Property decor, trends, luxury, design & real estate JOHANNESBURG Est. 2004, Issue 264 Winner of 10 publishing awards MAY/JUNE 2012 RSA R34.95 (incl. VAT) Other countries R21.90 (excl. Tax) Urban-Hub, Bo-Kaap, Cape Town The Rule of Three: Adrienne Hersch’s recipe for success NATIONAL DIGITAL EDITION FOR iPAD Get it from Zinio HOT COMMERCIAL SPACE Urban-Hub LIVING IN … MELROSE INDULGE IN FOOD, DECOR & SHOPPING CREATIVE SPACES AT PLAY AT WORK
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Propertydecor, trends, luxury, design & real estate
JOHANNESBURGEst. 2004, Issue 264
Winner of 10 publishing awardsMAY/JUNE 2012
RS
A R
34
.95 (
incl.
VA
T)
Oth
er
co
untr
ies
R21.9
0 (
excl.
Tax)
Urb
an-H
ub
, Bo
-Kaap
, Cap
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The Rule of Three: Adrienne Hersch’s recipe for success
NATIONAL
DIGITAL
EDITIONFOR iPAD
Get it from Zinio
HOT COMMERCIAL SPACEUrban-Hub
LIVING IN … MELROSE
INDULGE IN FOOD, DECOR &
SHOPPING
CREATIVE SPACESAT PLAY AT WORK
thepropertymag.co.za | 1
ON THE COVERThe Kitchen & Tasting Room
@ Maison. Turn to page 11
for the full story.
DECOR
14 HOT DECOR & DESIGNNew treasure troves, fabrics
galore and a marriage
between design giants
21 DESK JOCKEYSExpert advice on setting up
a productive workspace
TRENDS
11 MAGPIE’S DELIGHT We take a shine to Tinsel’s
gorgeous new store
12 HOT PLATENew restaurants in city
and country
18 WHAT’S ONWhat you should be
doing this month
42 MELROSE IS THE PLACEWhy you should be
living in Melrose
56 SOCIETYThe Safl and Awards 2012
gala dinner in Windhoek
72 TREND WATCH We look at the coolest
accessories for your
offi ce space
LUXURY
16 HOT INDULGENCEIndulgences for your
jewellery box, your pets
and your wardrobe …
Just for starters
20 HISTORY FOR SALEA Randlord mansion in
Parktown comes up for sale
DESIGN
22 A HAPPENING HUBA new commercial offi ce
space, Urban-Hub, in Cape
Town’s historic Bo-Kaap
is a hybrid of old and new
design aesthetics
28 THE DUKE OF AWEWMI converts a Midrand
mansion to a modern
family home
33 CREATIVE CAPITALAdvertising agencies’
inspiring offi ce interiors
39 STATELY LIVINGThis Melrose home combines
classic Old World features
with a modern lifestyle
44 AXIS OF EXCELLENCEThe Creative Axis puts a new
spin on architecture
REAL ESTATE
47 THE RULE OF THREEAdrienne Hersch’s
formula for success
48 JOHANNESBURG: RESIDENTIALThe convenience of
Clearwater Estate, and
Rosebank’s revitalisation
49 JOHANNESBURG: COMMERCIALA green Pick n Pay for
Roodepoort, a light
industrial business park
on the East Rand, and
a revamp for Grayston
Shopping Centre
50 AFRICAPalais Namaskar
Marrakech luxury hotel
presents a decor feast
52 SOUTH AFRICAA rugged getaway in
the Karoo
54 NAMIBIAThe retail boom sparks
new investment in
shopping centre
developments
and expansions
ON THE COVERUrban-Hub commercial
offi ce space, Bo-Kaap,
Cape Town. See page 22
for details.
ContentsDOWNLOAD
OUR NATIONAL
EDITIONFOR iPAD
from Zinio
22
33
16
ED’S LETTER
4 | May/June 2012
Nicky Haslam wears a number of colourful hats. Author, events planner, writer (you may remember his quirky words from The Telegraph and Hello Magazine). He has even tried his hand at music. But his ultimate passion lies with interior design, and this is where he makes the world of decor and design spin. Love his style or hate it … Kitsch or cool …? The jury is still out, but there is no denying that Nicky is a character and he has had an incredible in� uence on this industry. I met him at the St Leger and Viney Design Focus morning, and despite playing the diva and missing our mid-morning meeting, I later caught up with him and watched his lecture, which had me chuckling in the aisles.
Nicky has led a life that is certainly worthy of the autobiography, Redeeming Features, that he has already published. Born in the UK, he has lived in many places and followed many paths, always hanging with the jet set. Today he can boast as past clients Mick Jagger and Bob Geldof (who, he says, ‘have great taste’) and Bryan Ferry, all of whom he now calls friends. He once decorated a morning room for Rod Stewart. ‘He doesn’t have good taste; I gave it to him,’ he exclaims about the rocker.
From wearing riding chaps made from bear fur on his hunting farm to creating events for the royal family, Nicky courts controversy and inspiration and does it well. Between projects and homes he has decorated, Nicky reminisces on his friendships with photographer David Bailey and artist Andy Warhol, who, he says, ‘took me to Park Avenue and made me smart’. The unique pair actually made a movie together, called Kiss (‘Watch it if you are bored enough,’ Nicky laughs.) Fashion and design have always gone hand in hand and so it’s no surprise that Nicky dabbled in this world. He reveals that some of his fondest memories are of working for US Vogue when Diana Vreeland was at the
helm: ‘Those were the days of whisky � rst thing in the morning, 15 cigarettes in the o� ce, and looking at pretty clothes pictures.’
Nicky later took on the role of art director at a magazine called On Show, where he shot icons like the Beatles and Barbra Streisand on her one and only modelling shoot. He talks casually of his famous acquaintances, including the Duchess of Windsor, better known to us as Wallis Simpson, the woman who caused King Edward VIII to abdicate. According to Nicky, she decorated Buckingham Palace in pink and silver and liked to play poker with Churchill. ‘I am better for knowing her – she wasn’t shunned like everyone thought,’ he says.
When it comes to decor, Nicky believes rooms should be pretty and exude comfort: ‘Everyone should look good in their room.’
At the end of his talk he showed us a photo of his dream home: a giant yellow house with an elaborate shell on top: ‘Anything with shell is fabulous, and I worship caterpillar fringe. Don’t you?’
Some of us nodded and some of us vehemently shook our heads. His style is certainly not for everyone. However, the span of his career proves his ability to shape this world, and with Nicky declaring his love for gold gilding and walls made solely of tassels – kitsch or cool – there’s no denying this man has stayed true to his vision and is a decor powerhouse, fur chaps and all …
THE PROPERTY MAGAZINE
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Pho
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rant
Diffo
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Kitsch or cool?‘I have worked for Russians with moneyso new, even they don’tknow where it’s from …’
� is month I would love to indulge in …
The gorgeous Looking Glass collection of mirrors
from Sobeit Studios. With quirky names, such as
‘Alice’ and ‘Dian Fossey’, they come in a variety of
colours. The showroom is in Muizenberg, Cape Town,
but Sobeit delivers nationally and internationally.
+27 (0)21 788 9007, sobeitstudio.com
Vamp’s Yellow Nest of Tables. Vamp is in the
business of giving old furniture a new lease of
life. Simply inspirational. +27 (0)21 448 2755,
vampfurniture.blogspot.com
Eclipse’s new High-Gloss Chair collection. I love the
collection’s Spider Chair – an adjustable barstool,
in black and white. Available from Eclipse stores
nationwide. 0861 325 4773, eclipsegroup.co.za
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Wealth & 1nvestment
An exposure to listed property reduces risk in the
overall investment portfolio by providing diversification
benefits. The longer-term prospects for the sector
are also appealing, with predictable, high income and
long-term capital growth in store for those prepared
to do their homework.
In the absence of major bond yield shifts, we believe
total returns of 12%-15% pa in the next three to
five years are achievable. If long bond yields had
to weaken to around 9%, total returns from listed
property would more likely be 10%-12% pa. Going
forward, the listed property market has scope to
rerate as vacancies decline to normalised levels,
the sector’s modest current gearing level of 30%
increases closer to 40% (a more appropriate level
given mainly rental income streams) resulting in
higher distribution growth, and the current implied
property risk premium of around 5% (which is
similar to that of equities and too high in our opinion,
given the predictability of the operating cash flows,
the low risk associated with distributions, and the
potential for real growth) declines. Consequently,
we believe that a fair value property initial yield of
closer to 5% to 6% over the long-term is warranted.
