Project type: Urban Mixed-Use Development
Client: Tongaat Hulett Developements
Landscape value: R 121,000,000
Project description: Developed by Tongaat Hulett Developments, located on the sea facing slopes of what was once sugar cane fields in Umhlanga Rocks, will ultimately become a mixed use urban development comprised of low and high density residential units, commercial areas, offices, urban and natural forest parks. Working in conjunction with ASM Urban Designers, NLA were tasked with the responsibility for the overall landscape strategy and the design and implementation of all open spaces systems and road verges.
Under the umbrella of ‘eco-urbanism’, the shaping of green networks and re-utilisation of storm water run-off formed an integral part of the landscape strategy. High on the priority list was the protection, rehabilitation and sensitive utilization of the 26 ha forest located along the eastern part of the site. Here a forest rehabilitation program is in progress in collaboration with local ecologists who are assisting in the education and empowerment of a small business initiative that will take over the long-term maintenance of the forest.
In collaboration with a local specialist, NLA compiled a diverse and completely indigenous planting palette. Landscape implementation codes for each development site, were also established to ensure the appropriate, ecologically and aesthetically, realization of the planting schemes.
To secure the required plant materials, a site procurement nursery is being established in association with the Wildlands Trust. This will ensure the availability of adequately sized plants and is another initiative to create local employment opportunities.