The Property Magazine, Gauteng edition, February 2011

DECOR Pedersen + Lennard:

furniture with a twist

GuEst EDitOR REal EstatEraeL Levitt, CeO, auCtiOn aLLianCe

& Health Spa

Songbird Simphiwe Dana’s first home • Real estate heavyweights speak out: What’s really happening in SA • Hout Bay: The truth behind the drama

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Propertydecor, trends, luxury, design & real estatefebruary 2011 winner of 9 publishing awards

GautenGest. 2004, issue 217

styLe, quaLity, sPaCe

lomBARDy EstatE

February 2011 | 1

DECOR

15 HOT PROPERTY– HOT DECOR

Why white is the hottest kitchen

colour, plus Italian furniture and

environmentally friendly shelves.

21 GLASS ACT An eco-friendly Somerset West

home of steel and glass.

TRENDS

12 HOT PROPERTY– HOT PLATE

Happening restaurants and

getaways, plus Chef Michael

Broughton talks kitchens with us.

13 HOT PROPERTY – HOT STUFF

The most covetable items on the

shelf right now.

31 LOST IN THE WOODS It’s had its controversy over the

past few months, but Hout Bay is

still an idyllic place to live, in an

unmatchable setting.

45 PROPERTY DINNER We entertain in style at

Punchinello’s in Fourways.

68 SOCIETY Out and about with the beautiful

people in Gauteng.

80 THE FINAL TOUCH Four SA designers recommend

their must-have room accessory.

LUXURY

42 MALAYSIA Diverse cultures, exotic fl avours,

natural beauty and luxe hotels.

69 WIN A three-night stay at Coral

International Cape Town,

worth R45 000.

DESIGN

14 HOT PROPERTY– HOT DESIGN

Supermodel Iman’s new home

fabric range, artist Nicholas

Hlobo, plus Ronél Jordaan’s

unique felt products.

36 YOUNG GUNS Luke Pedersen and James

Lennard are taking the furniture

design world by storm with their

chic, pared-down creations.

48 WATCH THIS SPACE Talking interior design with the

best in the industry.

54 THE WORKHOUSE Ogilvy Durban’s cutting-edge

new Durban warehouse combines

history and future, thanks to

Egg Designs.

REAL ESTATE

18 A SONGBIRD’S NEST Enigmatic jazz singer Simphiwe

Dana shares her nostalgia

about her fi rst home in Orange

Grove, Johannesburg.

26 THE STATE OF SA REAL ESTATE

Is the real-estate industry fi nally

recovering? Six industry experts

give us the low-down.

57 THE ROCKY ROAD AHEAD

Guest Editor Rael Levitt, CEO

of Auction Alliance, shares his

predictions for the housing

market in 2011.

58 RESIDENTIAL Some key property investment

opportunities, from Jeffreys Bay

to the Strand to Dullstroom.

60 COMMERCIAL A new mall for Port Elizabeth,

the future of retail developments,

plus a new industrial park

for Limpopo.

62 AUCTION A Breede River mansion, premier

South African art and antiques go

under the hammer in February.

64 PROPERTY FUND Acquisitions, predictions and

insight into South Africa’s

JSE-listed, R125-billion

property sector.

66 GREEN BUILDING A Green Building Council African

Network is on the cards, students

take green building to heart, plus

the Giba Gorge Environmental

Precinct is launched.

67 OFFSHORE

Opportunities in Abu Dhabi, a

smart eco-city in Cyprus, and

why now is the time to buy

property in the UK countryside.

ON THE COVERLombardy Estate & Health Spa. Turn to

page 40 for details.

21

FEBRUARYFEBRUARYContents

13

36 14

Our experienced RE/MAX agents throughout Southern Africa deliver a professional, caring service to all Real Estate buyers and sellers.

This is what you expect from the worlds leading Real Estate Brand represented by over 90,000 agents in over 80 countries.

Let RE/MAX make your Real Estate dreams come true in 2011.

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IN 2011 YOUR DREAM IS OUR REALTY

Our experienced RE/MAX agents throughout Southern Africa deliver a professional, caring service to all Real Estate buyers and sellers.

This is what you expect from the worlds leading Real Estate Brand represented by over 90,000 agents in over 80 countries.

Let RE/MAX make your Real Estate dreams come true in 2011.

CALL YOUR NEAREST RE/MAX OFFICE TODAY, WE ARE NEVER TOO BUSY FOR YOUR REFERRALS.WE ARE NEVER TOO BUSY FOR YOUR REFERRALS.

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IN 2011 YOUR DREAM IS OUR REALTY

On this mOnth’s cOvers Western Cape: South Pelham, Hermanus. +27 (0)82 801 5252, hpsrealty.co.zaGauteng: Lombardy Estate & Health Spa, Pretoria. lombardyestate.co.za

KwaZulu-Natal: Prime Property – Somerset West Eco-Marvel

DECOR PEDERSEN + LENNARD:

FURNITURE WITH A TWIST

OGILVY DURBAN’S FUNKY DOCKSIDE WAREHOUSE

GUEST EDITOR REAL ESTATERAEL LEVITT, CEO,

AUCTION ALLIANCE

SOUTH PELHAMSongbird Simphiwe Dana’s first home • Real estate heavyweights speak out:

What’s really happening in SA • Hout Bay: The truth behind the drama

PropertyWESTERN CAPE

HISTORICAL HERMANUS

HOMEDECOR

PEDERSEN + LENNARD:FURNITURE WITH A TWIST

GUEST EDITOR REAL ESTATERAEL LEVITT, CEO, AUCTION ALLIANCE

& Health Spa

Songbird Simphiwe Dana’s first home • Real estate heavyweights speak out: What’s really happening in SA • Hout Bay: The truth behind the drama

PropertyGAUTENG

STYLE, QUALITY, SPACE

LOMBARDY ESTATE

DECORPEDERSEN + LENNARD:

FURNITURE WITH A TWIST

OGILVY DURBAN’S FUNKY DOCKSIDE WAREHOUSE

GUEST EDITOR REAL ESTATERAEL LEVITT, CEO, AUCTION ALLIANCE

A Somerset West eco-marvelAND GLASS

Songbird Simphiwe Dana’s first home • Real estate heavyweights speak out: What’s really happening in SA • The Midlands awakens from its slumber

PropertyKWAZULU-NATAL

THE HOUSE OF

STEEL

PropertyeDitOriAL

Editor sandy Welch [email protected]

KwaZulu-Natal Bureau ChiefAnne schauffer [email protected]

Senior Subeditor Yaron Blecher

Features Writers Genevieve Fisher, Andrea Firth (Western Cape)André Fiore (KwaZulu-Natal)

Art

Art Director Warren Uytenbogaardt [email protected]

Senior Designer Joanne Uytenbogaardt

Mid-Weight Designer trudine scannell

Senior Retouchertim Lake

cOntriBUtOrsTidi Benbenisti, Melanie Farrell, Jackie Gray, Rael Levitt, David Mullany, Joan Muller, Vicki Sleet, Ed Suter

PhOtOGrAPhersRuvan Boshoff, Nick Boulton, Angela Buckland, Sally Chance, Anthony Friend, Sam Norval, Natalie Payne, Ed Suter

PrintinG

CTP Printers Cape Town

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[email protected] Sales Directorshanee smart

Western Cape Sales tharien nel, Zak swartz

Gauteng Salescandice Bailey, rui Barbosa, Anine ehlers, marc Lahoud, musi motsuenyane

Kwazulu-Natal Salescharles roets, Jenni mccallum

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DriversWillem september (Western Cape)Joseph khoza (Gauteng)

nedbank Property Association Awards 2010: Winner – Mover & Shaker Award (Tony Vaughan) PicA Awards 2009: Winner – Special Award, Overall Publishing Excellence PicA Awards 2008: Winner – Consumer Magazines, Largely Free Distribution, and Highly Commended: Editorial Excellence, Public Interest Writer of the Year (Ed Suter) 20th sAB environmentalist of the Year & environmental Journalists of the Year Awards 2008: Winner – Merit Award, Print & Internet sAPOA Property Journalism Awards 2008: Winner – Best Property Publication, and Special Mention – Property Feature Journalist (Ed Suter) PicA Awards 2007: B2B – Publishing Excellence, Leisure mondi magazine Awards 2005: Winner – Foresight sAPPi PicA Awards 2005: Winner – Philip Tyler Trophy for Innovation in Magazine Publishing Brandhouse media Owners challenge Awards 2005:Winner – Innovation in Publishing sAPPi PicA Awards 2005: B2B – Highly Commended

mondi magazine Awards 2004: Industry – Finalist Launch Edition: April 2004

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Published monthly in three regional issues: Western cape, Gauteng and kwaZulu-natalCurrent ABC Audited Circulation (Q2 2010, April – June)

Western Cape – 27 662, Gauteng – 27 976, KwaZulu-Natal – 17 928, Total Nationally – 73 566Web Stats: Unique Page Impressions – 37 589; Number of Property Club Members – 23 368

Amps Audited National Readership (2010A) 370 000

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Disclaimer The publisher and editor of this magazine give no warranties, guarantees or assurances and make no representations regarding any goods or services

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written consent from Media Nova (Pty) Limited. The publishers are not responsible for any unsolicited material.

thepropertymag.co.za

medianova.co.za

6 | February 2011

Sandy Welch, Editor

A brave new move

If you haven’t yet, you really should…

And introducing … the new-look Property Magazine. Yes, we’ve done some renovations of our own, and we hope you � nd them as refreshing and inspiring as we do. In the words of Nancy Astor (the � rst woman to sit as a member of parliament in the British House of Commons), the main dangers in this life are the people who want to change everything or nothing. With this in mind, we’ve tried to take the middle road, so that all your favourite elements of The Property Magazine will still be intact, but there will also be so much more. You’ll notice that our pay-o� line on the cover has also been changed to read ‘decor, trends, luxury, design and real estate’, to explain more concisely exactly what we are all about. Take cognizance of our fresh new page design, which we’ve aligned with the latest, worldwide, cutting-edge magazine design trends.

I’m really excited to introduce a new concept to the magazine, in which we invite a major industry player to guest-edit our ‘Real Estate’ section. We believe this will add some valuable insight to these pages, and enable some experts to make their mark on our magazine. Auction Alliance CEO Rael Levitt, this month’s guest editor, is one of South Africa’s most innovative businessmen and has managed to take the SA auction industry to a whole new level. We are very privileged to have had

his valuable input on the year ahead for property. There is also more enlightenment on this issue from some other prominent � gures in the South African real-estate industry, who gave us their in-depth opinions on what’s really going on – it’s a must-read for anyone thinking of investing in property at the moment.

Most importantly, though, we’ve designed the magazine so that you, our readers, can be fully involved with us on an interactive basis. Use our website links in the magazine to � nd out more about our stories or view more photographs and interact with us where possible. The phenomenon that is social networking isn’t going away – just ask Time magazine, which named Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg as its Person of the Year for 2010, beating out even WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.

With this in mind, we invite you to use our Facebook page to � nd out what we’re up to daily, and let us know what you like – and what you don’t. The days of passive readership are over!

Take your kids to these two great,

child-friendly restaurants. As a

parent, it’s always a huge relief to

discover restaurants that cater for

kids. ‘Organic’ and ‘children’ are

not words that sit well together.

That’s why I was amazed to fi nd

that green restaurant Eight at Spier

is also kiddie friendly. Tiny ‘baby’

hamburgers served in colourful

buckets, miniature frying pans for little

fi sh and chips – it’s clever, imaginative,

and you might even be able to

persuade your kids to eat something

healthy! At Knife at Crystal Towers

Hotel (pictured left), an authentic

American-style steakhouse, kids get

to wear a tiny plastic apron, and

choose meals off an animal-shaped

chalkboard. Food is served creatively,

in pint-sized portions. Eight,

+27 (0)21 809 1188, spier.co.za;

Knife, +27 (0)21 551 5000,

knife-restaurants.co.za

Check out Donald Greig

Sculpture’s new foundry at the

V & A Waterfront. It gives you

the opportunity to get up close

to the bronzing process and

watch the artists at work. Donald,

who is the fourth generation

of the Charles Greig Jewellers

family, uses a process known as

lost- wax casting, which dates

back 5 000 years. His works are

world renowned and feature in

some prominent homes around the

country. It’s a fascinating place to

visit. +27 (0)21 418 4515,

donaldgreig.com

Join the Bascule Whisky Club.

Situated at the Cape Grace, Bascule

Bar has a collection of over 400

whiskies from all over the world to

choose from, and membership entitles

you to store whisky in a private

cabinet with your own engraved

name plaque on it, private whisky

tastings, advice on purchases and

a personalised cut crystal whisky

tumbler. +27 (0)21 410 7082,

capegrace.com

THE PROPERTY MAGAZINE

ONLINE

SUBSCRIBE Turn to page 53 for our

special offer.

VISIT Browse thepropertymag.co.za

for the latest features.

FOLLOW US on Facebook

and Twitter:

facebook.com/thepropertymagazine

twitter.com/thepropertymag

0861 765 833

ED’S LETTER

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LETTERS

Property involves us all. What’s your view? Email [email protected]

You tell us

FLUSHEDYou were very brave to feature an article about that marvellous monument to architectural impracticality and public o� ence, the infamous Werdmuller Centre, in Claremont. As distinct from sculpture, architecture should inherently be about creating an enjoyable and/or functional space for people. Being kind, I suggest that Roelof Uytenbogaardt considered neither of these aims, but may have designed that ghastly building for his own academic purpose, which was to encourage his students to think unconventionally and take risks.

That the appearance of the Werdmuller Centre (aptly abbreviated to ‘WC’) was unanimously condemned by people on all levels of education and from every ethnic group proved its supreme failure in line and form.

It comparably failed utterly to attract custom for its tenants. To access the above- ground level required of one to ascend an exposed incline surfaced with slippery slate, such that when it rained, pedestrians, apart from getting drenched, had to hang on to the rail in case they slipped. Alternative access was by dingy back stairs almost customised to the needs of muggers. Nearly all the fenestration was implacably hostile towards retail display. Successful retailing is enormously dependent on position. The logistics of the WC worked as comprehensively repellent to the public, especially to those hurriedly passing through the station.

A really good architect should be able to get away with an adventurous or unorthodox concept, provided the users of the edi� ce feel comfortable to do their work or shopping in and around it. The WC unfortunately illustrates

the old adage, ‘Those who can, do; those who can’t, teach.’

I’m not in the business, but I hugely enjoy your magazine.Tim Anderson

Cape Town

GREAT SCOTT!Greg and I want to thank you for featuring us in your ‘Architect Pro� le’ in the November issue. Compliments to you and your team for putting together a really well-written article; we have had nothing but very complimentary feedback. Comment has been forthcoming from the ‘right’ people. This again goes to show that you have the people that count reading your publications. Thanks again, and we can’t wait to see you again at the next Property Dinner.Greg Scott, Director,

Greg Wright Architects

Cape Town

MAINTAININGAN OPINIONEvery month I read your magazine with great interest, as property is a passion of mine. You frequently run articles about architects and the role they play. But once all the glitz and glamour of design and construction are over, a property needs to be maintained in order for it to have a long lifespan and look good at all times. This might not be as glamorous a role as architecture, but it is vital to the property industry. It would be great to see an article on prominent businesses in the property maintenance sector, as many readers out there still don’t know how important it is that they maintain their properties properly.Etienne de Villiers

Cape Town

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WINNING LETTERWrite to us and you could win a Bugatti Glamour

Range kitchenware hamper valued at R1 500!

Buying kitchenware and gifts takes on a whole

new meaning at Casa Bugatti, a company intent on

changing the way you think about your tabletop

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and modifi ed to present you with a brand- new

concept. Thanks to a team of specialist designers,

the comprehensive range of products is all about

quality, beauty and practicality, italianlifestyle.co.za

in Claremont. As distinct from

do; those who can’t, teach.’I’m not in the business, but

I hugely enjoy your magazine.Tim Anderson

Cape Town

LETTERof the Month

facebook.com/thepropertymagazine twitter.com/thepropertymag

GLE 2474 Lindt Valentines Ad(Property Mag).indd 1 29/11/2010 11:29Process CyanProcess MagentaProcess YellowProcess Black

February 2011 | 11

HOT space

HOT pROpeRTY

1Melon’s laid-back outdoor seating section 2The stage/lounge area has a hip retro vibe 3 Playful yet elegant

decor adds to Melon’s charm. 4Fine detailing accentuates the fine-dining experience at Melon.

Visit thepropertymag.co.za for more superb,

trendy restaurants.

The newest offering on

the high street of eclectic

Melville is Melon, a

restaurant that’s bringing

style and glamour back to the suburb.

Owners Emil Faber and Johann

Strauss have created a relaxed, classy

environment that entices diners to

enjoy the first-rate food.

The restaurant is divided into three

different areas: a main eating section;

the stage area, where drinks and

cocktails can be enjoyed, and which

has a lounge feel to it; and an outside

area that has a relaxed café vibe.

When it comes to the menu,

executive chef Thomas Grove’s

offerings range from the traditional to

the extravagant.

Expect dishes such as the duck

pâté starter, consisting of confit duck

blended with duck fat, cream and fresh

herbs and spices, chilled and served

with marinated cucumbers, blueberry

chutney and toasted brioche; the pork

belly main, served with apple mash,

cider jus and seasonal vegetables

topped with spiced crackling; and

white chocolate Bavarian dessert

served with melon jelly and drizzled

with lemongrass syrup.

(If fancy’s not your thing, you can

also order a mouth-watering steak.)

‘There’s no reason why Melville

can’t compete with or outclass

Parkhurst, Greenside and Melrose

Arch,’ comments Emil. ‘Everybody is

working hard to keep Melville clean

and crime-free, and we are making

a bold statement: that it is trendy

to hang out in Melville again.’ +27 (0)11 482 9965

Wo

rds

Tid

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enis

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Melo

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Melon magic1 2

43

Fine dining returns to Melville’s menu.

12 | February 2011

From decadent cupcakes to scrumptious sushi, the choice of eateries and culinary delights in Jo’burg is growing, and keeping patrons coming back for more.

MICHAEL BROUGHTON

is the award-winning

chef at Kleine Zalze’s

Terroir Restaurant.

Here he gives us a

sneak peak into his

favourite room at

home … His kitchen.

Q What do you love most about your own home kitchen?I love the wide-open space and the open-plan

feel. I can cook up a storm and at the same

time have eye and voice contact with friends

and family sitting at the dining room table or

at my kitchen counter. I love the huge wooden

work surfaces, with lights directly above the

longest of them. I often sit at this counter late

at night, perched on a stool, poring over my

recipe books, sifting through ideas and waiting

and hoping for the next idea to germinate. It’s

my favourite place in the house.

Q What are a few cooking essentials all aspirant foodies should have in their kitchens?You have to have some toys in your kitchen

to really impress your guests. A digital

thermometer is my favourite gadget for

preparing that ultra-tender pink lamb shoulder.

I cannot live without my stick blender, the

quickest and handiest tool for whipping,

blitzing and puréeing. My KitchenAid takes the

stress out of whipping, whisking and mincing.

Q If you had to choose your last meal, what would it be?I’d start with a glass of Pol Roger Sir Winston

Churchill 1996 bubbly while nibbling on blini

with Oscietra and sour cream, then move on to

simple pasta with loads of langoustines, a little

chilli, fresh tomato, garlic and a touch of cream.

Next: a juicy loin of pink lamb with Parmesan

and tomato sauce, loads of olives, artichoke,

garlic and basil. I’d end off with a few scoops of

well-made dulce de leche ice cream.

Q Champagne and oysters or beer and braai?I have four weaknesses in life: beer, butter,

braai and bread. Braaiing is the best way to

entertain in summer – good friends, the kids

swimming in the pool while watching the

sunset, turning the meat, hearing the sizzle

… Delicious! +27 (0)21 880 8167,

kleinezalze.com

HOT PROPERTY

HOT PLATE

Since it fi rst opened its doors in September 2009, Cup – Decadently Yours, the quaint, pink-hued coffee

shop in the heart of Morningside Shopping Centre, has been serving the most delectable, mouth-watering

cupcakes, sandwiches and light meals. Inspired by old-school Hollywood glamour, Cup is the perfect spot to

unwind while sipping on exotic teas, delicious coffee brews and divine dishes. Live entertainment has recently

been introduced, including a line-up of musicians, singers and other performers. Cup also caters for private

functions, parties and special requests. Anyone for Toblerone chocolate cheesecake? +27 (0)10 590 0162

Hush has quickly become Jo’burg’s

most sought-after party hot spot.

Located in Rosebank (a fl oor above

Latinova), Hush is the brainchild

of Stephane Cohen. Its super-sexy

interiors and chic dance fl oor are

only surpassed by the scintillating

beats played by some of SA’s

fi nest DJs. For private functions,

after- parties or a night out with

friends, Hush is where it’s at.

+27 (0)11 447 1082, hushclub.co.za

Cup o’ style

� e word is ‘Hush’

Co

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February 2011 | 13

HOT STUFF

HOT PROPERTY

BAG ITCoveted brand Cartier has unveiled its latest bag. Comprising top stitching,

art deco design and plush textures – leathers or woollen fabric – and

patterns, the Cartier bag is the epitome of French style and allure. Available

in three sizes (large, medium and small), it is a timeless accessory.

