February Edition 2019 Pro Landscaper Africa by paperplanepublications

Concept to Delivery

Images Â©Grant Associates

DESIGN, BUILD, AND MAINTAIN

February 2019

SILENT NATURE SILENT NATURE™ IS JUST THE FIRST STEP OF MANY IN OUR JOURNEY TOWARDS A GREENER, QUIETER AND MORE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

BATTERY BENEFITS TM TM

Lasting power

Simple operation

Longer operating

Convenience

Consistent torque

Low maintenance

Comfortable operating

Quiet operation

TESTIMONIALS NAMBITI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE Brett Deetlefs, Assistant General Manager “During the three months that we used Husqvarna’s battery machines, we pushed them to their max and they performed amazingly… The Husqvarna “Silent Nature” Range is a revolutionary concept and definitely has a place in game reserves and lodges. For the Manager of a game reserve or commercial Lodge, the once-off investment in a product that needs little to no maintenance and doesn’t require fuel is definitely the way forward.”

TREEWORKS Julian Ortlepp, Managing Member/Tree Surgeon

“I have found Husqvarna’s battery operated chainsaws incredibly reliable and robust. The quietness of these tools has made it possible for us to work in schools, office parks and hospitals during normal working hours as there is no disturbance to people around. My petrol costs have reduced significantly, too. I’ve also been impressed by the battery operated top-handle machines, which provide plenty of working hours with literally no maintenance. The batteries keep their power, and offer us a fantastic alternative to petrol machines.”

MAKARANGA GARDEN LODGE Alf Cutler, Manager “We have two Husqvarna battery-powered brushcutters which we use in the same capacity as we use the motorised ones, and have found them to be very effective. The “silent” feature around the conference centre and suites, particularly, is most impressive.“

LEADER

DESIGN, BUILD, AND MAINTAIN

Welcome to our February edition of Pro Landscaper Africa. We have noticed a growing need for networking and event opportunities within the industry, so we are going to be doing quite a bit this year to make that happen.

t is with great excitement that we begin our year with you. There is quite a bit on the go this year and we are very ready for the road ahead. I am sure many of you will be seeing or hearing from us quite bit in the months to come as we get ready to welcome in autumn and the many exciting editions that will follow. We feel quite invigorated after the State of the Nation Address and are hoping that positive changes will be seen within our industry this year. Our team will be working tirelessly to ensure that we bring you some of the best news nationally and internationally , as well as features, interviews and agenda sections to start conversations that result in positive change.

In this issue we are thrilled to be publishing Cape Town’s new urban park, Battery Park. This park does a fine job in integrating the CBD with the V&A Waterfront, and, its buzzing sports courts and skatepark are testament to its success. We also feature a project titled Future Africa set on the University of Pretoria’s Experimental Farm. This will be a space where leading scientists and academics come together to address problems in Africa and abroad and find solutions to these in this space! The landscape design is focused on the ability for the urban landscape to provide food for fauna and people. It is also a very sustainable and forward-thinking space, well worth a read. Park Square highlights Umhlanga’s newest business and lifestyle development in the heart of Kwa-Zulu Natal. This was a great

collaboration and part of a node which is expanding at a rapid pace. Our agenda topic tackles the subject of Landscape Professionals as Activists and our company profile highlights Classic Stones journey within the industry. We look at street furniture products as well as equipment products for the year ahead and browse an interesting book in the book club section. We have something for everyone in these monthly issues and look forward to involving more industry members in the months ahead. Keep growing with us.

@ProLandscaperAfrica

Download our app to read the issues for free. Search "Pro Landscaper" in the app store.

MEET THE 2019 TEAM: Justine Coleman, Communications Director, 062 099 1403 justine@paperplanepublications.co.za

Basheerah De Villiers Media Sales Executive 064 464 2203 sheerah@paperplanepublications.co.za

Sarah Gregg-Macdonald Designer sarah.jane@live.co.za

Jodie Bridgens Editorial Assistant & Subscriptions Facilitator 064 113 3039 media@paperplanepublications.co.za

www.prolandscaper.co.za

Chanel Besson, Editor & Managing Director 062 585 3616 chanel@paperplanepublications.co.za

PUBLICATIONS

Pro Landscaper Africa | February 2019

CONTENTS

7-9

News Update & Association News Industry news from around South Africa

11-12

The Agenda Landscape Professionals as Activists

Company Profile Insight into the man behind the brand of Classic Stone and its journey within our industry thus far

Landscape Architects Journal Pro Landscaper features the dissertation of Mapula Maponya titled The Revelatory Landscape: Archiving Memory Through Indigenous Narrative and Cosmology

21-22

Contractors Corner Composite Decking: To Wood or Not to Wood

PORTFOLIO 22-23

Battery Park by dhk Architects, Planning Partners & Contours Landscapes (commercial division)

32-35

Future Africa by Insite Landscape Architects

37-39

Park Africa by Map Architects, Crisp Landscapes & Life Green Group

40-41

Masterplan for new district in Madrid by Grant Associates

42-43

Revitalizing Jan Hoffmeyr â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a Johannesburg City Parks & Zoo initiative

PRODUCTS 44-47

Focus On: Street Furniture

48-49

Focus On: Equipment for 2019

Book Club Marie Badenhorst Reviews: Environmental Management: an ecological guide to sustainable living in southern Africa. By Leon Hugo and Jean Hugo. Ecoplan, Pretoria. 2018

Multicote™ (8) 15-3-12+Mg+Me

Controlled Release Fertilizers for Nurseries & Landscaping Multicote™ controlled release fertilizers provide a steady, continuous supply of essential nutrients at a precise, pre-determined rate. A single application ensures balanced nutrition over the entire growth season, saving on labour and costs. Multicote™ (8) 15-3-12 Mg + Me (K7996 Act 36 of 1947) is a well balanced fertilizer that meets the needs of most garden and indoor plants when grown in balanced growing mediums and soils. Best time of application is Spring, but Multicote™ may be used all year round. Adjust the application rate according to the plant's sensitivity. Contact a qualified agronomist for advice.

General Application Guidelines: (available in 4, 8 and 12 month release longevities) Landscaping – Flowerbeds: Apply 30 to 60 g per m2. Be sure to spread evenly before turning it into the bed, or cover with a suitable mulch or compost.

Nurseries – Annuals and sensitive plants: Make your own blend of the following: 25 kg Multicote™ (8) 15-3-12+Mg+Me plus 10 kg Multicote™ (2) 42-0-0. Mix well. Apply the blend @ 5 grams per litre of growing medium, as above.

icot ult e

™

Nurseries – Potted Trees and perennial shrubs: Apply 3 to 8 g per litre of growing medium. Mix the required dosage into the growing medium prior to filling the pots, or dose each pot individually.

Landscaping – Trees: Apply 300 g (small tree <2 meters) up to 1kg per tree (large tree >6m). Divide the dosage per tree into four portions and apply into slots, 5 to 10 cm deep, radiating around the tree, within the wet zone.

SID

The advantages of using Multicote™ are: • Easy, precise application of nutrients for each plant. • Most advanced fertilizer use efficiency • Constant growth throughout the growing season (no saw-tooth effect as a result of fertilizer spikes) • More resistance to disease and insect attack • Plants can withstand handling and transplant shock better.

Haifa Turbo-K™

compound fertilizer formulations Haifa Turbo-K™, a NPK compound granule generated from Multi-K™ Potassium Nitrate, is the ultimate solution for your general fertiliser requirements. With 2 uniquely formulated products, the nutrient ratio will satisfy most applications. Haifa Turbo-K™ has readily available nutrients making it ideal for healthy lawns, beautiful flower beds and other landscaping requirements.

General recommendation: Flower beds: Haifa Turbo-K™ 14-6-14 +Me: Apply 10 g/m2, reapply monthly. Lawns & Sports fields: Haifa Turbo-K™ 18-3-14 +Me: Apply 10 g/m2, reapply monthly

Haifa Turbo-K™ has a low environmental impact due to benefits such as • Efficient uptake due to synergy between nitrate and potassium • 100% plant nutrients, fully consumed by the plant • Free of sodium and chloride • Contains carefully balanced K, Mg and S to optimize plant uptake • Homogeneous composition in each granule, ensures uniform plant nutrition

Haifa South Africa PO Box 1409, Brackenfell, 7561, South Africa Tel: 021 982 0309 • Fax: 021 981 7637

Michael Koch | 083 2314516 | michael.koch@haifa-group.com Gerrit Burger | 082 800 8766 | gerrit.burger@haifa-group.com

Pioneering the Future www.haifa-group.com

NEWS

NEWS Corobrik’s pavers at the Loftus Park Precinct. Musa Shangase, Corobrik’s Commercial Director, said the clay paver range was the perfect complement to this dynamic development: “Loftus Park is going to be a great boost for this node and is set to attract a lot of traffic. Corobrik’s pavers are incredibly durable, can withstand constant weathering and use, while retaining the aesthetics that make them so popular.” Shangase explained that the natural clay material meant the pavers had colour-fast benefits that retained a newly-laid appearance for years to come, and the inherent skidresistant properties made them the safest pedestrian option. In addition, the natural thermal properties allow for a cooler ground surface on hot summer days.

The Loftus Park precinct in Pretoria is a large-scale, mixed-use development that will seek to stimulate growth within this region. Contributing to this integrated commercial and retail environment are Corobrik’s Cederberg and Burgundy pavers, selected for their superior aesthetics and durability.

The paving, installed by GreenAcres Landscapes, started in December 2017, with the project completed in March 2018. A total of 1 260m2 was paved, using the Burgundy pavers within the Loftus Park development and to the area north of Loftus Versfeld Stadium. Corobrik’s Piazza paver was used for demarcating bays, with the Cederberg laid externally and adjacent to Loftus Versveld.

The 55 000m2 development will eventually comprise an open-air piazza, Protea Hotel operated by Marriott hotel, a Virgin Active gymnasium and office, effectively combining the live, work, play aspects into a self-sustaining development. A prime Pretoria location, the development is adjacent to Loftus Versfeld Stadium, and in close proximity to the Union Buildings, several embassies, four top schools with easy access to the Hatfield Gautrain Station. To date, Corobrik has supplied 35 000 Burgundy pavers, 46 500 Cederberg pavers, 41 080 Burgundy Piazza pavers and 6 500 Graphite pavers.

Commenting on the selection of Corobrik’s clay pavers for the development, Tiaan Laker, Director and Landscape Architect at Daniel Rebel Landscape Architects, explained: “Corobrik’s Country Meadow face bricks were used in the facades of the buildings, throughout the development, to fit in with the surrounding built environment. This finish picks up the clay bricks which were used in the facades of the Loftus Versfeld Stadium and this, together with the heritage of the project, played a big part in the selection of the Cederberg and Burgundy pavers. It seemed fitting that clay pavers be used in the development.”

Laker said the fact that clay is a natural material made the colour of each paver rich and vibrant, and using it together with concrete pavers, enhanced the rich and vibrant characteristics of the clay paver. The Burgundy is a deep red while the Cederberg is a rich biscuit colour with reduction and flash marks that add character. “The Cederberg pavers were selected to fit in with the Loftus Versfeld Stadium, and used – in the herringbone pattern - for pedestrian circulation in and around the site,” continued Laker. “The Burgundy was selected and packed in a basket weave pattern to emulate the old Kirkness red brick that was used in the area. These were used in the axis leading towards the heart of the piazza in the development. The finished product is a really striking visual effect.” Corobrik’s clay pavers have been used at the new Loftus Park precinct in Pretoria. Corobrik’s Burgundy pavers have been laid in a basket weave pattern with grey cobbles edging the Burgundy pavers and forming a border with the light Cederberg pavers. www.corobrik.co.za

SANA’s Autumn Trade Fair 13 March 2019 The South African Nurseries Association (SANA) hosts two Trade Fairs each year, based in Knoppieslaagte (Midrand) and Durban respectively. On the 13th of March SANA kicks off their first event of the year where Growers and Allied Trade suppliers can use this wonderful opportunity to exhibit their products and services. These shows are growing in popularity and their Gauteng Trade Fairs are one of the biggest green industry fairs’ in South Africa with more than 125 exhibitors and over 1000 visitors. See you there! www.sana.co.za

www.prolandscaper.co.za

Pro Landscaper Africa | February 2019

NEWS

Have you Visited Revelstone’s New Show Room? Revelstone, one of the country’s leading manufacturers of cast stone products, celebrated its 25th Birthday last year by launching a new showroom in Lansdowne, Cape Town. Designed as a landscaping ideas hub for architects, landscapers, interior designers, building contractors and the homeowner, the showroom is a visual feast, showcasing a wide range of Revelstone paving, cladding and coping for outdoor landscaping applications. In addition to a double-volume exhibition space, the showroom boasts a boardroom for meetings and demonstrations on a large screen, an outdoor garden area and a coffee bar.

A pool feature with stepping stones, coping and paving the new showroom.

The Revelstone coffee bar.

Revelstone’s new showroom.

Revelstone’s new client boardroom.

Speaking at the launch of this new space late last year, Revelstone’s managing director, Alex Cyprianos, said the facility is a forum aimed at inspiring design creativity in the built environment. “We are encouraging all our clients, be they the homeowner or landscape architect, to use this space to meet and collaborate in a relaxed atmosphere.” Revelstone was founded by Andrew Cyprianos in 1993 and initially operated from an underground cellar in Muizenberg. A reputation for product development, innovation, quality personalised service spread rapidly catapulting the company to the pre-eminent position it commands today. Cast stone products are durable, recyclable, cost-effective, versatile, energy- efficient and innovative. “Natural stone products are becoming more expensive and less environmentally friendly, and are generally imported,” says Andrew. “By contrast our products are produced using 95% of local raw materials located within 100km from our factory. In addition all our moulds are 100% recyclable. “Our products are almost indistinguishable from natural stone and we use traditional masonry skills combined with a modern moulding technique to painstakingly reproduce an original master which is then used to create a mould.”