Western Cape SalesTharien Nel, Susan ErweeKwaZulu-Natal Regional Sales &Marketing ManagerJenni McCallumKwaZulu-Natal Sales AssistantLiezel BarnardPretoria SalesLorna MacPhailDirectory SalesAmanda FaasMedia CoordinatorTamlyn PasqualieTraffi c AssistantPortia Mbele
PUBLISHED BY MEDIA NOVA (PTY) LTDManaging DirectorTony Vaughan [email protected] to Managing DirectorTaryn TownsendGeneral ManagerMark Pettipher [email protected] Publisher NamibiaMynard SlabbertAssociate Publisher PretoriaObed SealetsaFinancial ManagerLeanne Cox [email protected] AssistantEleanor ScipioCredit ControllerAnthea OdendaalIT CoordinatorAdrian PetroDriversThemba Gumede, Joseph Khoza, Willem September
ON THIS MONTH’S COVERSWestern Cape: On Show, Waters Edge Estate, Big Bay
Pretoria: Menlyn Maine, PretoriaSouth Africa (National Digital Edition): Urban Hub, Bo-Kaap, Cape Town
Property thepropertymag.co.za
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� e Property Magazine Pretoria! Now available free to select households, retailers and luxury outlets
CHURN OF THE CENTURY‘Randy with brandy’ is an odd title for a brief note on the Roundhouse Restaurant in Camps Bay! Please query the claim that this building served as Lord Charles Somerset’s hunting lodge in the 18th century – he only arrived at the Cape in 1814! With the exception of the last � ve years, the Dutch controlled the Cape for all of the 18th century. It’s most unlikely that they would have allowed an English nobleman to go hunting there!Alan Campbell, via email
You’re correct on the history front! The Roundhouse was built as a guardhouse by the VOC in 1786. The present-day proprietor’s website goes on to say: ‘Since then, the building has also functioned as a hotel, dance hall and, most famously, Lord Charles Somerset’s hunting lodge.’ As you point out, that would have been in the 19th century. As regards the title, the focus of the piece was the Roundhouse Restaurant’s brandy-pairing menu.
PIPING HOTWe appear to be locked into the use of natural and manufactured tiles for many of the high-tra� c surfaces in homes today. I’m somewhat surprised that recycled and synthetic options with a low carbon footprint have not yet come to the fore. A guilty party of note, we have homes with sandstone shipped in from India, manufactured � oor tiles from Italy and Brazil and granite from as far a� eld as China. With hot water solar heating in one home and LED and solar lighting in most, there must exist a brand-new application for low-carbon-footprint home surfaces. Up on the Pipe Track in Cecilia Forest above our Constantia home is a bench made from some kind of recycled plastic which shows no signs of weathering after years of Cape rain, wind and sun. Now that material is an option for a chopping board surface in any modern kitchen!Andrew Pollock, Newlands Village
LETTERof the Month
Design Boulevard, William Nicol Road. Bryanston. Tel +27 11 463 5005
www.hartmannandkeppler.co.zafollow us on facebook
Discerning Craftmanship
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Property Mag finalad.pdf 1 4/25/2012 3:14:10 PM
thepropertymag.co.za | 11
HOT SPACE
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1The quirky exterior of the shop is accentuated by fun yellow pot holders. 2Beautiful jewellery is
showcased in custom-made cabinetry.Visit thepropertymag.co.za for other
strongholds of bling in your area.
The original Tinsel was situated at
the Bamboo centre in Melville and
was a platform for local jewellers to
showcase their contemporary work.
Tinsel was started by Geraldine Fenn and Jaci
Jenkins, who met when Jaci attended one of
Geraldine’s jewellery classes. Together, they
represented around 50 local designers, a mix
of students, hobbyists and more established
jewellers. In 2010, Jaci left to pursue a different
career path and Geraldine continued with
the business, solo. Recently, after deciding
to follow the higher-end market of jewellery
design, Geraldine has rebranded Tinsel, and
with its new image comes new territory, in
Parkhurst. ‘The new space is much more clean
lined and minimal because I really wanted the
jewellery to stand out and be the star of the
show,’ Geraldine says.
Cabinets from the old Melville shop stand
beside new custom-made cabinetry designed
by Conrad Botes. Painted turquoise on the
inside, it provides a nice pop of colour. Quirky
displays are on hand, from the yellow pot
holders outside to the interesting light fi xtures
in the windows, which were created using
black lampshade frames, supplied by Anatomy
Design, and yellow cord. They fi ll the double-
volume space created by the stairs leading to
the store, and frame the shop windows, which
promise to hold a regularly changing feast of
design elements themselves.
A screen at the back of the shop creates
another focus point. Its top is cut in the shape
of a cloud, which echoes the cloud on the
crest of the shop’s logo. A chair, a selection
of mirrors and two tables with yellow turned
sections, originally made for an exhibition,
add depth to the space. The various objets
d’art, cushions and paintings will be alternated
regularly, too. Geraldine also loves to theme
her shop, as with the current bunny motif.
Geraldine’s new business direction has led
to her concentrating on representing a smaller
group of designers and giving more attention
to the design, materials and craftsmanship.
The range is high end and pieces vary in price.
‘What I love about making jewellery is the
labour-intensive process of working by hand
to make a unique, special piece, so that’s what
I wanted to focus on. The cheaper things that
some designers churn out can get put into the
same category as mass-produced costume
jewellery even though they’re handmade in
silver, and I wanted to distinguish Tinsel from
that end of the market.’
Expect a collection made from a variety of
materials, including rose gold, and a range of
gems, including black diamonds. Geraldine’s
favourite metal to work with is 18ct yellow
gold. ‘It’s very expensive at the moment so
I can’t make a lot of stock with it,’ she says.
‘Most of the pieces I make for the shop are in
silver. I also love rubies and black diamonds,
and vintage bits and pieces, such as cameos
that I collect.’
All the pieces are made locally, by hand,
and most of them are unique. Custom-made
designs can also be commissioned. In fact,
Geraldine says this is one of her favourite
aspects of her work. ‘I want people to know
that there is an alternative to the mass-
produced, generic stuff out there and that we
can make something different and original just
for them.’ +27 (0)11 447 2761, tinsel.co.za
HOT PROPERTY
2
1
We love anything shiny, so we can’t help but be drawn to Tinsel’s gorgeous new shop and its high-end jewellery
DELIGHTMAGPIE’SWe love anything shiny, so we can’t help but be drawn to Tinsel’s gorgeous
12 | May/June 2012
HOT PROPERTY
HOT PLATE
JONATHAN SHAWWarm & Glad is the new kid on the
block in Craighall Park. We chat to
owner Jonathan Shaw about our new
fave hangout.
Q Your business has an interesting name. How did you come up with it?‘Warm & Glad’ sounds like a good feeling
– a nice place to be.
Q What’s your background? Do you have prior experience in the restaurant world?My background is in design – graphic
and Web. The food biz is a new thing
for me, although I am an avid foodie.
Warm & Glad is not only a restaurant,
however; it is also a deli, magazine store
and bookshop. We sell vinyl records, art
prints and more.
Q Who is the chef, and what inspires your dishes?The food is a team effort. We are
constantly updating and changing the
menu. It is mainly my wife and I who
come up with the menu.
Q Where did the idea derive from, to mix food and media in a single retail/restaurant setting?Warm & Glad is about all the things
I love: food, magazines, art, design,
fashion, business and coffee. We put it
together, and it seems good. This is a
constantly evolving space.
Q How would you describe your venue to a potential customer?As an interesting space with special
products, great coffee, delightful food
and free Wi-Fi.
+27 (0)11 781 0455,
warmandglad.com
A hidden country restaurant, a fresh take on beverages and an arty eatery where just about anything goes
HOME ON THE RANGEThe saying about the grass being greener on the other side holds true for the magnifi cent
restaurant hidden away in the rolling hills of Monaghan Farm, The Other Side. Pizza and
pasta are on offer from Wednesday to Saturday, but it’s the wholesome Sunday buffet that
trumps all. There are various amenities for kids, including a slippery-slide and various shady
picnic spots on grass as green as the pea-and-fresh-herb soup starter. For adults, there’s a
three-course culinary journey best tackled at leisure, breathtaking views of the countryside
and a good few hours’ worth of peace and calm with family and friends. Monaghan Farm’s
ethos of organic, sustainable living is carried through to the deli and restaurant too. The
home- grown veggies are for sale to residents and patrons alike and are used in The Other
Side’s wholesome and tasty meals. +27 (0)87 630 0742, monaghanfarm.co.za
SLEEK PICK-ME-UPCreate the perfect bistro-style coffee in the comfort of your home with Miele’s new CM5200
free-standing coffee machine. Gorgeous to look at, thanks to its sleek and elegant design,
it can make two beverages simultaneously at the mere touch of a button. Choose your fave
hot beverage, be it espresso, coffee, cappuccino or latte macchiato, and personalise your
coffee-maker to your own desired specifi cations, including the quantity of ground coffee,
the brewing temperature, the pre-brew setting and the volume of coffee you require.