Find it at Boutique Cartier Sandton City.

+27 (0)11 666 2800, cartier.com

Twice as niceThe second Koi restaurant is making its mark on Jo’burg’s culinary

landscape. Situated in The Firs, in Rosebank, the new Koi continues the

original Sandton restaurant’s tradition of fresh, innovative Asian cuisine.

Sushi is just one of Koi’s specialities. The dim sum and noodles are similarly

unmissable. The decor is ultra-mod, and there’s a cool outdoor area for

al fresco summer dining. +27 (0)11 447 2440, koirest.co.za

SUMMER SHADESBrazilian fashion design guru, Alexandre Herchcovitch, has teamed up with

MYKITA eyewear design specialists to create a collection of trendy unisex

sunglasses in – for lack of a better term – eye-popping colours. Available at

Extreme Eyewear. +27 (0)87 940 3830, extremeeyewear.co.za

LEATHER BOUNDThe Seraphine Sandal by Missibaba

is on every fashionista’s hot list

this season. Made from the fi nest

leather sourced from South Africa

and Argentina, the range draws

inspiration from this summer’s

keyword: colour – and lots of it.

+27 (0)21 461 1083,

missibaba.com

� ese are our latest picks of fashionable summer goods, to be enjoyed while the temperatures are still soaring.

Lunch on the runOverworked business execs will be pleased to know that The Grace Hotel

in Rosebank has reintroduced its 59-Minute Lunch special. Included are two

courses (starter and main, or main and dessert) off the new African-Asian

fusion menu, for R99/person. When you make your reservation, remember

to advise them that it’s the ‘speedy lunch’ option you want – everything

will be in place on your arrival, to ensure you are indeed on your way in

59 minutes. +27 (0)11 280 7200, africansunhotels.com

Hot on the home furnishings and decor front this month are local and international products to help you add some panache to your pad.

NICHOLAS HLOBO Visual artist Nicholas

Hlobo is one of six

extraordinary rising

artists taking part

in the international

Rolex Mentor &

Protégé Arts Initiative

2010– 2011, through

which he’ll be

spending a year in a mentoring relationship

with renowned visual artist, Anish Kapoor.

Q Was there a defi ning moment in your youth when you decided you wanted to be an artist?There were no art or drawing classes in my

primary school in Transkei, but by the time

I was eight or nine years old, I was already

drawing. When I was 11, people started telling

me I’m an artist. After school I came to Jo’burg,

trying to get into music by joining a band, but

it wasn’t as easy as I thought, so I let it lie. I

worked at a cement factory, but in every spare

moment I was sketching. I decided I had to do

something different with my life. It was clear I

was interested in doing something creative, so

I started studying fi ne arts the following year.

Q Describe your artistic vision.I want to make each artwork better than the

last. Being South African, and coming from a

country that is often described as Third World,

we have to show that we are proud of our

country, and create art that demonstrates this.

The Xhosa culture doesn’t get the respect it

deserves. Referencing it is my way of telling

a story – a South African/human story that

many have told before – in a way that is fresh.

In doing so, I’m introducing isiXhosa into high

culture and art, elevating its status.

Q What was it like to meet Anish Kapoor?I studied him at several points in my university

career and admired his work. Before meeting

him I decided to simply be myself and take the

opportunity to learn a little about him. He was

interesting and exciting, and very comfortable

and confi dent as an artist. He asked why I

wanted to become a protégé when clearly I

had found a direction for my art. I explained

that people in South Africa thought I had got

what I wanted. But I felt that I had not found

what I was looking for – that would take a

lifetime. I wanted to learn wisdom from those

like him, who have a better understanding of

the art world and of creating art.

rolexmentorprotege.com

HOT PROPERTY

HOT DESIGN

14 | February 2011

At home with ImanAfrican supermodel Iman has launched her new range of home fabrics, Iman Home, available exclusively from

Hertex Fabrics. Inspired by global culture and modern design aesthetics, the Iman Home range combines

exotic elements with the utmost sophistication – just like the supermodel herself.

0860 437 839, hertex.co.za

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isherPerfect match

Give your back the support it needs with

Matchpoint, the latest range of chairs from the

Dauphin HumanDesign Group. The lightweight,

carbon-manufactured swivel chairs have

integrated depth-adjustable lumbar support,

hyper-mobile armrests and Syncro-Dynamic

technology that allows the seat to move from a

slight forward tilt to a relaxing, laid-back position.

From R8 030. +27 (0)11 447 9888, dauphin.co.za

HOT DESIGN

HOT PROPERTY

February 2011 | 15

� e big ‘O’The new range of organza scatter cushions from

Coricraft has us reeling with pleasure. Available in

black and shades of pink, they’ll add the fi nal touch

to a romantic boudoir.

0861 114 779, coricraft.co.za

Love in a wingbackThe Love Chair from Robert Thomson adds a colourful touch to indoor and outdoor spaces. This

baroque-style wing chair is imported from Italy, is made from moulded polypropylene and is

durable and comfortable. What’s more, it comes in almost any colour you can think of.

+27 (0)87 150 4749, robert-thomson.com

Hot MilkBaby’s bedtime just got a whole lot

more glam! The new range of Soho

Cots by contemporary baby furniture

specialists Milk Deco comes with an

array of customisable options, from

size to the artistically designed decals.

Countrywide delivery.

+27 (0)82 855 2925, milkdeco.co.za

Good tilingLocally developed and

produced by Johnson Tiles,

the Capri ceramic tile is a new

addition to the Tile Africa

family. It has a glossy marble

stone fi nish and is available in

beige and coral. The neutral

colour of the range means it is

versatile and easy to combine

with various decor styles

and fi nishes.

0800 002 783, tileafrica.co.za

� e Wetherlys wayCheck out the chic design of the recently launched

Wetherlys fl agship store in Bryanston. Conceptualised by

interior design fi rm, studiosixteen, the 2 100m2 store is

decked out in contrasting tones of grey with accents of

white, and comprises a design emporium, retail space and

coffee shop. Classic street signs and lamp posts help you

navigate the huge store.

+27 (0)11 463 5479, wetherlys.co.za

Brilliant fi nishThe Kronotex Glamour Gloss Art

laminate range gives fl oors a slick,

glossy fi nish. This trendy range is

perfect for modern living areas where

neutral and clear lines dominate. The

grey, raw steel, magma, white and red

colours are exclusively available from

Floors Direct.

0861 356 677, fl oorsdirect.co.za

16 | February 2011

HOT PROPERTY

HOT STUFF

Turn your home into a high-tech playground.

Out and about in February.

01 The Crestron iPanel is a

device that allows you to control

your home with ease. With the

Apple iPad’s intuitive interface

combined with the quick-access

buttons on the Crestron iPanel,

you can easily control lighting,

climate, music, television … even

curtains. It also communicates

wirelessly with your home theatre

system. Although the device

is portable, it should ideally be

placed in a high-traffi c area

in your home. On the kitchen

counter, for instance.

device that allows you to control device that allows you to control

wirelessly with your home theatre wirelessly with your home theatre

02 The Crestron iPanel installs

cleanly around the iPad thanks to

seamless integration via the iPad

docking connector. It includes a stylish

tabletop docking station charger, and

allows for fully wireless tabletop and

portable touch-panel operation.

03 Its intuitive nature makes

the Crestron iPanel easy to use for the

whole family. It is also suited to the

commercial sector where, for example,

it can be used in a boardroom to control

projectors, screens, audio and lighting.

LIGHTS! CAMERA! ACTION!

WHAT’S ONENTERTAINMENTStrictly Tap Dance Fever, 15 February – 6 MarchThis international tap dance sensation will make its

South African debut at the Mandela Theatre at the

Joburg Theatre Complex, with Amor Vittone making

a guest appearance. The show is a rollicking trip

through tap dance history, from the Fred Astaire and

Ginger Rogers era through to modern-day a capella

beats. Tickets from R170. computicket.com

Jo’burg Fashion Week, 15 – 19 FebruaryJo’burg Fashion Week showcases Autumn/Winter

2011’s trends as envisioned by some of SA’s hottest

designers. Joburg’s landmarks will be the canvas for

the fi ve-day fashion extravaganza. computicket.com

The Gauteng HOMEMAKERS Expo, 24 – 27 FebruaryThe Gauteng HOMEMAKERS Expo, on at the Coca-

Cola Dome in Northriding, showcases the latest

trends for your home. Entrance fee: R60 for adults,

R30 for pensioners and children under 12 are free.

homemakersonline.co.za

OF MASKS AND MENSwiss theatre troupe Mummenschanz, which fi rst started in 1972 and has since become world

famous for their unusual form of visual theatre, is returning to SA. The group uses masks and

three-dimensional sculptural heads to tell a variety of stories. Catch them at The State Theatre in

Pretoria from 22 – 27 February and at the Baxter Theatre in Cape Town from 1 – 19 March as they

transform common objects and materials into fascinating visuals and portray everyday situations

with side- splitting humour. computicket.com

Available from Nuru Intelligent Homes nationwide.

+27 (0)21 461 9519, nuru.co.za

Swan-like and regal, Simphiwe Dana describes the � rst house she owned with romantically charged adjectives and phrases:

‘curvy’, ‘roundedness’ and ‘with the smell of jasmine wafting through the windows in spring’. She is talking about her house in the quiet neighbourhood of Orange Grove, Johannesburg, where she lived before relocating to Cape Town for – what else? – love. ‘When I � rst moved to Orange Grove, I rented a house nearby to the one I bought. Every day I’d walk past it, and from the moment I laid my eyes on the house, I knew I had to live there. I loved the old- school roundedness of it, and I later found out that it was built by an Italian some 20 to 30 years ago and had been renovated by all the previous owners. I loved the front garden, and when I � nally bought it I was pleasantly surprised by the back garden with its pool area and deck,’ she says.

With music being an integral part of her life, Simphiwe feels nostalgic when she thinks of her lively get-togethers in the house.

‘I love hosting people, and the house in Orange Grove saw many evenings

of lavish dinners, friends, live musicians singing and

playing the piano and, of course, Salif Keita and Busi Mhlongo as background music. My friends and I would

also engage in heated debates. I miss it a lot.’ Simphiwe has a string of accolades to her name, not only for her music but also for fronting a Woolworths’ ad campaign. ‘It was amazing, dancing to Pata Pata with Tata Desmond Tutu and Lucas Radebe – there were good vibes all round,’ she says.

Last year saw the South African Music Awards-winning artist releasing her third album, Kulture Noir, to much acclaim, as well as making the move to Cape Town. ‘I had been in Jozi for too long and needed a change. So when I fell in love with someone who wanted to make a life in Cape Town, I jumped at the opportunity.’ She now lives in Oranjezicht, in a house she describes as ‘not as exciting as my house in Orange Grove’.

As post-production of her live DVD is being wrapped up, Simphiwe says she’d love to spend more time at home. ‘The house I live in now is more modern than the one in Orange Grove, and I’ve painted it beautiful colours. Whereas in my previous house my favourite room was my bedroom, in this house it has to be the kitchen – I absolutely adore it and really should use it more,’ she says.

When asked what inspires her, Simphiwe says re� ectively, ‘A concern for the human condition … Of course, starting with my own.’ With these last words, we’re sure that this songbird’s kitchen is only just warming up, and more lively memories will be created at her new nest in Cape Town.

Words Genevieve Fisher

NESTA songbird’s

Considered to be this generation’s Miriam Makeba, Simphiwe Dana’s belief in love led her to make Cape Town her home.

What the agents say

Orange Grove is situated 15 minutes from the Johannesburg and Sandton CBDs, and is a very accessible area, perceived as being halfway between the northern

and southern suburbs. Mark Goldberg of RE/MAX Central Norwood says the last eight or so years have seen average prices in Orange Grove triple in value. ‘It is

also a culturally eclectic suburb with a vibrant mix of people – Jews, Muslims, West Africans and South Africans all live side by side, giving the suburb a distinctly

cosmopolitan atmosphere,’ he says. ‘People living in Orange Grove are not short of things to do. Norwood, renowned for its restaurants and coffee shops, is a

stone’s throw away and has an active community policing programme that also serves Orange Grove, accounting for the secure feeling of the suburb. The newly

reopened Norwood Shopping Mall is also nearby, while Melrose Arch and Rosebank are only 10 minutes away.’+27 (0)11 853 5400, remax-central.co.za

Pho

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MY FIRST HOME

18 | February 2011

The past few years have seen

furniture trends moving from wood to

polypropylene. Moulded designs have

shifted to a woven or patterned look,

improving the product’s longevity.

In his quest to create awareness

of the environment and endangered

species, Sean Williams has adopted

a cheetah, a wild dog, an Egyptian

vulture, a gorilla, a polar bear and

a rhino. Help save

other species from

extinction by living

a greener life.

+27 (0)11 447 0901,

seanwilliamscontracts.co.za

Sean Williams Contracts is founded on the principals of outstanding furniture quality, excellent service and reliability.

PLAKA RESTAURANT. Margarita Haitas

PRIME PROPERTY

Architect Vernon Head has turned a seemingly impossible dream into reality for a visionary young couple by building them an eco-friendly home out of steel and glass.Words Melanie Farrell Photographs Adriaan Louw

Lighting was one of the crucial considerations

in the design of the home, and at night the house comes alive.

GLass act

Some of the key architectural elements can be seen in the main living area – ‘glass walls’, split levels and huge sliding doors that let in the light.

February 2011 | 23

PRIME PROPERTY

The house doesn’t give much away from the road: a low- key boundary wall and some low- pitched roofs is all that

is visible. But enter the sliding front gate and you’re in for a surprise: at eye level is a dramatic glass bridge that links the two sides of the house, giving you a clear view across False Bay.

The Vernon Head-designed home in Boskloof Eco-Estate in Somerset West is a high-impact house with a low-impact eco- footprint. When the owner discovered the eco-estate five years ago, he and his wife fell in love with it.

‘Our dream was to build a house that was completely integrated with the surrounding fynbos,’ says the owner. ‘We bought a 1 100m2 plot with magnificent views and we drove around Cape Town for two months looking at building sites with inspiring designs and found one with Vernon’s name on it. When I took him to the site for the first time he was in awe and absolutely silent for about five minutes. He enjoyed the 360º views, listened to the abundance of birdlife and said: “I will build your dream house!”’

‘Our brief to Vernon was simple, if contradictory,’ the owner adds. ‘We told him we wanted a glass house that was completely private. We wanted to make the most of the scenery and views, but we are very private people, so we didn’t want to be overlooked by our neighbours.’

Architect Vernon Head says, ‘The owners told me they wanted a glass-and-steel house that met the eco-estate’s strict design guidelines and gave them complete privacy. I also had to work with a steeply sloping plot. But this is where creativity comes into architecture. If you give me a flat plot without any restrictions and just say, “Build me a house”, it doesn’t challenge me.

‘I went with a classic Cape Dutch H-plan but I gave it a modern twist. The H-plan enabled me to create two private courtyards, one at the front of the house and the other at the back, for entertaining. By doing this I was able to give my clients their all-important privacy and make extensive use of the “wow” factor that comes from using glass as a structural material.

‘When you walk along the glass bridge between the two sides of the house you feel as if you’re walking outside. The use of glass also gave me the scope to do inventive things with lighting because there are so few solid walls within the house to block light. At night

the house really comes alive. Lighting, for me, is a crucial element in design. A house must be designed for day and night; good lighting will draw your eyes to features outside the house when it’s dark,’ says Vernon.

‘I used the sloping plot to my advantage,’ he continues. ‘It gave me the opportunity to work with different levels in the house. I like to use split levels, where there is double- volume room to define spaces, in keeping with the German concept of “Raumplan”. For example, in the lounge and dining area, which is double volume, the lounge is sunken so as to distinguish it from the dining and kitchen area. I also built a “false chimney” to help define the living areas (the eco-friendly biofuel fireplace doesn’t need a flue).’

The extensive use of glass “walls” within the private courtyards creates a unique interaction with the outdoors. When the weather is fine the 3m-high sliding doors in the main courtyard are pulled back to

remove all barriers to the outdoors. The owner laughs. ‘It’s a bit like luxury camping,’ he says.

The house has ample accommodation for the owner, his wife, their two-year-old daughter and newborn son and the owner’s two kids from his first marriage. There are five bedrooms, most of which have en-suite bathrooms and sliding doors to the outside, as well as a playroom. The master suite has a magnificent open-plan bathroom and bedroom and the bath sits on a pedestal above the bed with a panoramic view of False Bay. ‘This is where my wife likes to enjoy a sundowner,’ confides the owner. ‘I prefer the shower – it allows me to enjoy the magnificent views.’

The size and scale of the house have been extended to include custom-made doors that reach from floor to ceiling. Clean lines are everywhere, from the tall mirrors hiding built-in cabinets in the bathrooms to the floating staircase leading to the second floor.

Temperature control is a consideration due to the extensive use of glass, and Vernon has allowed for this in his design. Standard safety glass has been used in the construction, while see-through blinds are used to regulate the temperature. Vernon has also placed small windows at the side of the big panes of glass to allow for a throughflow of air. ‘The house is constructed in a north-west direction, which allows the living-area wing to utilise the sun in winter to warm it while the bedrooms stay cool. In summer – thanks to small ventilation windows, block-out blinds, soft fabric curtains, roof overhangs above the main bedroom and the high ceilings in the living area – the hot air is allowed to escape. Only one air-conditioning unit was installed, in a back room where the baby sleeps, for consistent temperature control.’

‘With almost all glass panes being sliding doors, the house can open up entirely to embrace the indigenous garden. We have the feeling of being in nature all year round,’ says

the owner. ‘As a family we love the outdoors and enjoy camping. It was always our dream to be living in harmony with nature, waking up in the morning and hearing the birds and having guinea fowl and buck walking on our grounds. With the almost-seamless inside/ outside flow of the house, this was made possible.’

Coloured glass has been used throughout the house as wall cladding, providing colour that is in keeping with the extensive use of glass. For example, the guest bathroom has electric-blue glass walls, and a dove-grey glass panel in the kitchen has been used as a splashback above the sink. ‘Glass is a great material to use as a wall finish as it reflects light. Dark glass can act as a mirror, making a room appear bigger that it is,’ says Vernon.

The house also has windows in some unexpected places: in the kitchen there’s a low window above the sink; another window is at foot height in the dining room, where it frames restios growing outside. ‘Windows

placed at unusual heights can act as living art,’ explains Vernon.

He adds, ‘I encourage my clients to use environmentally friendly finishes in their houses, so for this house the owners found recycled wooden parquet flooring. They wanted a wooden floor as opposed to hard tiles, and I don’t like using endangered woods in the houses I build, so the parquet – some of it originally from Parliament – is a nice compromise.’

‘We like the fact that with all the modern glass and steel of the house we have an older element in the aged wooden floors,’ says the owner. ‘It balances the hard edges.’

‘My wife and I had all the furniture custom made, from the 7,5m-long curtains to the glass-enclosed bathtub and from the kiaat- wood wall unit in the lounge to the floating wine gallery,’ adds the owner. ‘We tried the conventional route, but it just didn’t feel right. The house needed interesting yet minimalist design to highlight all the special features Vernon had come up with.’

‘I like to advise my clients on garden design too,’ says Vernon. ‘I’m the vice- chairman of Birdlife SA and I believe that architecture doesn’t have to destroy suburbia. If indigenous plants are grown it is possible to create a green corridor for wildlife, even in built-up areas. Your garden can be a mini nature reserve.’

The owner adds, ‘My wife did all the landscaping and designed the indigenous garden herself. Plus we’re surrounded by the beautiful preserved fynbos of the estate. We’re fortunate in that there is a green belt both behind and in front of the house. This gives the impression that our garden is much bigger than it is in reality.’

Vernon has made it his mission to redefine green luxury housing. ‘I believe that there is a demand for luxury green homes such as this one and therefore I have formed Livissimo Future Homes to cater for this market. It is possible to build high-end, eco-conscious homes using smart technology. This house has various environmentally friendly features, such as a standard solar geyser, but I am looking into building homes using photovoltaic cell technology in roofs and windows. Livissimo homes will use natural light and ventilation, incorporate rainwater and grey-water systems and have LED lighting. This will enable houses to be almost self-sufficient and have a much smaller eco-footprint than the luxury homes currently being built.’

Visit thepropertymag.co.za for a look at other

extraordinary homes across the country.

With thanks …

Vernon Head Architects, Vernon Head, +27 (0)76 569 1389, [email protected]

‘Our brief to Vernon was simple, if contradictory: we wanted an eco-friendly

glass house that’s completely private.’

24 | February 2011

‘We like the fact that with all the modern glass and steel of the house we have an older element in the aged

wooden floors. It balances the hard edges.’

February 2011 | 25

PRIME PROPERTY

Opposite Recycled parquet flooring softens the modern lines of the minimalist kitchen that flows effortlessly into the dining area. This page, clockwise from top left The master suite with its

magnificent open-plan bathroom; the glass-enclosed bath tub rests on a bed of pebbles, while the shower is unenclosed; views across the pool to the sea; one of the private courtyards, ideal for

entertaining guests or soaking up the summer rays.