IPPS SA’s 22nd Annual Conference – Stellenbosch 5th-7th March 2019 This is the 22nd Annual Conference - Protea Hotel Techno Park Stellenbosch The theme for 2019 is 'Plant Propagation: Into the Future' and the aim of the conference is to explore the ways in which the horticulture industry, including affiliated businesses and farmers, are adapting to everchanging market and environmental conditions. We invite speakers to present a 20-minute formal format talk on a topic relating to the theme of the conference. 10 minutes will be provided for questions and discussions after each presentation. If you would like to support the conference with a sponsorship, or want to know more please contact the IPPS organising committee representative, Gaye Thorpe on: ipps2019@shadowlands.co.za

Stylish, superior quality Mall and Street Furniture, including benches, bollards, litter bins, tree grates, planters and pots. 011 708 7550 | info@allsorted.co.za www.allsorted.co.za

NEWS

The Institute for Landscape Architecture in South Africa (ILASA)

ILASA is looking forward to another exciting and eventful year. ILASA has started preparations for the biennial Awards of Excellence to be held in September. The 2019 Awards of Excellence will be hosted in the Western Cape with venues being scouted in Cape Town and the Peninsular. This is a time for our member landscape architects to come together to recognise and celebrate their peers for having designed and brought to completion exemplary projects. Over the past few years sustainability, ecological and social responsibility and resilience have featured strongly in the assessment of projects. This year to further advance the design of sustainable landscapes, ILASA will explicitly reward projects that address these issues together with design excellence. Forty-five years ago the founding members of ILASA achieved a significant milestone for the profession with the establishment of the first and only South African landscape

The Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) in 2019 Global momentum toward sustainable development has been demonstrated in the success of the built environment and construction sector as it trends towards a significant increase in the percentage of industry respondents who expect to build their projects green into the future from 27% in 2018 to 47% by 2021 according to the survey done by Dodge Data & Analytics Smartmarket Report 2018 on World Green Building Trends 2018. ‘Over the past eleven years, Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) has been championing the sustainability journey to www.prolandscaper.co.za

architectural undergraduate programme, at the University of Pretoria. Ironically the year 2023, marking the programme's half century celebration at UP, may also mark the probable closure of the undergraduate programme. While disappointing for UP alumni, myself included, this presents an opportunity to re-imagine and realign the education of landscape professionals within the Built Environment and the Green Industry in the context of 21st Century South Africa. From ILASA to our members, to our built environment and green industry partners and all readers of Pro Landscaper may we prosper in unity and enjoy an inspiring 2019! I include an image of Cape Town (sourced from Pixabay Cape Town Free for commercial use, No attribution required) to serve as a backdrop to the announcement of the ILASA 2019 Awards of Excellence as the feature image for the ILASA news item. The garden consisted of a valley that housed the savanna, a large area of grasses where the rain fell into (the pond was hidden underground) handmade bulrush sculptures which were popping out of the grasses. The grasses used were mainly melinis nerviglumis and Lemon grass. The hills in the garden comprised a mix of African plants such as a collection of sanseveria and wild grasses. The focal olive trees were placed on top which Leon had to source from Spain as the tropics could only offer Leon bright green trees that didn't advance green building for the transformation of the South African built environment and construction sectors. It is pleasing to take a glimpse into 2019 where the green building movement is gearing up to design, construct and operate hundreds of buildings and neighbourhoods in a more sustainable way, to the extent that some of these will even target Net Zero certification whilst also broadening our member categories and member benefits to grow the green building movement,’ said Dorah Modise, Chief Executive Officer at Green Building Council South Africa.

stand out enough from the fellow show gardens. The olive trees had a great effect. Although the olives were not our native African, Olea europea subsp africana, they still certainly looked the part. For additional warm lighting the garden had massive Baobab sculptures that were made in Malaysia and constructed out of rice paper and dry sticks. They housed lights on the inside that would be programmed to go on and off according to the beat of the background music and sound recordings. The rice paper was painted with a warm African zulu-basket pattern. Mist was then added into the garden and the thunder was recorded with African drums as opposed to the traditional sound of thunder. The front section of the garden represented the dry interpretation of Africa, where Leon’s plants were sourced mainly in Thailand. There he found massive adeniums and euphorbia's to create the succulent and harsh effect. Clay was shaped into the dry valley and scorched with fire to recreate the broken dry ground of the African dry season. This incredible Garden won the best horticultural excellence award. Gold award. And also the best on-show award.

4th of October under the theme ‘Beyond – shaping cities of tomorrow. This year the GBCSA challenges participants to continue their journey and to inspire new territories to embrace the sustainability of the South African built environment and construction sectors. GBCSA challenges participants to continue their journey and to inspire new territories to embrace the sustainability of the South African built environment and construction sectors.

GBCSA’s partnership with the SA Public Sector is growing from strength to strength with a strong focus on capacity building. Over 150 public works officials were training in 2018on green buildings with more planned for 2019.

The two-day signature event promises to deliver another world-class and innovative experience exploring ways in which society, government and business need to adapt to make better future cities a reality and will be attended by both local and international Green Leaders, individuals and organizations that are leading the way in green building design and innovation.

The Annual Green Building Convention will take place this year between the 2nd and

For more details on this year’s event go to www.gbcsaconvention.org.za Pro Landscaper Africa | February 2019

REVITALISING THE INNER CITY JOHANNESBURG CITY PARKS AND ZOO LAUNCHES THREE NEW PARKS IN JAN HOFMEYR JCPZ is continuously striving to make Joburg a greener and more liveable City and because of this, pays special attention to areas with special needs. One of these â&#x20AC;&#x153;special needsâ&#x20AC;? areas is the Inner City, where the population is dense and many residents live in flats, creating a dire need for green and open spaces. Three Inner City Parks have recently been modernised by JCPZ to address the growing need for outdoor relaxation and offering new facilities in line with the changing needs of the communities they serve.

The three parks are linked and all in Ward 58, Jan Hofmeyer, Region F. The parks are Leeuwbekkie Park, Cosmo Circle Park and Katjiepiering Park. The Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Development, Cllr Nonhlanhla Sifumba, Ward Councillor Alex Christians, JCPZ Board of Directors Chairperson, Mr Edgar Neluvhalani and MD Bryne Maduka were all in attendance to officially hand over the parks to the community.

furniture, litter bins, fencing and safety signage. Creating parks for this community, encourages inclusivity and community development and pride. The Jan Hofmeyr community was thrilled at the handover ceremony and JCPZ is certain that this is going to greatly benefit its many users!

The upgraded parks feature play equipment, rubberised surfaces, bollards, an outdoor gym, park

011 712 6600 www.jhbcityparks.com www.jhbzoo.org.za

AGENDA: Landscape Professionals as Activists? We live in a time where funding is tight, environmental issues are ever prevalent and work also may seem in short supply! What should landscape professionals do in these circumstances? Should they not rock the boat... keep their heads down and get on with whatever work they do have- or should they be catalysts for reshaping the world... Should they be activists? We are approaching a point where radical action is required on water quality, emissions, sustainability etc. What are we doing? Where would this activism take us in SA's context ? what would we achieve? Who is being held accountable for our public spaces and what does sustainability mean for our governing authorities? What policies are in place to protect green spaces? What obligations have the governing authorities agreed to that are not being met? Are the public's best interests being met through policies? Is it enough to do what we do and hope at some point the value in our work will be realised ,or is it time to be activists?

AGENDA

DAVID GIBBS

PrLArch + PHP Professional Landscape Architect, Environmental Planner + Heritage Practitioner

We always need to respond to the signs of the times and to reinvent ourselves to be leaders in tackling environmental issues proactively and innovatively. We need to be inventive and courageous enough to try new techniques and methodologies – constantly improving our knowledge and expertise. Actually, there is plenty of work to be done – but we need to be properly equipped to do it. Funding may be tight however, if we understand the true value of what we do, we should be able to make strategic choices in directing finances appropriately. With respect to activism, I agree that we need to be active – however the approach should not be ‘frothing-at-the-mouth’ vigilantism, but rather leading by example, solving problems quietly and conscientiously; and being impeccable with our work. We are approaching a point where radical action is required on water quality, emissions, sustainability etc. What are we doing? Sustainability sound underpin all our planning/design/detailing/implementation and management thoughts, decisions and actions. This has in fact been the case from even before I was in practice – as a profession we have been talking about this for more than 20 years. We now need to move beyond ‘sustainability’ as a concept and work toward ‘anti-fragility’. This is derived from a mathematical concept which can be applied to environment: – we need to learn how to design environments that not 12

Pro Landscaper Africa | February 2019

only to tolerate stresses or are resilient, but to become stronger and better because of these stresses. We are still figuring this out – still learning and growing…. Where would this activism take us in SA's context? what would we achieve? Who is being held accountable for our public spaces and what does sustainability mean for our governing authorities? What policies are in place to protect green spaces? What obligations have the governing authorities agreed to that are not being met? Are the public's best interests being met through policies? Is it enough to do what we do and hope at some point the value in our work will be realised, or is it time to be activists? Our constitution provides for environmental rights and responsibilities, and our environmental legislation gives them structure. It is interesting how quick people can be to assert their rights, but how tardy they can be to shoulder their responsibilities. I don’t all the answers, but we are all implicated and attitudes certainly need to change. We cannot rely on government authorities to enforce systems and policies that people themselves have no passion for or commitment to. Legislation should only serve to codify those values to which people already subscribe as a collective. Thus, as a human family we need to engender and nurture a culture of environmental responsibility and stewardship of our planet. We need to make far more conscious decisions about everything we do – what we buy, where we build, what we plant, what we harvest and where we do these things. We need to understand the actual footprint of our commodities and services, and to understand the associated processes involving inputs, outputs and throughputs (the urban metabolism); realising that these all take up space and resources; and have impacts upon people and places. It astounds me that some seemingly intelligent people still do not take this seriously. (for example –and I am gobsmacked for example that some of my neighbours still don’t recycle!!!). This apathy is massively destructive, callous and inexcusable. But there is always hope – again we need to lead by example, having the integrity to follow through on our lofty ideals with action and implementation.

In South Africa water is a limited resource and funds for landscaping are dwindling, so we are perfectly positioned to pioneer a different method – we could call it ‘low input landscaping’. - Ma rij ke H on ig

Everyone should read and be inspired by ‘Laudate si’ - the second encyclical of Pope Francis – concerning our shared responsibility for caring for our common home. www.prolandscaper.co.za

AGENDA

MARIJKE HONIG Landscape Designer

Yes, it’s time for change! We need a widespread campaign to talk about the importance of the urban ecosystem – among citizens, in business and at all levels in government. There needs to be a clear understanding that greenery is not a luxury but a necessity for human wellbeing: it affects the quality of the air we breathe, the amount of pollution we inhale, and the very core of our being. As professionals we need to get involved with local authorities and use our landscape institutions to agitate for action. We need to show how creating healthy environments and functional urban ecosystems can meet the social and economic objectives of the country.

of our country. These landscapes require high inputs: digging of soil, addition of compost, fertilisers, an irrigation system and ongoing maintenance (regular watering, weeding, feeding). Instead of embracing the constraints of the site and using locally adapted species, we spend an inordinate amount of resources on trying to change and ameliorate the environment to remove any stresses. This kind of ‘high-input landscaping’ is expensive and unsustainable, with a large carbon footprint. In South Africa water is a limited resource and funds for landscaping are dwindling, so we are perfectly positioned to pioneer a different method – we could call it ‘low input landscaping’.