Available from Stax, Elna, Euro Appliances and Hirsch’s stores nationwide.
+27 (0)11 875 9000, miele.co.za
thepropertymag.co.za | 13
HOT PROPERTY
ANYONE FOR TEA?The Tea Merchant, the go-to people for all things related to
teatime, has a new showroom in Parktown North. Now you
can peruse its gorgeous collection of teas, teapots and other
accessories at your leisure. The Tea Merchant sources its tea
products from around the world and the tea leaves come from the
fi nest estates. The teapots on offer are made from glass, cast iron
or zisha clay, and unusual teas, such as Flower Tea and Dragon
Well Tea, can be found here too. The Tea Merchant is also on
hand for tea recommendations, serving instructions and private
tastings. Pop in to the secret world of teas for a taste and shopping
Indulgences for your jewellery box, your pets and your wardrobe. And that’s just for starters
MIND THE GAPGap Inc. recently opened three stores in SA – in Jozi, Cape Town and Pretoria. These launches mark the much-loved American clothing brand’s
fi rst foray into sub-Saharan Africa and we think it’s about time too. Find your nearest Gap store at Sandton City in Joburg, at Tyger Valley
Shopping Centre in Cape Town and, soon, at Pretoria’s Brooklyn Mall. +27 (0)21 914 1390, +27 (0)11 783 5212; gap.com
ENGRAVED IN THE STARSLondon-based jewellery designer, Kirsten Goss,
is so hot right now. We love her new Geo-Grafi k
collection, with its clean geometric lines and names
inspired by the ancient disciplines of geometry and
astronomy, names such as the Orion necklace, Pyxis
studs and Octavia earrings. Available from Kirsten
Goss stores in Joburg, Durban, and soon, Cape
Town. +27 (0)31 312 7573, +27 (0)11 447 2234;
kirstengoss.com
ADD ANOTHER DIMENSIONL’Oréal Paris has introduced the latest in eyelash technology with its new
mascara False Lash Architect 4D Black Lacquer. Not content to navigate the
world of 3D, Lash Architect tackles women’s desire for more volume, more
length, more texture and more curl. This revolutionary mascara does it all for
you at a simple fl ick of a wand. Available too in waterproof, so your gorgeous
lashes won’t be affected by water or sweat. Released last month and available
from L’Oréal Paris stockists nationwide. loreal.co.za
SWAP MEETStarted by an entrepreneur who is passionate about travel, LoveHomeSwap.com
takes scenes from the blockbuster movie The Holiday to new heights. Realising
early on that kids and hotels don’t mix, Debbie Wosskow, a career mom who still
wanted to travel with family in tow, decided that a home away from home was
the way to go. And so came about LoveHomeSwap, a labour of love that allows
like-minded individuals or families to swap their homes via the website, ensuring
cost-effective travel – and absolutely no hotels. Debbie has identifi ed four
groups of people who would benefi t from this service: empty-nesters who have
time to travel; second-home owners who swap holiday homes instead of renting;
families who need more space than a hotel can offer; and fi rst-time homebuyers
who can’t afford a holiday. It’s similar to social networking – you join via the
website, browse the properties and then build up trust with the owners of those
properties. A luxe subscription
rate gets you a dedicated
travel and concierge team as
well as a soon-to-be-released
identifi cation product and
bespoke insurance product.
Take out a trial membership
and discover grand mansions
in the English countryside or
compact apartments in New
York City. Happy holidays!
thepropertymag.co.za | 17
HOT PROPERTY
HATS OFFHatz by Natz is a fresh and new KZN-
based brand that offers a broad range
of custom-designed millinery. Young
designer Natashia Steenkamp is fl eshing
out her passion for hat fashion with a
range that’s sleek, stylish, funky and fun.
+27 (0)82 528 0515, hatzbynatz.co.za
EGYPT IN YOUR BAGDesigner accessory label, Missibaba, has launched its Autumn/Winter collection, called
Missibaba and the Search for the Golden Scarab, which is inspired by the mysteries of Egypt
and the Adventures of Tintin. Taking as its starting points the series of comic albums created
by Belgian artist Georges Remi (pen name ‘Hergé’) as well as ancient artefacts, sealed
tombs and woven papyrus, Missibaba has created new bag, belt and jewellery styles that
will bring out the explorer in you. Plus, in collaboration with jewellery designer
extraordinaire, Kirsten Goss, Missibaba will be opening up a shop in Bree
Street any day now. Shop online, too. +27 (0)21 461 1083, missibaba.com
POSH PETDocklands Hotel in Durban has scored a
‘bow-wow’ now that it has become the
fi rst pet-friendly hotel in the Signature
Life Hotels collection. The hotel has no
diffi culties with extending the welcome
mat to pets. GM Ellen Aucamp says,
‘We have allocated specifi c rooms
that cater to pets as we have had an
increased demand for these facilities,
and with the right pet zones and policies
in place, we can more than happily look
after man’s best friend.’ The hotel has
achieved this by introducing demarcated
pet zones, pet strolling and social areas
and clearly displayed pet policies, and
it is keenly observing every facet of
operations, from food to health and
safety. Signature Life Hotels CEO Alan
Vels says, ‘We as a company are all
about guest satisfaction. Our success
and growth has relied on innovation.
In observing overseas hospitality trends
that tap into new markets, we see
that pet-friendly hotels are accepted
as the norm in the US and Europe
and we wanted to pioneer it here.’
+27 (0)31 332 8190,
signaturelifehotels.com
WIN WITH LOOFTLIGHTER!There’s nothing like the weekend. And when that weekend involves time spent around the
braai, it’s guaranteed to be a good one. This Father’s Day, help Dad take the stress out of braai
preparations with the amazing new Looftlighter, a Swedish patented device that lights your
braai or fi replace in 60 seconds – no lighter fl uid or braai lighters needed! With its powerful
hot- airstream system, the Looftlighter is safe and environmentally friendly, cutting down on
toxic fumes from petroleum-based products and providing Dad with a safe alternative to
conventional fi relighters. +27 (0)21 880 0074, [email protected], looftlighter.co.za
WIN!Stand to win one of 12 Looftlighter hampers valued at R1 060 each, including
a Looftlighter, basket, apron and braai tongs. Email [email protected]
with your details and put ‘Dad’ in the subject box. Ts and Cs apply.
18 | May/June 2012
HOT PROPERTY
JOHANNESBURG DIARY
Le Grand Cirque: Adrenaline, 23 May – 17 JuneThis jaw-dropping performance promises to get your heart pumping
with a visual feast of the most dangerous, thrilling and entertaining acts,
combined with physical comedy routines and amazing feats of skill and
agility. Take the family for a thrilling day out at the Joburg Theatre in
Braamfontein and be enthralled by daredevil motorbike riders, dangerous
circus acts and astounding contortionists. Tickets: R152–R180.
+27 (0)11 877 6800, joburgtheatre.com
MamaMagic – The Baby Expo, 17–20 MayOn at the Coca-Cola Dome, North Riding, the expo is perfect for expectant
moms and dads wishing to gain knowledge about pregnancy and
parenting. You’ll also fi nd all the latest parenting survival gear under one
roof. Barney the Dinosaur and CBeebie’s Mister Maker will be putting in an
appearance too. Entry: R65. Add R50 to see Mister Maker.
0861 915 8000, computicket.com
Grand Designs Live 2012, 25–27 MayGrand Designs Live Home & Garden Show is taking things to a whole
new level this year as it focuses on interactivity, innovation, experts and
trends. On at the Coca-Cola Dome in North Riding, the show is aimed at
those who are seeking to improve their home by renovating, building or
simply redecorating. The event also showcases all the latest must-have
products. Tickets: adults R80, pensioners R50, children under 12 are free.
+27 (0)11 835 1565, granddesignslive.co.za
Groves and Vineyards Festival, 26–27 MayGet out to Casalinga restaurant in the Muldersdrift countryside and taste
exclusive wines, various brands of olives, olive oils, home-made cupcakes,
fudge, organic vegetables and lots more to tantalise your taste buds.
