Dietes and Strelitzias used ties in with the planting
within the adjacent neighbourhoods.
It is with this view that the planting palette
consisted of a Dietes bicolor mix interplanted with
Kniphofia praecox and Crocosmia species. This mix
was used as the canvas for the landscape design.
This planting mix is extremely tough and looks good
throughout the year with various splashes of colour
throughout the year. Detail planting was added to
the canvas such as Aloe porcupine, Asparagus sp,
Agapanthus species, Crocosmia sp, Elegia tectorum,
Strelitzia reginae and Strelitzia mandela’s gold.
Viburnum hedges were used to demarcate the seating
areas of the restaurants lining the piazza and also
softened the edges to the piazza. Freylinia tropica was
along the periphery of the development in conjunction
with Celtis Africana.
The tree palette consists of Combretum
eruthrophyllum, Celtis Africana, Platanus acerifolia,
Liquidamber styraciflua, Olea europaea subs africana
and Harpephyllum caffrum trees were used which
occurs throughout the precinct. The streets along
Clydesdale’s roads are lined with Plane trees and
these were introduced along the pedestrian access
leading from Clydesdale into the piazza.
A terraced water feature, emanating at the stage
within the piazza, culminates at a sculpture placed at
the bottom of the water feature. An interactive zero
level water feature with granite tile finish serves as a
focal element in the heart of the piazza to the delight
of both young and old.
Bespoke street furniture was provided. These
included bespoke tree rings engraved with the
logo of the development, which were added to the
Liquidamber trees within the piazza. The leaves
of these trees turn a beautiful red during autumn,
further enhancing and contributing to the colour
theme envisaged. Stainless steel bicycle racks were
designed and manufactured in the shape of bicycles
Loftus Park
which act as art pieces and enhance the theme of
making use of art pieces throughout the development.
Courtyards to the two office buildings were
provided with seating planters. Harpephyllum caffrum,
as well as Olea europaea subsp africana trees, define
these spaces. Bespoke pergola structures provide
spaces for the tenants to these buildings to socialise.
Sustainability
The precinct is designed in accordance with the
LEEDS Guidelines for Precincts which is new to
South Africa. The guidelines and interventions deal
with every aspect, excluding the building elements,
and focuses on areas such as connectivity, site
specific elements, public transport, area amenities
and public participation.
The office building is designed to obtain a 4-star
Green rating taking into account all aspects required.
Mentioned already is the harvesting of the ground
water. Added to this aspect, rainwater from building
roofs, as well as paving surface water are harvested
and directed into the same system.
Service aspects such as HVAC, emergency power
provision and other services are rationalised and
mostly accommodated within the basement areas.
The focus of the development is on energy and
water savings, minimising light pollution through
strategic light source positioning and orientation of
building and glass areas. Integral to the design is the
incorporation of shading devices to reduce sun-glare.
Conclusion
A visit to Loftus Park will prove the precinct to be a
unique experience and has proved to be the landmark
envisaged by all involved.
The composition of buildings, exciting site layout,
sensible proportion to the public spaces, as well as
attention to detail enhances the environment to be a
catalyst to the Hatfield and Arcadia areas of Pretoria.
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