INSIGHT

26 | February 2011

February 2011 | 27

INSIGHT

REAL ESTATE

SA� e State of

� e Property Magazine posed some probing questions to six of the country’s leading real-estate industry

players. Here’s their take on everything from coping with the recession to dealing with BEE compliance

and government training requirements.

Words Thabang Mokopanele and Sandy Welch

The past 12 years have seen the South African real-estate market boom and bust, but never lose its resilience compared to its global

counterparts. While 2009 was a particularly bad year for the industry, with the number of registered agents dropping from 80 000 to 36 000, 2010 seems to have seen some more positive movement. To date, SA real estate is worth R4- trillion, with the residential property market taking the majority share at R2,12- trillion (IPD). But there are some major challenges facing the industry. Here’s how some of the captains of industry plan on meeting them.

How is your company faring at tHe moment?peter gilmour: Although 2009 was a bad year for us, things definitely turned in 2010. Sales are up by 40%, and in October we had our best sales month since 2007. The upper end of the market has slowed because of people’s price expectations and credit limitations, but the middle market – in the price range of R1-million and R2,5- million – is strong, particularly in Gauteng, which has outperformed Durban and Cape Town.samuel seeff: In general, 2010 was a better year than 2008/9, and we are now proceeding along the X-axis of an L-graph, which I believe will continue well into 2011. At the height of the property boom there were 40 000 property transactions being registered at the Deeds Office each month. In 2010 the average was 16 000/month. There was certainly greater demand than in the previous two years, due to interest rates being at their lowest levels in 35 years, but this did not translate into finalisation of sales, because of the banks’ far stricter lending criteria.andrew golding: I am very satisfied with the performance of our group in the current environment. In 2010 we saw our number of sales increase by 20% off the 2009 lows, and this in an environment where house price values have, at best, remained flat. We are anticipating achieving sales turnover of approximately R12-billion for the financial year ended February 2011.Lew geffen: Our brand aims at a very specific market where the average price point is R2,5-million and our clients, in the main, are professionals. This category of the market has done exceedingly well

over the past two years. At the end of 2008, we saw sales volumes drop by 50%. In the 2008 – 2009 year, property sales volumes increased by 48% on the previous year and in the 2010 year-to-date we have seen a further increase in volumes of sales of 30%. I’d say house prices in this market have increased modestly by about 7% since the beginning of this year.Berry everitt: The year 2010 will be remembered as the year in which stability returned. We saw the number of competitors declining, so were able to sell more and keep our costs firm, and our profits for financials for 2010 were positive. Our agents have adapted well to change, and we have managed to secure quite a few agents from other companies, enabling us to increase our market share in certain suburbs.Keith Wakefield: The KwaZulu-Natal market picked up by around 23% in 2010. There are buyers in all price segments of the market, although the highest demand and the most activity is in the affordable segment, from R400 000 to around R1-million. However, there has been very little increase in property prices, and in many instances there is still a lot of overpricing.

How many agents and offices do you now Have compared to 2008, and wHat is your target Here for end-2012?samuel seeff: We have had very little fallout in terms of our offices and agents. In 2010 we increased our presence in Jo’burg South, Bedfordview and Edenvale and in Hillcrest and Kloof in KZN. There has also been a number of changes of ownership of existing licences, but we’ve kept the footprint across SA the same. We are currently at about 1 200 agents, slightly down from the peak of 1 300 in 2007/8. We currently have in excess of 220 offices nationally.peter gilmour: At the end of 2009, we ended the year with 1 400 agents. At the end of 2010, we were up to 1 700, which percentage-wise is the biggest growth of agents for the past 10 years. The last time we grew so much was in 2001. We sold 20 new franchises in 2010 and saw the growth of nearly 300 agents. In terms of the RE/ MAX family, it makes us as the biggest growth

region percentage-wise in the world out of 70 countries. Seeing that the industry regressed as a whole in 2010, we are very proud of this.Berry everitt: To date we have 840 agents, and at the end of 2007 we had over 1 000. Most of those who left were lower-level agents.andrew golding: The Pam Golding Property Group has just under 300 offices at present – a figure that has not varied much in recent years. Staff complement is currently approximately 2 500, having been reduced by about 500 in 2008, at a time when the market saw sales contract sharply.Lew geffen: Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty has increased its national footprint by 12% since the recession. The company is on a growth path in 2011 and over the past three months we rolled out four franchise operations.Keith Wakefield: Wakefields Estate Agents currently has 390 estate agents of which 75 are interns recruited during the year. During the downturn Wakefields did lose a number of estate agents including those who retired. The company fared better than others because it is an independent real-estate company that is able to provide a support system for its agents and because of its internal training.

wHat Have you Been doing differentLy to cope witH tHe recessionary cLimate?andrew golding: Having been in the industry for more than 30 years, we’ve observed that each downturn in the market has some similarities to previous downturns, as well as some new features. We have focused on sticking to what we know – the marketing and sales of the country’s premier real estate through service excellence. We have also focused on key aspects, such as training, and are constantly introducing marketing innovations, including the use of new media.samuel seeff: First, externally, we have needed to counsel sellers regarding their pricing expectations. Many property sellers are still holding out in trying to fetch 2007 prices, and we have needed to steadily adjust these perceptions. Second, internally, as we have always had a lean operational model, we have been fortunate in that we have not needed to make too many adjustments to overhead and personnel. We have used this opportunity to cement some key positions in the group.Berry everitt: One of the strategies we followed was to make sure we understood the meaning of the word ‘stakeholder’. Our communication was well managed and we created an environment in which it was easy

28 | February 2011

INSIGHT

tHe paneLPeter Gilmour,

Chairman, re/mAX of

Southern Africa

SAmuel Seeff,

Chairman, Seeff Property

Services

Andrew GoldinG,

Chief executive, Pam

Golding Properties

lew Geffen,

Chairman and Co-owner,

lew Geffen Sotheby’s

international realty

Berry everitt,

Ceo, Chas everitt

international

Property Group

Keith wAKefield,

CEO, Wakefields

estate Agents

‘tHe drive to professionaLise tHe industry Has Been accepted as good for aLL invoLved.’Samuel Seeff, Chairman, Seeff Property Services

for our agents to provide quick and relevant information to our customers. Our national advisory councils helped guide us through the tough times, so we could best service our customers.Peter Gilmour: Training has been a big priority. Over 600 agents have gone on a real-estate course I brought in from the US. We have positioned ourselves very strongly in the distressed property space and created a special department to work purely on this sector. About 15% of sales in 2010 were distressed, and our banking partners indicate that up to 40% of all sales in 2011 will be distressed. We are launching a course to teach our agents how to deal with distressed sales, from helping people to keep their homes to dealing with the psychological implications.Lew Geffen: It’s the age of technology and social networking. Information is giving us

better insight into what is happening in the marketplace and where we need to hone our skills, and it identifies our client base. Case in point, one of our agents sold a home to the lead singer of the Parlotones, Kahn Morbee, by accessing Facebook.Keith Wakefield: More than representing a successful, long-standing family business and our values, the backbone of the brand is service to our clients. Being a wholly owned real-estate company rather than a franchise is a strength and has many advantages that further underpin service and client confidence. The current economic climate and the challenge it has thrown at estate agents is a case in point: our managers and directors bring their vast experience, including that of previous downturns, to bear on the business.

How BEE comPLiant arE you?Andrew Golding: The unfortunate reality is that despite many industry players’ efforts, transformation in the residential sector has been slower than desired. Given the commission-only based remuneration structure that the industry operates on for agents, it is very difficult to attract new black talent when other industries offer a less-risky alternative. This is further compounded by the current recessionary state of the market and the fact that the barrier to entry in the residential real-estate industry has been raised with the introduction of a new curriculum for estate agents. The transformation

February 2011 | 29

INSIGHT

‘in tErms of tHE rE/ maX famiLy,rE/maX of soutHErn africa is PErcEntaGE-wisE tHE BiGGEstGrowtH rEGion in tHE worLdout of 70 countriEs.’ Peter Gilmour, Chairman, RE/MAX of Southern Africa

‘it’s tHE aGE of tEcHnoLoGy and sociaL nEtworkinG. wE soLd a HomE to tHE LEad sinGEr of tHE ParLotonEs By accEssinG facEBook.’Lew Geffen, Chairman and Co-Owner, Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty

challenge is one that has to be solved and all stakeholders are currently engaged in finding workable solutions. Peter Gilmour: We have a Level 4 BEE rating as a company, which I believe is the highest in the real-estate industry. We now have over 250 agents of colour, and we have 25 franchises either owned or managed by black agents. We are very focused on this

issue, and have been selling in areas where no one wants to do business. We are positioned and focused to take transformation forward from 250 to 500 agents of colour next year. We will be running training programmes to help and mentor new and existing agents. Lew Geffen: We are trying our best to transform our company. One of the biggest challenges facing the industry at the moment is that the barrier to entry is so stringent that we are getting far fewer applications from all race groups than ever before. Still, we are establishing innovative programmes that go right to grassroots to promote transformation through our training academy, The Learning Institute, to focus on developing black entrepreneurs.samuel seeff: We are not BEE compliant at this stage, but we are looking at understanding the requirements of the Property Transformation Charter (PTC) and assessing our situation accordingly. At one stage the company had roughly 15% people of colour in the workforce. This has been

‘tHE yEar 2010 wiLL BE rEmEmBErEd as tHE yEar in wHicH staBiLity rEturnEd.’Berry Everitt, CEO, Chas Everitt International Property Group

30 | February 2011

reduced dramatically with the downturn of the economy. I believe that the main benefits we will see coming through will be far greater mentoring and assisting of those previously disadvantaged who are coming into the industry.Berry Everitt: We are ambassadors and proponents of the PTC, and while we believe it could have had slight practical changes, we have however, made provisions in this department, because we believe it’s positive and necessary. We have 108 companies, so from a scorecard perspective, each has to achieve targets. We are focusing on aligning our scorecards and making sure all the pillars are adhered to. It has been one of our biggest priorities, but has been difficult to achieve in the recession.Keith Wakefield: More than 50% of Wakefields Real Estate consultants are black and 70% of our consultants are female.

How arE tHE govErnmEnt’srPL quaLification for tHE rEaLEstatE industry affEcting you?Samuel Seeff: Most agents and principals who wish to remain in the industry will have completed their Recognition of Prior Learning requirements by the end of 2011. The drive to professionalise the industry has been accepted as good for all involved.Berry Everitt: I hope that Seta has enough moderators to cope with it, because it is behind schedule. I’m comfortable we will meet the goal though, because the majority of our agents have done the course, and over the next three months a lot more are scheduled to go through. It’s good to have a standard, although I have to caution that academia doesn’t necessarily create salespeople. It’s all about having the right attitude.Andrew Golding: In 2000 we established the Pam Golding Training Academy – one of the first institutions to become a Services Seta-accredited training provider, and accredited to offer the new NQF Level 4 certificate qualifications introduced by the Department of Trade and Industry. At the start of 2009 we introduced a comprehensive training programme by incorporating the new curriculum within our own training programme and our process of accreditation

of all PGP agents. All agents will have completed the RPL programme nationally within the deadline of December 2011.Peter Gilmour: I foresee this causing the number of registered agents to drop off even further towards the end of 2011. Getting the whole industry qualified by the end of next year will be a big thing, seeing that to date only about 25% have completed the qualifications. Will there be enough trainers available? On the positive side, at least by 2012 all agents in the industry will be qualified and the standard of service delivery will be raised. RE/MAX is currently investigating having all its courses recognised as official training. Lew Geffen: Our agency is on top of it. All our people are qualified through our Learning Institute, but I am still worried about the lack of future entrants.Keith Wakefield: We have registered the Wakefields Training Academy with the Services Seta and appointed Lindsay Gartrell, the first assessor in the country to be registered with the Services Seta for the real- estate industry, to ensure that all our agents meet the new required qualification. As many as 80% of Wakefields’ estate agents have successfully completed the course, while the remainder are finalising their studies. This has clearly refocused their knowledge and improved their professionalism.

wHat EffEctwiLL tHE nEwconsumEr act HavE on industry?Samuel Seef: In general, the legal advice given has been that the transaction between buyer and seller will in all likelihood not fall within the realms of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA). But estate agents will need to be far more focused on ensuring that their marketing to their clients falls within the ambit of the Act. Estate agents have to comply to the code of ethics according to the Estate Agency Affairs Board, and many of

these provisions that regulate our behaviour are found within the Act and as such should not present too much difficulty in the way the industry operates.Berry Everitt: From a consumer point of view, it’s a world-class act, but I believe it simply follows on from the code of conduct of the Estate Agents Act, which our company already follows, so it won’t be a big change. I think it will mostly affect developers, and agents selling developments will have to be aware of the new clauses. Peter Gilmour: The Act impacts our franchise agreements, so we have already worked on changing these. Other than that, I don’t think it will affect us too much. We already get sellers to disclose any problems they are aware of in the house and sign it off to avoid any comeback.Lew Geffen: It’s good for the industry, as long as it doesn’t go overboard in terms of restricting advertising to the extent that all puffery is challenged by the consumer. Genuinely misleading advertising is out of the question. In terms of pricing parameter advertising, it should be allowed because it is an invitation to do business and is no different to the auction business.Andrew Golding: Agents will need to ensure that their mandates comply with the provisions of the CPA and take cognizance of, for example, the consumer’s rights to plain and simple language, and include provisions for a cooling-off period where applicable. Agents also need to ensure that their direct marketing practices comply with the requirements of the CPA.Keith Wakefield: There may be some implications with regard to mandates but these will be clarified on publication of the regulations.

wHErE do you sEE tHE futurE of tHE rEaL-EstatE industry, and

How do you sEE tHE way you do BusinEss cHanging ovEr tHE nExt fivE yEars?Keith Wakefield: The future of real estate is positive due to the new education requirements, which I believe will result in a more favourable public image, something that is well overdue. There may be fewer agents going forward, but those who remain will be knowledgeable professionals able to provide excellent service to the public. As far as we are concerned, we will continue recruiting in 2011 and are in a strong position to recruit rookies because of the training we offer. Samuel Seeff: I believe the next two years are going to be tough in terms of trading, unless the banks relax their stringent lending criteria. So we need to ensure that we focus on doing ‘the basics’ well. Technology will play an increasingly important role.Berry Everitt: I’m not looking as far ahead as five years – the industry is too dynamic for that. I’m planning for the next 12 months, but we review and reassess all positions every three months and take short- term interventions. Our structures are pliable, and we create an environment in which people feel comfortable by providing the correct access to data and systems and focusing on making sure our business model is not one or two dimensional but flexible for what’s required.Peter Gilmour: I have lots of expectations for next year, although I think property demand will remain flat for most of the year. I see the number of distressed properties increasing significantly. I believe 2011 will mark the beginning of accelerated BEE transformation in the industry and that the South African property market and the economy as a whole will largely be governed by external forces over the next 12 months, including move towards currency strength by emerging markets and the continuing recessionary climate in Europe and the US. Service delivery and transformation will become paramount to success.Andrew Golding: There are many expansion plans, locally and internationally, and in particular on the African continent. We plan to add about 10 to 20 offices a year for the next few years, depending on specific market conditions. This is likely to represent an increase of between 150 and 250 new agents per annum.

‘in 2010 wE saw our numBEr of saLEs incrEasE By 20% off tHE 2009 Lows, and tHis in an EnvironmEnt wHErE HousE PricE vaLuEs HavE, at BEst, rEmainEd fLat.’Andrew Golding, Chief Executive, Pam Golding Properties

‘morE tHan rEPrEsEnting a succEssfuL, Long-standing famiLy BusinEss and our vaLuEs, tHE BackBonE of tHE Brand is sErvicE to our cLiEnts. ’Keith Wakefield, CEO, Wakefields Estate Agents

INSIGHT

February 2011 | 31

the NeIGhBOURhOOD

Hout Bay is popular as an affordable seaside suburb, but competing demands for resources are pushing the area to the brink.

Words and photographs Ed Suter

LoStin the woods

This page Riders at the Hout Bay Riding Centre. ‘Slow down – Horses’, is a common street sign in this seaside suburb.

On a beautiful, clear day, with no trace of the infamous south-easterly wind, a speedboat whips across the

sea below Hangberg on the slopes of the Sentinel. ‘There has always been talk of Hangberg being a mini Monaco, a rich man’s paradise,’ says Greg Louw, spokesperson for the Hout Bay Civic Association, an organisation formed 10 years ago to address issues facing the Hangberg community, as he watches the speedboat zip past another boat taking tourists for a trip around the bay.

While some parts of Hout Bay could be described as having a touch of Monaco about them, in particular the luxurious homes in the Hanging Meadows estate with their views over the Atlantic, Hangberg, a low-income area predominantly settled by those working in the fishing industry, could by no stretch of the imagination be thought of as being one of them. If further illustration of this fact is needed, Greg is standing among the rubble where, in September 2010, the City of Cape Town pulled down dwellings constructed above the mountain’s firebreak, on land belonging to Table Mountain National Park. (The dispute is currently under mediation).

At the same time as these illegal dwellings on the mountainside were being pulled down, in a piece of sociopolitical irony in which this country excels, environmental

permission was being granted by the Western Cape’s environmental and development planning department for the construction of a luxury gated estate to be built on the slopes of the Karbonkelberg, alongside Hangberg.

Hout Bay, which its residents often describe as a ‘village’, and is only accessible from three different mountain passes, is at once the epitome of an idyllic neck of the woods looking for ways to expand, and a microcosm of many of the issues facing contemporary South Africa. In this racially divided city, it is unusual to have the three different communities of blacks, whites and coloureds, with their three vastly different standards of living, in such close quarters to each other, in one area.

Imizamo Yethu, an informal Hout Bay settlement of predominantly migrants from the Eastern Cape, has been growing in size since its origins in the late 1980s to now accommodate approximately 40 000 people

on a 34ha site (of which 16ha have yet to be developed). In conversations with residents of Hout Bay, Imizamo Yethu is the topic most frequently raised, and most think they are getting a raw deal as a result of its existence. Those who live in Imizamo Yethu feel they are being used for political gain by different political parties but see little improvement in their living conditions. White residents see the township as the source of the water pollution that has resulted in the sea at Hout Bay beach being declared out of bounds. And coloured residents feel they are being sidelined by housing policies that give priority to Imizamo Yethu residents while their much longer association with the area is ignored.

The Residents’ Association of Hout Bay (RAHB) is facing the challenges on a number of fronts: opposing the new estate development, which the association’s chairman, Len Swimmer, calls ‘an upmarket elite development for the very wealthy’, and working with the Hout Bay and Llandudno Environmental Conservation Group’s court action to get the City of Cape Town to decant 5 000 households from Imizamo Yethu to another site. Of the influx of residents to Imizamo Yethu, Len says, ‘The only way for Hout Bay to cope is to ensure capacity is decreased.’ In response to the proposal for the new housing estate on Erf 3 477, he counters,

‘The development is totally inappropriate on the urban edge. Our appeal is that there is no right for development there. It should not be there in the first place.’

The RAHB is one of 14 organisations, including the site’s developers, that have lodged an appeal against the environmental authorisation for the development on Erf 3 477. The developer, Elegant Square Trading, is appealing against the province’s reducing the development from 35 single residential properties and two general residential properties (for group homes) to 21 single properties and two general properties (for a further 26 homes). The project as it now stands is considered by Elegant Square Trading to be uneconomical. In its appeal, it says a new development on the mountainside ‘will ensure that this portion of Hout Bay will be maintained and not fall prey to speculative squatting and the spread of informal development’.

Opposite Yachts moored at the Hout Bay Yacht Club. The harbour is the epicentre of trade

and tourism in Hout Bay. This page, top right The view over the bay from Hangberg, a

predominantly coloured community mostly employed in the fishing industry. Bottom right

The Mainstream Shopping Centre, an upmarket mixed-use development.

February 2011 | 33

the NeIGhBOURhOOD

‘The crime in hOuT Bay is nO mOre Than OTher areas, BuT iT has This sTigma, and iT is This sTigma ThaT has kepT

hOuT Bay aFFOrdaBle.’stephan cross, seeff properties

34 | February 2011

The NeIGhBOURhOOD

As one commentator on IOL’s website put it, ‘What is better – developing the land properly or letting it go to a land-grab?’

Len says in response, ‘This is hardly a reason to grant development on the urban edge. We heard the same cry in 1990 from developers who eventually built the Beach Club residential development right on Hout Bay beach.’

The conflicts in Hout Bay crystallise the issues of land and access to natural resources in South Africa. Everyone, it seems, wants a piece of Hout Bay.

Louise Reister, a property consultant with RE/MAX Properties, says Hout Bay is so popular because of its affordability and its centrality. The area is particularly popular among young families with children, as well as with ‘swallows’, who are drawn to the ease of owning a property in the gated estates mushrooming in the area.

Louise says, ‘What is unique about Hout Bay is the huge variation in properties, from the entry-level homes to the R25- million homes, compared to an area such as Clifton, where everything is priced so high.’

There is nowhere else on the Atlantic Seaboard, she says, where you can find a three- bedroom, two-bathroom family home with garden and swimming pool from as little as R1,5- million. Entry-level homes in an estate, of which there are now many in Hout Bay, begin at R3,5- million and stretch up to R25- million.