Tickets: R80. 0861 915 8000, computicket.comGrand Designs Live
Le Grand Cirque: Adrenaline, 23 May – 17 JuneThis jaw-dropping performance promises to get your heart pumping
with a visual feast of the most dangerous, thrilling and entertaining acts,
combined with physical comedy routines and amazing feats of skill and
agility. Take the family for a thrilling day out at the Joburg Theatre in
Braamfontein and be enthralled by daredevil motorbike riders, dangerous
circus acts and astounding contortionists. Tickets: R152–R180.
Hugh Masekela: Heritage, 8–9 JuneSouth Africa’s famous musician and composer, Hugh Masekela, is
performing all his greatest hits at his latest show, Heritage. Showing
at the Lyric, Gold Reef City Casino, Ormonde. Tickets: R212–R365.
0861 915 8000, computicket.com
Roxette
Oyster, Wine & Food Festival
Hugh Masekela
20 | May/June 2012
HOT PROPERTY
This historic home has a rich past. The mansion was originally designed by Sir Herbert Baker and Frank Fleming, renowned for their architectural work,
including St John’s College and Roedean School. Building work on the property began circa 1910 for the Central Mining and Investment Corporation (later known as Rand Mines), and was completed in 1928. Today this Randlord build forms part of the Heritage Walk and its abundant historical features make it an obvious choice as a monument to Johannesburg’s past. The Gate House is situated on a large view site in the Valley Road area of Parktown and is on sale for R27 million – a price well worth its weight in history. The architecture features historical characteristics, including period stonemasonry and beautifully crafted balustrades, ceiling beams, doors and � oors.
The landscaped gardens are just as splendid, having been recently renovated along with the terraces. There is a rose garden of 150 varietals that have been featured in several publications, and the garden itself has been entered into an international show taking place later this year. The Gate House does not only o� er the chance to own a corner of Gauteng’s history as one of the only mansions of its time left and available for purchase, but also o� ers an exclusive lifestyle to its new owners. Murray Haywood,
1The old-world glamour of this Baker & Fleming build extends from the entrance hall to the rest of the home. 2The grand and spacious living room. 3The property features
terraced, manicured lawns and a show garden.
HOT MANDATE
If you would like to have your hot mandate featured, email [email protected].
History for sale
The old-world glamour of this Baker & Fleming build extends from the entrance hall to the rest of the home. 2The grand and spacious
� e Gate House is one of the last remaining mansions from the Randlord era
21
3
thepropertymag.co.za | 21
ASK THE EXPERTS
DESKJOCKEYS
Photographs Nic BaletaLocation Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa
Photographs Nic BaletaLocation Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa
Expert advice on setting up a productive workspace
INSPIRATION OFFICE PLATYNUM INTERIORS
Tell us about your company.
Inspiration Offi ce is the leader
in offi ce furniture and has
offi ces in Johannesburg and
Cape Town. Our products range
from bespoke, value-driven,
environmentally friendly, locally
produced pieces to award-
winning international brands.
What are the latest trends in
offi ce spaces?
Because of new technology and
innovative business services,
the modern workplace is in
transition. The strong emphasis
on teamwork means there’s
an increase in the number of
collaborative spaces. Integration
of technology is key, allowing
workers to operate with
greater fl exibility and freedom.
Ergonomics and environmental
issues remain paramount.
Your top product solution?
A solution should be fi t for
purpose and communicate the
image and brand of the offi ce
it represents. Our products are
highly practical yet beautiful, with
high attention to design detail.
Give us a recent example of your
products in action.
The Accenture offi ces represent
an integration of environmentally
friendly, locally manufactured
solutions with imported task
seating. We have also been
appointed as the furniture
supplier to the new Alexander
Forbes and Allan Gray
head offi ces in Sandton and
Cape Town, respectively.
Tell us about your company.
Platynum Interiors was established
in 2001 by me and Trevor
Spencer- Crooks. We are a
multifaceted, multidisciplinary
company with a key focus on
corporate interior design. We
provide a selection of services
to give our clients a one-stop
solution. Our services include
space planning, design concepts,
shopfi tting, furniture procurement,
budget preparation, construction
and project management, to name
a few. A total turnkey solution.
What are the latest trends in
offi ce space?
Less is more in the corporate offi ce
– making use of multifunctional
offi ce pieces to optimise space
and activity-based planning and
areas. Integrated workspaces with
a common fl ow. Collaboration
within the space. ‘One big area.’
Green solutions are also gaining
in popularity.
Your top product solution?
Interactive workstations and areas
using environmentally friendly
pieces … Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.
Give us a recent example of your
products in action.
Royal Bafokeng Platinum’s offi ces
at the Pivot, Montecasino.
Is there a particular workspace,
in South Africa or abroad that
inspires your work?
Empty space … It’s magical! That’s
what inspires us …
+27 (0)11 268 0636,
inspirationoffi ce.co.za
+27 (0)11 886 6368,
platynum.co.za
Richard Andrews, Managing Director
Rob Clouston,
Co-Owner
22 | May/June 2012
PRIME PROPERTYPRIME PROPERTY
A new commercial offi ce block, Urban-Hub, in Cape Town’s historic Bo-Kaap neighbourhood, is a hybrid of old and new design aesthetics
Words Genevieve FisherPhotographs Tim Lake and Supplied
A HAPPENING
thepropertymag.co.za | 23
24 | May/June 2012
prime property
thepropertymag.co.za | 25
prime property
Opening page Reclaimed wood from the previous building on the site has been turned into an attractive
design feature at Urban-Hub, as demonstrated in the reception area. Opposite Some antique furniture
provides a contrast to the contemporary spaces and nodes at Urban-Hub. This page, top Individual
industrial-style lights have been grouped together to form an interesting lighting feature. Bottom The
stairway from the ground floor to the first floor is flanked by the signature reclaimed wood.
Standing in the reception area of Urban-Hub, you can’t help but think that this is a place you’d love to work from. As far as commercial office spaces go, Urban-Hub is
the antithesis of the stale and clinical corporate ones that most people would imagine an office block to be – harsh fluorescent lighting, synthetic blue carpet tiles, long corridors and vending machines selling goods whose main ingredients start with an E.
But walking through the slick glass doors at Urban-Hub, what faces you is as urban a space as can be: industrial chic in the form of concrete, red-brick and original old fire escape doors, a warm ambience, thanks to reclaimed wooden cladding, all of which is pulled together by a thread of cool in the form of contemporary art and furniture, not to mention a node where iPads are lined up for visitors’ use.
But this is a place that’s more than just chic, hip and happening. As Jonny Friedman, CEO of Urban Lime, the property investment company responsible for this project, says, ‘It’s not a new development in the sense that it was built from scratch; rather, it is a restoration project, in that we worked with what was there already and transformed it.’
Structurally, there are five adjoining buildings dating from the turn of 1800s to the 1970s, which have been interlinked, to make up Urban-Hub. The oldest of the buildings was owned by the same family since 1904. The newest one is a typical red-brick 1970s design and is now the knuckle of the development, where the modish reception area is.
The transformed buildings now accommodate offices spaces ranging from 84m2 to 192m2, hot-desking units, a rooftop deck and garden, a restaurant that Jonny says will serve the best coffee in Cape Town – big props here! – and three retail shops.
‘We wanted to create a place where those working here don’t need to, and more importantly, don’t want to leave,’ says Jonny.
From the get-go, Jonny loved the area and had his sights set on these buildings for nearly two years before the transformation began.
His company, Urban Lime, based in London and for the last eight years also operating in Cape Town, has garnered a niche for itself in that it targets areas that most developers wouldn’t, finds a site, and turns it into a trendy locale.
‘We’ve had a lot of experience doing these sort of restoration projects and Urban-Hub was in fact modelled on one we did in the now popular Shoreditch area in London’s East End, which was a no-go zone until a few years ago,’ he says.
Because he isn’t bashing down buildings, but merely restoring them to glory, Jonny knew about the history of these particular building and was as emphatic about retaining that sense of history as he was about modernising the spaces.
And what a history it is. When Jonny enlisted the skills and insight of Aidan Hart, from Inhouse Brand Architects, Aidan and his team started stripping down and dismantling the many layers of these buildings. Backed with research, they uncovered a lot of what went on in them over the years, almost like a visual history book of the buildings and the area.
‘When we started working on one of the buildings in the hub, the old Delos building, through uncovering its many shells, we discovered quite a long and wild history,’ says Aidan. ‘The long retaining wall has as its bottom half an old stone wall that dates back
26 | May/June 2012
prime property
Above left Retro seating and contemporary artwork in the waiting area. Above right and opposite An old stool as well as wooden beams from the original building
enhance the industrial feel of the premises.
to the first Dutch settlers. Above it is another layer of red-brick that is typical of the English colonial era.’ What’s even more interesting is that the original wooden columns have been stripped down to reveal extensive burn marks dating back to anti-apartheid riots that occurred in the area during the ’60s, which have now been revealed and become part of the look and feel of the space.
