: C: 074 683 1222 | E: victoria.russell@pamgolding.co.za Peet Strauss: C: 083 675 1211 | E: peet.strauss@pamgolding.co.za Tersia Taljaard: C: 063 695 7571 | E: tersiat@amdec.co.za

FROM

R 769 900

FROM

1 BED 1 BATH 2 BED 2 BATH 3 BED 2 BATH

R 1 299 900

FROM

R 1 379 900

FROM

R 699 900

FROM

R 1 199 900

FROM

1 BED 1 BATH 2 BED 2 BATH 3 BED 2 BATH

R 1 299 900

18283

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HOMEFRONT PROPERTY NEWS

SOUTH AFRICAN PROPERTY SECTOR

SA’s property market value grows

R

esearch released in 2017 by the Property Sector Charter Council (PSCC) in Johannesburg shows that formal residential property still accounts for nearly three-quarters of property owned in SA. It grew from an estimated R3-trillion at the end of 2010 to R3.9-trillion.

Undeveloped urban land zoned for development remained unchanged at about R520bn (1.1% of total land in SA).

The public sector contributed a total of R237bn, of which about R102bn is estimated to be in the hands of the Department of Public Works, R66bn held by SA’s 19 largest state-owned enterprises, and R69bn owned by metros and selected local municipalities.

The total South African property market is valued at R5.8-trillion, up from R4.9-trillion at the end of 2010. This is the first and only research of its kind

about the size and shape of the country’s property industry. The study underpins the PSCC charter, which seeks to ensure participation of black people to the tune of 25% of the total value associated with the property industry within the next few years.

R5.8-TRILLION R1.3

R3.9

R0.2

R0.5

Commercial

Residential

Public sector

Zoned land

trillion

trillion

trillion

trillion

Retail

R534 billion

Office

R357 billion

Industrial

R281 billion

State-owned Hotel/Other

R94

R66 billion

billion

Metros and selected local municipalities

R69

Department of Public Works

R102 billion

billion

Source: Property Sector Charter Council

Winelands estate for over-50s

Z Tenants want technology services

M

odern tenants are as concerned about technology services such as satellite TV connections, internet accessibility and cellphone reception as they are about rent and the security of the property they are viewing.

“In a recent survey by apartments.com to establish which amenities tenants consider most desirable, 61% listed a pre-installed satellite TV connection and 53% listed highspeed internet access. By

comparison, only 36% listed air conditioning and 22% listed parking,” says Gerhard Kotzé, MD of the RealNet estate agency group.

“This can pose a challenge for landlords whose buildings have bad reception or are in a particular service provider’s ‘dead zone’, because tenants who can’t get a signal are not likely to stay.”

Kotzé believes that high data costs in SA mean tenants will want free Wi-Fi

evenwacht Lifestyle Estate is designed for over-50s who want to own a piece of the Stellenbosch Wine Route.

Another major attraction for forward-looking buyers is the assisted living component of this 24-hour security estate, which caters for different states of physical health.

The four-tier estate comprises Zevenwacht Lifestyle Homes and

Zevenwacht Assisted Living, which includes 54 Independent Living Apartments and 15 Assisted Living Suites, designed as one-bedroom apartments or bedsitters.

There is also a 1,500m 2 Care Centre that offers five-day periods of recuperative care, a Call4Care service and weekly clinics. Prices start at R949,900, excluding a standard

monthly levy that includes 16 meals a month.

The Assisted Living Suites are located in the Care Centre, which means residents have access to all medical facilities as well as all daily meals, weekly housekeeping and laundry services. The suites comprise a spacious furnished room en suite and a kitchenette. These are now available to rent from R14,800.

or at least a high-speed DSL or fibre connection to allow for the best use of their smartphones, tablets, laptops and gaming PCs, or to stream series and movies on their smart-TVs. “The tech appeal of a rental property is rapidly becoming as important as the curb appeal, and landlords who want to attract more tenants — or retain existing tenants — need to ensure that their properties are sufficiently wired.”

Sectional title trustees may rule against Airbnb

T

he ombud for community housing schemes has resolved – for now – uncertainty about whether it is permissible to let sectional title units via Airbnb in terms of the Sectional Title Schemes Management Act.

“There is no doubt that Airbnb letting does pose a potential security risk, especially where many owners in a complex are not living there themselves, but letting out their units and giving keys, remotes and security codes to one set

of visitors after another,” says national management company Trafalgar MD Andrew Schaefer.

He says insurance companies are also beginning to express misgivings about Airbnb letting, especially in complexes where this is

widespread. Airbnb letting is regarded by Sasria as a commercial activity similar to running a B&B or a hotel, which means they would have to apply a commercial rate of insurance to any scheme where there was even one Airbnb unit.

“Consequently, Trafalgar decided to seek guidance from the ombud, and the answer is that sectional title schemes may indeed make a rule that no short-term letting (of less than a month, for example) is allowed.

However, the trustees will

need to ensure that the rule is properly approved by owners in the scheme and registered with the ombud.

“In addition, the ombud says the rule should provide for trustees not to be unreasonable in its application.”

PRETORIA EAST

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THERE’S A HOME FOR EVERYONE

• LUXURY APARTMENTS FROM 3 BEDROOM EN SUITE STARTING AT R7,9M • HOTEL INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY SUITES STARTING AT R4,4M

“After a busy day in the kitchen, there’s nothing better than coming home to a glass of wine on my patio…

And the best view in Joburg.”

“My head office is in Joburg so I have to commute at least three times a month…

I wanted a lock-up-and-go second home with security, reliable electricity and a concierge. The Houghton ticked all the boxes.”

“I always thought I’d want to retire to the coast, but living at The Houghton feels like being on holiday all the time.”

– Restaurateur

– Durban Resident

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Come and have a look at our luxury apartment 12029, available daily for viewings WARREN BECKER 082 302 3004 | warren@thehoughton.com ALAN BECKER 082 718 8100 | alan@thehoughton.com Houghton on 12th, 53 Second Ave, Houghton | Show apartment 12029

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