Stephan Cross, an agent with Seeff Properties, agrees that Hout Bay is still affordable for young families, and puts this down partly to the perception of its crime levels because of the proximity of Imizamo Yethu. Stephan says, ‘Crime in Hout Bay is, in fact, no worse than it is in Constantia or Camps Bay, but it’s got a stigma of having more crime than anywhere else, because it has the informal settlement. Stats will reveal that most crimes committed in Hout Bay are not committed by residents of Imizamo Yethu, but by people coming from other settlement areas. The crime in Hout Bay is no more than in other areas, but it has this stigma, and it is this stigma that has kept Hout Bay affordable.’

Despite what everyone else believes – that Hout Bay is a village – Stephan thinks that is an outdated assessment. ‘Thank God the word “republic” has fallen out of use a little bit. People do still seem to think it’s a village, but I think it has very much outgrown its “village” status. I have been here 13 years, and it is nothing like it was when I got here. It has expanded hugely.

It’s only now we are seeing upmarket, modern apartment blocks being tabled and having the possibility of being profitable. Six years ago you wouldn’t have been able to do it, because no one would pay for an upmarket, sexy block in Hout Bay.’

The village atmosphere may be more of a reflection of a widely praised sense of community in the suburb. Spiro Ragavelas and his family moved from Johannesburg to Hout Bay, and earlier this year they opened Spiro’s, a popular Greek restaurant on Main Road. Sitting in the restaurant’s blue and white courtyard, Spiro says, ‘It’s more like a family-orientated village. On Sunday we had a street braai, and the whole street got together and all the children were playing. I had never done that in my life in Jo’burg. I didn’t even know my neighbours in Jo’burg for 10 years. It’s a different way of life here.’

Louise calls Hout Bay ‘a very community- driven village, where people are really actively involved, working together to keep crime and pollution at bay’, and adds that 97% of ratepayers are involved in the area’s recycling programme.

The perennial popularity of Hout Bay among tourists revolves around its harbour, where, alongside the catches of tuna and crayfish that are regularly offloaded, tourists can take boat trips out into the bay, eat fish and chips, and watch a man trying to engineer a Cape seal into the sea with a shopping trolley.

A high point is a visit to the beautifully restored Hout Bay Manor hotel, whose Pure restaurant serves locally sourced fusion cuisine in surroundings of almost monochromatic shades of putty and grey and decorated with Gregor Jenkin’s striking, oversize lamps and screens made of driftwood.

Hout Bay’s origins lie in its ability to supply the Dutch settlers with timber from its plentiful sources, until its forests were quickly exhausted. It then became a supplier of fish, its ocean floor once described as being a ‘red blanket of crayfish’. Today, that too is a depleted resource, and the introduction of fishing quotas has left Hangberg’s fishermen facing a difficult future. The focus now is on that most precious of resources: land. The question of how land should be fairly distributed in this area, a place where the standard of living for white residents is no different to many other areas of Cape Town, yet brought into sharp relief because of the proximity to the overcrowded and impoverished conditions of their neighbours, is both urgent and, as a last resort, may only be decided by the courts.

Visit thepropertymag.co.za for more information

on the top neighbourhoods in South Africa.

Top left to right A walkway in the grounds of Hout Bay Manor; window-cleaning at the Hout

Bay Gallery, where works by contemporary South African artists are displayed. Middle right

Homes in Hout Bay with views across the Atlantic Ocean. The sea is frustratingly out of

bounds due to high levels of E. coli. Bottom right A Hout Bay home. Today, houses in gated

estates are much in demand in the suburb.With thanks to …

Hout Bay Civic Association, Greg Louw, +27 (0)73 954 1293

RE/MAX Properties, Louise Reister, +27 (0)21 791 7040, remax-prestige.co.za

Residents’ Association Hout Bay, Len Swimmer, houtbay.org.za

Seeff Properties, Stephan Ross, +27 (0)21 790 1032, seeff.com

Spiro’s, Spiro Ragavelas, +27 (0)21 791 3897

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DESIGN

Much has been made of the relative youth of Luke Pedersen and James Lennard, but there’s no denying their fresh look at form and function has timeless appeal.

36 | February 2011

‘We Want to be knoWn as a design house rather than

carpenters.’ Luke pedersen

DESIGN

YOUNG

Design duo James Lennard and Luke Pedersen have found a niche with their practical furniture designs, including the Bucket Stool (front), which has become practically iconic.

February 2011 | 37

‘OUR DESIGNS ARE ABOUT THE PLACE

WHERE HANDMEETS MACHINE.’

James Lennard

Words Vicki Sleet Photographs Anthony Friend

Words Vicki Sleet Photographs Anthony Friend

GUNS

38 | February 2011

DESIGN

meeting James Lennard and Luke Pedersen at Field Office, their new showroom and coffee stop in a gritty east city

street, I find the industrial space a fitting stage for their contemporary, Scandi- influenced pieces, many of which feature an element of recycling. I recognise their iconic Bucket Stools from the get-go. They’re just as striking in real life as in the many pictures I’ve seen in local decor magazines, and Luke happily explains that the product has been developed in conjunction with a township- based metalworker who manufactures each zinc bucket by hand, delivering them by the bakkie load, ready for their reincarnation as a coveted style statement. The buckets have certainly helped the Pedersen + Lennard star to rise – it was the first product they released, and so far they have produced in excess of 200. In fact, a shipment bound for Paris has just left, says Luke.

Sitting at a table that’s part of their Ingvar range (inspired by the designs of Swedish super-brand IKEA and named for its founder, Ingvar Kamprad, aka ‘the father of flat-pack furniture’), I get the low-down on these two 20-somethings who met at the then Cape Tech in the industrial design faculty, went their separate ways to travel and study abroad and met up again to hone their skills and create a workable business model and fully fledged design studio.

Pedersen + Lennard was launched 18 months ago, and in a relatively short time

the duo has garnered an enthusiastic response from the marketplace, getting orders from architectural firms, hotel designers, retailers and a number of interiors experts keen to add a sense of pared-down chic and an element of surprise to the spaces they’ve conceived. ‘We’re still a little surprised at our relative success, but we’re pleased that our commitment to designing things our way is being met with such enthusiasm,’ says Luke, who is the ‘front of house’ arm of the business, with James something of a brainiac behind the scenes, devising computerised ways to eliminate wastage from laser-cutting and managing the manufacturing and production process in their Salt River factory.

The pair were group project partners during their studies, a time both spent immersing themselves in the how-tos of a myriad manufacturing processes, and though they have clearly defined roles in their business, they work closely together on the design and format of their products.

‘My family is originally from Denmark and James’s dad is an architect, so that probably explains the Scandinavian influence and the strong emphasis on form and function,’

explains Luke, the son of a practically minded pastor who bought his tool-mad son his first hacksaw at the age of two. Laughing, Luke says, ‘My mom used to collect all her broken appliances and take them with us on holiday. It would keep me busy for the whole time we were away.’

For James, with both his father and grandfather in architecture, his departure from the world of bricks and mortar was perhaps unexpected, but it has made all the difference. ‘I often ask my dad his opinion about different designs, and he has even started commissioning some of our work for different projects, so we’re connected on that level,’ says James who’s also spent time

in a forge learning the craft of metalwork in his desire to understand the process behind design rather than just the finished product.

The pair started off as they mean to finish: first, they are committed to producing items that have some level of eco-pedigree, and though this can add to the price, they’re adamant that ‘made in China’ has no place in their world; second, they’re sticking to their guns. ‘We want to be known as a design house rather than carpenters,’ says Luke,

citing Michael Graves, Ross Lovegrove and Tom Dixon as inspirations. ‘Those designers are sought after because of their approach to design, and that’s how we’d like to be known,’ says Luke..

Their Ingvar range is an exercise in sustainable South African pine, while one of their newest offerings, the Elizabeth wardrobe, makes use of oriented strand board, usually a ‘behind the scenes’ product, but, says James, ‘we really liked the textured look of the wood and it’s great to work with – after a light sand it’s totally smooth and very beautiful’.

There’s a distinctly utilitarian signature to their work, too, and a strong focus on clever storage solutions, no doubt also influenced by their ages. Like many of their contemporaries, they live in relatively small spaces, and finding furniture that’s both easy on the eye and hard working is no mean feat. ‘For transportation and practical reasons, a lot of our designs are flat-pack, which added a whole new design challenge to things which we really enjoyed. Our designs are about the place where hand meets machine and our challenge is to make this practically and financially viable,’ says James.

Each of their 35 seating, lighting, storage and table designs is a neat, practical solution to an everyday problem. I imagine that in an increasingly complicated world, demand for such products will rise. Pedersen + Lennard couldn’t be more perfectly placed. pedersenlennard.co.za

Pedersen + Lennard’s designs have an unmistakably Scandinavian streak to them. Like IKEA, their furniture is at once simple, practical and beautiful. Among their furniture solutions

are (from left): the Elizabeth wardrobe, made from oriented strand board; the plywood-based, Formica-topped Ingvar café table and dining chair; the Tree coat rack; a TV trolley; the

unambiguously named Three Shelves; and the stunning, pared down Strand couch.

‘ThErE’S A dISTIncTLy uTILITArIAn SIgnATurE To ThEIr worK, And

A STrong FocuS on cLEVEr STorAgE SoLuTIonS.’

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LOMBARDY ESTATE AND HEALTH SPA

LOMBARDY ESTATE AND HEALTH SPA

irst it was the lifestyle that caught his attention. ‘Lombardy Estate was a refuge to be �tted with every modern convenience – the Health Spa operated by Spas of Distinction, 5-Star Boutique Hotel, Pavilion and village green, all set in a beautiful estate with a myriad of water features, lakes and evergreen gardens,’ says Marius. ‘The state-of-the-art security and

harmony with nature translates into a life of freedom, not known to us before. Our children can enjoy the paved walkways and jogging trails and the beauty of the abundant indigenous fauna and �ora is just out of this world.’ Lombardy Estate does feature an abundant bird and wildlife and more than 45 varieties of indigenous bushes, shrubs & �owers, with 40 permanently employed gardeners and

THE ESTATE FOR ALL THE RIGHT REASONS

Living in an upmarket family home the past 15 years, Marius van Schalkwyk and his family were happy. They had no need to move. Until of course one day Marius visited Lombardy Estate and Health Spa, saw the potential, saw the lifestyle and decided to not only buy a stand and build a home, but also invest in a second stand for good measure.

THIS PAGE, TOP: Surrounded by lakes, waterways and landscaped gardens, the Lake Lombardy boutique homes, Lombardy Foun-tains townhouses and large freestanding Stands of Lombardy Estate and Health Spa are unique in Pretoria. CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT:Award-winning architectural �rm Stefan Antoni Olmesdahl Truen, and QTS Architects have created the perfect union of classic sensibilities and clean, modern lines. OPPOSITE, TOP: Marius van Schalkwyk's modern interpretation of master architect Frank Lloyd Wright's 'Prairie' style.

maintenance workers ensuring the designer landscaping is always in the best condition.

Apart from the ‘country setting in the city atmosphere’ created, the architecture plays an important role in the overall lifestyle. It is a reinterpretation of master architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s ‘Prairie’ style. Adapted for our modern age by award-winning local architect Stefan Antoni Olmesdahl Truen, and QTS Architects, it is a style that makes the most of the abundant outside, drawing it into the spacious interiors. The look is modern, with straight horizontal and vertical lines, open balconies and verandas lending itself to outside living. Consisting of three separate product o�erings, ranging from Lombardy Fountains – One, two & three-bedroom full-title townhouses ranging in size from 154m2 to 285m2, Lake Lombardy – Two & three-bedroom full-title boutique homes ranging between 280m2 and 364m2 to Lombardy Stands –

Freestanding properties ranging from 734m2 and up to 1950m2, Lombardy Estate and Health Spa caters for young professionals to families.

The 100-hectare estate has seen some major progress over the past year, with owners and their families moving in and an in�ux of interested buyers making their way to Lombardy Estate. One of the homes in the estate has been featured twice in a leading glamour magazine and will soon feature on the magazine’s television show. The landscaping has similarly been featured in a leading industry magazine – validating the blossoming of an estate that is coming into its own.

Backed by an international conglomerate – The Khara� Group – who is also the developer behind the successful Oubaai Golf Estate in Herolds Bay, Lombardy Estate and Health Spa is set to make 2011 a stellar year.

F

w w w . l o m b a r d y e s t a t e . c o . z a

For more information, please phone Ronél van der Linde on 082 787 9138, Donovan Lallyett on 082 940 9265 or Colette Schönborn on 082 457 5818, email [email protected] or visit www.lombardyestate.co.za

Townhouses from R975 000 | Boutique homes from R2.5m | Stands from R900 000 (Prices correct at date of submission to press.)

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Lombardy DPS.pdf 1 2010/12/21 11:30 AM

LOMBARDY ESTATE AND HEALTH SPA

LOMBARDY ESTATE AND HEALTH SPA

irst it was the lifestyle that caught his attention. ‘Lombardy Estate was a refuge to be �tted with every modern convenience – the Health Spa operated by Spas of Distinction, 5-Star Boutique Hotel, Pavilion and village green, all set in a beautiful estate with a myriad of water features, lakes and evergreen gardens,’ says Marius. ‘The state-of-the-art security and

harmony with nature translates into a life of freedom, not known to us before. Our children can enjoy the paved walkways and jogging trails and the beauty of the abundant indigenous fauna and �ora is just out of this world.’ Lombardy Estate does feature an abundant bird and wildlife and more than 45 varieties of indigenous bushes, shrubs & �owers, with 40 permanently employed gardeners and

THE ESTATE FOR ALL THE RIGHT REASONS

Living in an upmarket family home the past 15 years, Marius van Schalkwyk and his family were happy. They had no need to move. Until of course one day Marius visited Lombardy Estate and Health Spa, saw the potential, saw the lifestyle and decided to not only buy a stand and build a home, but also invest in a second stand for good measure.

THIS PAGE, TOP: Surrounded by lakes, waterways and landscaped gardens, the Lake Lombardy boutique homes, Lombardy Foun-tains townhouses and large freestanding Stands of Lombardy Estate and Health Spa are unique in Pretoria. CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT:Award-winning architectural �rm Stefan Antoni Olmesdahl Truen, and QTS Architects have created the perfect union of classic sensibilities and clean, modern lines. OPPOSITE, TOP: Marius van Schalkwyk's modern interpretation of master architect Frank Lloyd Wright's 'Prairie' style.

maintenance workers ensuring the designer landscaping is always in the best condition.

Apart from the ‘country setting in the city atmosphere’ created, the architecture plays an important role in the overall lifestyle. It is a reinterpretation of master architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s ‘Prairie’ style. Adapted for our modern age by award-winning local architect Stefan Antoni Olmesdahl Truen, and QTS Architects, it is a style that makes the most of the abundant outside, drawing it into the spacious interiors. The look is modern, with straight horizontal and vertical lines, open balconies and verandas lending itself to outside living. Consisting of three separate product o�erings, ranging from Lombardy Fountains – One, two & three-bedroom full-title townhouses ranging in size from 154m2 to 285m2, Lake Lombardy – Two & three-bedroom full-title boutique homes ranging between 280m2 and 364m2 to Lombardy Stands –

Freestanding properties ranging from 734m2 and up to 1950m2, Lombardy Estate and Health Spa caters for young professionals to families.

The 100-hectare estate has seen some major progress over the past year, with owners and their families moving in and an in�ux of interested buyers making their way to Lombardy Estate. One of the homes in the estate has been featured twice in a leading glamour magazine and will soon feature on the magazine’s television show. The landscaping has similarly been featured in a leading industry magazine – validating the blossoming of an estate that is coming into its own.

Backed by an international conglomerate – The Khara� Group – who is also the developer behind the successful Oubaai Golf Estate in Herolds Bay, Lombardy Estate and Health Spa is set to make 2011 a stellar year.

F

w w w . l o m b a r d y e s t a t e . c o . z a

For more information, please phone Ronél van der Linde on 082 787 9138, Donovan Lallyett on 082 940 9265 or Colette Schönborn on 082 457 5818, email [email protected] or visit www.lombardyestate.co.za

Townhouses from R975 000 | Boutique homes from R2.5m | Stands from R900 000 (Prices correct at date of submission to press.)

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42 | February 2011

OUT OF THIS WORLD

Malaysia offers a vibrant, exciting and world-class holiday experience without the usual stresses of international travel.Words Tony Vaughan Photographs courtesy YTL Hotels

DaY-To-DaY LuxurY

February 2011 | 43

OUT OF THIS WORLD

Opposite The architecture at Tanjong Jara Resort is based on that of ancient Malay palaces. This page A huge beachfront Anjung Room overlooking a private garden and the ocean.

‘The philosophy oF The ResoRT is As unique As The ResoRT iTselF.

iT is bAsed on The MAlAy concepT oF Sucimurni, which eMphAsises

puRiTy oF spiRiT, heAlTh And well-being.’

44 | February 2011

OUT OF THIS WORLD

All about YTL

Tony travelled and stayed courtesy of YTL Hotels, a group that offers magical boutique experiences in Bali, Phuket, Malaysia, China, Japan and the South of

France. These idyllic destinations fall within the ‘Private Client’ listing of The Roving Ambassador/Tourism Corporation Africa. The company’s preferred tour

operators offering packages to YTL Destinations include: Thompsons Holidays, Sure Tours and Travel with Flair.

The Roving Ambassador, +27 (0)21 426 0991, therovingambassador.co.za

Clockwise from top left The Nelayan Pool is adjacent to the beach, near the Spa Village; take an easy stroll along the pristine beach fringing the resort; the free-form pool by Teratai Terrace,

where in the evening you may enjoy cocktails and a private dining experience and take in the views of the South China Sea; loungers and umbrellas entice guests to the pool, where refreshments

are served at the pool deck.

Have you ever stopped to think how tiring south-to-north travel is? Even if your budget allows a � at bed, it’s at most

four hours of disturbed sleep. Sure, it’s the same time zone as South Africa (or close), but realistically you still feel whacked and weary for a couple of days.

And have you then considered that you are leaving South Africa – with our beautiful, uncrowded coastline and a� ordable restaurants – to travel to a European destination that is more expensive, seriously crowded and often tacky?

So when we were invited to visit Tanjong Jara Resort, on the east coast of Malaysia, and were sent the itinerary, I was immediately excited.

A day � ight – and you thought those were reserved for a Johannesburg to Cape Town hop or vice versa – fewer hours on- board than on a � ight to Europe and the opportunity to get in some extra sleep

with a nap or two, after enjoying the amazing hospitality (read ‘wine’) provided by the Malaysian aircrew.

Arriving early in the morning and after adjusting for the time zone di� erence, we found the idea of jet lag was as far from our senses as the smell of European� sh and chips.

After the short 45-minute � ight to the resort (you may also opt for the luxurious 4-hour chau� eured drive through the beautiful countryside, with a stop or two to sample local delicacies) we arrived on the eastern side of Malaysia at Tanjong Jara Resort.

Situated on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, between Kuala Terengganu in the north and Kuantan in the south, the resort itself is built on a 17ha site, some 8km west of the river town of Dungun.

The sta� greet you as though you were their only guest, after which they take you through the usual check- in procedures …

of course with a di� erence – a 15-minute back massage that makes swiping your credit card for the inevitable extras far less painful.

Taken through the amazing gardens on the short walk to your suite, you see that you are perched alongside an amazing sandy beach with palm trees leaning towards the sea as if seeking a refreshing dip.

As is often the case with Asian resorts, space is generous, from the balcony and bedroom to the living area and luxurious bathroom. With bedrooms � nely appointed with luxury linen and those pillows that just keep on giving, you are treated to a suite experience to rival the best Europe has to o� er – yet at a rate that is signi� cantly more a� ordable, even for the South African rand.

The resort o� ers 99 rooms designed in the architectural style of a typical 17th-century Malay palace, with clean lines, an emphasis on local woods and the employment of local traditional trades. The philosophy of the resort is as unique as the

resort itself. It is based on the Malay concept of Sucimurni, which emphasises purity of spirit, health and well-being. Authentic in the sta� ’s extraordinary service and attitude – always warm and welcoming – it is an environment that allows you to let go, relax and take time to rediscover yourself.

Dining doesn’t disappoint either, with several restaurants catering for your mood, appetite, time of day and location, from beach to pool to � ne-dining venues.

The Di Atas Sungai restaurant (the name is Malay for ‘Above the River’) o� ers an unconventional treat. There’s no menu. Guests are guided by the resort’s Menu Masters, experts in local cuisine, who provide a distinctive dining experience using only the freshest produce of the highest quality.

Dragging ourselves from hammock or pillow, we returned to the airport and looked forward to our return journey – this time a night � ight – and to lying back and dreaming of our next Eastern excursion.

Guest list

Candice Bailey Media Nova, Alan Fittinghoff Barrow Flooring, Jackie Gray Media Nova, Andrew Harding IBM, Ryan Illgner Blacksmith Interior

Inspiration, Frank Jin China Direct, Antonio and Kerry Lopes Tennant Life Benefi ts, Dianne Lubbe New Media Publishing, Tammy Menton

Kent Gush Properties, Conrad Nolte, Anele Ndamase Chivas, Zuki Ndungane Chivas, Belinda Prinsloo, Shanee Smart Media Nova, Nicholas

Wallander Nokia Siemens Networks, Brett Wood Salesguru

February 2011 | 45

THE CHIVAS PROPERTY DINNER

The evening kicked o� with introductions, champagne and much mingling, after which Media Nova Group Sales

Director Shanee Smart thanked guests for attending and invited them to enjoy an informal evening of � ne food, � ne company and, of course, � ne Chivas whisky.