Retaining the history of these buildings was just a part of Jonny’s brief to Aidan. ‘The practicality of making these buildings into one modern and contemporary office hub required a lot of work. We needed to create flow between the interior spaces of the buildings, maximise light and bring in an international feel,’ says Aidan.
Jonny had seen Aidan’s work at the Test Kitchen and Carne SA restaurants and knew that he was the man for the job. Aidan’s expertise in spatial effects and his ability to tie nodes together is what Jonny needed in order for this project to work, namely, a special effects artist.
Aidan says, ‘My starting point was to ask the question, how would this space be utilised? In other words, starting with the psychology of architecture, or the human aspect of the discipline, which is like figuring out a puzzle.’ The first piece of that puzzle
was the idea of circularity as opposed to linearity. As he admits, ‘I’m not a fan of long passages or corridors – they’re negative spaces for me.’ The result is that, from the reception area, the voluminous space tapers off towards the back and directs you to other nodes by means of interesting wall features and stairs.
On either side of the reception area there are the original metal fire escape doors that lead you into other areas, such as the restaurant on the left and more office spaces on the right. Both of these areas connect on a terrace at the top, with vertical gardens, dramatic views of Table Mountain and the vibrant colours of the Bo-Kaap framing them in the foreground.
One of facets of this development that really boosts its credibility is that it is located in the Bo-Kaap, renowned for its Cape Malay history, restaurants, mosques, and most of all, its rainbow- coloured old homes.
‘Urban-Hub is in a great location in the Bo-Kaap: it’s a stone’s throw away from town and the Cape Quarter and is visible from one of town’s main arteries, Buitengracht Street. So far the reaction from our tenants has been fantastic – they love the design, location, and the fact that it is not commercialised yet still a safe area,’ says Jonny, who holds his tenants’ opinion in high regard.
With thanks to …
Inhouse Brand Architects,
+27 (0)21 488 2400, inhouse.ws
Urban-Hub, +27 (0)82 836 9333,
urban-hub.co.za, urbanlime.co.uk
This has been the key to Urban Lime’s success over the last 20-odd years. As Jonny says, ‘We’ve established lasting relationships with our tenants over the years. We really value them and have in some instances built premises to accommodate their changing needs.’ Jonny believes that the tenant mix of Urban-Hub will be the key to the development’s success.
‘The project is aimed at attracting small-to-medium-size businesses that have been around for at least five years and who are in the creative fields. We’ve created a space with a strong emphasis on networking that we hope will make tenants and their visitors linger longer.’
He points out that, although the pricing of units is on the high end, what tenants get for their money is a boutique office environment that includes top-notch security, ample parking, a receptionist and concierge, cleaning service, fast Internet access, and above all, a whole lot of style accolades, thanks to their being able to call this chic, happening hub their office.
prime propertyprime property
thepropertymag.co.za | 27
28 | May/June 2012
� is mansion has been converted by WMI to a home suitable for the modern family� is mansion has been converted by WMI
THE DUKE OF AWE
Words Catherine RileyPhotographs Nic Baleta
On Tap Craighall, +27 (0)11 781 3940
ON SHOW
thepropertymag.co.za | 29
The � rst thing you’ll notice about this Midrand home is its slight oriental � air, provided by the curvature of the Chinese-style roof that contrasts with a facade of
mixed stone. The original shell can still be traced in the design, but Claudio Oliveira of Claudio and Associates has revamped the home to make it roomier and brighter. Claudio says, ‘The main objectives were to change passages, open up rooms and to make it a more liveable environment for the family’s needs,’ he says.
The refurbished mansion is grand as can be, a modern choice for Cinderella’s next ball. The ballroom-like double volume of the entranceway is crowned with a glittering chandelier. The calming, uncluttered white space is punctuated with splashes of colour and a curved golden banister begs for a pair of enchanted slippers to tread the marble staircase. Greeting you at the top of the stairs are three paintings by local artists. ‘Creating more open space made it essential to have modern features put in, to match with theme,’ says Claudio.
Bottom left On Tap provided the Isca Prestige taps, Deca basins and GV di Bella accessories for this stunning
bathroom. On Tap offers a complete solution for any plumbing related query. Its current projects include the
upgrades of bathrooms for RMB Sandton and Protea Hotel Melrose Arch. Bottom right Damask patterns,
inspired by centuries of fabrics from Italy, Spain and France, can be used to create a number of moods in a
room, such as this bedroom’s look of gentle sophistication. Based in Kramerville, Sasi Wallpaper has a wide
range of stock, and supplies to decorators, corporates and homeowners.
Sasi Wallpaper, +27 (0)82 577 6399
The refurbished mansion is grand as can be,
Wanda-Michelle Interiors, +27 (0)11 447 7453
30 | May/June 2012
ON SHOW
With four bedrooms, a large living room, dining room, kitchen, and spacious en-suite bathrooms, there’s plenty to see and plenty of places to just be in this house.
It’s perfect for the entertainer, too. The kitchen has a streamlined look, thanks to the sleek black marble surfaces and hidden appliances, and there is more than enough space to swing a large cat.
A small breakfast table sits at the end of the counter in the kitchen. A large glass and wooden table can be found in the dining room.
The main bedroom is a swathe of rich fabrics, from the curtains to the padded headboard. The en-suite bathroom here offers a simple shower and blue feature wall.
The main bathroom is a dream, with plenty of room and a two-level layout. Coloured with browns, beiges and whites, the design allows for any princess to eagerly ready herself for the ball.
A sit-down shower, walk-in-closet, ample vanity space and luxurious, jet bathtub are all on hand for the full five-star experience.
Wallpaper is used throughout the home, either as just an accent on one wall, or on several, depending on each room.
In one room you’ll find thin, bright pink, purple and green stripes, in another, cartoon-like drawings of houses in red and blue add a little fun. The guest bedroom’s wallpaper makes use of a brocade design, catching on the light and complementing the dark headboard and white sheets. This room is the epitome of the remaining classic feel of the home.
But just when this dream address seems like it could be a playhouse princesses and princes, you realises it might just be best enjoyed with socks on feet, curled up by the electric fireplace in the living room and keeping warm while relaxing with loved ones.
Black Fabrics is an exclusive decorative fabrics wholesaler catering to the trade. The company’s collection appeals to all tastes and styles as it represents a choice of 15
different, premium fabrics and wallpaper brands. The fabric shown here, titled ‘What the Hoot’ by Harlequin, is a must for children’s bedrooms. Above right Tile Vision
supplied marble, porcelain tiles and all accessories to help create a timeless look. The company specialises in the specification and supply of porcelain, ceramic and
natural stone tiles for projects across the board, including shopping centres, hotels and private homes. Tile Vision imports from Spain, Italy, Malaysia and China.
Top right Offi ce space at Promise Brand Specialists. Centre Aspiring
designers at OFyt’s studio. Bottom right Reception area at King
James Group.
CREATIVE CAPITAL Creative capital CREATIVE CAPITALCREATIVE CAPITAL Creative capital CREATIVE CAPITALCREATIVE CAPITAL Creative capital CREATIVE CAPITALCREATIVE CAPITAL Creative capital CREATIVE CAPITALCREATIVE CAPITAL Creative capital CREATIVE CAPITALCREATIVE CAPITAL Creative capital CREATIVE CAPITAL CREATIVE CAPITAL Creative capital CREATIVE CAPITALCREATIVE CAPITAL Creative capital CREATIVE CAPITAL CREATIVE CAPITAL Creative capital CREATIVE CAPITAL
Words Genevieve FisherPhotographs Supplied
If all corporate environments were to take a leaf out of the advertising industry’s decor and design book, then you’d fi nd your days at the offi ce much more inspiring
DESIGN
CREATIVE CAPITAL
A dvertising is big business. It is
also big on creativity, and in all
instances this fl air for the creative
fi lters through into the places
these agencies call home. Here we bring you
the inside story of how two agencies, one an
industry heavyweight, the other relatively
young, but destined for great things, have
managed to create spaces that refl ect their
respective cultures and values. We also feature
a new agency that has got a lot of heart and is
focused on skills development.
OOOOOKing James Group has some of the most provocative ads and campaigns behind its name, not to mention some blue-chip clients. But Group Creative Director
Alistair King says that for its � rst 14 years the group had been ‘camping’, because it did not own its own premises. Until now.
From the get-go it was Alistair’s and his partner, group managing director, James Barty’s, dream to one day own their own premises.