For a start we can prioritise the protection of resources on site so that they are not damaged or contaminated during the construction It is time to rethink current practices and consider what is appropriate and practical within phase (Think: keep the soil clean, protect existing trees). If it’s necessary to condition our South African context. The current method the soil one could use indigenous legumes and of landscaping has been inherited from the northern hemisphere, from the temperate region, green manures instead of digging in volumes of compost. Experiment with the use of which is totally different to conditions in most

PIET VOSLOO

Prof (Emeritus) Dr Piet Vosloo Professional Landscape Architect FILASA

Whereas landscape architects should carry on doing what they are now doing (since, if they don’t, who will undertake this type of work that is so necessary?), the ever-changing (and degrading) environment in which we live requires of everyone in our industry to adapt to and help change our way of doing things. Clients (and their associated funding) will increasingly require of us to respond to the environmental issues such as sustainable water and energy conservation and use and waste management in order for clients themselves having to address their own triple bottom line annual reporting. Even though landscape architects are by training not specialists www.prolandscaper.co.za

in all the above mentioned fields, they should be sufficiently competent therein to make meaningful contributions to their projects; I believe the era of producing visually attractive landscapes where environmental issues are not the primary design drivers has passed. In this regard landscape architects should be activists through sensitising clients (public and private) to the advantages (and imperatives) of sustainable and regeneratively designed and constructed projects. What are we doing? Where would this activism take us in SA's context? I believe it will strengthen the base from which landscape architecture can contribute to projects in SA, whether they are buildings, urban designs or infrastructural projects; the term ‘green infrastructure’ should become our new mantra. What would we achieve? This approach will improve the standing of the profession in SA and increase the demand for our services. Who is being held accountable for our public spaces and what does sustainability mean for our governing authorities? Whereas many of the more prominent urban

mycorrhize and EM (effective microorganisms) to activate the soil biology. In low-input landscapes watering is focussed on trees and some key high-profile areas, while the vast majority of the landscape is designed and planned to survive on rainfall only. The latter can be a real challenge in low rainfall areas – unirrigated landscaping is not for sissies! However we can draw on the experience of those working in vegetation restoration. It involves the careful selection of locally adapted plants (or their international habitat equivalents) and understanding the principles of vegetation establishment and succession. Think establishing from seed and plugs, suitable microsites for germination (rocks, hollows and stones), using pioneers, careful programming and timing wrt rain season. In terms of landscape management think less control, more strategic intervention and selective editing. To pull this off successfully, we will need landscape designs with a strong guiding concept, good structure and clear edges. What an exciting time to be practising in!

public spaces have some design input by landscape architects, there are still many local councils (and other public institutions) who do not utilise professional landscape architectural services, often through ignorance of the value (including cost efficacy) that landscape architects can contribute to their projects. What policies are in place to protect green spaces? SA has enough and comprehensive environmental legislation in place; the challenge lies in the application and enforcing of such legislation. What obligations have the governing authorities agreed to that are not being met? Apart from the above response, many public authorities (at all three levels of government) have vacancies for landscape architects which are not filled by professionally qualified persons. This is due to many reasons; one being insufficient numbers of qualified and professionally registered practitioners. Are the public's best interests being met through policies? Theoretically yes, in practice however the capacity of public sector institutions to implement their own policies remain constrained. Pro Landscaper Africa | February 2019

AGENDA

HELOÏSE PIETERSE

Director and Landscape Architect @ Kainos Landscape Architects

Green spaces and corridors are a fundamental component to City Planning Frameworks. Planning and beautification of green spaces holds countless benefits for the socio-economic environment as well as biodiversity persistence. The various Departments of Parks and Recreation and Municipalities involved are very stringent in applying sustainability measures to new developments. However, the management component of certain Governing Bodies fails to comply with the Environmental Laws and Guidelines set out. Numerous management issues still pertain such as: infrastructure degrade causing raw sewage to enter e.g the Vaal River; illegal mining or legal mining but with little adherence to the EMPr. Under NEMA section

DONOVAN GILLMAN

Director of Urban Choreography Pr LArch (SACLAP Reg 20243) MLArch. (UCT) HND Hort MILASA

5. I have been involved in the practice of landscape design, construction and management my entire life, I love plants and everything to do with the natural and built landscape, while I have had my head buried in the sand of personal interests and passions for many years and I have often been a poor people’s person, I am now acting positively for change and to not being “part of the problem” but working on co-creating a resilient and awesome future with all of those who share my passion. 14

Pro Landscaper Africa | February 2019

28 Duty of Care, it clearly states that: “Every person who causes, has caused or may cause significant pollution or degradation of the environment must take reasonable measures to prevent such pollution or degradation from occurring” Management and control to ensure adherence to the Regulations becomes an important role. The Departments of Mineral Resources (DMR), Environmental Affairs (DEA) and Water and Sanitation (DWS) resolves various issues, where their efforts may be appreciated. In other cases, the DEA and DMR Ministers approved the latest 15-year coal mine project, in the Mabola Protected Area in Mpumalanga. It falls within one of 22 water source areas for SA – which provides more than 50 percent of SA’s freshwater. The acid mine drainage generated would require treatment until 2097, posing a major threat to water security. Fortunately, as a result of the various Consultants contributions, the High Court turned Atha Africa’s appeal down on non-transparency, no PPP and the Ministers

I believe the landscape profession is uniquely positioned to take a leadership role in addressing the most important issues of our time and I am positive we will do so. Challenges include: adaptation and mitigation of the impacts of climate change; addressing moral, social, economic impoverishment and inequality; building resilient new infrastructure that runs on clean energy; co-creating and managing innovative urban places that provide social and ecological justice for all peoples and species. We can develop a clear vision of our role and capacities, nurture inclusive leadership, embrace advocacy and activism, seek commitment and action from those who feel the same as we do. To be committed means: Be more and keep on learning –know the terminology and science of climate change, improve your cultural literacy, read widely, expose yourself to dynamic, uncomfortable circumstances and people; get to see others point of view. Take part, if not in government, then in your local area, PTA or ratepayers association, take part in ILASA, SALI or SAGIC or your own professional or business organisation; assist on an awards committee or organize a function. Become a visible example of the current best

allowing other approvals to influence their decision-making. The minimal interference and biodiversity offset programmes that many mines undertake, such as our current largest mine in SA, Gamsberg Zinc Mine, can be applauded. Other mines should adopt their keen compliance as a precedent. As Professionals in the Landscape Industry, we need to rethink our material choices, as sand and gravel are globally the most extensively mined minerals. Could we reduce our footprint by mixing sand with in-situ soil and stabilising it with the bacteria Bacillus pasteurii? The latter causes calcite to deposit around the sand grains acting as a cement. No toxicity is involved as no chemicals are injected into the soil. Landscape Architects and Professionals have the knowledge of the requirements in the BuiltEnvironment, but also of Ecological preservation. Consulting roles that includes the management of works in the later stages of a project e.g ECO work, should be more actively considered to ensure sustainable livelihoods for our future generations.

practice: evaluate your personal and business actions and act to reduce your carbon, water and waste footprint and aim to become carbon neutral or better, carbon positive. Build equitable teams; partner across disciplines, practices and publics; mentor young people towards leadership; encourage involvement in real physical networks and form communities of interest with others who share your passion. Become invested in where you live, assist those who are less fortunate, advocate for what you believe in, give assistance and support to organizations and people who are making difference. Act where you see social or ecological injustice, get to know your local area and national political representative, advocate for the positive role of landscape to them. I have been involved in the practice of landscape design, construction and management my entire life, I love plants and everything to do with the natural and built landscape, while I have had my head buried in the sand of personal interests and passions for many years and I have often been a poor people’s person, I am now acting positively for change and to not being “part of the problem” but working on co-creating a resilient and awesome future with all of those who share my passion.

www.prolandscaper.co.za

O TE TE CA CA D I ND I N

We create We create lushlush spaces spaces withwith aesthetically aesthetically delightful delightful gardens gardens and and indigenous indigenous trees... trees...

• Corporate • Corporate landscape landscape design design and maintenance and maintenance • Landscape • Landscape upgrades upgrades and installation and installation • Irrigation • Irrigation maintenance maintenance and installation and installation • Tree • Tree felling felling • Site• cleaning Site cleaning • Design • Design and installation and installation of gardens of gardens and water and water features features • Industrial • Industrial landscape landscape maintenance maintenance • Horticultural • Horticultural training training • Alien • Alien weedweed control control

Branches Branches in: in: Johannesburg, Johannesburg, Durban, Richards Durban, Bay, Richards Emalahleni, Bay, Emalahleni, Secunda, Secunda, Steelpoort, Steelpoort, Polokwane, Polokwane, Rustenburg, Rustenburg, Phalaborwa Phalaborwa & Uitenhage & Uitenhage T: M:

011 T: 071 1978 011 071 • 0111978 492 0450 • 011 492 0450 083 M: 630 3392 083 630 3392

info@rothescapers.co.za info@rothescapers.co.za • www.rothescapers.co.za • www.rothescapers.co.za

COMPANY PROFILE

COMPANY PROFILE:

CRAFTING THE NEXT CHAPTER FOR CLASSIC STONE Pro Landscaper catches up with Tim Lewis, the man behind Classic Stone, to find out more about this renowned brand’s rather interesting journey within our industry.

t’s hard to believe that in the early 1990s it was scarcely possible to purchase a contemporary planter in South Africa. The industry as we now know it simply did not exist. Yes, you could pay a handsome sum for a reimagined Venus de Milo statue-turned-waterfeature, with a few cherubs thrown in for good measure, but, if that wasn’t quite your thing, you drew a blank. Over 25 years ago, feeling both constrained and offended by this situation, Tim Lewis started Classic Stone. Necessity is the mother of invention, and, within a few short years Classic Stone had grown and set the benchmark for what is now a thriving industry. If you think this might be an exaggeration, look around you when you are next in a large-scale development or public space. There’s a very good chance that you will see planters and furniture whose origin or design can be linked back to Classic Stone. Classic Stone products have been

Pro Landscaper Africa | February 2019

used in Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, the V&A Waterfront, the Mount Nelson Hotel, Val de Vie Lifestyle Estate and the Victoria Falls Hotel in Zimbabwe – to name but a few. They have also been used extensively within Faircape and Rabie developments, including Black River Parkway, The Boulevard and various projects around Century City (where the original twometre diameter planters were an industry first). In the early days, Tim had the privilege to work with industry legends such as Ian Ford, Graham Viney and Stefan Antoni, and today he continues to enjoy collaborations with Cape Town’s leading landscape architects, architects and designers. Some of his more memorable projects include developing new products in collaboration with renowned landscape architectural firms, from Planning Partners, OvP Associates and cndv landscape architects; to working with architects from the offices of dhk, Peerutin and SAOTA;

as well as designers from Limeline and Antoni Associates... The collaborations with design minds have been endless! Classic Stone was propelled to success on account of great design, and, the brand has endured for a quarter of a century because of Tim’s fixation with achieving the best natural stone finish possible. Classic Stone was a front-runner in glass-reinforced cement (GRC) products, enabling large-scale planters that had the requisite strength without the excessive weight. Having refined the GRC moulding process, the natural stone aggregate that Tim uses is revealed in the etching process and gives each product an aesthetic of natural integrity. It hasn’t always been an easy journey, and if you pushed Tim he would admit that manufacturing isn’t particularly close to his heart. In fact, in 2015 Classic Stone outsourced www.prolandscaper.co.za

COMPANY PROFILE

all but the design of their products to a thirdparty manufacturer, enabling Tim to focus solely on new product development. After a somewhat fraught three years, in February 2018, Tim decided to once again in-source the manufacturing of his products – primarily so that he could maintain the quality and service standards that he demands of Classic Stone. Tim has joined forces with a some of his longstanding, highly skilled previous employees to set up a co-owned and collaborative manufacturing entity based in Steenberg Retreat in Cape Town. Together, they are crafting the next chapter for Classic Stone. Tim reflects on his decision to again enter the manufacturing game and says, “No amount of good intention makes running a small business easy, but we’re sticking to what we know: don’t compromise on quality, offer great service, and basically just do what you said

www.prolandscaper.co.za

Today, Classic Stone offers a range of elegant planters, water features and furniture – all of which are original Tim Lewis designs. Original forms are crafted from plaster and wood. Moulds are taken and these are used to produce each piece. The reconstituted stone medium is placed into the moulds and then reinforced with a high-strength fibre-cement material. The reconstituted stone forms the actual product – as it is not just a surface finish or a painted effect, the material will not wear, chip or flake off with exposure to the elements. Each piece will weather with time.

It’s a given that Classic Stone will continue to expand on its existing range of products, but what else does the future hold? A little-known fact about Tim Lewis: he’s obsessed with rocks, geology, mountains and landscapes. It’s almost as if he views the world through an entirely different lens, seeing every rock and vista in the context of the 4-billion-year-old history of the earth. Inspired by natural geological formations, he’s got a project up his sleeve to create large, sculptural forms in landscapes. “Collaborating with well-known designers to create landscape elements that are truly unique will be an important part of our future,” says Tim. We can’t wait to see where this personal indulgence in Tim’s longstanding passion takes Classic Stone.

Products are manufactured in Cape Town and are distributed countrywide and internationally which makes dealing with this brand run smoother than its products edges.

Classic Stone Designs 021 701 7611 info@classicstone.co.za www.classicstone.co.za

you’d do.” Pair that with superb design, and no wonder they’ve made it this far.

Pro Landscaper Africa | February 2019

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS JOURNAL

Landscape Architect’s Journal:

The Revelatory landscape::

ARCHIVING MEMORY THROUGH INDIGENOUS NARRATIVE AND COSMOLOGY

Dissertation by Mapula Maponya Master of Landscape Architecture graduate (Distinction), 1st Runner Up Corobrik Award, University of Cape Town.