I found myself seated between sparring partners Ryan Illgner and Alan Fittingho� , who bantered good-naturedly. Alan is Barrow Flooring’s sales manager and Ryan is a director at Blacksmith Interior Inspiration, the design company charged with out� tting both Southern Sun Montecasino hotel and its restaurant, Punchinello’s.

According to Ryan, Punchinello’s derives its name from a 16th-century Italian puppet – the forerunner of England’s Punch and Judy.

Blacksmith Interior Inspiration has translated the restaurant’s theme into a contemporary Venetian theatre of food, complete with open-plan gourmet kitchen. Silver gilt mirrors, reclaimed French oak � oors, sparkling chandeliers and bespoke Punchinello caricatures are just a few of the eye-catching elements of the restaurant.

A particularly innovative feature is the dedicated kitchen camera that lets hotel guests tune in and watch the unfolding magic worked by the celebrity chefs – of whom several have demonstrated their skills at Punchinello’s since its opening in May 2010.

The food lived up to its surroundings. For starters, guests could choose between delectable sautéed prawns with basil aglio olio or the Mediterranean meze. White pilchards, mini potted frittata, onion marmalade, bruschetta and focaccia, mussels, sun-dried tomato, heady cheeses, salmon and asparagus rolls, Parma ham and tiny dished portions of beef carpaccio, strawberry and blue cheese were just a few of themouth-watering nibbles to be had.

Ryan explained how he is ‘going green’ on a current project and has challenged each of his construction consultants to procure preferably reclaimed materials – including timber and rebar – from sources close to the building site in a bid to reduce his construction carbon footprint. Happily, he will be using all manner of green technologies throughout his home,including grey-water systems, heat exchange pumps, solar geysers, gravity pumps and CFL lighting, and incorporating separate recycling depots and a number of found furnishings.IN STYLE

Ending the year

� e exquisite Punchinello’s at Southern Sun Montecasino played host to the Chivas Readers Property Dinner in December.

Words Jackie Gray

Photographs Natalie Payne

46 | February 2011

Post starters, Chivas Brand Ambassador Zuki Ndungane explained how Chivas came to be one of the world’s most popular whiskies. In 1801 the Chivas Brothers first opened the doors of their gourmet food emporium in Aberdeen, Scotland. Later, James Chivas began to lay down casks of fine Scotch whisky in the shop’s cellar to mature. And so came about Chivas whisky, with the Chivas Brothers’ fame spreading and Queen Victoria awarding the brothers a number of warrants to supply the royal household with provisions and, of course, whisky. Chivas has since been the drink of whisky connoisseurs the world over.

Drifting across to the other end of the table, I was drawn into a humorous discussion between Andrew Harding of IBM – an Australian – and Nicholas Wallander of Nokia Siemens Networks about the love/hate relationship that exists between South Africans and Australians.

The main course arrived at this juncture. Guests could take their pick of line fish and couscous, beef fillet rolled in a pink peppercorn crust or mushroom risotto. Needless to say, all were well received.

Andrew remarked that he had noticed Jo’burg residents tend to spend more time commuting to work than their Australian counterparts. Nicholas explained that until now the lack of First World transport options had largely dictated this trend. ‘However, the Gautrain and the introduction of highway toll roads is changing this scenario,’ he added.

‘Given the high cost of tolls, many commuters will opt to use the Gautrain in future. The transport overhaul is also impacting property purchase habits to some extent. For instance, properties situated within close proximity of Gautrain terminals are selling particularly well, and an inner-city boom of sorts is expected to occur once Johannesburg Park Station comes online.’

Dessert and a discussion with Tammy Menton of Kent Gush Properties were

next on the menu. (Two dessert options were available to guests – gelato or a Grand Marnier Torte. Both were wickedly decadent and made for a fitting end to a truly gastronomic meal.)

Kent Gush Properties got off to a flying start just over a year ago. The company has since launched seven upmarket developments successfully and is set to market a further six in the starting months of 2011. Tammy attributes the company’s success to its ability

to position properties in such a way as to appeal to their relevant markets. Indeed, so strong is Kent Gush in this regard that many a developer’s product has been completely repositioned by the company to suit a target market. Bolstering Nicholas’s comments,

Echoing Nicholas, Tammy added that Kent Gush’s corporate developments located around Gautrain terminals have proven highly popular and that these nodes have yet to reach their full potential.

the chivas ProPerty Dinner

The Menu

Starter

Meze buffet

Mains

Grilled line fish fillet

OR

Pink peppercorn crust beef fillet

OR

Vegetarian option (risotto)

Dessert

Gelato

OR

Grand Marnier Torte

Punchinello’s

Southern Sun Montecasino,

Montecasino Boulevard,

Montecasino Entertainment

Complex, Fourways

+27 (0)11 367 4367,

southernsun.com

1

7

10 11

6

Chivas Regal

For connoisseurs there is only one whisky: Chivas Regal.

The iconic brand is available in over 200 countries, selling

one bottle every second, worldwide. Globally recognised as

the ultimate premium-blended Scotch whisky, Chivas Regal

sets the standard of excellence for all distilled spirits. Chivas

Regal 12-Year-Old Blended Scotch Whisky is smooth, round

and full-bodied. On the tongue it has a richness that is

honeyed and yet slightly smoky, and a long finish. Chivas

Regal Scotch Whisky is a Pernod-Ricard brand.

+27 (0)21 880 8800, pernod-ricard.co.za

the chivas ProPerty Dinner

1Belinda Prinsloo, Shanee Smart, Dianne Lubbe 2Jackie Gray 3Antonio Lopes 4Candice Bailey 5Tammy Menton 6Tammy Menton, Brett Wood 7Frank Jin 8Nicholas Wallander 9Brett Wood,

Conrad Nolte 10Zuki Ndungane 11Kerry Lopes 12Anele Ndamase 13Andrew Harding 14Ryan Illgner,

Alan Fittinghoff

2 3

4 5

98

12 13 14

Tammy was positive about prospects for 2011. ‘Developers are being realistic, banks are easing their lending criteria and foreign investment in South African property has increased significantly. What more could one ask for a successful year ahead?’

Conversation around the table ranged from diving in Seychelles and Christmas holiday plans to property hits and misses.

Alan reckoned certain developers still tend to cut corners to some extent, and

Conrad Nolte joked that he has a knack for bad property investments.

South African-born New Yorker Belinda Prinsloo drew some interesting comparisons between living in the Big Apple and living in this country, while Antonio Lopes of Tennant Life Benefits shared his insights into Mauritius’s offshore property market.

The evening proved most enjoyable – a fitting end to a challenging yet overall prosperous year.

We invited the top professionals in interior design to divulge this year’s hottest trends.

48 | February 2011

watch this space

ASK THE EXPERTS

Photographs Paul Shiakallis

Hair and make-up

Kelli Fuchs and Lyn Kennedy

Shot on location Southern Sun Hyde Park Sandton |

southernsun.com

February 2011 | 49

ASK THE EXPERTS

50 | February 2011

+27 (0)11 684 1234 | dhkthinkspace.co.za +27 (0)82 308 1653 | [email protected]+27 (0)12 997 2181 | [email protected]

What makes your company one of

the best in the business?

My passion for creating space. My

desire to be the best in the design

industry. My faith in the Almighty.

Tell us about the most exciting

projects you’ve worked on.

I was appointed by a renowned

art supplier in the interior design

and decorating industry to design

their apartment in the Cape Royale

Luxury Hotel & Residence in Green

Point, Cape Town. I am honoured to

have been selected by a colleague in

the industry to create a solution for

his personal space, knowing that he

deals with renowned designers on a

daily basis.

What are the most popular interior

design trends?

I don’t follow trends but I

understand them and am not naive

to what the market is currently

dictating. However, my client sets

the trend and if it’s not my client

it’s the architect. I use my client’s

desires or the architect’s plans as

my canvas. My client is investing in

me and my creativity, trusting me

to create a space that is private and

comfortable. On completion of each

project I have created my own trend,

inspiring my client to employ me in

assisting him or her live the ‘good

life’ again, setting a new trend.

Describe your dream interior

design project.

I have many dream interiors yet to

design. I dream of designing each

room in a boutique hotel with a

different theme, in my signature style.

What makes your company one of

the best in the business?

dhk { } thinkspace is a

client- focused, design-driven

company. We translate the client’s

culture into dynamic interiors and

offer a turnkey service with effective

project management and cost

control systems that ensure each

project is completed to the highest

standard, within budget and on time.

Tell us about the most exciting

projects you’re currently

working on.

We are currently working with Cell C

on its new 11 000m2 call centre in

Parktown, Johannesburg. By taking

its unique requirements and exciting

new brand into consideration, we

are completing a world-class facility.

What are the most popular interior

design trends?

Currently the trends are

collaborative spaces offering

mobility and fl exibility, moving

away from traditional offi ces and

meeting spaces. The focus is on

sustainability and reinventing

current environments to be more

space-effi cient. I see design trends

moving towards synergy between

people, space and technology. We

foresee more experimentation with

materials and multifunctional forms.

To move forward, we need to return

to the simple essence of design and

push the boundaries of traditional

applications of materials and space.

There is no doubt that design will

always be true to multi-functionality

and innovative forms.

What makes your company one of

the best in the business?

Decorating should be individualistic

and should not take a ‘one size fi ts

all’ approach. What makes us unique

is our style and our creativity. Our

team prides itself on its approach

towards its clients and on how we

manage our wonderful, quirky decor

store in Pretoria. We are continually

designing new and different

furniture pieces for our store and

looking for new ways to express

our creativity – and our clients love

this. We make an effort to create a

unique space for all clients.

Tell us about the most exciting

projects you’ve worked on.

Last year we did a very exciting

project for a prominent individual in

SA (we can’t mention names) that

was a truly inspiring and challenging

project that left all of us in awe.

Every project is exciting – but one

particular projects stands out. A

very special nine-year-old client

walked into our shop with her

mom and gave us the brief for her

bedroom. Not only was this project

fun, but this little girl stretched

our imagination and took us into

avenues never explored before

What are the most popular interior

design trends?

Wallpaper and unique wall fi nishings

remain a fi rm favourite. Home-grown

and South African products are also

extremely popular, including some

of the wonderful local fabrics – we

fi nd a real patriotism towards South

African art and products.

dhk { } thinkspace

Adéle Maritz, Project Manager

DOLCE VITA DESIGNS

Bianca Suttner, Director

SUCCULENT DECOR

Anisa du Plessis, Owner

What makes your company one of

the best in the business?

I have 16 years’ experience in

the interior design fi eld, having

done work in many parts of the

world and all corners of Africa, in

both commercial and domestic

environments. I have worked on

numerous large-scale projects, with

many different mediums and styles.

I listen carefully to my clients and

transform their dreams into their

perfect environment.

Tell us about the most exciting

projects you’re currently

working on.

I am working on a gorgeous home.

The original home was knocked

down and a more modern home

has been built in its place, with a

lot of large windows and big glass

doors allowing the garden to come

inside. It’s a double storey with a lot

of double-volume areas, creating

space and light. The interior is light

and modern; I have used teals and

greens, neutrals and charcoals, with

hints of reds or yellows.

What are the most popular interior

design trends?

I feel a move towards natural fabrics

and products, a more sophisticated

look and the use of beautifully made

products. Clients should focus on

buying good pieces of furniture and

using beautiful fabrics, and should

not forget that art is always one

of the best investments for their

homes. Being eco-friendly and

conscious of your carbon footprint is

extremely important right now.

+27 (0)82 8080 349 | [email protected]

AMANDA LANDERS INTERIORS

Amanda Landers, Owner

ASK THE EXPERTS

February 2011 | 51

+27 (0)83 263 1177 | [email protected]+27 (0)12 460 2016 | designpartnership.co.za

Tell us about the most exciting

interior design projects that you’re

currently working on or have

completed in the past year.

As a company we have three

separate and independent business

units, each headed by one of the

partners. They include Architecture

& Corporate Interiors, Retail &

Hospitality and Branding. Each

has had a jewel of a year. We

have just completed a R20-million

house in Johannesburg, the Disney

and PlayStation retail additions

to Toys R Us and various brand

components for Wimpy. We have

almost completed the Riverside

food court and have the revamp

and upgrade of Musgrave Shopping

Centre on the home straight.

How do these projects exemplify

your company’s approach to

delivering interior design solutions?

Our interventions lean more toward

business solutions, using design

as one of the tools to deliver on

this promise. Most importantly, our

interventions look at consumer

behaviour and sales drivers and at

how we can best effect purchase

decisions. In retail design, products

should naturally follow trends, so

if one succeeds in highlighting

the product by stripping the retail

environment of all components that

do not add to this focus, then the

store environment should have an

extended shelf life. For corporate

interiors, we look at how we can

best impress the core brand values

on all users of the space.

What makes your company one of

the best in the business?

My goal is to always make the client

feel comfortable, emphasising

their needs, their comfort and their

dreams. I like to make a house an

expressive portrait of its residents

and therefore do not adhere to a

particular style.

Tell us about the most exciting

interior design projects you’ve

worked on.

A commission that I have just

completed very successfully was the

furnishing of a house on Australia’s

Gold Coast. It was all worked off plan,

photographs and the measurements

supplied by the client, so I never left

South Africa. It was a challenge, but

as I know the client quite well I found

it easy to source the right products,

namely fabrics, carpets, lighting and

a wide range of furniture and unusual

decorative items.

What are the most popular interior

design trends?

Having just returned from the trade

shows in Italy, I can say that almost

anything goes. The Extreme Silver

Age is coming to an end. Metallic

is still big, with bronze and gold

appearing again. The citrus colours

are still in, but neutrals are always

popular. Elements such as coral,

‘reptiles’ and anything eco-friendly.

Describe your dream project.

I am sure it is the same for everyone:

to have a ‘no budget limit’ project

with the most exciting house, and

to present it, complete, as a huge,

successful surprise to the client.

What makes your company one of

the best in the business?

I believe we have a balance between

creativity, design approach and

execution as the foundation for

successful projects. We strive to

provide the highest standards

of design and professionalism

throughout all phases of our

service. From taking a client’s

brief through to delivering a

completed project, on time and

in budget, we actively focus our

efforts on correctly interpreting

the client’s requirements, designing

solutions that integrate such

requirements with the appropriate

design responses.

Tell us about the most exciting

projects you’re working on.

Amongst others, we have recently

completed the refurbishment

of the new Planet Restaurant

(previously Cape Colony) at the

Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town

and are currently working on a large,

innovative call centre for Cell C in

Parktown, Johannesburg.

What are the most popular interior

design trends?

In my travels, the current trends

I’ve seen move towards the clever

use of sustainable and functional

raw materials/products that have

been reinterpreted in function and

application. In the next few years,

high-tech will meet natural materials

even more. Expect your MacBook to

have a renewable timber case soon!

+27 (0)21 425 9568 | [email protected]

dhk { } thinkspace

Guido Tagge, Director

+27 (0)11 880 1490 | giantleap.co.za

What makes your company one of

the best in the business?

Giant Leap is a commercial interior

architectural practice with a focus

on designing and building winning

workplaces for corporates with

diverse workforces. We deliver an

end- to- end solution that not only

looks incredible but also offers

a high-performance, sustainable

environment. This keeps companies

ahead of the pack, supports

their culture, attracts top talent,

integrates technology and drives

effi ciencies forward.

Tell us about the most exciting

project you’re currently working on.

Neotel is a project we have been

involved with for the past

18 months. We have transformed

and refurbished an old building into

an iconic campus for them, created

a variety of working spaces and

assisted them in planning a museum.

What are the most popular interior

design trends?

After a great trip to ORGATEC,

we have come back with the latest

colours and trends in furniture. With

regards to offi ces, ergonomics,

mobility and confi gurability are

huge. And it’s not just furniture

that’s changing – it’s also

the organisational structure,

technological connectivity,

teamwork, ‘free address’ systems

and telecommuting. An important

factor is to save space without

sacrifi cing functionality. Green

design is also on the up, given the

high cost of electricity and services.

GIANT LEAP WORKSPACE SPECIALISTS

Linda Trim, Director

ASK THE EXPERTS

THE DESIGN PARTNERSHIP

DESIGN FOR LIVING

Gisela Alston, Founder, Owner & Director

Callie van der Merwe, Co-Founder, Partner & Director

52 | February 2011

Glenmorangie, widely revered as one of the greatest creators of super premium single malt whiskies, has unveiled Signet, their most innovative and luxurious single malt whisky to date.

Signet is all about unseen attention to detail and superior quality. The design-led bottle is graduated in colour in order to best display the deep amber liquid contained within. The sleek curved design may follow modern lines but remains true to the brand’s heritage. The intricate emblem symbolises the depth and complexity of the whisky, and combines with the eye-catching metallic lid to produce an iconic new look.

Glenmorangie Signet has broken away from the traditional packaging and methods of whisky creation by reinventing convention, resulting in a true masterpiece.

+27 (0)11 325 2700 | [email protected]

What makes your company one of

the best in the business?

Head Interiors has been successfully

operating within the interior design

industry for more than 25 years. I

think this speaks for itself – showing

that we have a well-grounded

business, a passion for design and

commitment to our clients.

Tell us about the most exciting

projects you’ve completed in the

past year.

We have completed a number of

exciting projects, ranging from high-

end residential to corporate projects,

such as the newly completed

head offi ce for a platinum-mining

company in Sandton.

What are the most popular interior

design trends?

Following the design movements in

Europe and the world, sustainable

design is still one of the central

themes and green design interiors

are in high demand. Apart from

modern, clean-line furniture, which

is still current, vintage-style furniture

is becoming popular again. There

is also a preference for sculptural

shapes in furniture, for instance

armchairs used as contrasting

accentuating pieces. High-quality

natural fi bres, such as wool, felt

and even bamboo fi bre are in. Real

artisan craftsmanship is also much

sought after. The term ‘multifunction’

in bespoke furniture is the order of

the day, inviting interaction through

technology, mechanisms and

gadgets. Light timbers such as ash

wood are still current.

HEAD INTERIORS

Richard Shaw, Associate

+27 (0)83 233 2981 | [email protected]

What makes your company one of

the best in the business?

Our slogan is ‘Defi ning Self Within’.

We strive to interpret our client’s

unique style, adding the polish of

balance, fl ow, warmth and versatility

that is our signature. We are known

for creating environments that are

at once peaceful, healing, uplifting

and energising.

Tell us about the most exciting

project you’ve completed in the

past year.

We’ve just completed a high- end

domestic renovation and decor

project that allowed us incredible

freedom of design, with an

outstanding fi nal result. The client

has a wealth of knowledge and

experience in the industrial design

sector and although this is his own

home he allowed the project to

develop naturally.

What are the most popular interior

design trends?

Space-saving has become top of the

agenda for easy, accessible living. In

2010 we made use of multifunctional

foldaway products in order to attain

comfortable living and personal

space, and we’ll continue to do so

this year. I love accent lighting by

Aqua Creations. Their application

is sophisticated and elegant but

funky at the same time, and adds

incredible visual impact. I see

2011 bringing uncluttered spaces,

sumptuous woods, mirror and

Duco in clean, warm, sophisticated

combinations with quirky touches of

coral and neons.

WANDA MICHELLE INTERIORS (WMI)

Wanda-Michelle Erasmus, Director

ASK THE EXPERTS

February 2011 | 53

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nuary

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54 | February 2011

workplace

Words Anne SchaufferPhotographs Angela Buckland

This dockside warehouse exudes a raw energy that’s part history, part blood, sweat and tears. Ogilvy Durban harnessed it, with a little help from some friends.

workhouseThe

February 2011 | 55

WORKPLACE

Point Road. Mahatma Gandhi Drive. There it is, up there on the left – a long, thin, vertical slice of blood-red paint encasing

a black door. It’s Ogilvy’s advertising agency in Durban. Opposite are the docks, with all the complex fascination they hold for us – people and goods constantly on the move, massive ships manoeuvring into the port, the thuggish power of tugs, the odd pleasure boat, cars and containers, familiar names and foreign � ags. It’s mesmerising.

Of course, all of this could be a major distraction for the Ogilvy team upstairs, where vast windows facing onto this ever-changing scene invite in the light as much as they do this naval � lmstrip; but it isn’t. It’s part of who they are, where they are. For the designers of this workspace, it was essential to integrate the agency into the environment rather than take a voyeuristic stance, so they’ve retained, even accentuated, much of the warehouse. The docks are clearly the inspiration behind the design.

Ogilvy has always been up and around the Berea. With the expiration of the branch’s lease in Berea (King Dinizulu) Road and the team’s weariness of what they

drily term ‘urban decay’, the recurring breaches of security toperson and property, MD John Gale juggled the wave of o� ce options, then: ‘What about the Point?’ What about it? Fact is, much as the ratepayers and investors would like it to be di� erent, few are progressive enough to commit to this precinct. The Point hasn’t quite lost its ‘Hell Run’ image, even though, ironically, it has an impressive safety record. Age-old perceptions die hard, but John was prepared to entertain the prospect. As Greg Dry of commissioned designers, Egg Designs, says, ‘The basic idea was not to be a typical ad agency’. So the Point worked for them on that level. It also o� ered creative, expanded spatial opportunities, a signi� cant factor in their decision to move.