Four years ago, when visiting their auditing � rm, which was based at what was then Roodebloem Manor, a heritage property in Woodstock, Cape Town, dating back to the 1800s, Alistair had a jaw-dropping experience. ‘I couldn’t believe that such a property existed, tucked away amongst some very modest houses. The property was nothing short of spectacular. It was like driving into an oasis of impressive lawns, a stately manor house and an endearing washuisie. We told one of the partners there and then that they should speak to us should they ever want to sell, and they
laughed because it was the furthest thing from their minds at the time,’ says Alistair.
When entering the almost-150-year-old main building, the manor house, you can almost hear that laughter reverberating o� the walls, pressed ceilings and incredibly voluminous spaces. Alistair and James have created a space that houses all seven of the communications agencies falling under the King James Group umbrella, where the balance between creative thinking, sophistication, history and humour is � nely struck.
The group is one of the few independent agencies to have garnered exceptional credentials over the years, but as far as Alistair is concerned, owning this new o� ce space is one of the group’s proudest achievements. ‘It’s a profound feeling, owning our own o� ces. It’s one thing to own property as an investment, but it’s altogether another feeling to have one that feels like an essential ingredient to our company culture. We always felt a little out of character when we were in other buildings, and for the � rst time ever we now feel
that we’re in a place that mirrors our temperament and brings the right kind of energy to the creative process,’ he says.
And talking about ‘the right kind of energy’, Alistair believes there’s been a marked di� erence in the agency’s growth since it moved to the premises just over a year ago, as evident from the sparkling awards from 2011 scattered around the agency and the fact that the team is now 100-odd people strong. Alistair says that the manor house, its lawns and the old washuis, where the � rst Jersey cows in South Africa were milked (the agency has a book describing how this was done) and that today houses the agency’s café, all have a dignity about them. ‘We were immediately attracted to it because it’s strong and substantial, and I guess that’s what we strive to be as a company,’ he says.
The innate dignity of the property comes from its deep historical roots, made tangible by the 250-year-old � g tree rooted in the front lawn. With history come great stories, which anyone in advertising is tuned in to.
OWN IT!� e palatial Woodstock home of 2011’s Agency of the Year, King James Group, is as regal as they come
OWN IT!
DESIGN
34 | May/June 2012
XXXBuilt in the 1870s, Roodebloem Manor was
the home of the Van der Byl family. Fast forward a few decades to when the property was bought by Charles Boyd and converted to the swanky Lord Milner Hotel, named after the governor of Cape Town, who used to frequent the hotel with his ‘companions’. ‘We often wonder what conversations and mischief have taken place between these walls – and we’ll do our best to contribute to that,’ Alistair says, playfully.
With touches of the company’s statement colour, regal purple, accenting many of the communal rooms and o� ce nodes, as well as some interesting light features, one thing that you can’t help but notice is the bare walls, save for a few pieces in the front reception area. When the agency moved into the premises it became incredibly busy with clients and so the team decided to do the space up room by room as opposed to doing it all in one fell swoop, speci� cally, the main communal areas, such as the boardrooms, agency bar and front lounge, whose look and feel was coordinated by
James’ sister, Caroline Drummond-Hay, an interior stylist. In addition to sourcing the furniture and decor pieces, Caroline consulted with Upstart Ventures about specialist o� ce furniture. The result is rooms that are wonderfully warm, with interesting features and some unique pieces, such as the massive glass boardroom table that can be written on and washes o� easily.
The slow but steady process makes you believe in the virtue of patience. ‘For a company that looks after brand’s identities, we’re notoriously bad at looking after our own. We tend to let our brand evolve as people come and go. We also didn’t have the luxury of time to plan our space before we moved in, so we have started slowly, literally room by room. We made two decisions. The � rst was to be respectful of the building and not turn it into anything too � ashy. The second decision was not to � ll it with art that has no meaning to us personally’.
An ongoing project of the agency’s is based on its Remember Book, a collection of the agency’s memories that was compiled four years ago. The
project continues with the work produced by the creatives in the form of sketches, storyboards, concept animations and the like, currently being primed for placement on the walls and, in some instances, on desks and other surfaces. ‘We’re very big on memories,’ says Alistair. ‘We’ve decided that everything adorning the walls must come from our sta� or be part of our history. We want to be surrounded by the things that de� ne us and have made us who we are.’
With history playing such an integral part in the agency’s culture, it is no wonder that Alistair says ‘the stars were aligned’ when the team got the news that the property was up for sale. Reclining in his chair, he recalls, ‘The � rst time I walked into the building, I pointed at this space and said “That will be my o� ce!” The man sitting in it at the time, probably one of our auditing � rm’s partners, just looked at me as if to say, “Keep dreaming, stranger.”’ Alistair did just that, and now adorning his o� ce door is a golden plaque that reads: ‘His Lordship.’ +27 (0)21 469 1500, kingjames.co.za
Above left and inset The boardroom at King James Group; tongue-in-cheek pen holders in the shape of a sharpener rest on a boardroom
table that doubles as a ‘notepad’. Above The agency’s signature purple accents many of its offi ce areas, such as this communal chill pod.
Above right and inset The café is located in the repurposed old washuisie; several industry awards adorn the reception desk.
DESIGN
thepropertymag.co.za | 35
36 | May/June 2012
A key ingredient in creative professionals’ recipe for success is passion. When that wanes or is lost completely, it can be tragic. In some instances, however, as
Marc Watson and James Mo� att, executive creative director and managing director, respectively, of Promise Brand Specialists, discovered, it can also be the motivating force to take the plunge and improve on the recipe.
‘James and I got to a point where we were unhappy in our careers, and being in a creative industry it’s so important to love what you do – in our opinion, more so than in any other industry. We felt a strong need to be able to steer our own course and be a part of something that has meaning for us. It was for those reasons that Promise began to take shape in our minds,’ says Marc.
The starting point for Marc and James was to uncover the core values that they believed creative brand communications was about, and for them that meant trust, and keeping promises, promises that they as creatives make to clients and those that clients make to their consumers – a circle of trust formulated, respected and constantly encouraged between all three parties.
‘In the early stages of de� ning the kind of agency we wanted, we had a few inexperienced clients who had never been serviced creatively before. In helping them understand the process, we would discuss how the most important thing a brand communicates to a consumer is its promise – the thing that you should consistently expect from that brand,’ says Marc.
The name ‘Promise Brand Specialists’ emerged from this idea and today it also serve as a reminder of their great ambition: to keep the promises
they’ve made to themselves and ‘to create amazing things and maintain our love and respect for creativity’, says Marc.
Fate obviously appreciated this honourable code that Marc and James had set for themselves. Marc recalls standing in a queue at the bank, which looked onto the hip and happening Workshop development in Parktown North, a commercial node bursting with creative businesses, and telling James that that was the perfect location for their o� ces. Lo and behold, a couple of months later, they moved all their equipment from their dinning room table and were sitting in their new space, ‘a broom closet’, as Marc describes it. ‘We quickly grew out of that tiny premises and moved three times within the Workshop before � nding ourselves in the space we are in today,’ he says.
They enlisted the help of JP Beukes, interior architect at One Point Zero, to translate their ambition into their work environment. JP had worked on the venue for the previous tenant, and Marc and James believed that his understanding of the space was imperative to its transformation. The team wanted to retain the existing open-plan studio feel of the space, to encourage the sharing of knowledge, encourage everyone to get involved in adding value to their jobs, and to have people inspire one another. ‘Most agencies contain a lot of di� erent departments – client service, strategy, etc. We hate departments! They often have walls that separate them, in the � gurative and literal sense of the word. At Promise we try to facilitate the free � ow of ideas and conversation,’ says Marc. This � uidity of ideas and creative contributions by sta� members has been executed in the form of a 30m-long raw wood table that curves snake-like
throughout the space. Everyone sits at this table at his or her individual workspace.
Something else that Marc and James wanted the space to be was a refuge for their clients. Marc says, ‘I told JP that when our clients visited we wanted to make them feel like part of the studio and involved in the process of steering their brands. Part of our ethos is getting our clients actively involved at the relevant stages of the creative process. This has been successful in business terms as well, in that from time to time our clients will work out of our o� ce when they need an escape from their own. It’s a good feeling, knowing that we’ve created a welcoming, happy place where we get a little work done too!’
The result of all the thought that has gone into the space to have it tie in with the group’s values is a remarkably chic and contemporary industrial space that’s warm and loaded with personality.
‘In an industry where we try so hard to distil ideas into their purest form, it was crucial that we approach our space in the same way,’ Marc explains. ‘It’s important that the most relevant and functional parts of the space come forward and everything that is super� uous recedes. The central work areas are � nished in light raw woods, with the eye-popping yellow bulkhead above being the focal point and drawing your attention to the most relevant part of the space.’