Why dissertation topic was chosen? I have a personal interest in astronomy. It is a powerful branch of study that I think has the potential to open our eyes to infinite possibility. Further – it could inform the perception of scale and can re-establish our place and role in the larger cosmos. At a time like this – where society relies on land and nature and what it provides, understanding the landscape at a larger scale could better equip us for ongoing issues such as climate change. I approached my dissertation from this lens but through exploring this discipline in the local South African context ended up querying subjects I had not anticipated which included memory, identity and colonization. These were discovered through understanding the multi-layered historical narrative of the chosen site which is a piece of open land that partly functions as a golf course. 18

Pro Landscaper Africa | February 2019

Abstract The Khoi-Khoi’s indigenous astronomical beliefs are associated with themes of time, religion and belonging. These values were manifested structurally and spiritually on the topographic landscape of Cape Town nearly 1000 years ago. Today - this landscape is merely longed for as it exclusively celebrates Colonial historical accounts. Through societal perception, nomenclature and function – this one-sided narrative is repeatedly retold while the indigenous narrative is buried and unfamiliar to many. To reveal this neglected story - this dissertation studies the physiological and historical landscape where these two societies and their varying methods of interacting with landscape through astronomy, and societal ideals collided and subsequently birthed divide and conquer in South Africa. By unearthing and possibly memorialising overlooked indigenous heritage through excavation and archaeological design intervention – this project investigates the role of Cape Town’s topographic landscape

in defining cultural identity. It juxtaposes these two cultures’ relationships with this landscape and highlights the value and necessity of reclaiming cultural landscapes in urban contexts where indigenous narratives have been completely ignored/eradicated and reduced to myth. The site used as the tool to exhume and eventually archive this indigenous history is located on a golf course south-west of the confluence of the Black and Liesbeek river in Observatory, Cape Town. This confluence was a significant passage used by the Khoi-Khoi tribe pre-colonization as a migratory route and periodic settlement zone. This gives the site archaeological potential - in the form of artefacts, remains and tools. The intention is thus to preserve and protect these and use their value and found location as a method to demarcate a cultural production hub on the site. Both the dissertation subject and site selection were heavily informed by navigational routes used by the Dutch, British www.prolandscaper.co.za

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS JOURNAL

and Indigenous Societies and additionally the vulnerability of the site in question. It is currently under development threat which one could deem as unsuitable considering that the site is an ecologically sensitive piece of land that is home to unique fauna and flora â&#x20AC;&#x201C; including an endangered bird community. Of equal importance is the sites divisive political history which has permanently impacted economic and social equality post the Khoi and Dutch War(s) as well as the segregational systems that followed that moment. Could addressing the same site that established socio-political divide in Cape Town be utilized to sew it back together by negotiating identity, memory and cultural productivity? Design intervention The landscape design aims to visually and physically reclaim the narrative of the topographic landscape. By orientating each of these spaces to the summit of each hill â&#x20AC;&#x201C; these spaces not only position the user to these sites www.prolandscaper.co.za

but completely redefines the way in which it is physically and emotionally perceived by burying one underground in a progressive south to north remembrance route. This experience of the landscape affords a new perspective of the urban fabric by omitting buildings and infrastructure from the view. It mimics a significant migratory route of the Khoi-Khoi and encourages experiencing an isolated journey of self-discovery. The retelling of the stories is done using the plant communities and geological terrain qualities found on these hills to guide the vegetation and material choice of the walled route. The material of the walls will mostly consist of the rubble found in the golf course mounds which consists of bricks, concrete pieces, ash, rusted steel and stone. Negotiating memory through transhumance The elements used to curate memory are the temporal qualities of the site and the purpose of this is to mimic and celebrate the transhuman way of life of the Khoi-Khoi culture. This involved respecting the land and its seasonality

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; using resources sparingly as provision of rain and sun moulded their availability. These include using the flooding character of the site to flood the remembrance route during the rainy season to respect the landscape. This would include limiting public access to the site at this time and rather allow the migratory birds, frogs and other fauna that naturally occur on the site to reclaim it. The nocturnal migratory birds include the Phoeniconaias minor which is the smallest of the flamingo species and is endangered on a global scale. It will be accommodated for the purposes of nesting and breeding. For this to occur, the rehabilitated wetland area will be completely inaccessible to the public. With time, and influence of natural forces the route will weather away and return to its natural first landscape of the first people as an effort to physically archive memory. This new landscape will be conserved and protected with the aim of progressively seaming a divided people and landscape. Pro Landscaper Africa | February 2019

Visit our

NEW Showroom

tio

Wor ldCl

uc tr

epark Desig e Skat n an cret dC n o C on s s s a

n Our customers can enjoy a FREE Truth Coffee

TRADING HOURS: Monday–Thursday 8:30–5 pm Friday 8:30–4 pm Saturday 9–12 pm www.revelstone.co.za

DEEP END SKATEPARKS

deependskateparks@gmail.com | 084 770 9917

New showroom situated at: Adam House, Orion road, Nerissa Estate, Lansdowne, Cape Town

@DeepEndSkateparks

RETAINING VALUE Technicrete has developed innovative, environmentally sound & cost-effective retaining wall solutions for multiple applications. A strong development and research process has allowed Technicrete to develop specialized precast concrete products that deal with highly technical, multi environmental issues that allow retaining walls to be not only functional but aesthetically pleasing too. Application: • • • • • •

Unique Products:

Earth embankments Bridge abutments Cut slopes Steep channels River banks Culvert inlets/outlets

• • •

Florawall (earth terrace retaining support) Earthform (natural support for terraces) Enviro-Wall & RocEnviro-Wall (retaining wall system)

Tel: 011 674 6900 Maxi call: 0861 266 267

CONTRACTORS CORNER

CONTRACTOR'S CORNER: TO WOOD OR NOT TO WOOD Wood plastic composite or traditional timber? I think this is the question that plagues most professionals lately. No one can say for sure when exactly wood plastic composite’s (WPC’s) were introduced into the world, unlike Apple Inc’s latest gadget where launch dates are set in stone, however, it has been making waves in the decking industry for quite some time now. I was first introduced to the concept in late 2014, although WPC had been around for quite a bit longer than that, and I thought, my mentor and friend Joris, was joking when he told me over the phone that he is becoming part of a decking company and exclusively installing WPC. “Decking made from wood and plastic? Surely not!” 4 years later and I have managed to build and sustain a successful business, exclusively installing WPC. Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against timber, 90% of our decking sub structures are built from structural pine, however, WPC’s offer a plethora of benefits that I think we should be seriously considering.

colouring agents and, in some cases, foaming agents. The wood and Bamboo get ground down to a powdery mixture and is combined with the molten HPDE. This mixture gets slowly extruded out of an injection moulding machine, although other forming methods are used as well. WPC building technology is growing more and more every year. We work tirelessly each year to educate the public about composite products by exhibiting at expo’s all over the country and I personally feel that that this is something we should be supporting more and more, together.

Here is why: •

As I mentioned earlier, the use of Bamboo is important because, when compared to the growth rate of trees, Bamboo forests can grow in a matter of weeks and at the current rate that we are using the world’s resources, this is paramount. By using WPC, we are minimising the impact we have on the planet and this should not be taken lightly.

•

The HDPE in the product makes the WPC non-porous, which means it barely absorbs moisture (> 0.1% absorption). This prevents the WPC from “rotting” as all timber decks do.

What is a WPC? Let’s start from the beginning... Wood Plastic Composite is a material that is manufactured to use predominantly in decking but has other uses as well, such as cladding, pergola’s and more. WPC’s are mainly manufactured from recycled and reclaimed wood fibres. The majority of this comes from furniture fabricator’s offcuts and waste. Along with recycled natural wood, the use of Bamboo is included in the mixture as Bamboo is considered an evergreen perennial flowering plant or grass. Bamboo can grow up to 4cm per hour which is nuts! The next key ingredient is a ligno-cellulosic and/or inorganic filler materials. These mainly come in the form of thermoplastics, virgin (un-recycled) or recycled. My company uses only WPC products that have High-Density Polyethlene, which I will talk about a bit later. Lastly, there are UV stabilisers, blowing agents, www.prolandscaper.co.za

Pro Landscaper Africa | February 2019

CONTRACTORS CORNER

•

WPC products do not need regular maintenance in the form of sanding and treating with sealants or oils. This in turn leads to cost and time savings. Most timber installers will argue this point however, it is a known fact that timber needs to be treated once before the wet season and once after the season.

•

WPC products do not fade or discolour to the point where it completely changes colour, e.g. from Brown to Grey.

•

Composite products do not warp, bend, banana or splinter so it leaves the deck looking new for pretty much it’s entire lifespan

•

WPC is closing the gap, if not already surpassed, in price difference between timber and WPC.

I could go on and on about the benefits of WPC’s, as there are quite a few more so let’s look at the two disadvantages. •

Depending on the duration of sun exposure, some WPC’s get hot, to the point where you might not be able to walk barefoot on the deck. Some of the product ranges get less hot than others.

•

WPC’s have an expansion and contraction co-efficient which supersedes that of timber

Having said that though, I still feel like the advantages of WPC’s outweigh the disadvantages. Through our experience of working with WPC’s, we have learned about the pitfalls and the limitations of the product and always ensure that we are not putting the client’s money at risk. So here’s a little wisdom to first time users of WPC or people who may have been put off by WPC. 1.

Always make sure you are purchasing a product that is backed by a serious guarantee/warranty. Almost all WPC’s come with at least a 10-year warranty and up to a maximum of 25 years.

Always make sure that you are purchasing from a reputable company that is well established in the marketplace as “container brigades” (a term for small enterprises that import one container at a time) will battle to honour any warranty claims or are at risk of supplying for a short time and closing shop due to strong competition.

Pro Landscaper Africa | February 2019

Always make sure you use a qualified, specialist composite installer. Beware of timber guys saying they can install composite! The general rules of timber decking do not necessarily apply to composite decking. I cannot stress this one enough.

Stay away from Nylon or plastic clips. Use stainless steel or metal clips. The cost saving isn’t worth the risk. I learned this one the hard way. Plastic clips allow too much expansion and contraction and can also lead to the planks moving left or right. Steel clips generally have locking teeth that minimise the expansion and contraction. Plastic clips will eventually become brittle and break.

At the end of the day, it really all depends on what your taste preference is. For me, I am the type of person that sees value rather than preference. If the sales person at Dion Wired were to tell me that I get 2 years of additional warranty on a stereo purchase for an extra R150, sign me up please! It is difficult to overlook the convincing evidence that WPC is here to stay and one day, we might only be able to find WPC on the market due to timber becoming incredibly rare or even extinct. Let’s hope this day never comes but with a product that is less harmful to the environment and a product that offers a warranty for peace of mind, we should all be considering using this in some way or another. Andre Schumann Director Eurodecking eurodecking.co.za

www.prolandscaper.co.za

Street Furniture, Paving, Bollards, Bins, Architectural Features, Pots, Planters and more!

We invite enquiries on any special or custom items and are always happy to explore new ideas and product designs. WilsonStone is committed to creating high-end, top quality Hard-Landscaping & Architectural products.

www.wilsonstone.co.za

JHB: 011 616 7129 / CPT: 021 701 7655

The GREEN Solutions Provider

SUSTAIN WATER

FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS WATER INFILTRATION BERA Gravel Fix® Pro

ü Directly infiltrate water to your landscape ü Stable and strong path or driveway ü Cradle to Cradle certified

WATER RETENTION BERA Urbanscape

ü Retaining water for grass, plants, trees or vegetables ü Better growth, increased yield ü Up to 50% water saving ü Effective up to 15 years Vegetation Fertile layer Urbanscape Green Roll Base ground

Contact: BERA South Africa Pty Ltd | T: +27 83 449 3954 | E: franko@bera-bv.com | www.bera-bv.co.za

P R O J E C T

O N E

BATTERY PARK Battery Park is the new 1.2-hectare urban park situated at a key entranceway to one of Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most visited tourist destinations, the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. This site has been developed as the nucleus of a rather exciting and larger urban vision for the district. dhk Architects completes this inspiring urban park that references the historic Amsterdam Battery. Planning Partners developed the landscaping design with implementation by Contours Landscaping (commercial division).

PORTFOLIO Location: Battery Park, Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town. Client & Developer: V&A Waterfront Size: +- 1.2ha Landscaping Timeline: 10 months

The Site This site includes a park and piazza that effectively conceal a 1 206-bay parking facility as well as new pedestrian routes to invigorate the precinct with activity. The site is of archaeological importance as it contains the remnants of one of the city’s oldest structures, coastal fortification the Amsterdam Battery. This provided a unique opportunity for architecture and urban design firm dhk – to pay homage to the historic landmark whilst incorporating a parking facility and providing spaces for leisure and recreational activities. The project forms part of an urban design framework created by dhk for the V&A’s previously underutilised Canal District that facilitates the reconnection of the historical city centre and De Waterkant to the V&A. The aim was to create a publicly accessible park which lies at the nexus of a multitude of new pedestrian routes stitching the new district into the surrounding urban fabric and thereby helping to invigorate the area. The Amsterdam Battery was erected by the Dutch along Cape Town’s coastline in 1784 to defend the city from seaborne and land attacks. In the 1800s the building was used to house prisoners; and was later remodelled and strengthened by the British but eventually abandoned. In 1905 the battery was largely demolished to make way for railway connections to the port, leaving behind only a small portion of its rear curved walls. The historical remnants are now perched eight metres above the new canal running through the site at a lower level. Following on From The Site’s Original Footprint During construction of Battery Park, archaeological excavations revealed former datums which were used to inform the design. The raised park has been kept at the battery’s original inner courtyard level whilst planted edges above retail units on the piazza represent the estimated natural ground level that fronted the battery. Various architectural and landscaped elements reflect the structure’s original footprint, such as semi-circular curved pathways, concrete additions to the rear ramparts, splayed canal-facing walls and concrete-clad structures - giving visitors an authentic sense of the battery’s former size. An axial visual connection to Cape Town’s Noon Gun on Signal Hill has also been retained, thus preserving the site’s historic sightline. The requirement to respect the original inner courtyard datum and create a lower-level piazza