John’s initial impression of the building was simple: ‘Very decrepit old warehouse

Opposite Enter the heart of the agency – still the vast

warehouse, but with a quirky, functional layout to suit its

new needs. This page, top left to right Ogilvy red; container

offi ces inset with glass so as to retain the open-plan concept,

invite in the light, yet provide quiet, private corners. Middle

Up the staircase from Mahatma Gandhi Road. Below Neat

staff lockers with one of Ogilvy’s out-of-the-box mottoes.

drily term ‘urban decay’, drily term ‘urban decay’, the recurring breaches the recurring breaches of security toof security toperson and property, MD John Gale juggled the wave of

‘What about the Point?’ What about Point?’ What about it? Fact is, much as the ratepayers and investors would like it to be di� erent, few are progressive enough to commit to this precinct. The Point hasn’t quite lost its ‘Hell Run’ image, even though, ironically, it has an impressive safety

56 | February 2011

workplace

with potential. The clincher was the staircase coming up off the street. We loved that.’ It was 2008 when Egg Designs began its relationship with the warehouse. ‘Obviously the building is king – it’s a listed one – and we addressed the interior space primarily from the location of the building within its surroundings.’ The warehouse was largely a vast vacuum, and Egg avoided the predictable choice of carving up the space with drywalling, partitions and carpet tiles.

Both John and Greg are the first to admit that the global economic meltdown affected the budget dramatically. The essence of Egg’s initial concept is clearly there, but the detail has been pared down. In a sense, a smaller chequebook forced Egg Designs to think outside the box. In addition, Ogilvy International had just circulated a memo about upping the agency’s green consciousness, so recycling and reworking existing materials fitted everybody’s bill.

As Greg says, ‘For us, it’s always about concept first, so that didn’t alter – it was about the location. The fact that the building is set in that old part of Point Road, with its chequered history, was the springboard for design.’ The boardroom is a case in point. The location inspired a rather opulent boudoir or bordello, a dominant lifestyle element of the area – rich red curtaining and floral carpets with scroll-feminine copper-plated furniture details are a quirky surprise for clients.

John’s ‘very dilapidated’ translated into the building’s requiring a new roof and some means of filling the huge holes in the floor. ‘It would have been easy to lay carpet tiles,’ says Greg, ‘but the need to express the honesty and

history of the building was more important. Old planks were sourced and holes filled with resins. They aren’t perfect, but that’s part of the charm. We selected certain walls to chip and expose the brickwork, which not only added warmth but also exposed the history behind the layers of plasterwork.’

The facade overlooks the docks and harbour, providing the impetus for Egg Designs’ bringing the outdoors in. Containers were installed as offices within the warehouse. ‘We used packaging pallets and crates, stripped the nails and screws, machined the timbers and laminated them to make tabletops, seating, desks, reception counters and so on – all old, yet new. We sourced weathered old doors as boardroom doors, and the office chairs are inside shells left exposed and raw,’ explains Greg. He enjoys the term ‘reductionist approach’.

Egg Designs worked closely with John to determine the flow of this double-storey, double-volume space, effectively describing how an agency functions – 36 people in about 780m2. Integrated into the design is generous chill space, from the long refectory table and pub to the deck at the rear of the building and the rooftop deck, which begs for a 360º party to match the view.

The space is vast and open, cleverly skirting an open-plan environment, and providing privacy without overt barriers. Light pours in, iconic Egg Design pieces swing or sing, ships pass in the night and day and, of course, Apples are everywhere. On so many levels, Ogilvy’s got the point. +27 (0)31 334 5600, ogilvy.co.za;+27 (0)31 783 4953, eggdesigns.co.za

‘For the designers of this workspace, it was essential to integrate the agency

into the environment rather than take a voyeuristic stance, so they’ve retained, even

accentuated, much of the warehouse.’

Above left Angles, lines and shapes accentuated by the strength of the light flooding in from

the harbourside. Bottom left to right It’s all in the detail; playtime at Ogilvy, as MD John Gale

tries his hand at foosball; found dismembered under the stairs, he has been reconstructed and

given a new lease of life.

February 2011 | 57

Real estateresidential, commercial, auction, property funds, offshore, green building

The good news is that many of Auction Alliance’s predictions for 2010 were spot on. In December 2009 we stated

that 2010 would be a tale of two halves –pre- and post-World Cup.

And so it proved to be. First quarter results were signi� cantly up as buyer sentiment was heightened by the upcoming event. Despite high levels of crime and a still-shaky economy, South Africa proved the sceptics wrong.

Many people predicted a glory period for property sales after the World Cup, but not us. We said that the second half of the year would be more challenging, that house price growth would be limited, with complications left by the last decade’s property boom still lingering. Again, if one looks backs at the year, this prediction turned out to be correct.

In 2011 the greatest challenge for the auction industry will be to refocus on a buyer’s market still constrained by P

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The rocky road

It’s going to be a tough year, but keen investors should keep their eyes on

properties below the R1-million mark.

a shortage of demand and an oversupply of non- income- producing properties. As the country gets used to a long, hard and bumpy recovery, the economic headwinds will still be strong and unemployment rates alarmingly high.

While the lowest interest rates in 30 years will boost sentiment and cause a bounce in properties with reliable cash � ow, the favourable interest rate environment won’t be a magic pill that quickly relieves the downturn. Finding the right buyers at auctions and getting funding will remain challenging.

Business con� dence will be dependent on a host of local and international issues, including fears of a potential sovereign debt crisis in Europe.High-value bankruptcies will level o� through the year, presenting opportunistic purchasing like never before seen in South Africa.

As liquidators and banks o� oad bad debts and an oversupply of development land, a sweet spot will emerge for investors with access to � nancingas they pick upthese assets at bargain prices.

The residential property market will remain � at for most of the year, with a stronger recovery at entry level.

Investors will snap up properties below the R1- million mark, which for the � rst time in many years will provide stronger returns than cash in the bank.

The middle market will remain � at for some time as it deals with oversupply in newer residential areas.

The luxury residential market across the country will remain sluggish all year, with little help from interest rates and a strong rand constraining international demand.

Leisure residential properties at the coast, on golf courses and in other non- urban areas will also remain � at, with several properties being sold at auction below replacement value.

Next year two pieces of legislation may have a major impact on the auction sector. The Consumer Protection Act will change a wide range of issues with regards to the auction process, mandates and sales processes; these are all designed to look after the consumer’s interests.

The new Companies Act will also have a material e� ect, with the introduction of business recovery. This may cause an

initial slowdown in liquidations as companies go through the business

recovery process.The commercial property

market will become two-tiered. Good properties with strong

covenants and reliable cash � ow will experience a surge in

demand as investors look to place their cash in areas that achieve greater returns than bank deposits.

Blocks of � ats, retail property and key industrial sites will form the strongest part of the market. The o� ce

market will remain mild but A-grade properties in prime

locations will attract strong demand on the auction � oor.

The auction industry will continue to grow in 2011 as sellers see it as a viable option to secure realistic o� ers in a

di� cult property market. +27 (0)21 443 6000,auction.co.za

CEO, Auction Alliance

AHEAD

February 2011

on a host of local and international issues, including fears of a potential sovereign debt crisis in Europe.High-value bankruptcies will level o� through the year, presenting opportunistic purchasing like never before seen in South Africa.

As liquidators and banks o� oad bad debts and an oversupply of development land, a sweet spot will emerge for investors with access to � nancingas they pick upthese assets at

The residential property market will remain � at for most of the year, with a stronger recovery at

Investors will snap up properties below the R1- million mark, which for the � rst time in many years will provide stronger returns than cash in

The middle market will remain � at for some time as it deals with oversupply in newer residential areas.

The luxury residential market across the country will remain sluggish all year, with little help from interest rates and a strong rand constraining international demand.

initial slowdown in liquidations as companies go through the businessrecovery process.

The commercial property market will become two-tiered.

Good properties with strong covenants and reliable cash � ow

will experience a surge in demand as investors look to place their cash in areas that achieve greater returns than bank deposits.

market will remain mild but A-grade properties in prime

locations will attract strong demand on the auction � oor.

The auction industry will continue to grow in 2011 as sellers see it as a viable option to secure realistic o� ers in a

di� cult property market. +27 (0)21 443 6000,auction.co.za

CEO, Auction Alliance

GUEST EDITOR Rael Levitt

58 | February 2011

real estate Residential

On the bayRialto Bay is a new luxury beachfront apartment development in Strand in the

Cape. Developed by Invest Afrique in association with LKC Investment Holdings,

Rialto Bay has 24 upmarket two-bedroom and three-bedroom units, priced

from R1,59-million (including VAT). The apartments range from 97m2 to 230m2

in size and feature magnificent views, quality finishes (including granite kitchen

counters and vanity tops, carpeted bedrooms and porcelain-tiled floors in the

living area and kitchen), entertainment balconies with built-in braai, security and

on-site parking. Just 30 minutes from the city centre, Strand offers all the required

amenities, from good schools, malls and clinics to retail outlets and a vibrant

nightlife, all within a tranquil setting. +27 (0)21 424 4325, lkcholdings.co.za

Never a dull momentDeveloped by Frank Gawenda of Gavcon and marketed by Pam Golding Properties

(PGP), Angler’s Court, in Dullstroom, comprises five stylish, fully furnished

private suites. ‘These brand-new units are well priced, with three units available

for purchase at R820 000 plus transfer duty and the other two units priced at

R1,05- million plus transfer duty,’ says PGP Area Principal Elisme Swart. Other

features of the development include secure, gated access and a boundary wall.

A Jacuzzi is also being installed. ‘Because these units provide upmarket, luxury

accommodation, they will be rented out at R450/person per night on weekends.

That is comparable to other luxury accommodation in Dullstroom,’ says Elisme.

Buyers may block their units for leisure purposes and rent out them out the rest of

the time. +27 (0)13 254 0205, pamgolding.co.za

Marina lifeEven with an oversupply of property in the greater Jeffreys Bay area, erven sales in Marina Martinique, just 5km away, are increasing steadily, with 11 successful

transfers having been completed since the beginning of 2010. The developer, C-Max Investments, is currently developing Bermuda Cove, a low-density

development comprising 174 erven. ‘Marina Martinique has always been known for its security and very attractive lifestyle experience. It is a family holiday

destination par excellence and remains one of the safest holiday options in the country,’ says C-Max Investments MD James Hinton. Also within Marina Martinique

is the recently completed La Caribe development. La Caribe comprises 60 two-bedroom units, each with a full bathroom, a dining room/kitchen/living area and

a balcony. According to Vernon Heunis, general manager of the Marina Martinique Home Owners’ Association, the

development has set a new standard in secure marina living. ‘Marina Martinique creates a magic factor, a sense of

belonging for everyone living here,’ he says. ‘Even though a large percentage of our landowners is comprised

of holidaymakers, or seasonal inhabitants of the houses in the development, they all have a home away

from home at Marina Martinique.’ +27 (0)42 292 0537, marinamartinique.co.za

‘The lowest interest rates in 30 years are boosting buyer sentiment, and will cause a bounce in property prices.’ – Guest Editor Rael Levitt, CEO, Auction Alliance

residential fact:The safe, 44m-widecanals are perfectfor family fun.

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Residential REAL ESTATE

Artful lifestyleSeeff Sandton has on its books a fully furnished luxury home that includes in the sales price of R25-million

an impressive international collection of artworks by Picasso, Henry Moore and Irma Stern, a wine collection

and two luxury vehicles (Ferrari and MG). ‘This is a fi rst for us – having a whole lifestyle to sell, everything

of ultra- luxurious quality,’ Angela Edy and Courtenay de Carcenac from Seeff Sandton comment. The

double- storey Parktown home is set on almost 4 000m2 of mature, landscaped hillside, and while it has been

totally refurbished, it still retains all the charm of yesteryear, they add. Superb entertainment options include a

formal dining room and eat-in designer kitchen, a sheltered patio and poolside view-site terrace with a summer

house. The formal rooms feature Japanese maple wall panelling, among other magnifi cent details. The garden

is one part lush oasis, with water features tucked under the trees, and one part mountain, with old stone steps

leading right up to the ridge. +27 (0)11 784 1222, seeff.com

Alberton sees steady growthJenny de Necker, broker/owner of RE/MAX All

Stars, expects the new industrial development

(including the Heineken brewery) to the south of

Alberton to have a positive impact on the area’s

property market. She foresees steady growth in

property values and sales over the next 12 to 18

months. Jenny says entry-level homes are selling

for between R500 000 and R600 000 and

typically have two to three bedrooms. Mid-level

homes are usually set on large stands, comprise

three to four bedrooms, two bathrooms, two

garages and a swimming pool, and average

between R1-million and R1,5- million. The most

expensive homes, priced from R2,5-million, are

in Alberante and Meyersdal. RE/MAX All Stars is

marketing the landmark building, La Montanara,

a much-loved wedding venue in the heart of old

Alberton. +27 (0)11 907 6275, remax.co.za

Excellent prospects in the ParksThe family-friendly suburbs of Parkview and

Parkwood in northern Johannesburg are proving

prime areas. With sought-after schools within walking

distance and essential services, such as medical and

retail facilities, in close proximity, the suburbs jointly

represent the best residential investment opportunity

in Jo’burg, says Vered Area Specialist Michael Flinn.

Parkview and Parkwood present homebuyers with

the opportunity to either restore houses to their

original art deco glory or renovate and modernise

them. Michael notes that, over the past several

months, entry-level houses that have not been

renovated have sold for between R1,9-million and

R5,2-million. In Parkview the fi gures are slightly higher,

with properties selling for between R2,3-million and

R6,4- million. These higher prices can be attributed to

Parkview’s larger stands. 0861 483 733, vered.co.za

Your MoveLew Geffen Sotheby’s

International Realty’s

Executive Director,

Ya’el Geffen

It’s a new year, and

the question on most

property enthusiasts’

lips is, how will the

market fare this year?

Our observation is

that things are looking

up, and there seems to be light at the end of

the tunnel for the residential property market.

Our fi gures reveal a substantial increase in sales

volumes – already 30% up on last year.

The good news is that those professionals

who never suffered retrenchments or salary

cuts as a result of the global fi nancial crisis are

returning to the market. Chartered accountants,

engineers, doctors, bankers and other

professionals are upgrading and purchasing

homes averaging about R2,4-million.

If you look at the numbers closely, specifi cally

in the professional market, the banks are

rejecting a mere 4% of mortgage applications, as

compared to 15% last year. Nationally, this is in

the R2,4-million average price bracket.

However, the numbers are looking bleak in

the lower price brackets, where almost 50% of

bank loan applications are being rejected.

Sales volumes are increasing across the

country, as people have seen a window of

opportunity to enter the market. There is no

doubt that the banks have also come to the party

by relaxing their credit approval policies, and

this is contributing to the improvement in the

property market. The only thing still inhibiting the

growth in the market is the National Credit Act,

which is still a hurdle for some people. That said,

the buying momentum is there!

This is also a good time for fi rst-time buyers

to enter the property market, as banks are now

willing to even give 100% mortgages once again,

provided the client passes the means test.

The other evidence of an improving market

is the increase in footfall at show houses. We are

starting to see an increasing number of people

attending show days again. During the fi nancial

crisis, we would put on show 100 houses and only

get a 7% return; today that return is 20%!

In addition to this, the top-end market price

growth rate, at 7,7%, is now ahead of infl ation,

putting it once again into positive territory.

My projection is for the residential property

market to grow in value by between 8% and 10%

this year.

Ultimately, I remain very bullish about the

property market’s growth prospects for this

year, as we are likely to see conservative growth

momentum sustained.

This is certainly the time to buy! Wishing you

a peaceful and productive year ahead.

Until next month!

Ya’el

60 | February 2011

real estate Commercial

‘Green building materials, including timber from sustainable resources, will be used to construct Parkhurst Square.’

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Trendy new square for ParkhurstParkhurst residents can look forward to the development of Parkhurst Square, a

2 000m2 retail and office building on 4th Avenue. Sheldon Bakos, head architect at

Integrale Architects, says the development is in keeping with Parkhurst’s upmarket

nature. Green building materials – including a lot of timber from sustainable

resources – will be used in the construction of Parkhurst Square, and cross

ventilation will be maximised to lessen the need for air conditioning. The project is

scheduled for completion in November 2011. +27 (0)11 268 3100, integrale.co.za

Phase 3 of Highveld Mall launchedHighveld Mall, the only regional shopping centre in eMalahleni (Witbank), is set to

expand to more than 60 000m2, on the back of rocketing consumer and tenant

demand. ‘Phase Two is already fully let, bringing the entire shopping centre

to 100% occupancy,’ says Patrick Flanagan from developers and co-owners,

Flanagan & Gerard. The leasing of Phase 3 – another 15 000m2 – is under way.

‘The new expansion will broaden retail choice for consumers and deepen the

tenant mix at the mall,’ adds Patrick. Highveld Mall generated turnover of more

than R45- million/ month within its first year, a figure that has since grown to over

R70- million/month. The mall is co-owned by Resilient Property Income Fund,

Flanagan & Gerard and Mogwele Trading 278. +27 (0)87 940 3833, fgprop.com

Hanglip serviceA 309ha industrial park in the Lephalale region in

Limpopo Province is set to break ground in the

second quarter of 2011. Developed by PDC Holdings,

Hanglip Industrial Park will be situated in the industrial

corridor between the Medupi and Matimba power

stations, near the Grootegeluk coal mine. Area

Principal for Pam Golding Properties Ellisras, Assis

Pontes, says Phase 1 comprises 82 stands of between

5 000m2 and 18 000m2, with prices averaging

R610/ m2 (including VAT). ‘Hanglip Industrial Park is

aimed at industries that provide services and goods

to mainly construction, energy and mining industries

as well as industrial end users. There are opportunities

to let industrial space, and these will be tailor made

to client requirements,’ says Assis. The development

is also an ideal investment for owner- occupiers,

Assis adds. Commenting on the residential market,

Assis says 10 sectional-title complexes have sprung

up in the past year, with buy-to-let investors driving

demand. The most popular units are priced at

R662 000, generating a guaranteed rental income of

R6 5000/ month, says Assis.

+27 (0)14 763 1242, pamgolding.co.za

Anchor tenantThe first phase of an 80 000m2 (GLA) shopping mall complex being developed by Billion Group and

Abacus Asset Management in Port Elizabeth has broken ground. Designed by dhk Architects, Bay West

Mall is part of a larger multibillion- rand development of some 300ha. The completed development will

contain the shopping mall (including more than 250 individual stores), a commercial office block, private

schools, a hospital and a residential and leisure component. Paul Krynauw, group director of dhk, says,

‘Our role as architects is to create a design that will blend the retail mall components into the greater

project, setting the tone for the future expansion of the Mandela Bay Metropolitan area.’ The shopping

mall complex is due for completion in 2013. +27 (0)21 421 6803, dhk.co.za

CommerCial fact: The design will set the tone for the expansion of the Mandela BayMet area.

February 2011 | 61

Retail revolutionRetailLab Property Advisors MD Adam Bravo

predicts that new retail developments in previously

disadvantaged areas will eventually overtake

high- income retail nodes, such as Hyde Park Shopping

and Sandton City, as the leaders in this sector.

Citing figures released by the City of Johannesburg

that show that Soweto residents have combined

annual buying power of R10,5-billion – an estimated

R4,3-billion of which is disposable income – Adam

says retailers are ‘missing out on capturing a large

amount of disposable income from an ever- increasing

number of middle- and high- income earners resident

in these areas’. The Financial Services Charter is

providing further incentive by setting targets for the

funding of projects in these areas. ‘If the growth and

development strategies between developers and

retailers are correctly aligned and implemented, these

previously disadvantaged areas will represent far

greater returns, over a greater period,’ says Adam.

+27 (0)11 786 3635, retaillab.co.za

Commercial real estate

‘The demand for well-tenanted commercial property together with a sound property sector augurs well for 2011.’ – Guest Editor Rael Levitt, CEO, Auction Alliance

Toll-free in LanseriaIndustrial property developer Jürgen Erhart,

from Efcon Capital, believes un-tolled roads

linking Pretoria to Johannesburg, such as

the N14, will offer an increasingly popular

alternative to the tolled highways coming

into effect from April 2011, and are likely

to encourage growth in these nodes. The

toll- free, double-lane N14 freeway stretches

from Pretoria in the north to Krugersdorp in

the west, with off-ramps providing access

to Fourways, Randburg, Lanseria and other

key north- western Gauteng towns. Lanseria

Corporate Estate is ideally positioned to

benefit from this route. The 90ha estate is

undergoing a R375-million upgrade that will

add 5,7km of dual carriageway with double

lanes from the N14 to Lanseria International

Airport on the R512 (Malibongwe Drive).