Although Promise Brand Specialists is a small-to-medium size agency, we’re sure that by remaining dedicated to its staunch vision, it will in no time probably have to move again, to bigger premises, where more promises will be made, and more importantly, will be kept with unwavering passion. +27 (0)11 442 2612,
promisebrand.co.za
DESIGN
Promise Brand Specialists of Parktown North in Jozi keeps its promises, not only to its clients, but also to itself, as its premises refl ect
PROMISESWHERE
thepropertymag.co.za | 37
DESIGNDESIGN
Clockwise from top left A communal desk helps break down departmental
barriers and lets the creativity fl ow; a comfy, quiet alcove overlooks
Parktown; a chill lounge fl anks the workspace; a designer Smeg fridge is
right at home in Promise Brand Specialist’s modern offi ce; a bonsai tree
enhances the tranquillity of this offi ce space.P
ho
tog
rap
hs
Ro
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Sm
ith
Advertising is an interesting beast. Not only is it a global, multi-billion-dollar industry, but also, out of all the multi-billion-anything industries, it is the
one where creative capital is the most treasured commodity. As with any money-spinning industry, accessibility is dependent on high- level skill sets. And we in South Africa are all too familiar with the story of such skill sets being a historically exclusive domain, particularly in a creative and specialised � eld such as advertising.
The founders of OFyt, Gary Leih, Jono Shubitz and Paul Newman, stalwarts of SA’s advertising industry, recognise this. ‘We don’t believe it’s possible for anyone to live in South Africa and be in business here and yet be immune to the serious debates and con� icts that bubble and occasionally rage around inequality, transformation and discrimination. Unless you’re an ostrich, perhaps. We believe that action is needed now, in every way,’ says Gary.
The name OFyt stands for ‘Old Friends Young Talent’, which re� ects the agency’s business model, namely, to encourage and nurture young talent through the expertise that each of the founders and friends has gained during their
extensive careers in advertising. Gary is the former CEO of Ogilvy Group UK and an Ogilvy Worldwide board director. Jono is a former Creative Directors’ Forum chairman and Loeries Awards judge. Paul Newman is a former banker turned airline industry marketer. ‘Our operational model is to gather together passionate young talent, which is predominately, but not exclusively, historically disadvantaged, and put it together with experienced old hands – ourselves,’ says Jono. ‘What we’re doing at OFyt may seem like a small thing in the grand scheme of things, but we believe that every step is a worthwhile step. This step will help build experience and momentum in our industry for those who have not had easy access to the industry until now.’
In addition to the three old friends, OFyt comprises 10 permanent sta� members and 8 young graduates in the � elds of marketing, graphic design and other industry-related � elds. Their backgrounds and contexts di� er vastly. Some of them are from Gugulethu, some are from Langa and others are from the Southern Suburbs and other areas around Cape Town. There are even sta� members from Port Elizabeth. The common thread is the desire to learn, to
experience and to whip out some fresh, original and indigenous work, says Gary. Paul adds, ‘Our young team members are tasked with more than just creating locally relevant work. They also gather intelligence and insights where they live – in townships, the city and the suburbs. In this way they are both a creative resource and an insight factory for our clients.’
Another ‘old friend’ is the premises. OFyt occupies the ground � oor of Muizenberg’s Old Post O� ce building, built in 1932. The ‘young talent’ in this sense is the warm and trendy open-plan interior of dark wood, interesting and colourful wall treatments and red-brick. The extended balcony overlooks Muizenberg beach and a row of surfboards stands waxed and ready should anyone at OFyt wish to hit the waves.
Muizenberg is an appropriate place for a � edgling and unique agency: quite o� the radar, scenic and, says Gary, ripe with potential. ‘When one looks at trends in urban redevelopment all over the world, including the Woodstock example of the Biscuit Mill precinct redevelopment, when the advertising and design industries move in, things really start to happen.’ +27 (0)21 709 0290, ofcomms.com
A new agency in Muizenberg, Cape Town, is fi lling a gaping hole in the local advertising industry – accessibility and skills development
DESIGN
38 | May/June 2012
TAKING THE GAP Taking the gap TAKING THE GAP Taking the gap TAKING THE GAP Taking the gap TAKING THE GAP Taking the gap TAKING THE GAP Taking the gap TAKING THE GAP Taking the gap TAKING THE GAP Taking the gap
Top right OFyt has the head lease on the well-known Old Post Offi ce building in Muizenberg, where old industry hands nurture talented
creatives from various backgrounds. Centre The colourful interiors of OFyt’s offi ce space strikes a balance between the need for
industriousness and the need for relaxation.
thepropertymag.co.za | 39
ON SHOW
Words Nicky MansonPhotographs Nic Baleta
This Melrose home combines old-world classic features with a modern lifestyle
StatelyliviNg
ON SHOW
40 | May/June 2012
Melrose is an area in Joburg that courts history alongside culture. Its beautifully kept roads are protected by rows of trees and a canopy of foliage hides a
multitude of grand mansions and designer homes, including this one. A grand entrance greets you as you drive up to the home and you would be forgiven for thinking you were walking through the doors of a hotel. Two tall pillars guard the double-volume entrance and its noteworthy front door; a geometric design of wood and glass allows you a glimpse of what lies yonder.
Sue Cunningham, the owner of this impressive family home, worked closely with Gus da Silva of Gus da Silva Architects. She says, ‘The brief was to design a home with a classical exterior and a contemporary yet homely interior and we are happy to say that the end result surpassed our original expectations. In order to achieve this, Gus was more than willing to meet with us on numerous occasions to fine-tune the original concept.’
Nicole Murphy from Ennik Estates, the exclusive Gauteng affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate, was the agent behind the sale and admits her favourite feature of the house is the double-volume foyer. ‘It’s magnificently showcased with custom
Above right Handles Inc., the exclusive supplier of Mandelli door handles (pictured), is the agent for several of the top European door handle manufacturers. There
are four Handles Inc. stores, each one selling over 6 000 products for a most pleasant experience. Opposite, top With 25 years of experience in creating the original
quartz surface, Caesarstone continues to lead the way with innovative designs, colours and textures showcased in their cutting-edge collections. The Classico, Supremo,
Motivo and Concetto collections have inspired countless designer homes and have also featured in hotel revamps and property developments throughout South Africa.
This home features one of the popular Classico whites. To create a similar look, try White Shimmer, Pure White, Snow White or even Organic White.
lighting, porcelain tiles and an exquisite contemporary staircase.’ Sharon Nicolaci of Spegash Interiors agrees and believes the architect certainly achieved what he set out to design. The foyer is certainly impressive, thanks to the double-volume ceilings, which continue throughout the house, creating a large, open and airy space. A number of carefully placed windows allow the natural light to shine through and invite the picturesque views in, to uplifting effect. A delicate light installation reminiscent of fairy lights hangs centre stage. Designed by Serita Sharman Lighting, Sharon chose it to complement the space.
There is a definitive mix of styles in this home, a combination of classic and modern elements that can be seen in the architecture and in the decor and fittings. The stairway in the entrance is a masterpiece feature in its own right. Classical pillars sit alongside wooden railings that are accentuated by metal balustrades created by Steel Studio International.
Gus reveals that the Cunningham family liked this more classical architecture but wanted to include modern overtones, such as open-plan, relaxed living. He says, ‘The design is therefore classical: columns, corbelling to the roof eaves, symmetry to the planning and careful placements of sash windows in the public facade facing the driveway, but modern as you move
Handles Inc. Hyde Park, +27 (0)11 325 2555
further into the private spaces of the home, which are open to allow free movement between spaces. Double French doors and large window areas bring the outside in.’ ‘Open-plan’ is the keyword: each room moves seamlessly into the other. Even the main hallway dividing the home is an expansive space of its own. Not only does this elegant hallway provide passageway through the house, but it also acts as a gallery for the owner’s art collection.
Sue’s beautiful kitchen surpassed expectations and is one of her favourite rooms of the house. ‘For our family, the heart of the home has to be the open-plan kitchen and family room. This is where everyone congregates to catch up with each other and chill at the end of each day.’ The kitchen is a cook’s dream, a gorgeous combination of glossy white cabinets and wooden panels, light yet rich in texture. Subtle inset lights add to the well-lit space. Old-fashioned white shuttered sliding doors open out to a swimming pool and gorgeous landscaped gardens. There’s also an indoor grill for cooking in all weather conditions.