Pro Landscaper Africa | February 2019

PORTFOLIO

BEFORE LANDSCAPING

Pro Landscaper Africa | February 2019

www.prolandscaper.co.za

PORTFOLIO

Planting list • Acmadenia mundiana • Agathosma apiculata • Agathosma capensis • Agathosma ovata • Aloe arborescens • Aloe ferox • Arctotis acaulis 'Pink' • Asparagus densiflorus mazeppa • Athanasia dentata • Blechnum gibbum glabrum • Bulbine frutescens • Carissa macrocarpa 'Green Carpet' • Chasmanthe floribunda • Cineraria saxifrage • Coleonema pulchellum • Cotyledon orbiculata • Crocosmia aurea • Dietes grandiflora • Dymondia • Elegia tectorum • Erica baccans • Erica baueri white •Erica discolor • Erica versicolor • Eriocephalus africanus • Euryops pectinatus • Euryops virgineus • Felicia echinata • Gazania rigens • Helichrysum cymosum • Helichrysum petiolare • Helichrysum teritifolium • Kniphopfia praecox • Kniphofia uvaria • Lampranthus hoerleinianus • Lampranthus speciabilis • Leonotis leonorus • Leucospermum cordifolium • Metalasia muricata • Osteospermum moniflora • Pelargonium betulinum • Pelargonium peltatum • Phylica ericoides • Plectranthus neochillus • Plumbgo auriculata • Portulacaria afra • Rumohra adianthiformis • Salvia africana lutea • Searsia crenata • Senecio elegans • Strelitzia reginae • Thamnochortus insignius • Tulbaghia violacea • Watsonia barbonica • Watsonia pyrimidata Lawn used on site: • Cynodon transvaalensis Tree List: • Brachylaena discolor • Celtis africana • Ekebergia capensis • Ilex mitis • Sideroxylon inerme • Syzigium guineense • Tarchonanthus camphoratus • Vachellia xanthophloea

www.prolandscaper.co.za

Pro Landscaper Africa | February 2019

PORTFOLIO

resulted in an elevated park with views across the V&A and CBD but with the challenge of managing the transition between the two levels. Therefore, a large part of Battery Park’s design concept was manifested in breaking the barrier between the park and piazza and bringing them closer to one another. As a result, the park level has been designed to gradually lower towards the canal edge providing a closer connection to the piazza, and in turn, the piazza gradually steps down towards the canal. The vision was to create scale between the two levels and provide visual cues to visitors; offering a glimpse of the park while they meander along the canal edge. This was also achieved by means of various soft and hard landscaping elements such as a grand concrete staircase leading from the piazza to the park, sloping and folding walls, and plants to draw the eye to the park above. The Elevated Park Level On the elevated park level, visitors can explore landscaped gardens with trees and stone-clad planters, meandering walkways with built-in benches, a concrete skatepark, basketball court and new pedestrian routes. Throughout the park and piazza cantilevered steel pergolas scale the design and provide much-needed shade. The Lower Piazza Level The lower piazza level contains 11 boutique retail units that line the splayed canal-facing walls and form an active eastern edge to the new canal pedestrian route. The intention behind the piazza was to activate the canal via a range of water sports and provide a link between the V&A and the CBD - encouraging a pedestrianised environment. Referencing the battery’s original façade, loosely packed stonefilled gabion walls shroud the parking facility and stone-clad planters contain fynbos and waterwise plants. All stone used throughout the park and piazza was excavated from the site during the construction process. These antiquated elements juxtapose contemporary insertions that reference the battery rather than replicate its heritage.

and parking facility via internal elevators. To resemble cannon embrasures, three small openings form part of the structure’s canalfacing wall. Historic cannons from Amsterdam Battery found scattered throughout the V&A by the Cannon Association of South Africa and preserved for the development of the park are now on display inside the interpretation pavilion. The artefacts sit on top of precast concrete plinths, made to resemble old timber cannon carriages, allowing them to protrude through the embrasures and overlook the canal. Director at dhk and lead architect on the project Pierre Swanepoel says, “The intention was to facilitate a new hub of activity within the V&A district whilst being respectful to the heritage of the Amsterdam Battery, once a place of exclusion and incarceration, but now a public space designed to support and engage the greater Cape Town community”.

SUPPLIERS Nurseries: New Plant - 044 889 0055 Nonke Plants - 021 887 6972 Trees SA- 021 842 0003 Just Trees - 021 871 1595 Turin Benches and Drinking Fountain: WilsonStone - 021 701 7655 Lighting: Regent Lighting Solutions - 021 552 7622 Artificial Lawn: Belgotex Grass - 033 897 7500 Bera Edging: BERA - 0834493954 Pavers & Cobble Edging: Revelstone - 021 761 9739 Irrigation: Rain Bird Compost Reliance 086 188 8784 Photographer: Dave Southwood & Theo Gutter

The Materials The materials palette includes a selection of hardy materials that suit the robust nature of the park, namely, concrete, stone and steel. Concrete was chosen as a “material of our time” for new structures as it can be clearly distinguished from historic elements, ensuing little misinterpretation. A precast concrete panel structure dubbed the interpretation pavilion has been built to the estimated height of the battery’s original walls and links the park, piazza

Pro Landscaper Africa | February 2019

www.prolandscaper.co.za

PORTFOLIO

MEET THE TEAM Architects: dhk Architects (Pierre Swanepoel, Martin Lardner-Burke & Theo Gutter) Landscape Architect: Planning Partners (Alistair Turrell & Jaco Jordaan) Landscape Contractor: Contours Landscapes (commercial division) Irrigation Design: Controlled Irrigation

Planning Partner’s Project Landscape Architect, Alistair Turrell, explains that their brief was to create an urban park, on top of a parking garage, that recognises and respects the remnants of the surviving battery rampart walls, situated in a key junction and arrival point to the V&A Waterfront. The key goals of this undertaking were to not only highlight the historical significance of this part of Cape Town’s history, but to activate and revitalise this important part of the City and the V&A Waterfront. The Project is strategically located in a precinct which stiches together the V&A Waterfront and the city of Cape Town and provides a pause point for pedestrians along this major circulation route. It was therefore important to provide a tranquil people friendly landscaped space to entice visitors to experience and interact with the park space. The surviving battery walls form a fantastic backdrop to the park, the mountain, city scape and Signal Hill completing this vista. The park flows from the historic walls towards the active canal edge. Hard landscape responses The level of the landscaped park was dictated by the one remaining gateway, more importantly the two curved granite gate travellers with steel inserts. The paved park walkways are all set to this level. Paving design was conceptualised and detailed by www.prolandscaper.co.za

dhk Architects and materials are sympathetic to the historic context while remaining durable and appropriate. The lawn terraces and embankments within the two remaining walls were formed to respect and roughly portray the original profile, a level portion on the inward side and a symbolic earth berm to illustrate the location and thickness of the original defensive edge. An intact British period clay brick channel was uncovered adjacent to the inner walls, these beautiful findings have been celebrated as the edge between the level lawned area and the walls and also act as conveyors of storm water. The hard landscape design further responds to the curvature of the remnant walls by creating pathways which run directly adjacent, allowing visitors access to the hewn stone inner walls. This pathway extends as a faceted walkway over the multi-purpose lawn area to indicate the original outline of the demolished structure as a memory line. A gun platform was uncovered by the archaeologists and many designs ideas were tabled to include this in the landscape, but being from a very early Dutch period, it was much lower than current levels and it proved impossible to display, and as such it was documented and covered over, left intact. A historic canon will be informally placed in the position to commemorate the location.

Occurring over a parking structure, challenges of soil depth are created, and in response, planters were designed to be raised- thus creating sufficient planting depth. These planters are dressed in (carries on the same) The park has been designed to provide a diverse range of amenity and has been activated with the inclusion of sports facilities situated in the south eastern portion of the park, namely a multipurpose ball sports facility (basketball/5’s a side soccer) and a skatepark designed by California Skate Parks. A level lawn area provides the canvas for a range of uses including informal football games, an open -air theatre, summer markets, exhibitions and passive recreation. The space provides a welcome respite in this urban node. Soft Landscaping responses In the context of the Park’s fortified history, it is a lot more ‘green’ than what one would have found at a military, war machine. The philosophy was to avoid recreating the original, instead a lush green landscape on the roof and in pockets along the canal edge was created. The multi-purpose open lawn area is located over the parking structure on the north west portion of the project. Locally indigenous fynbos shrubs and ground covers are planted in the raised stone walled planters referred to above, creating a showcase of the Cape’s beautiful flora.

Pro Landscaper Africa | February 2019

PORTFOLIO

No trees are planted over the ‘slab portion’ of the roof as soil depths do not allow this. Trees form an integral part of any park, without the wonderful shade and other microclimatic improvements, the space will be hostile to any user. Indigenous trees are situated in natural ground areas, beyond the slab, towards the surviving battery walls. A combination of extra-large specimen trees and smaller tree sizes gives a sense of a semi-established garden. Trees are planted well clear of the historic remnants to prevent root damage and will be pruned up to allow clear views of the walls. The symbolic earth berm has been planted with low shrubs and groundcovers, all with non-aggressive roots. On the canal level, raised tree planters with integrated seating along the generous promenade provide shade and spaces for people to pause, meet and eat. Suspended gabion walls designed by dhk Architects form part of the building façade and these have been planted with fastgrowing creepers which will add a layer of vertical greening.

About dhk Architects: dhk has a firmly established reputation as a design led multi-disciplinary studio which incorporates architecture, urban design, landscape design and interior design. More than 130 people contribute to the success of the company across these disciplines making dhk one of the largest architectural practices in Sub-Saharan Africa. dhk’s integrated approach to design in the built environment, coupled with innovative solutions, has garnered international recognition with projects spanning four continents and offices in Cape Town and Johannesburg.

Pro Landscaper Africa | February 2019

www.prolandscaper.co.za

LIGHTING SUPPLIERS AT BATTERY PARK V&A WATERFRONT IN CAPE TOWN

www.regentlight.co.za

Johannesburg CapeTown Town||Durban Durban||Port PortElizabeth Elizabeth || Windhoek Windhoek Johannesburg || Cape

P R O J E C T

T W O

FUTURE AFRICA

Situated in the Experimental Farm area of the University of Pretoria’s Hillcrest Campus, right in the heart of South Africa’s capital, the new Future Africa Innovation Campus has been imagined and installed. It will be the place where Africa’s leading scientists and scholars from across the world and from a variety disciplines, will come together to leverage the benefits of transdisciplinary research to address the grand challenges that face Africa and the world. Insite Landscape Architects have excelled in the design of this node, which holds quite a bit of significance to its visitors.

PORTFOLIO

t is rather imperative to note that Future Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s landscape paradigm is to improve and redefine life in urban environments by diversifying existing city landscape norms. This was the phrase that guided Insiteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s design plan. The Concept: The Future Africa landscape is focused on the ability of the urban landscape to provide food for fauna and people, and will in doing so highlight not only the potential that South African plants have- but also potential that African plants can provide. The Future Africa landscape provides a living and functional testament of a predominantly indigenous landscape as food resource, and, how this resource can be utilised. Plant species that were planted at Future Africa have been carefully selected with the above in mind. The future urbanization in Africa is calling for a change that responds to prevalent African issues such as the scarcity of water and food resources. Our heritage and indigenous natural resources can be used to better lives by capitalising on existing resources. This can be done by diversifying the plant species selection whilst complementing the existing site vegetation and landscape features of a site. Future Africa is a landscape that strives to find the perfect balance between productiveness and other demands stemming from a human centric design. The desired outcome is a resilient landscape that would be able to withstand changes in future. Future Africa campus has become an example of such a landscape, and, integrating people in the development of this landscape will contribute to the resilience and facilitate its growth in the years to come. Sustainable features: The team decided on utilising predominantly trees, shrubs, groundcovers and aquatic plants which are edible or have some part in their make-up that can be harvested. Insite collaborated with Jason Sampson, the Senior Curator of the Manie van der Schijff Botanical Gardens of the University of Pretoria, who assisted with plant palettes and specie selections. Large cycads were moved from the Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Experimental Farm nursery and incorporated into an arid zone display garden. The plant palette responds to many different climatic zones due to the proximity of buildings to each other, creating predominantly shady zones and then sunny zones that are exposed to the harsh climate against the northern face of Strubenkop. Specific, intentionally positioned trees provide privacy for the housing units that are close to public areas and pedestrian routes.

www.prolandscaper.co.za

Pro Landscaper Africa | February 2019

PORTFOLIO

Many of the plants planted last year were recently ready to be harvested and so have been with great success. The Pond: The 1000mÂł attenuation pond designed as a prominent part of the landscape, creates an exciting arrival feature when entering the Future Africa Innovation Campus. The attenuation pond, which is topped up with stormwater and an existing borehole on site, supplies irrigation water to the entire 13 000mÂ˛ landscape. The quality of the water in the attenuation pond is regulated by maintaining a sufficient balance of nutrients in the pond through a variety of aquatic plants. Systems have been put in place to insure the aeration of the pond which increases dissolved oxygen levels to sustain fish and beneficial bacteria. These systems are water falling over two-meter-high weirs into the bottom basin, the water feature in the bottom basin, the water feature in the bottom basin circulating water in the pond as well as water circulated through the stormwater channels. Algae and unwanted debris will be minimised and controlled through the presence of specific species of fish. The channels, designed in collaboration with the civil engineers, catch stormwater throughout the site from paving as well as landscape water run-off. The channels are seen as a prominent feature of the design as to expose sustainable systems to educate and provoke curiosity. They have been lined with blue (one of the universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s motif colours) mosaic tiles and Corobrik clay bricks to further add interest and attention to detail. The overall water drainage design consists mainly of surface runoff to ensure the maximum use of all water run-off on site with minimum water entering municipal stormwater systems. Detailed paving levels extending further than the parameters of the channels allow for even more water to enter channels by maximising the catchment area. Over one thousand detailed paving levels and coordinate points guaranteed pleasant walking surfaces and cambers that allow comfortable wheelchair access and use. The levels also allowed for the mediating of large differences in building levels throughout the site, which is located against Strubenkop. Ramps were incorporated into the design to allow for universal access across the site. A paving pattern was created where two different bonds have been combined to create interesting patterns and to aid in the continuation of paving

Pro Landscaper Africa | February 2019

www.prolandscaper.co.za

PORTFOLIO

SUPPLIERS Architects: Earthworld Architects - 012 346 5400 Paving & Hard Surfaces: Corobrik - Clay pavers (Ironstone) 010 248 6000 Wet-Cast Grass Blocks: SmartStone - 086 176 2781 Mazista (Douglas Jones): Mosaic tiles - 086 166 7242 TAL: (various products) - 011 206 9700 Pluvia manholes: Vanstone - 012 541 2056 Planting and soft landscaping: Plantwise - 011 953 4540 Irrigation Design: Controlled Irrigation - 011 608 0767 Product: Rain Bird Furniture: Litter bins, Benches, Drinking fountains, Planters: Gallo Precast - 012 546 6067 Tree rings & Inlet grids: Plantwise / MicroZone Trading 980 cc 011 953 4540 Attenuation pond (Pump and Pipework): Plantwise - 011 953 4540 Water feature: Submersible pump EBARA Water Pumps - 011 466 1844 Handrails: Metal Incorporated - 012 348 0698 Pond liner: Water Brothers - 079 8855558 SoilSaver and Bidim: Kaytech - 031 717 2300 Submersible Borehole Pumps GRUNDFOS - 010 248 6000 Photography: Anita Janeke Photography

www.prolandscaper.co.za

lines. The use of one type of paver throughout the site unifies all the different areas of the design. Various landscape elements and buildings were designed around existing trees. These include large Avocado trees, citrus orchards and many other indigenous trees. Within the conference centre in particular, one will find an existing large Bolusanthus speciosus (Tree Wisteria) which has been retained and serves as a feature tree within the reception of the building. It has been enclosed and is displayed through a glass faĂ§ade. The aesthetic impact is fantastic. Materials: Custom outdoor furniture includes drinking fountains, litterbins, and inlet grids. The galvanised steel inlet grids consist of custom designed, flowing, interwoven patterns to resemble the soft lines used in the design of the landscape. This again ties into the aesthetic of the space and draws the landscape design together.