Another 1km of double-lane dual carriageway

will boost the intersecting K33 along the

Elandsdrift- to- Fourways stretch. There will

be a bridge taking the new carriageway over

the N14 and four intersections with traffic

lights. Dennis Sinkonde of Aphane Consulting

Engineers says, ‘Provision has also been made

for dedicated turning lanes at all access roads

intersecting the R512 between the N14 highway

and Road K31 leading to Lanseria International

Airport. The main road will be given preference

and additional carriageways will reduce vehicle

density by at least half.’ The project is due for

completion in March 2011. lanseriace.co.za

Maponya Mall gets activeVirgin Active Gyms and the Maponya Mall Trust have signed a 12-year lease

agreement to develop Soweto’s first standalone, state-of-the-art Virgin Active

gym. The gym will be developed by Zenprop and designed by Design Line and

Empowered Spaces Architects. Due for completion in July 2011, the three- storey,

4 000m2 facility with full-length training pool is expected to dominate the

burgeoning fitness market in Soweto. Meanwhile, the four-year-old Maponya

Mall has become the dominant shopping centre in Soweto, and is surpassing

expectations. The latest trading statistics show that at the end of 2010, footfall

was up by 12,66%, turnover growth was up 20% over 2009 figures and the mall’s

vacancy rate was just 2,5%. +27 (0)11 938 4448, maponyamall.co.za

New look for Rosebank complexOwned by Investec and developed by Investec

Property, The Firs and Hyatt complex in Rosebank has

been refurbished recently to include 8 000m2 of office

space and 4 100m2 of retail and restaurant space, in

addition to the 244 rooms and 15 suites at the Hyatt

Regency Johannesburg. The centre is well positioned

to service the many commuters expected to pass

through the Rosebank Gautrain station, which opens

in March 2011. ‘The redevelopment, particularly the

restaurant piazza, provides essential synergies with

Rosebank’s pedestrian and street-level interaction,

creating a meeting point interlinked with this modern

village,’ says Investec Property’s Sam Leon.

+27 (0)11 286 7000, investec.co.za

Brave new CenturyCentury 21 South Africa has regained its

footing after the death of franchise holder

Dr Duncan Gray left the local branch of the

American brand ‘in limbo’. The SA branch’s

new master franchise licence holder and group

CEO, Harry Nicolaides, has reassured existing

franchisees that Century 21 Global views

its presence in SA as crucial to expanding

the group’s international presence. Century

21 SA, which was launched in 2006, has been

recapitalised for further growth and has

introduced training programmes for agents and

franchisees as well as the National Pearl Awards

for recognising top achievers within the group.

The Century 21 real-estate system is comprised

of about 8 000 independently owned and

operated franchised broker offices in over 73

countries and territories worldwide.

+27 (0)11 455 0066, century21.co.za

62 | February 2011

REAL ESTATE Auction

‘Several new auctioneers will open shop during the year as they look to the auction industry as a growth area.’– Guest Editor Rael Levitt, CEO, Auction Alliance

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Proudly sponsored by

First art auction for 2011Stephan Welz & Company’s fi rst Decorative and

Fine Arts Auction for 2011 will be held on 22 and

23 February at their auction premises at the Great

Cellar at the Alphen Hotel in Constantia. Headlining

this auction is Irma Stern’s 1935 portrait, titled

Zulu Woman, which is scheduled to fetch between

R16- million and R20-million. Other highlights of the

sale include works by JH Pierneef, Walter Battiss,

Pieter Hugo Naudé and Maud Sumner. There is also a

full complement of decorative arts available, including

highly desirable collectable pieces of Scandinavian

furniture. +27 (0)21 794 6461, swelco.co.za

Breede River dreaming A Breede River mansion is going under the Auction Alliance hammer on 8 February at Crystal Towers

Hotel in Century City. No. 4 Barracouta Street is a newly built 650m2 luxury home facing onto the mouth

of the Breede River in the coastal town of Witsand. The home offers four spacious bedrooms, three

bathrooms, a gourmet kitchen, walk-in fridge, wine cellar and numerous wrap-around balconies. The

house also contains a gym, Jacuzzi, indoor lift and underfl oor heating, and is built on spacious grounds.

‘The property is 40km from Heidelberg on the N2, making it an ideal weekend and holiday escape from

the bustle of the city,’ comments Ish Hendricks of Auction Alliance. +27 (0)21 443 6000, auction.co.za

A fine and rare auction Rudd’s Auctioneers in Cape Town is

having its largest sale of antiques and

artworks from 8 to 9 February.

The sale comprises over 600 lots

from the personal collection of

the late Cecil and Milly Finneran,

who established Finn’s Antique

Corner in Church Street in 1950.

The collection of local and

international pieces includes

fi ne English and Continental

furniture, fi ne rare silver,

nautical paintings by leading

British marine artist William

Lionel Wyllie, Chinese and

Japanese ceramics, clocks

of all descriptions, portrait

miniatures and bronzes, to

name a few.

+27 (0)21 426 0384,rudds.co.za

One of the key successes in

the Auction Alliance stable

over the past two years

has been the growth of its

premium property division.

Craig Berman, part of the

company’s executive team,

has been refi ning a premier

Platinum brand within the

Auction Alliance stable for the past

18 months. His main focus has been on

showcasing premium properties, auctioned

in a multiple-presentation format. Two of his

biggest successes include the sale of a home

in Arcadia Road, Cape Town, for R40-million,

and one in Klein Genot for R30-million. ‘My

vision has been to create this platform by

establishing a distinctive service proposition

that will ultimately set the bar for sellers and

buyers to identify Auction Alliance Platinum

as a preferred selling and purchasing method,’

he says. Craig has always been drawn to

the excitement of the auction industry,

and predicts lots of activity for upmarket

properties in the future. ‘When set up

correctly and positioned accurately, auctions

are benefi cial to both buyer and seller,’ he

says. +27 (0)11 430 5555, auction.co.za

The platinum factorAUCTION FACT:Find out more about Platinum auctions and more in The Auction Magazine at auction.co.za.

C M Y CM MY CY CMY K

www.auction.co.za | 0861 alliance

We’ll get youa real result

If you’re serious about selling thenwe’re the right people for the job inthis market. We offer the simplest andquickest solution to selling high valueproperty anywhere in South Africa.

We produce a quick non-suspensive real deal everytime. That’s why we’ve been South Africa’s leadingauction group for decades. Speak to us about gettingyou ahead of the game today.

64 | February 2011

REAL ESTATE Property Fund

FINANCIAL QUOTE:‘The tourism market in SA could double in volume over the next f ive years.’– Chaim Cohen

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Hyprop propelled into the big leaguePlans by shopping centre owner Hyprop Investments to purchase its unlisted

counterpart, Attfund Retail, for R9-billion will help create more funds that

can compete with sector heavyweights Growthpoint Properties and Redefi ne

Properties, in terms of size. Growthpoint’s current market cap of R27,5-billion and

Redefi ne’s R21,1-billion comprise more than a third of the listed-property sector’s

total market cap of R125-billion. They are also the only two out of the sector’s 19

counters that have market caps of more than R10-billion. Hyprop is currently in

third spot, with its current market cap of R9,3-billion. However, the Attfund deal

will see Hyprop’s market cap swell to R15-billion by April, once the acquisition is

fi nalised. Attfund’s portfolio includes Clearwater Mall in Roodepoort, Woodlands

Boulevard in Pretoria, Cape Gate Retail Precinct in Cape Town and a 25% share in

Centurion Mall. Attfund’s malls are widely regarded as a good fi t for Hyprop’s retail

portfolio, which includes Canal Walk in Cape Town and Hyde Park Shopping, The

Mall of Rosebank and The Glen in Johannesburg. Property analysts have welcomed

the tie-up between Hyprop and Attfund, as they generally like the size and liquidity

offered by bigger funds. For institutions that tend to invest only in counters worth

more than R10-billion, it will offer an attractive alternative to Growthpoint and

Redefi ne. ‘There’s no doubt the Hyprop-Attfund deal will signifi cantly raise the

attractiveness of listed property as an asset class,’ says Evan Jankelowitz, director

of Sesfi kile Capital. Property analysts are also looking forward to the possible

listing of Old Mutual’s R12-billion, retail-focused property portfolio by mid-2011.

Emira sweating its assetsEmira Property Fund continues to pour money into improving the quality of

its R8-billion portfolio through selective acquisitions, the disposal of non-core

properties and the refurbishment of existing buildings. Management is currently

focusing a lot of time, effort and money on the latter. Upgrades to older buildings

generally deliver good returns for shareholders, as they enable management

to rent out space at signifi cantly higher rentals. Some seven projects, worth

R161-million, are already under way, including refurbishments and extensions

to Randridge Mall in Johannesburg, the refurbishment of Rigel Offi ce Park in

Pretoria, an upgrade to Wesbank House in the Cape Town CBD and extensions

to Woolworths at The Market Square Shopping Centre in Plettenberg Bay

(pictured below). Emira plans on spending a further R130-million in the next 12

months on upgrading, among others, Cresta Corner shopping centre (on the

corner of Judges Avenue and Beyers Naudé Drive in Randburg). Emira CEO

James Templeton says Cresta Corner is in a prime location opposite the Cresta

Shopping Centre, but in need of a facelift. James notes that, following the

upgrade, gross rentals for the ground- fl oor retail space should rise from around

R83/m2 to R95/m2,

While many hotels – particularly the

newer ones built in the run-up to the

Soccer World Cup – experienced tough

trading conditions in 2010, listed-hotel

owners are starting to report an uptick

in room demand. AltX-listed Quantum

Property Group (QPG), owner of the

fi ve-star 15 on Orange Hotel in Cape

Town (pictured right) and the Park Inn by

Radisson in Sandton, has seen a dramatic

rise in occupancies since October 2010.

Executive Chairman Chaim Cohen says

he is cautiously optimistic that trading

conditions in the South African leisure

and tourism market will improve in the

year ahead. ‘Indications are that the

tourism market in South Africa could

double in volume over the next fi ve years,’

he says. ‘The successful Soccer World

Cup showcased South Africa’s solid

infrastructure, centring South Africa on the

global stage and positioning the country as

a highly attractive business, conferencing

and leisure destination.’

Better days ahead for hotel owners

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Win!

Win!

Find your wayTwelve lucky readers stand a chance of winning a copy of Book of the Road, valued at R199,95. To enter, email your name, contact number and city to [email protected] with ‘Map Studio’ in the subject line.

Win!

MapStudio has introduced the ultimate South African road atlas, Book of the Road. It contains MapStudio’s most detailed mapping ever published. With over 208 detailed maps and a new, easy-to- read index of road names, this book is the South African motorist’s perfect travel companion. Book of the Road includes a comprehensive list of points of interest, including dive sites, beaches,

whale- watching spots, historic and heritage sites, mountain passes and 4 × 4 adventure trails, to name a few. It comes with a bonus CD that’s compatible with Google Earth and selected GPS devices. Book of the Road is available at stores countrywide for R199,95 and online at mapstudio.co.za.

Competition ends on 28 February 2011. Terms and conditions apply.

66 | February 2011

real estate Green Building

‘It’s a huge achievement that South Africa is making such positive inroads in terms of Green Star certification.’ – Guest Editor Rael Levitt, CEO, Auction Alliance

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Rating AfricaThe goal of creating a Green Building Council

African Network is one step closer. Some 20

African states are in full support of the initiative,

which was first proposed in May 2010 at the

Green Building Rating Systems Conference

in Nairobi. As the only established body of its

kind in Africa, the Green Building Council of

South Africa (GBCSA) has undertaken to assist

in putting together the network and support

the implementation of rating tools throughout

Africa, in partnership with the World Green

Building Council (WorldGBC). The African

countries involved are willing to adopt the rating

tools of the WorldGBC, but stress that the rating

system must be adapted to each country’s

unique conditions. With the Green Star Rating

System already modified and adapted to South

African conditions, the WorldGBC is hopeful of a

speedy assimilation of the rating tool throughout

the rest of Africa. Bruce Kerswill of the GBCSA

indicates several challenges, namely resources,

training and financing. However, with support

and positive feedback, the network is fast

becoming a reality.

eThekwini in a f irst for SAThe Environmental Planning and Climate Protection Department (EPCPD) of the eThekwini Municipality,

in KZN, together with the landowners in the Giba Gorge area (in Hillcrest, just outside of Durban), has

launched the Giba Gorge Environmental Precinct. It is said to be the first special rating area (SRA) in the

country to be used for environmental management purposes. The project will help protect the biodiversity

of the area, including the KZN Sandstone Sourveld grasslands (classified as ‘endangered’), the scarp forests

(‘vulnerable’), the water sources and the many birds and animals in this ecosystem. Landowners in the

area are paying an additional municipal levy towards the management of the area, and the municipality is

contributing significantly to ensure the sustainability of the forest. EPCPD Deputy Head Debra Roberts says

much of the natural beauty within the municipality has already been lost, giving rise to the need for multiple

stakeholders to make a joint effort to protect that which remains. The project demonstrates the important role

communities can play in protecting and managing their natural heritage, she adds.

Green gaining groundSouth Africa now has three buildings certified as earth-friendly by the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA). This

indicates that green building practices are indeed finding fertile ground in this country. ‘We are very excited to have awarded our

first Four- Green-Star SA certifications,’ says GBCSA CEO Nicola Milne. ‘We have a large number of applications, and considering the

significant task for developers to put together a submission form, the uptake and use of these Green Star Rating Tools shows that the

South African property industry is ready to adopt global best practices in green building.’ The first three buildings to be certified are

Nedbank Phase 2, in Sandton, Nedbank Ridgeside, in KZN, and The Villa Mall, in Pretoria. The Villa Mall is also the first building to receive

a Four-Green-Star SA Retail Centre Design v1 rating.

GreeN fact: There are currently three Green Star SA rating tools.

Team effortThe importance of green living has made its mark on the country’s students. A team of third-year

University of Cape Town students have taken top honours at the institution’s 2010 BSG Information

Systems Expo for their green-building management system, which they developed for ICT business

incubator, Bandwidth Barn. The innovative system created by team members Kate Dawe, Nick

Kuilman, Richard Pilkington and David Scheepmaker allows tenants to liaise directly with the building’s

administration on complaints and maintenance issues, as well as to book boardrooms and automate

offices to cut down on electricity and provide an electrical analysis. BSG Information Science CEO Greg

Reis says the design impresses him, because it provides tenants with a private, world-class service while

reducing a building’s carbon footprint.

Environmental Planning and Climate Protection

Department Deputy Head Debra Roberts, Community

Leader Mike Lourentz, Councillor Jaco Pienaar

February 2011 | 67

‘A strong rand coupled with substantial foreign allowance allocations opens a window of opportunity for offshore investments.’– Guest Editor Rael Levitt, CEO, Auction Alliance

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Urban actionThe completion of Rihan Heights, five luxurious

residential towers that make up Phase 1 of the

Arzanah project in Abu Dhabi, is a major milestone

for its strategic planner and developer, Capitala. The

1 400 000m2 development encompasses residential,

retail, commercial, sports and leisure components. The

project is now officially on schedule to be completed

in 2011. Rihan Heights is situated on the north-eastern

corner of Arzanah, on 3,8ha of prime land. The five

towers vary in height from 20 to 32 storeys and

include 854 apartments and 14 villas. The buildings,

which are surrounded by lush landscaped gardens

and parklands, offer a range of recreational features,

including a children’s playground, a gym and

fitness suite and a clubhouse, and are protected

by high- tech security and management

systems. Centrally located in the Grand Mosque

district, Arzanah is fundamental to Plan Abu

Dhabi 2030, an urban-planning framework that

aims to provide a sustainable foundation for the

emirate’s growth. For its part, Capitala promises

to deliver to Arzanah’s residents ‘the ultimate active

urban lifestyle’. +971 2 412 1111, capitala.ae

Country charmers on the cheapOwning a home in the English countryside has never been more accessible

to South Africans, says Lanice Steward, MD of Cape-based firm, Anne Porter

Properties. ‘With the rand at its current levels and our UK associates, Knight Frank,

reporting that UK manor houses have dropped in price by 1,3%, farmhouses by

0,6% and country cottages by 0,8% in the last quarter – with further drops to

come – now is a good time to buy a lovely UK country house, if you are in that

asset bracket,’ Lanice says. The more rural the property and the farther away it is

from urban hubs – particularly from London – the more reasonable prices become.

And if you buy in Scotland, Cornwall or Wales, you will possibly pay only 25%

more than you would for a three-bedroom home in South Africa’s Constantia,

Kloof or Sandton areas. Currently on Knight Frank’s books are a manor house at

Poole Keynes, Gloucestershire, priced at £2,5-million, an 18th-century farmhouse

(The Malthouse), in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, priced at £1,26-million and a

historic, renovated thatched cottage in Newton Abbot, Devon, priced at £475 000.

+27 (0)21 671 9120, anneporter.co.za

Mediterranean marvelSet on 110ha in the coastal town of Paphos, Cyprus, Neapolis is more than

a property development – it’s an entirely new city. Neapolis Smart EcoCity

will provide an integrated, healthy, smart lifestyle. The developers, Leptos

Group, have set themselves the ambitious goal of creating ‘the most

innovative, smart eco-city in the Mediterranean that will set standards of

excellence in health care, education, research, business parks and planned

green living, with an integrated blend of lifestyle, retail, entertainment and

culture’. In October last year Phase 1 broke ground and the foundation

stone was laid, making Neapolis the only European city currently being

developed with infrastructure based on a single intelligent platform capable

of accommodating green-living technology, the latest digital applications

and sustainable design. With the Cyprian culture being so focused on family

and good living, it is no surprise that Neapolis will contain expansive, green

urban parks and themed neighbourhoods to encourage community- building.

It will also have a state-of-the-art health park and hospital and an

English- language university alongside the residential and commercial

offerings. Michael Leptos, founder and chairman of the Leptos Group, says

that with the renewed and growing interest in clean-tech and eco- friendly

ventures, Neapolis Smart EcoCity is a diversified investment opportunity for

any property buyer. +357 26 880 601, neapolis.com

offshore fact: Arzanah is a US$6-billion development.

Offshore real estate

68 | February 2011

society

Cirque du Vic premier: 1John Beveridg, Amra Naiker 2Kim Coppen, Graeme Watkins, Steve Hofmeyr, Suné Meyer 3Kerishnie Naiker, Sonia Booth. Stellenbosch at

Summer Place: 4Etienne de Swardt, Annie Malan, Rika Bothma 5Lindani Mnyandu, Nkqubela Bam 6Ken Forrester, Annareth Bolton, Daniel Kriel. Park Inn Sandton

showcase: 7Nomthandazo Madiya, Cecelia Zungu, Tshepo Monama, Nthuthu Mabongo 8Eirik Bergvoll, Manuela Evans, Maarten van den Nieuwenhuijsen 9Fanie Meintjes,

Johan Groenewald, Marinda Botha, Maarten van den Nieuwenhuijsen, Yugashnee Naidoo, Nikki Grundlingh 10Natelie Moodley, Flavian Nyathi, Joseph Moumakoe.

The city’s stylish set came out to play at these high-profile events.Society

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To see who else we’ve featured in our Society pages, visit thepropertymag.co.za.

Email social photographs for consideration to [email protected].

7

February 2011 | 69

LUXURY WIN

With its white beaches, sunshine and countless entertainment options, Cape Town is the playground of South Africa’s well-to-do and modish. And when in the Mother City, where better to stay than at the new chic and sophisticated � ve-star Coral International Cape Town hotel?

Dramatically located in the historic suburb of Bo-Kaap at the foot of Table Mountain, Coral International Cape Town exudes understated luxury and style. From the oversized high-back chairs at Al Nafoora restaurant and the black grand piano contrasting with the light marble � oor to the black and white wallpaper with just a hint of gold, the decor is simply beautiful. The elegant, plush interiors and excellent facilities are topped with the very best of everything, including personalised service and breathtaking views.

The rooms and suites are generously proportioned and provide a relaxed ambience, and with amenities such as 400-thread-count Egyptian cotton linen being provided, you’re guaranteed the best sleep in the city. Facilities include a � tness centre and salon, a Mercedes or Bentley for airport transfers as well as valet, childminding and butler services on request.

There is something to satisfy every sense, from sight to sound, touch, smell and, above all, taste. The hotel’s mouthwatering cuisine ranges from Mediterranean and Middle Eastern to authentic North Indian prepared and served in the traditional manner in the hotel’s signature restaurant, Mezbaan. Al Nafoora o� ers all-day dining in an outdoor area on

tree-lined Buitengracht Street, while the Al Zaeem Shisha Lounge and Restaurant recreates the tradition of Middle Eastern meze and shisha. And don’t forget to satisfy your sweet tooth at Patchi Boutique Chocolatier, which is situated within the hotel. +27 (0)21 481 3700, coral-capetown.com

*Prize includes:

• Domestic fl ights from Johannesburg or Durban• Airport transfers• Breakfast daily• Two dinners valued at R500 each (one dinner at the hotel’s signature Mezbaan Indian Restaurant and one dinner at the hotel’s Al Nafoora all-day dining restaurant or Al Zaeem, including shisha)

• VIP treatment (including a welcome hamper and Patchi Boutique Chocolatier hamper).

To stand a chance of winning, tell us the name of one of the three

restaurants at Coral International Cape Town. Email your answer to

[email protected], quoting ‘Coral International’ in the

subject line.

