Estate Living Magazine Alfresco Living - Issue 36 December 2018 | Page 24

Due Point
What’s important, what’s not
Beukes says that estates shouldn’t be afraid to make radical changes – after
all, we don’t live the way we did 20 years ago, and we are unlikely to be
living the same way 20 years hence. But, while you’re striving to maintain
relevance, don’t give in to the temptation to overspend on technology.
This is an area where it’s best to provide a simple solution that residents
can augment as they wish, according to their preferred devices.
Instead of trying to create an environment in which people interact with
technology to the best of their ability, turn your attention to fashioning a
space where people are coaxed into communicating with each other,
Beukes reiterates. ‘Remember that this is all about families and lifestyles
– people are investing in the lifestyles they aspire to,’ he says. Not that this
means creating something grand. On the contrary, if a space feels too
opulent, residents may feel intimidated and won’t use it. ‘You want to give
them an extended home,’ he comments. That’s why he believes one of the
best investments is in materials that are tactile and invite touch – items that
are warm and rich, and feel more like a cocoon than a clinic.
‘Put people at the centre of your project, and you’re assured of success,’
Beukes concludes.
Nando's
onepointzero.co.za
* Due to Dainfern Estates renovation being in process, there are no images
at this time – stay tuned for the before and after.
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