Complex. In cooperation with plant growers, Dr Johan Wentzel and Ivan van der Walt, plants were selected consisting of native and near native species of the Tshwane region. These native plant patch areas are growing in typical urban conditions of small areas that are fairly isolated. The aim of the project is to clarify the degree to which selection and combination of native species can lead to the development of low risk planting palettes with pre-identified survival, sense of place, maintenance and biodiversity outcomes. A group of honours students and two post graduate research students will start work on the project for monitoring in 2019. Several indicators will be monitored to further research on landscape biodiversity planning and design. Insite is proud to have this biodiversity garden as a feature in the landscape.

The edges of the site against Strubenkop were rehabilitated with a velgrass mix consisting of thirty-four different species that naturally occur in the area. The mix includes a number of pioneer species that are very important for soil stabilization and weed control. Design Challenges: One of the mentionable design challenges for Insite was that the site would be dissected by a fire truck route. The fire truck route was cleverly integrated into the landscape through the use of grass blocks and pathways in the final design solution. This allowed for maximum access to all buildings in case of an emergency. Large grass blocks covered in veldgrass now run through the entire site. The layer works throughout the route, as underneath the grass blocks. Normal clay pavers were also specified by the civil engineers to withstand the weight of a fire truck. Insite liaised and identified an area for Dr Ida Breedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (from the Department of Architecture at the University of Pretoria) biodiversity and ecosystem services in the Tshwane research programme. Dr Ida Breed will be managing the programme which monitors the survival of native plant palettes in urban contexts, while exploring to what extent these native plants contribute to biodiversity, sense of place and food production. The programme has been implemented in a 200 square meter native plant patch as part of the Future Africa Research

ABOUT INSITE LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS:

Insite is a landscape architectural practice with world class experience in creating inspirational, dynamic and authentically engaging spaces within a local and international portfolio. They believe that landscape design creativity adds value to any project and therefore the team strives to implement innovative solutions. Insite are a creative ideas company, passionate about landscape architecture and conservation, with the ability to deliver excellent service within the entire spectrum of landscape architecture. Insite have a proven track record in the delivery of multiple prestigious projects nationwide and internationally.

Pro Landscaper Africa | February 2019

Autumn Paver

Wheatstone Paver

Rustic Blend Piazza Paver

The Eco Clay Paver Industry Leaders

Proud supplier of numerous high-end estates and large scale developments.

021 903 0050 | sales@shadowlands.co.za

021 865 2070 | sales@cabrico.co.za | www.cabrico.co.za

One destination, endless possibilities

@Cabrico

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been preparing your landscape for years.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been growing, relocating, delivering, planting and maintaining mature trees for over 30 years. Our expertise and range of over 45 000 ready-to-plant mature trees make us perfect for any domestic or commercial instant landscape transformation.

the mature tree expert Call us now to buy trees from our wholesale nurseries, or visit www.trees-sa.co.za to learn more about our wide range of expert services. TSA - Half Page (118x186).indd 1

HEADQUARTERS: info@trees-sa.co.za 021 842 0003

trees

SOUTH AFRICA

GARDEN ROUTE BRANCH: gardenroute@trees-sa.co.za 082 786 3071 2018/06/28 12:13 PM

P R O J E C T

T H R E E

PARK SQUARE: DESIGNED WITH PEOPLE IN MIND Park Square is one of Umhlanga's newest business and lifestyle developments and opened its doors in November of last year. Interfacing beautifully with its surrounds, the development offers a future-forward, people-centred destination where the surrounding communities and professionals can shop. Jarryd Murray, MAP Architects Director and co-founder, tells us more about the vision for this space. The exterior of this development was realised with landscape design and installation by Crisp Landscapes and Life Green Group.

When in 2015 Jarryd Murray and Charles Taylor, director’s at MAP Architects and his team were approached by Nedbank to design a space that would accommodate their KwaZulu-Natal team. The brief was to create a structure which would allow the easy flow of people through the development but also accommodate a 17,500m² space to house their staff in addition to general commercial and retail space. Having grown up on the KwaZulu-Natal north coast, Jarryd loves the great outdoors and has witnessed the area’s urban transformation over the years. Passionate about creating dynamic urban spaces in our landscape, it’s no wonder that on designing Park Square, he has designed a space that responds perfectly to Durban’s climate and at the same time will be a connected urban landmark on the Umhlanga Ridge. www.prolandscaper.co.za

After spending some time pinning down the vision, Jarryd and his team set about conceptualising an off-the-ground design that would see the commercial elements ‘hovering’ above a perfectly activated retail arcade and square which people could use for shopping and simply enjoying the city’s unique, outdoor lifestyle. The idea to create a connected community which would simultaneously be an exceptional business destination for professionals to work and socialise and a dynamic urban space to activate the local community, was born. The emphasis at Park Square is undoubtedly on transparency. The simple and modular building design features raw concrete slabs, steel beams, generous concrete overhangs and glassed infills. Column placements, exposed ramps

and staircases are optimised to allow for easy foot traffic flow throughout the building. “Even though Park Square has them, our brief was for the design to discourage people from using the elevators,” says Jarryd. The development’s 36,000m² commercial element is housed on the perimeter of its upper floors and features its own rooftop which is punctuated with over 100 planters to be filled with indigenous landscaping. Abundant space to sit and take a break or meet informally is available to effectively take the office outside and into nature for the benefit of workers. “Here professionals can use the outside spaces to relax and unplug. All the offices are just a short walk from each other and this underpins the connected nature of this business community,” says Jarryd.

Pro Landscaper Africa | February 2019

PORTFOLIO Nedbank’s space features a double volume lobby, a vertical garden and is open to people moving in and around the building. While the development’s western side is open and multilevelled, the eastern side which faces the CJ Saunders Park, is mostly glass. Jarryd remarks, “We wanted to create something unique on the park side which gives back to the surroundings. By using timeless glass, the beautiful KwaZuluNatal light reflects off the building in a sensitive and ever-changing manner.” More than 3,500m² in size, the generous open square features an amphitheatre, grassed spaces and substantially-sized planters with Fig trees that will ultimately grow to create a lush and shady canopy over the square. The retail section opens onto the square which means shops and restaurants are easily accessible to the square as an extension of their premises. Linear directional paving channels people through the building’s elements linking with the surrounding buildings and amenities such as the CJ Saunders Park, Gateway Theatre of Shopping and a proposed nearby GO!Durban Integrated Rapid Transport Network stop. The square’s paving is more static and encourages people to stop and use the common break areas like benches and incidental grassy areas. Murray comments, “This space is not overly designed and has been left open, dynamic and versatile for people to use in a way which comes naturally to them.” The retail section, approximately 4,500m2 in size, includes the Retail Arcade, the development’s main artery which seamlessly links the open square on the western side with the CJ Saunders Park on the eastern side. The arcade’s orientation allows you to see the park through the main building. The connection between the two elements is framed by the park’s trees and those on the square to bring natural elements closer. Murray says, “There are no dead ends within the building which reinforces the easy flow of people through the different sections.” Among others, the confirmed tenants include a new concept Spar and Tops Spar, Mike’s Kitchen, Pizza Hut, Armitage Outfitters, Hello Hunny, Seattle Coffee, D’Lishious Shawarma, D’urban Burger Co, Postnet, Eazi Laundromat, Eye Gallery, Canvas Grill and Park Square Pharmacy. All of which form part of the tenant mix at the Park Square development. Responding to Durban’s warm, outdoor climate, Park Square’s open design reveals the human activity taking place within the development. The result is a visibly connected, integrated 38

Pro Landscaper Africa | February 2019

SUPPLIERS Planters Igneous Concrete - 011 827 7425 Planting & Tree’s Tongaat Wholesalers - 087 822 1478 Growing Medium Great Forest Trading - 083 441 1568

www.prolandscaper.co.za

PORTFOLIO

and open community where people can come together in a vibrant, urban space. While final construction continues at great pace to complete the development, Murray concludes, “We look forward to presenting this landmark development to the community as we are sure it will be a place that everyone can enjoy and benefit from.” Crisp Landscapes was approached by MAP Architects who already had a clear vision of what they wanted to achieve for the user of the Park Square external spaces. This was to soften the built area and to allow a transparent engagement from the inside of the building to the outside. Since it is a very concrete and open area, natural shaded areas were a must, therefore the Ficus trees were introduced/ specified. In years to come they will grow to create beautiful and sculptural feature trees, as well as boast incredible shaded areas for the user to escape the Durban heat. Based on their sustainability commitment, the La Lucia Ridge has a strict planting list to adhere to. Because of this, there wasn’t a large variety of plants to choose from. That being said, the team stuck to a very simple

design, rather repeating plants and forming clusters to really show off the beauty of one plant type. This allows for a landscape language to be created, complementing the aesthetic of the architecture quite beautifully. Crisp Landscapes also points out that Life Green Group are to be commended on doing great justice to the landscaping and realized the vision beautifully. Life Green Group explains the area where most of the landscaping was to be installed is an urbascape, with pedestrian flow being of paramount importance, whilst also contributing to softening the large areas of the built environment. As such, plant containers of various sizes both in situ, constructed and imported were specified for the job. The mobile planters were sourced from Igneous Concrete and are provided in a sandstone finish to contrast with the grey palette of the concrete surrounds. The plant material was chosen for its suitability within the busy urbanscape. Being waterwise and robust was imperative, as well as providing greening and softening to the building spaces

and the volume in-between. The backbone of the piazza landscaping is made up of 24, large, 4 -5m Ficus bubu trees, sourced from a nearby nursery and trucked in using crane trucks. These trees have a spreading growth habit and are characterized by their yellow/green bark which is especially noticeable in morning and evening light. The trees were pruned and trenches were dug in advance of the transplant. These trees will take about a year to put out their canopies again. The planters were designed with a drainage layer and are planted in a lightweight barkbased media. Underplanting consists of a selection of indigenous species, also chosen for hardiness and tolerance to their concrete surrounds and direct exposure to full afternoon sun. These include Osteospernum, Asparagus, Vygies spp and Buffalo grass for limited areas. Challenges included carting pots and soil up to the top floors of the building and installing the landscape to a rather tight construction deadline. Jarryd Murray

DURING

MEET THE TEAM MAP Architects Jarryd Murray and Charles Taylor Life Green Group: Arthur Cowan Crisp Landscapes: Dené Duvenhage Client Park Square www.parksquare.co.za Hunt PR Project Information Louise Hunt www.prolandscaper.co.za

Pro Landscaper Africa | February 2019

PORTFOLIO

P R O J E C T

F O U R

GRANT ASSOCIATES’ MASTERPLAN FOR NEW DISTRICT IN MADRID

a new business and residential development proposed for north madrid will feature a network of green public spaces designed by landscape architects GRANT ASSOCIATES, connecting the city with the surrounding parkland and creating a strong sense of place and identitiy

masterplan by landscape architects Grant Associates and architects Rogers Stirk Harbour & Partners to create a new business and residential district in north Madrid has won outline planning. The proposal for Madrid Castellana Norte aims to transform a 500ha tract of neglected land close to Chamartín railway station.

“THE EXACT DESIGN DETAIL FOR EACH PARK WILL CONSTITUTE A DISTINCT AND RECOGNISABLE SPACE, MIRRORING THE DIVERSE TOPOGRAPHY OF MADRID”

Constituting the most significant regeneration plan for Madrid in more than 20 years, and one of the largest scale masterplans in Europe, the project also involves the renewal of the area’s transport infrastructure. Key to Grant Associates’ landscape strategy is the creation of a green corridor that will act as a spine for the whole district.