ESCAPE

*The competition closes on 28 February 2011. The prize is valid for six months, excluding peak seasons and school holidays, and is subject to availability.

Terms and conditions apply.

ESCAPEChic city

WINPrize valued at over R45 000!

PROPERTY IS GIVING YOU AND ONE GUEST THE CHANCE TO WIN A THREE-NIGHT STAY IN A TWO-BEDROOM SUITE AT

CORAL INTERNATIONAL CAPE TOWN. WORTH OVER R45 000, THIS STUNNING PRIZE INCLUDES FLIGHTS, TRANSFERS AND MEALS*.

Dunkeld R12.5 Million

Looking to the future! Urban sophistication is taking full advantage of the latest in green technology. Meticulously planned and masterfully realized by architect Enrico Daffonchio, a unique opportunity to own a landmark modernist masterpiece in one of the best streets in Dunkeld. An exceptional modular living concept home, with extraordinary light and space.

Kimberly Dods 082 601 2099, Office 011 380 0000

WEB ACCESS HP516925

Morningside R35 Million

Contemporary living has a new address. Urban revolution of exceptional quality. Located in this top security complex close to Sandton’s CBD, is an exceptional residence. Designed by leading Architect Keith Maison with superb proportions and the very best finishes of the 21st century. A must to see for those looking for the most amazing home.

Andrew Berbick 082 084 9431, Office 011 380 0000

WEB ACCESS HP451359

Benmore Gardens R12 Million

A touch of the French Riveira - with views for Africa! This beautiful home offers a lifestyle one seldom has the chance to experience. Well-proportioned receptions open to elegant entertainer’s patio, heated pool and garden. Private guest suite, master bedroom with fireplace, secluded balcony, executive study, dressing room and beautiful en suite bathroom. 2 Further north-facing bedrooms ( en suite ).

Marion Dean 082 800 7168 , Lesley Gray 082 554 9589, Office 011 380 0000

WEB ACCESS HP441023

Bryanston R12.95 Million

Each room is large, spacious and furnished with a view to entertaining. 3 Receptions onto patio overlooking manicured garden and pool. Drawing room with bar and all with fold-back doors onto patio. The kitchen has a scullery, hidden appliances and breakfast area. Upstairs 4 large bedrooms all en suite and cinema. Large gym. Study. Staff accommodation. Triple garages.

Dominic Courtney 083 626 6355, Clare McNeil 072 863 5417, Office 011 380 0000

WEB ACCESS HP518645

Blair Atholl R24 Million

The original Blair Atholl family home. Newly renovated with a flair that is rarely seen. Rolling lawns lead to a picturesque lake with magnificent oaks and beautifully landscaped garden.The main house has 4 receptions, wine cellar, 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 4 garages, sauna and steamroom, tack room and state-of-the-art kitchen. 2 Well appointed self-contained cottages.

Sue Mace 082 892 8772, Brenda Gilbert 083 251 4452, Office 011 469 4691

WEB ACCESS DNF495023

Waterkloof R8 Million

This gracious 4 bedroom mansion in a dignified Waterkloof setting is perfect for the person wanting opulence and style. Expansive living areas and elegant finishes exude an unpretentious elegance. Of course there is a study, bar, sparkling pool, double staff accommodation, 5-car garage and separate guest cottage.

Pieter Erasmus 082 718 3000, Office 012 365 9000

WEB ACCESS PT529984

Norscot Slopes R3.5 Million

Immaculate, luxurious double-storey home. 3 Spacious bedrooms and guest suite. His-and-hers study. Designer kitchen overlooks open-plan lounge and dining room leading onto covered patio and wooden decked swimming pool. Beautiful manicured garden. Staff accommodation, double garages as well as-storeroom perfect this incredible Fourways home.

Alistair Dempster 083 603 4063 , Nikki Dempster 079 692 1092, Office 011 380 0000

WEB ACCESS FW535219

Bedfordview R7.5 Million

Offering 6 versatile bedrooms and 4 complementary bathrooms. 5 Reception rooms to welcome the discerning guest, games room, combined theatre room, cellar and fitted bar. The receptions open onto a resort-type lawn, accompanied by floodlit tennis court, sparkling swimming pool and multi-level patios. Ample parking with 4 garages, staff accommodation and great work-from-home opportunity.

Gerald Latrè 083 447 1148, Roger Lotz 083 680 7716, Office 011 455 6666

WEB ACCESS BV542941

LUXURY GOLF ESTATE LODGE Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 3 Carports 2

[O] 021 876 4592

PETER WAGENAAR 082 553 3396

PEARL VALLEY

R3.3 Million

Stunning lock-up-and-go lodge on this Jack Nickluasgolf estate, offering 3 en-suite bedrooms with balconies and views across the lake. Close to the driving range and club house for relaxed living.Estate offers gym, pool and equestrian facilities etc.

COTTAGE ON DOUBLE PLOT

[O] 021 876 4592

JEANINE ALLEN 082 410 6837

WEB 202 038

FRANSCHHOEK

R4.35 Million

Stunning double plot with a beautifulsunny landscaped garden, pool and views.The delightful 3 bedroom cottage offers doublevolume entertainment with a gas fireplace andairconditioning - a very characterful property.

1500m²

EQUESTRIAN JEWEL

Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 3 Garage 1

BEN SAAIMAN 084 569 3166

WEB 223 356

DURBANVILLE

R11.95 Million

Stunning lifestyle and business opportunity on thismagnificent 4.45ha smallholding with a loveley manorhouse & 6 well furnished guest cottages with a 4 starrating + conference facility. 50 Stables, indoor trainingfacilities and lunging arenas for the equine enthusiast.

LUXURY LIFESTYLE SMALL HOLDING

[O] 021 876 4592

JEANINE ALLEN 082 410 6837

WEB 219 859

FRANSCHHOEK

R21.5 Million

A rare opportunity to acquire an acclaimed designer’s property nestled on the banks of the river. Offering a beautiful 630m² Main villa with a separate 2 bedroomcottage set amongst the vines, plus a 303m² income earning Conservatory venue for weddings & functions

WEB 225 518

Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms 5

ED MORGAN 071 241 6026

Gracious Country Estateon Auction

www.auction.co.za | 0861 alliance

Wednesday 16 February @ 12h00, The Hilton Hotel, Rivonia RoadRenee Varejes 082 7777 082 | [email protected]

Effem Hall, located in the Greater Kyalami Conservancy (GEKCO) is the closest you get to the countryside in the city. This stately Chateau which has been approved as a 16 room guesthouse features 5 bedrooms all en suite, ball room, bar, auditorium, day room, formal lounge, family room, dining room, 2 studies, 4 garages, pool, separate 1 bedroom apartment and separate 2 bedroom apartment being used as staff quarters. The property also features breathtaking sculptured gardens.

Creative and intelligent marketing of individual and country property ... 600 offices globally

Seldom do homes of this caliber come onto the market. Seta desirable boomed location, in Bryanston East, this magnificent French-inspired Villa is a tribute to architecturalexcellent and reflects casual chic living and tasteful refine-ment. Cloistered towers of natural stone and distressedplasterwork – beautiful feature courtyards and breezeways,stucco, marble and solid rosewood finishes grace this trulymagnificent home comprising: Volumed entrance, socialcountry kitchen, expansive covered patio. French fireplaces,study, 5 Beautiful bedroom suites, main of indulgent proportions,including fully independent guest suite, 6 travertine bath-rooms with free-standing baths. 5 Oversized receptions withcentral fire-place, and home cinema, all opening to formalrose-gardens extending the full acre with feature pool.Double staff suites and garaging for Central vacuum andfeatures too numerous to mention - A home of true distinction!

To view call Sole Agent Regan: 082 320 6464 or Christie082 676 4699.

BRYANSTON asking R14 m’s

Web ref: 168499

Situated within exclusive Villa Torino on the BryanstonCountry Club, this spacious cluster home has it all. Fromthe welcoming entrance, 3 gracious and volumed receptionsopen to the entertainer’s covered patio overlooking manicuredand generous gardens and feature pool. Gourmet eat-incountry kitchen, 4 double bedrooms, all with marble en-suitebathrooms, downstairs study/5th bedroom guest suite, doublegarage and lux staff. Immaculate condition throughout,walkways, atriums, fountains, marble vanities and baths.For the discerning buyer…

To view call Sole Agent Liz Murphy: 082 554 6524, PaulineCribb: 082 573 6322 or Aniki Buys: 082 456 3778.

BRYANSTON late R6 m’s

Web ref: 21113

W W W . H A M I L T O N S . C O . Z A

A newly completed luxuriously appointed contemporary home set within asecure boomed enclave in Bryanston East - one of Bryanston’s most convenient,yet peaceful locations. From the volumed entrance, 4 spacious receptionsflow to an enormous covered patio overlooking feature pool and an acreof manicured park-like gardens. Dbl volumed formal dining room,Gourmet, eat-in kitchen, playroom / Billiard Room/ gym, executive study,5 double, airconditioned bedroom suites, garaging for 4, double staff.Water features, expansive cantilevered balconies, excellent security. Thisexquisite home has got it all! Asking R10.85mTo view call Sole Agents Pauline Cribb: 082 573 6322, Aniki Buys: 082 456 3778 or Liz Murphy: 082 554 6524.

BRYANSTON offers from R9.95 m

Web ref: 9275

Set in an exquisite Estate of stately Georgian homes, this magnificentabode is elevated to capture stunning Westerly views. From the volumeentrance with stunning wooden floors, 3 sizeable receptions flow to theentertainer's covered patio overlooking award gardens and feature pool.Gourmet country kitchen with top appliances opens to vast family room. 5 Indulgent bedroom suites, pyjama lounge and panelled study. Doublegaraging and lux staff. Features incl: American shutters, auto roller doors,generator, Woodhouse kitchen, wine server. A stunning home in top location!To view call Sole Agent Regan: 082 320 6464 or Christie: 082 676 4699.

BRYANSTON R7.99 m

Web ref: 21110

An exquisite cluster home, within a secure and quiet enclave, in BryanstonEast, offering quality accommodation and spaciousness. From the volumedentrance, enormous entertainer’s patio opens to indigenous garden,ample lawnscapes with mature trees and feature pool. 3 Stunning receptionsand cellar, gourmet social kitchen. 4 Bedrooms all en-suite, study andpyjama lounge. Lux staff and garaging for Generator, sandstone accents,water features are yet a few of the features of this stunning home.

To view call Sole Agent Christie: 082 676 4699 or Regan: 082 320 6464.

BRYANSTON R4.75 m

Web ref: 12701

H A M I LT O N ’ SP R O P E R T Y P O R T F O L I O

FOR OVER 50 000 PROPERTY LISTINGS VISITEach Office Independently Owned and Operated

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Associate name & contact noRE/MAX Office name & number Web ref: 123456

www.remax.co.za

AREA NAME R0 000 000

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Associate name & contact noRE/MAX Office name & number Web ref: 123456

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COLLECTION

THE

www.remax.co.za

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Associate name & contact noRE/MAX Office name & number Web ref: 123456

AREA NAME R0 000 000

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Associate name & contact noRE/MAX Office name & number Web ref: 123456

AREA NAME R0 000 000

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Associate name & contact noRE/MAX Office name & number Web ref: 123456

AREA NAME R0 000 000

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Associate name & contact noRE/MAX Office name & number Web ref: 123456

AREA NAME R0 000 000

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Associate name & contact noRE/MAX Office name & number Web ref: 123456

AREA NAME R0 000 000

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Associate name & contact noRE/MAX Office name & number Web ref: 123456

AREA NAME R0 000 000

SEA POINT / Cape Town R16 900 000 + VAT

HIGGOVALE / Cape Town R7 900 000

ORANJEZICHT / Cape Town R15 000 000

HISTORIC MOTHER CITY R4 550 000 GREEN POINT / Cape Town R995 000SEA POINT / Cape Town R1 795 000

SOMERSET WEST / Cape Town R8 000 000 HIGGOVALE / Cape Town R8 750 000

GET BUSY LIVING – INCOME PRODUCING, MAGNIFICENT GUEST HOUSEPerfectly situated on the Atlantic seaboard. 6-Bedroom suites + block of 8 separate apartments. 17 Secure parking bays. Garden setting + pool.

LIVING IN HIGGOVALE … SENSATIONAL!The ultimate executive lock-up-and-go. Created for comfort and entertainment. Immaculate and ready to move in. 3 Beds, all en suite. Private pool, excellent security.

IRREPLACEABLE COLLECTOR’S ITEMLarge Edwardian manor house. Lavishly and luxuriously appointed. Offers ambassadorial reception room, various lounges + pool. A home full of charm & character.

EXECUTIVE LIVING ON GREENMARKET SQUARE3-Bedroom penthouse over 2 fl oors. Open-plan living area leading to N-facing terrace. Views of city and bay from Devil’s Peak to Robben Island. 2 Parking bays. 24-Hour security.

IDEAL LOCK UP AND GO Top fl oor in quiet location, this 1-bedroom apartment is an ideal investment. Secure + pool in complex.

ENDLESS VIEWS FOR AN ENDLESS HOLIDAYStylish apartment in small exclusive block on Ocean View Drive. 2 Bedrooms, main en-suite, 2nd full bathroom. Open balcony with magnifi cent sea views. Lock-up garage with direct access.

MAGNIFICENT COUNTRY ESTATE LIVINGThis charming property offers tranquillity & style for the discerning buyer looking for something unique and private on ±10 000m². Tennis court, pool, guest cottage. Subdivision possible. Excellent investment.

BRAND-NEW HIGGOVALEUrban oasis. Modern 4-bed en-suite cluster home. Leafy garden with pool. Double volume, generous proportions. Table Mountain, City & Bay views from private Jacuzzi! Roof terrace, double garage, direct access.

LivingCity Bowl and Atlantic: 021 422 3976

www.remax.co.za | www.remaxliving.co.za | Each Office Independently Owned and Operated

Hannelore Harms 082 337 6992 RE/MAX Living 021 422 3976 Web ref: MP 252593

Petra Davidan 082 490 6329RE/MAX Living 021 422 3976 Web ref: MP 376364

Hannelore Harms 082 337 6992RE/MAX Living 021 422 3976 Web ref: MP 161506

Wolfgang Wunderlich 083 484 6143RE/MAX Living 021 422 3976 Web ref: MP 375697

Cindi Marcus 082 290 3211RE/MAX Living 021 422 3976 Web ref: MP 410510

Martin Freedman 082 356 6280RE/MAX Living 021 422 3976 Web ref: 404236

Gerlinde Moser 082 569 4644RE/MAX Living 021 422 3976 Web ref: MP 395795

Petra Davidan 082 490 6329RE/MAX Living 021-422 3976 Web ref: MP 147366

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designer � oors & timber decksTel: 011 466 0701

www.forest� ooring.co.za“Installations Nationwide”

CALL MAGDA – TEL: 011 253 7424

Block A, The Bank, 318 Rivonia Boulevard, Rivonia, Email: [email protected]

www.lsgintegrated.co.za

THE PREMIER ASSET-PROTECTION CONSULTANTS

A MEDIUM-SIZED FIRM FOR OWNER-MANAGED BUSINESSES

Auditing / Accounting / Tax / Trusts Specialists / Secretarial / Shelf Companies

YOU NEED: A TRUST

BUYING A HOUSE FOR MORE THAN R7 MIL.?

YOU NEED: A TRUSTYOU NEED: A TRUST

BUYING AN INVESTMENT PROPERTY?

Residential Accommodation in the Northern Suburbs

cell: 082 071 5601·telephone 011 513 3590offices: The Business Centre, Design Quarter,

Leslie Drive, Fourwaysemail: [email protected]·www.indigo7.co.za

· Short and long term furnished rentals·Unfurnished rentals

·Residential Sales

Tel: 011 914 3651www.quantumline.co.za

The Bull Run Restaurant is famed for its prime cuts of exquisite South African beef – served via it’s own in-house butchery – and an extensive selection of the fi nest Cape wines. Situated near popular nightspots in the upmarket suburb of Sandton, the energy and vibe of the Bull Run caters for any occasion – be it a business lunch,

dinner before a night on the town, or a corporate function.

Tel + 27 (0)11 884 - 1400 | E-mail [email protected] Bookings [email protected]

Opposite the Johannesburg Stock ExchangeAdjacent to the Protea Hotel Balalaika Sandton

20 Maude Street, Sandton

The Wish Collection - Exclusive Stockists

Shop 1 Lower LevelIllovo Square Shopping Centre, SandtonTel: 011 447 4495Fax: 011 447 4844 Cell: 082 850 5439

Frette Bed and Bath linen

Corneliani mens wear

Baccarat crystal

Books, Candles and Chocolates

Ladies and mens grooming products

Ettinger leather accessories

TREND WATCH

Looking for that showstopping decor piece that will transform any room in your house? We’ve rounded up four local design and interior afi cionados to give us their pick of the hottest home accessories.

The fi nal touch

DAWN DICKERSON, HOTCOCOA INTERIORS & DESIGN‘A coffee table that my partner Carmel Naudé and I recently designed adds a

sophisticated fi nal touch to a living room. We love the stepped levels, which

give an added dimension to any lounge and allow you to adorn it in different

ways with books, magazines, fl owers and other objects. With its rich, refl ective

surface, it can be glamorous and sexy in a modern setting, and it also looks

great in a natural, organic interior, as the glass provides a perfect foil to natural,

rough fi nishes. What’s more, the glass can be coloured to match any interior.’

+27 (0)21 424 0444, hotcocoa.co.za

TREVYN MCGOWAN, SOURCE INTERIORS‘Reuben Ngwenya Glassware, available from Boardmans, is one of the

most exciting projects I have worked on, and the mixture of heart, soul and

collaboration makes it a really special range. It is made from 100% recycled glass

and hand made by master craftsmen. Besides being beautiful, sophisticated

pieces, 5% of the sales go to a schoolchildren’s feeding scheme. The

items in this range would work just as well in the dining

room, kitchen or patio as they would in the

bedroom!’ +27 (0)44 877 0719,

source-sa.com

MICHELE THROSSELL, MICHELE THROSSELL INTERIORS & AGENCIES‘At the moment, my key decor accessory is the Tolomeo light. Its design is

timeless and adds an exciting edge to any type of decor theme, whether it’s

traditional or contemporary. The most obvious place to put the lamp is over a

work desk or perched by a bed, but I think it also works well for intimate lighting

in a small dining space.’ +27 (0)32 946 0590, michelethrossell.co.za

ADAM COURT, OKHA DESIGN & INTERIORS‘The Black Rain Mirror is so much more than a mirror; it crosses the line between

design and art. In its look it is both discordant and harmonious, because it is

irregular and asymmetric and therefore has a provocative split personality that’s

simultaneously dark and humorous. What I love about the Black Rain Mirror is

that it stimulates and provokes a reaction; the viewer engages with the mirror in a

multitude of ways. I would position it in a key focal area of a room, with plenty of

space around it. Because of the scale of the piece, its drama and intensity, it needs

space!’ +27 (0)21 419 7003, okha.co.za

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80 | February 2011

Find yourself in the world’s cleanest garage

Contact us today: 087 802 9186 or 0800 [email protected] / www.garagetek.co.za

We design it. We install it. You enjoy it.No more searching for tools or tripping over bikes.Let us transform your garage into a space everyone in the family will enjoy.

Do what tens of thousands of homeowners have done:

•Pantented TekPanel Wall System • Weather-proof, fire-rated & load tested • Easy to clean, easy to rearrange • Floor to ceiling options

•Over 100 storage solutions • 10 year warranty • Free in-home design consultation • Professionally installed in 1-2 days

Invest in the latest bright idea in home improvement, the unique garage organisation and storage system from the leaders with the

yellow safety stripe.

Call GarageTek® today and take back your garage.

Find yourself in the world’s cleanest garage

Contact us today: 087 802 9186 or 0800 [email protected] / www.garagetek.co.za

We design it. We install it. You enjoy it.No more searching for tools or tripping over bikes.Let us transform your garage into a space everyone in the family will enjoy.

Do what tens of thousands of homeowners have done:

•Pantented TekPanel Wall System • Weather-proof, fire-rated & load tested • Easy to clean, easy to rearrange • Floor to ceiling options

•Over 100 storage solutions • 10 year warranty • Free in-home design consultation • Professionally installed in 1-2 days

Invest in the latest bright idea in home improvement, the unique garage organisation and storage system from the leaders with the

yellow safety stripe.

Call GarageTek® today and take back your garage.

W-KLCH-60470-L/4

Cape Town: 7 Kunene Circle, Omuramba Business Park, Milnerton • 021 552 4370 I Johannesburg: Kildrummy Office Park, Witkoppen Road, Paulshof • 011 234 0652

web: www.klight.co.za • e-mail: [email protected]

Visit our website or showroom to view our complete range of exclusive fittings.

Cape Town: 7 Kunene Circle, Omuramba Business Park, Milnerton • 021 552 4370 I Johannesburg: Kildrummy Office Park, Witkoppen Road, Paulshof • 011 234 0652

web: www.klight.co.za • e-mail: [email protected]

Visit our website or showroom to view our complete range of exclusive fittings.

KL_PropMag 280x340 - Feb11.indd 1 2010/12/15 03:27:09 PM