Pro Landscaper Africa | February 2019

www.prolandscaper.co.za

PORTFOLIO

New green parks will serve to link the different neighbourhoods of the new district, as well as providing 15km of cycle paths. The parks will feature a variety of tree-like geometric canopy structures that offer shade, shelter and visual interest. These ‘Fractal Trees’ will complement a series of water features that also aim to mitigate Madrid’s hot summer months. The parks will also break up the linearity of the masterplan by extending out from Paseo de la Castellana in a series of wave like formations, with larger green spaces at the core of the neighbourhoods, diffusing into smaller spaces towards their edges. The exact design detail for each park will constitute a distinct and recognisable space, mirroring the diverse topography of Madrid and its varied urban fabric. North Madrid’s existing, fragmented network of roads and railway lines will be replaced with a layout that integrates and unifies transport systems. Chamartín station will become a transport hub with improved links to the city’s airport. The overall aim of the Madrid Castellana Norte masterplan is to create a model of 21st century urban sustainability with the ability to attract international investment to the district at the same time as being an attractive, green place for people to enjoy.

And Ibrahim Diaz, senior associate at Grant Associates, says: “The landscape strategy is based on creating a succession of different sensory experiences and public spaces rather than a single unique space. It should serve to create a strong sense of place and identity for the people who work, visit or live in this formerly overlooked part of one of Spain’s great cities.” www.grant-associates.uk.com www.rsh-p.com

“THE LANDSCAPE STRATEGY IS BASED ON CREATING A SUCCESSION OF DIFFERENT SENSORY EXPERIENCES AND PUBLIC SPACES RATHER THAN A SINGLE UNIQUE SPACE”

Speaking about the project, Andrew Grant, founder and director at Grant Associates, says: “The design of Madrid Castellana Norte is all about improving people’s quality of life and boosting the connectivity of this part of the city. A network of green public spaces is fundamental to this vision. New parks will unify the different elements of the

new district, while connecting the city to the wonderful mountainous parkland on its north west fringe.”

www.prolandscaper.co.za

Pro Landscaper Africa | February 2019

PORTFOLIO

P R O J E C T

cater for people of all ages, were included into the design intent. A strong emphasis was laid on the improvement of the aesthetic environment of the area and thus numerous custom-designed elements where specially designed by BPLA and manufactured by Tswellapele Plants CC for this project.

F I V E

REVOLUTIONISING JAN HOFMEYR Johannesburg City Parks & Zoo, after determining the great need for green space in this node, commissioned a team of well-versed landscape architects, consultants and landscape contractors to design and revolutionize three parks within the Jan Hofmeyr community in Johannesburg. These three parks were recently handed over to the community at a ribbon cutting ceremony, and the results have been nothing but positive. About Jan Hoffmeyer Jan Hofmeyr is a low income, marginalized suburb located in the inner city of Johannesburg. The unemployment rate is high and the community struggles with many social problems including alcohol, drug abuse and vandalism.

All of these factors need to be kept in mind when realising a space. The point is to make these spaces a safe and welcoming, community environment. The Design Intent The street names in Jan Hofmeyr are named after various flowers (in Afrikaans) and birds (in English) and so, Blueprint Landscape Architecture (BPLA) proposed to use the colours and images of the birds and flowers as the design theme for the parks. Elements to promote healthy living, which are multi-functional, add educational value and

Recycling and refurbishment of existing elements was also a key focus area of the project and a portion of the existing steel palisade fence removed from Katjiepiering park was refurbished and erected at Cosmos Circle Park while the basketball hoop from Cosmos Circle park received a new lease on life in Katjiepiering Park as a practice hoop. Numerous elements were especially designed and purpose-made for this park. This required a close collaboration and clear understanding of the expected product between BPLA and Tswellapele Plants CC. Tswellapele Plants CC excelled in bringing BPLA’s design vision to fruition with elements like the Canary Cage climber, the feature steel flowers and the 3D-combo play element in the senior play area. The special requirement of artistic painting of some of the elements was executed impeccably.

KATJIEPIERING PARK Location: Stand 206, Jan Hofmeyr Size: 5,730 m² (0,57 hectares). Community Park: It is the largest of the three parks and is easily accessible to the greater Jan Hofmeyr community. The Jan Hofmeyr Café and Liquor Store is situated on the corner of 1st and Sonneblom Streets and is the only business in the direct vicinity of Katjiepiering Park. There is a shebeen directly adjacent to the Liquor Store on 1st Street and a second shebeen on the corner of Sonneblom and Katjiepiering Streets. The remainder of the properties are single residential dwellings with gardens. Broken glass from beer bottles was strewn all over the park. The existing play equipment was vansalised. The surrounding steel palisade fence was being stolen section by section. Dumping and burning of materials in the park. The patrons of the adjacent liquor store and shebeens were in the habit of breaking their glass bottles on the rocky outcrop on a portion of the site. The site has a 4% gradient sloping from the eastern corner towards the north-west (the Katjiepiering Street boundary) Visible and underground services such as manholes, kerb inlets etc. Existing movement patterns and community uses of the park are set to change with the welcoming of this park. 42

Pro Landscaper Africa | February 2019

www.prolandscaper.co.za

PORTFOLIO

LEEUBEKKIE PARK Location: Stand 203, Jan Hofmeyr Size: 2,795 m² (0,27 hectares). Children’s Play Park: Local children’s play park due to its size. It is on a quiet side street with very steep slopes and not as easily accessible to the greater community. The biggest challenge at Leeubekkie Park was the steep slope from the eastern boundary down to the western boundary. The site has a 6.25% gradient. Existing visible and underground services such as the electrical sub-station, over-head & electrical cables, manholes, kerb inlets etc. proved to be rather difficult to insall. The team had to assess the existing play equipment for refurbishment, or if found unsuitable, had to remove this equipmnet.

COSMOS CIRCLE PARK Location: Stand 202, Jan Hofmeyr Size: 605 m² (1000m² kerb to kerb). Toddler park: For toddlers only, as it is very small and will serve the local residents living around the park.

The site is an island bounded by Cosmos Circle road which creates a serious safety risk for children wanting to access the park and to ensure their safety in the park. The site had been previously developed with a basketball court, sandpit and slide and giant chess board but had been severely vandalized and was in complete state of disrepair. The team had to assess the movement patterns and community uses of the park. All three parks were implemented over two financial years. Construction commenced in June 2017 and Practical Competition was reached at the end of November 2018.

Project Team: Blueprint Landscape Architecture – Landscape Architect KH landscape Architects - consultation process Ikamva Consulting - facilitated public meetings and challenges with the local SMMEs during the construction phase. Plantwise - Landscape contractor

www.prolandscaper.co.za

Pro Landscaper Africa | February 2019

PRODUCTS

Focus On: STREET FURNITURE 140 West Streets Steel Benches With design by The Ochre Office, linear themes were pulled through into the customised benches at the renowned 140 West Street development. Two materials were utilised, the first simply formulated as extensions of the concrete planters. These curve and stretch along the edges of the garden, functioning as both seating and retaining edges to hold soil volumes. The second bench typology is one of steel tubes, extruding in pieces along their length. Where possible, planting will grow between the openings in the tube segments and melt into the greenery. These benches were manufactured by A&D Engineering.

Obbligato Benches The Stainless-steel wave bench The 1756mm long stainless-steel wave benches are available in mirror, brushed or powder coated stainless steel - in various colours. Ideal as a statement piece with minimal maintenance required. The Stainless-steel organic bench The Organic powder coated stainless steel bench is 1800mm long x 450mm wide x 450mm high and can be supplied in various sizes and colours. The abstract organic design was inspired by the venation on leaves and is contrasted by the ridgid rectangular form that defines this bench. This durable and functional bench, if manufactured in the right material to suit the environment, is ideal for most applications. These can be fixed to the floor if necessary. There are various patterns available that can be applied to this model. www.obbligato.co.za Igneous Concrete Igneous Concrete has a well-established reputation as a leading supplier of Polyconcrete product. Their newly custom designed triangulated benches (IGNX001 foreground, IGNX002 back left and IGNX003 back right) showcase their mixed media options, here combining Polyconcrete with a teak wood option. Other materials could include various steels, composite plastic materials and glass. They are also looking to combine their ranges with complimentary pots and planters, bollards and bins. Seen here is the triangulated pot (IGNX004). Their new to launch website provides suggested product items from their extensive 120-piece range as well as an extended 21 colour palette. Through Igneous you can easily choose a durable, low maintenance, forward design combination of indoor-outdoor installations to add dimension and style to your landscaping and architecture. Igneous Concrete have a large offering to the street furniture sector from benches and bollards to custom seating, planters and more. www.igneous.co.za

Pro Landscaper Africa | February 2019

www.prolandscaper.co.za

PRODUCTS

Igneous Seating Discovery Head Office & Ackerman’s HQ 1) The Discovery and Ackermans Head Quarters seating includes elongated pebble benches and rounded pebble seats. Featured here you will find the elongated pebble bench, triangulated pebble seat and rounded pebble seat as installed at the PwC Tower, Mall of Africa precinct in Midrand. Newtown Junction 2) Igneous’ resin based polyconcrete allows for beautifully designed organic, curved shapes such as these pebble range items. All items are fully weather proof, water resistant and low maintenance, bringing full durability in stylish design. These items form part of a larger pebble range, seen here are the elongated pebble bench, triangulated pebble bench and rounded pebble seat.

Street Network With the transformation and the development of the integrated transport systems, there has been a significant shift in the desirability of bus shelters. Located on main arterial routes, bus shelters are probably the most widely known street furniture format. They form part of the ongoing infrastructure development plans across numerous cities, and more often than not perform a dual function. In 2013, street furniture in South Africa took on a whole new appearance with the launch of a new look bus shelter in Johannesburg. The new shelters were a public-private partnership between Outdoor Network’s parent company PMG and the City. Designed in SA, the structures provided a new form and functionality that was considered world class. The shelters boast with integrated seating and are made from recyclable materials. The design brief required that the new shelters be in line with international trends and that they should provide innovative, “green” design in street furniture. Besides being a collection and drop off point for commuters utilising public transport in addition to the taxi network, Bus Shelters also provide advertising opportunities. The genius design of the Landmark and Slimline shelters ensures brands are offered an innovative canvass for creativity when communicating with their target audience - including motorists and pedestrians. www.outdoornetwork.co.za

www.prolandscaper.co.za

Pro Landscaper Africa | February 2019

PRODUCTS

Future-proof road and street lighting for tomorrow’s smart city DigiStreet is the first family of road and street luminaires that prepares your city for the digital age while saving energy and resources and optimizing maintenance efficiency. Since September 2017, a new family member is added, especially dedicated to application areas where catenary solutions are needed. Designed exclusively for roads and streets, they can feature universal sockets on the top and bottom of each luminaire that are ready to carry future sensors and lighting management systems. They are also available in a range of forms and optics, making them the ideal choice for public lighting in many different applications. The ideal choice for cities looking to switch to future-proof, efficient LED lighting. Designed for smart cities The digital revolution and the Internet of Things presents exciting opportunities for cities to benefit from future innovations in connectivity. But advances in technology happen so quickly, it can be difficult to decide when to opt in. DigiStreet makes that decision easy. It gives you all the benefits of a high-quality lighting infrastructure today, with industrypreferred technology that is ready to work with tomorrow’s systems and sensors. A cost effective, flexible solution that works with systems from different providers and can be scaled up to meet changing demands. Application Areas: • Parking areas • Roundabout • Residential street • Public transport area • Airport

• Harbor • Public transport area • Industrial area • Petrol station

www.lighting.philips.co.za/home

Pro Landscaper Africa | February 2019

WilsonStone’s Custom Benches and Tree Grids Recently completed, this exceptional urban streetscape featuring custom concrete benches and designer tree grids, adds to the contemporary, first world landscape architecture of the Sandton precinct (92 Rivonia Road, Sandton). These aspects of the build were designed by The Ochre Office, and working together with WilsonStone, a unique custom bench was created using a combination of steel (for reinforcing and aesthetics) and GRC. WilsonStone is a very flexible business, especially in terms of design and capacity, so working with The Ochre Office to create this bench is just the type of project they relish. WilsonStone has an on-site pattern shop which greatly enhances new product development and the ability to produce custom products quickly and easily. WilsonStone invites enquiries on any special or custom items, and is always happy to explore new ideas and product designs, as well as to offer clients a huge variety of products from their vast range of in-house designs. www.wilsonstone.co.za PARK Story Bench At Mfuleni Urban Park, the City of Cape Town required that the social history of Mfuleni be memorialized at the entrance to the park. The local residents together with their community leaders and the landscape architects chose the PARK Story Bench as a canvas for local artists to graphically express what Mfuleni means to the community. A design competition selected three artists from the area to represent 3 subjects, namely; culture, history and communal life. The artists were trained in the craft of mosaic as their medium of expression. Thereafter their creations were applied to the framework provided by PARK story benches to create seamless and integrated urban sculptures. These structures, along with the play equipment also supplied by PARK have helped to activate the centre of Mfuleni, achieving the City of Cape Town’s objectives of creating a meaningful and valuable green open space that enhances and strengthens community life. www.park.africa

www.prolandscaper.co.za

PRODUCTS

Customised Furniture Cornubia Mall was designed around the idea of an active, social lifestyle. The innovative mall was inspired by the KwaZulu Natal landscapes and aims to integrate both indoors and outdoors. In keeping with the theme, the Allsorted Designs team worked closely with the Architect to design aesthetically pleasing and functional bins. Stainless steel was specified for its durable, high quality, corrosion resistant properties and because it is a 100% recyclable material. Litter bins were manufactured with swing lids, shadowlines and adjustable feet, featuring custom funky Cornubia Mall logos over the corners. The motif on the bins ties this exterior space into the development as a whole and encourages interaction within the space. Cigarette bins were installed in busy public spaces discretely storing cigarette ash instead of bulky waste units. The units are slender and effective. This product portfolio enhances the aesthetic and functionality of the space. Allsorted Design Team’s one-stop service solution, streamlines the often challenging and time-consuming process of ensuring every aspect and requirement has been considered, and, that the final mix is both functional and stylish. www.allsorted.co.za

BEKA Schréder’s Shuffle People want to feel secure at all times, in their surroundings. The Shuffle enables city planners and site owners to do both with one aesthetic column. Thanks to the modular design of this lighting-based column, a first-to-market for Schréder, it can integrate a range of energy-efficient outdoor lighting modules with state-of-the-art security equipment and software. Surveillance cameras heighten the feeling of security for residents and visitors. Intercoms and emergency buttons can help people in distress. A flashing light ring can guide emergency services to where their intervention is needed for a quicker and more dynamic response time. Loudspeakers can broadcast announcements to manage crowds. By combining these services in a single column, less material is needed and the carbon footprint is much lower. With lighting columns already present in the heart of many cities, campuses, commercial and tourist areas, they provide access to pre-approved sites, an available power supply and regularly maintained infrastructure. Fitted with a PTZ (pant, tilt and zoom) camera and video management software, from our partner Genetec, you could even analyse traffic or parking spaces, detect intruders and evaluate crowd density to offer more smart services. www.beka-schreder.co.za

Rhino Wood’s Thermo Treated Wood The WWF Recently opened its new headquarters in Braamfontien Johannesburg. Braamfontien represents the rejuvenation of the inner city and the task of renovating an existing 248m2 building into a green beacon was their goal. The project promises to be a physical representation of WWF’s mandate to protect the natural environment and to promote lasting sustainability. “We’ve set our sights on meeting the stringent criteria for a 6-star rating from the National Green Building Council - this would be the first refurbishment in South Africa to receive this rating”, Stephen Wetmore of WWF explains. Rhino Wood was the natural choice for the Roof top garden deck not only because of its durability and stability but because Rhino Wood shares the same ethos as the WWF when it comes to sustainability. The 80m2 roof top deck is the perfect softener in the urban landscape and so happy was the WWF that a further pergola, wall cladding and tables were required. Rhino Wood are very proud to be associated with WWF on this project and the resulting green escape in the middle of the urban landscape will be enjoyed by all who visit long into the future. Rhino Wood is created using raw SA pine from sustainably managed, local plantations! www.rhinowood.co.za

www.prolandscaper.co.za

Pro Landscaper Africa | February 2019

PRODUCTS

EQUIPMENT TO WATCH IN 2019 There are many equipment products which are pushing the boundaries of ergonomics, carbon friendly landscaping, cordless ease, even intuitive technology inventions that all contribute to an easier, more sustainable setting. Pro Landscaper highlights some products to watch this year, as expressed by a few of our industry's leading brands.

Wacker Neuson’ AS50e Rammers Wacker Neuson is well known for its compaction equipment, especially for its rammers. The ambition to deliver mature products that meet the needs of the customer led Wacker Neuson rammers to become the most widely sold rammers worldwide. For applications in trenches and within buildings, the battery rammer AS50e can fully display its strength. Used for all traditional rammer work, the AS50e rammer provides safety for the operator as the unit is 100% emission-free and noise-reduced which is an important feature for all operators. The battery can be removed without tools so the operator can replace the discharged battery easily in a few simple steps. The runtime of the rammer is 30 continuous minutes which is usually sufficient to accomplish a full day’s work. Low operating costs are an additional advantage since the typical maintenance jobs of conventional rammers, for example maintenance work on the carburetor, are not required with the battery-powered rammer. www.wackerneuson.com

Yamaha UMX light utility vehicle: Built for work Style, superior comfort and increased productivity Yamaha is one of the most trusted and respected brands in the Golf Car segment thanks to the advanced engineering and desire to reply to every market need. The company's line-up includes a wide range of models aimed at different segments of the market. As part of its constant push for innovation and evolution, the company is focussing on diversifying and expanding its line-up in the Utility vehicle segment. The growing selection of golf car utility vehicles is designed to handle an array of tasks in commercial, industrial, agricultural and leisure environments. Yamaha Utility vehicles offer the versatility, user-friendliness and durability that professional operators require, and are designed to handle everything from turf maintenance duties to light farming. These practical Utility models are also perfectly suitable for golf course use - and their high wheels, spacious cargo beds and robust construction give increased functionality and improved light off-road capability, making them an effective and productive addition to any workforce. www.yamaha.co.za | 011 259 7600

IS® 2100Z ZERO TURN MOWERS

Spend one day on the IS® 2100Z zero-turn and you'll discover how the patented suspension technology turns slow, bumpy mowing into riding comfort and enhanced productivity. CoilOver-Shocks and all suspension-related components are covered for 4 years (48 months), for unlimited hours. We are committed to providing performance, productivity and durability With Ferris iCD engineering under the mower deck, you'll enjoy consistently accurate cutting performance. Fully serviceable commercial Hydro-Gear ZT-4400™ transaxles deliver power and durability and is an aggressive performer for professional use or discerning homeowners. Mows up to 5 acres per hour, based on 80% efficiency. Powered by the Vanguard™ 810 EFI engine offering a 25% lower fuel cost and a 500 hour oil change interval with the new Oil Guard System, which reduces maintenance time and costs by up to 60%. www.powerproducts.co.za 48

Pro Landscaper Africa | February 2019

www.prolandscaper.co.za

PRODUCTS

Isio from Bosch The Isio from Bosch is compact, versatile and easy to use. This successful grass and shrub shear set has now become even more versatile. In addition, the Isio trims grasses and shrubs in a tried-and-tested manner and spreads water-soluble plant protection products or liquid fertilizers using the spray attachment. Change attachments effortlessly with the “Multi Click System” The various Isio attachments can be changed quickly and easily thanks to the tried-andtested “Multi Click System”: Easy handling and high user comfort The Isio offers a great deal of comfort for its users – the universal gardening tool weighs just 600 grams together with an attachment, and is always comfortable to hold thanks to its balanced centre of gravity and ergonomic handle. The battery level display shows the available power in four steps. This 4-in-1 function makes the Isio the universal gardening tool. www.bosch.africa

Husqvarna’s Automower® World Leader in Robotic Mowing Since 1995 More than 20 years of research, innovation and lush, green lawns have made Husqvarna Automower® the world leader in robotic mowing. Husqvarna have sold more than a million around the world and their latest generation of robots are the most modern on the market. Designed for functionality and durability, they work quietly, efficiently and autonomously to give you a better finish than any other mower. Day and night, whatever the weather, Automower® gets on with the job, leaving you to focus on more important and fun tasks and enjoy a beautiful, perfectly cut lawn. The basic premise behind Husqvarna’s robotic mower technology is to cut a little and often, which results in a healthier lawn. Boundary and guide wires are laid to define the area within which you want your Automower® to work. The mower is equipped with razor-sharp blades that cut each blade of glass, resulting in a lush, green lawn that cannot be achieved by conventional mowing. When it’s time to recharge, your Automower® simply finds its way back to its docking station and charges itself until it’s ready to start mowing again. www.husqvarna.co.za

STIHL’s Lithium-Ion PRO cordless power tools

The greenest choice in power tools Environmental awareness is paramount today. It also makes sense to be kind to those around you and those who work for you. STIHL’s Lithium-Ion PRO cordless power tools deliver a professional-grade performance with greener features to make everyone happy. Enjoy cordless mobility and extended battery life, plus typical STIHL quality and innovative designs. There’s no downtime for messy refuelling, and servicing time is significantly reduced. Perhaps best of all is that there are no smelly emissions, limited noise (ideal for noise-sensitive areas), and PRO products are lightweight and ergonomic – ideal for extended use. Choose from cordless chainsaws, telescopic pole pruners, brushcutters, blowers, hedge-trimmers and lawnmowers. All are powerful and easy to use, with long running time/short charging time, and the added convenience of batteries being interchangeable between all PRO products. Also, STIHL’s innovative Lithium-ion battery technology ensures that these machines won’t lose power as the battery begins to run down. Be greener, work better – go PRO. www.stihl.co.za www.prolandscaper.co.za

Pro Landscaper Africa | February 2019

BOOK CLUB

THE

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AN ECOLOGICAL GUIDE TO SUSTAINABLE LIVING IN SOUTHERN AFRICA

Book: Environmental Management: An ecological Prof. M. Leon Hugo and Jean Hugo guide to sustainable living in southern Africa. By ABOUT THIS BOOK Leon Hugo and Jean Hugo. Ecoplan, Pretoria. 2018.

There are many books available on basic ecology as well as environmental management. This book however is

Reviewer: Marie relevant environmental issuesBadenhorst in Southern Africa in an outcomes based, educationally sound, and non-technical the only one on Southern Africa that integrates basic ecology with local management issues. It addresses many approach. It explains, in a pragmatic way, how the resource base can be utilized in a sustainable way. Both

authors are well known for their passionate concern for the need for human kind to respect nature in order to survive on earth and more specifically for the sake of the children of South Africa to have a hopeful future.

R DENHO ARIE BA

ABOUT THE AUTHORS Prof. Leon Hugo taught ecology and environmental

Jean Hugo has been trained in social sciences and

management for 40 years at various tertiary

video technology and has vast experience in internet

institutions. He has been in charge of many research

management. He manages the associated website

projects especially on ecological terrain evaluation,

www.econatics.co.za. Of special importance is the

which has given him the practical experience to

Supplementary Information section which ensures

relate theory to pragmatic everyday management

that the textbook is being kept up to date on a weekly

issues. This book is his 4th on environmentally

basis. For students that wish to enter the work force

related issues. He holds a master’s degree in

after their studies, there is a section on contacts in

Geomorphology, a masters in Landscape Architecture

the industry that is being kept updated.

and a doctorate in Landscape Planning for Tourism.

This book gave me the motivation as well as very real and practical guidelines on how to implement environmentally sound design. There are many books available on basic ecology as well as a good few on environmental management. This book however is the only one on South African soil that integrates basic ecology with local design and management issues. It addresses many relevant environmental issues in southern Africa, in an educationally sound, nontechnical manner which makes the appeal even greater. It explains, in a pragmatic tone, how the resource base can be utilised in a sustainable way. I am continuously confronted by developers, town planners and architects who do not necessarily understand that we urgently need to come into harmony with nature and its laws if we as species are going to survive. By referring to ecological concepts underwritten by specialists in this book, I feel encouraged to stand my ground against ruthless people who have only one motive: short term financial gain! For me to convince them of

Pro Landscaper Africa | February 2019

issues such as the need for endemic planting, the value of biodiversity, and more, to ensure ecological balance within the ecosystem, is a real battle with which this book encourages and supports the reader.

Copyright © Ecoplan, 2004: All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be copied or reproduced in any way, whether electronically or mechanically, including photocopying or any other way, without the written permission of the publisher.

Any development project that does not follow basic natural laws, is bound to leave a legacy of a battle for the up-keeping of the ecological balance, by constant secondary energy input; whereas a well-designed project, in harmony with nature, will look after itself. It will also be much cheaper to implement and requires little management. The book is necessary for all professionals interested in the design of the South African landscape –all examples being taken from our local environment. My most memorable section of the book explains the relevance of the natural laws. It brought me into the realisation that intelligent landscape design is not to concentrate primarily on the visual component - the cosmetics, but one needs to understand how nature functions. This is adequately explained in the first two chapters and these principles are then applied throughout the book, but more specifically in chapter 9, where it is shown how these laws influence all land use types – inclusive of urban design. I think the ultimate value of the book lies in the fact that the authors are constantly updating the information by way of a connected website www.econatics.co.za. Although the basic ecological facts ingrained in nature remain the

LEON HUGO & JEAN HUGO

This book sparks interest when realising the imminent danger that we as humanity (including our children) are standing in front of an environmental crisis. This made me further realise that I, as a Landscape Architect, had a responsibility towards influencing development projects to take care of what is left of our natural ecosystems and to integrate nature in a responsible way into each and every design.

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

BOOK CLUB

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AN ECOLOGICAL GUIDE TO SUSTAINABLE LIVING IN SOUTHERN AFRICA

20 19 Edition

Regularly updated website | www.econatics.co.za

LEON HUGO & JEAN HUGO

same, the fact that people are getting much more environmentally conscious, is leading to active research in this field and the book keeps one updated by a section of SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION where new research as well as relevant current news items are given on a regular basis. This information is organised in such a way that every paragraph in the book is expanded on. If someone wants to get more detailed information of any topic, they can also use the search button and get lists of new information; in greater depth than what is published in the book itself. And all this for free! Added to this is the section ECO-NEWBIES. An introductory section on basics – a simplistic yet illuminating 7 lessons that act as an introduction to the understanding of the book. As if this is not enough: there is a list of organisations active in the field of the environment in South Africa. Anybody looking for contacts can do no better than looking at this information – all summarised in alphabetical order. This is a "value-for-money" publication that should be widely propagated amongst all working in and with nature: architects, planners, engineers, horticulturalists, geographers, I highly recommend this read.

www.prolandscaper.co.za

A PERMEABLE PAVING SOLUTION The highest load bearing plastic grid paver on the market. Suitable for pedestrian pathways as well as a heavy truck.

GARY BERGESEN C 082 652 5445 F 086 529 2388

E gary@sudpave.co.za | www.sudpave.co.za