Upstairs, the mix of modern and classic continues. The bedrooms are a warm and inviting mix of pale colours and various textures. The main suite exudes comfort, offering various chairs and sofas for quiet contemplation. Wallpaper is used throughout the
home. We love the sylvan wallpaper in the living room. The fairly neutral colour palette of brown, cream and grey filters through the house while small accents of colour are introduced into the lavish upholstery, cushions and carpets. Sharon wanted to create an environment that exuded serenity and calm, as well as being a good reflection of the home’s architecture and the owners themselves. There’s an abundance of dramatic features in the house, such as the extensive ceiling cornices on the walls inside and out. Recessed walls are another common element.
Outside, there is one long continuous balcony with a metal handrail. The terracotta roof tiles are a gorgeous contrast to the white facade. Metal gutters and cornices provide the industrial-strength icing on the cake. Down below is the impressive pool area set in a delicately manicured garden. ‘We designed and built the rim-flow pool ourselves, to enhance and complement the outdoor living areas. It optimises and enhances the patio space even more by being on the same level. The shell was epoxy painted in the azure blue, which gives it a very inviting feel. Together with the constant sound of water cascading over the sides of the rim flow creates a wonderfully calming experience,’ says Sue.
Outdoor living and entertainment were important to Sue and the areas created specifically for this purpose are her fave features. ‘Coming to South Africa from England and Ireland, our dream was to create a mix of indoor and outdoor living. We achieved this by ensuring that each indoor living area has easy access to the pool, garden, fountains and outdoor entertainment areas.’
42 | May/June 2012
Living in
Words Tammy SuthernsPhotographs Supplied
Melrose brings exclusive, sophisticated living and retail therapy tothe streets of Johannesburg
Melroseis the place
Fine Features
Coffee shops, stores and restaurants nestle in the tree-fringed streets of Melrose along with a feast of facilities for residents. Schools include
Pridwin Preparatory School, Kingsmead College and St Vincent School for the Deaf. These are tucked away in the suburbs around Melrose
Arch. The cobbled streets of Melrose Arch provide the residents of Melrose with easy access to boutique stores, spas and a range of
restaurants where diners have the choice of everything from Thai cuisine to Italian flavours to be enjoyed in this romantic setting. High-end
shopping can also be enjoyed at the Thrupps centre in nearby Illovo, while the Zone @ Rosebank is popular among youngsters and has all
the stores necessary for daily shopping. Residents can also spend their leisure time at the golf courses in Killarney and Houghton or take lazy
afternoon strolls in the suburb’s many parks.
thepropertymag.co.za | 43
Living in
Melrose, a part of Johannesburg’s thriving Sandton node, includes the beautiful and exclusive Melrose Arch mixed-use development,
as well as Melrose, Melrose Estate and Melrose North, residential suburbs that are both upmarket and pristine.
According to real estate agent Ethne Lipschitz of Century 21 Richter, ‘In 1902 the name of the suburb was derived from that of the estate laid out
by Henry Brown Marshall before the Jameson Raid and comes from the Gaelic words meaning “bear hill” and “wood”. Parks in the area were declared bird sanctuaries by the city council in 1959.’
Making a hoMeEthne Lipschitz and Estelle Taitz from
Century 21 Richter and Lucy Jacobson
from Seeff Properties tell us why Melrose
is so magnificent
Q Why would you encourage people to buy in Melrose?eT: We would encourage people to invest in
Melrose because it is surrounded by the best
private schools in the country and is in close
proximity to exclusive shopping malls and
the cultural hub of Rosebank. Residents have
easy access to highways and central business
districts. The Gautrain has also added value
to the suburb. Many residents bought their
first homes in the area, such as an apartment
or townhouse, and over the years upscaled
to cluster homes and larger freehold homes,
only to scale down as empty-nesters to
clusters once again. Melrose becomes their
lifelong suburb of choice.
eL: The magnificent houses and clusters, the
many open parks and the wide streets (ideal
for morning walkers and mothers walking
with prams) are just some of the reasons that
make it a great place to live. The Melrose
Ratepayers Association is exceptionally
involved and vigilant and focuses its efforts
on security. Because many residents’ children
attend private schools here, it is a friendly
community, resulting in additional security.
Q Are property values rising?LJ: Yes, but it appears to be stable at present
due to current market conditions. The validity
of any market assessment is limited by
changes to the economy and the property
industry, and should be reassessed regularly.
Q What’s on the market?eT: Upmarket and well-maintained freehold
homes, clusters in relatively small complexes,
townhouses and apartments. The typical
home is a ‘Melrose Acre’, measuring 2 974m2,
homes on subdivisions measuring from
1 200m2, with prices ranging from about
R4,5 million to R10 million. Cluster erf sizes
range on average from about 400m2 to
600m2, with prices ranging from about
R3 million to R9 million. Townhouses have an
average erf size of about 200m2, with prices
ranging from about R1,6 million to R4 million.
Apartments are about 100m2, with prices
ranging from around R800 000 to the
early R3 millions.
Q: Where is Melrose headed?eL: It will always maintain its suburban
purpose, but outskirts such as Oxford Road
have been earmarked for economic and
urban growth. This will attract many new
up- and-coming young residents, adding
great value, as they are most likely to
upscale into homes in the area. Commercial
development in Melrose will result in young
executives needing new homes in close
proximity to work.
Cosy sTays
Guests to the Melrose area are spoilt for choice. Providing accommodation are
penthouses and apartments, boutique hotels, such as the Peech Hotel, and larger
hotels, such as the African Pride Melrose Arch Hotel and Protea Hotel Fire & Ice Melrose
Arch. With easy access to the M1 and Corlett Drive, visitors can explore the rest of
Johannesburg and its attractions. The Johannesburg Zoo and the military museum are
less than 10 minutes away and the CBD is about 15 minutes away. Sports fans can visit
the Wanderers Club for cricket matches, just around the corner from Melrose. Sandton
City is a short drive away for entertainment and shopping while the neighbouring suburb
of Norwood offers street boutiques and cafés. On Sundays the nearby Mall of Rosebank
offers trendy spenders a Rooftop Market. Wildlife lovers will appreciate the more than
120 wild bird species in the Melrose Bird Sanctuary.
With thanks to …
Century 21 Richter, + 27 (0)11 447 1747,
century21.co.za
seeff Properties, +27 (0)11 784 1222,
seeff.com
44 | May/June 2012
DESIGN PROFILE
� e Creative Axis puts a new spin on architecture, as its expansive portfolio of public works showsWords Tammy SuthernsProfi le photographs Michael GlenisterProject photographs courtesy of The Creative Axis
Looking at some of the marvellous structures that the Creative Axis has designed, it is di� cult for me to imagine the architectural company’s humble
beginnings in Lenasia, Johannesburg South, when it had just one director and a couple of sta� members. But the core mission of the company has resulted in a bursting portfolio.
For example, the Civitas Building in Pretoria, which houses the National Department of Health, has been converted by the Creative Axis to a veritable tourist attraction with an impressive, slick glass facade. The � rm’s work on the Innovation Hub in Pretoria portrays its founding principles of innovation and sustainability, while its Parks Station project shows how creativity and passion can be made to meet functional design.
For Anil Parshotam and Bhavik Ranchod, architecture is weaved into the very fabric of their identities. Anil studied civil engineering at Wits University but realised very quickly that it wasn’t for him. He went to work for an architect for a year and then returned to university to complete a degree, which forged his path in the industry and eventually landed him the position of director at the Creative Axis (previously branded Naren Mistry Architects). He worked on projects throughout his degree and after his graduation, learning as much as possible about the industry. Bhavik, who was recently made partner at the Creative Axis, always knew that he wanted to be an architect, having been passionate about graphic design, art and buildings when he was a child. He says, ‘Architecture is art and engineering combined. I joined the Creative Axis four years ago
and never looked back.’ Both men have overseas work experience that provided di� erent dimensions to their � eld. Anil worked in Australia for three years and recommends it for any young architect: ‘In Australia I worked on fairly large projects and everything that I learnt there, I was able to apply here. It changed my perception.’
The Creative Axis makes sure to keep abreast with technological advances in the � eld of architecture. Bhavik says, ‘When I started studying, we used hand drawings and we were still trained to hand draw. But as time went on, we got onto computers with 3D modelling. Technology now plays a big part in making the client understand the design.’ Today, thanks to Building Information Modelling, 3D software and computers, they are able to model a building in full and see every aspect of it, says Anil. ‘It gives the
This page View of the Park Station Gautrain access link.
of excellenceA IS
DESIGN profIlE
This page, clockwise from top left Enterprise Building entrance from the public square at the Innovation Hub; glazing detail at the Innovation Hub; Anil Parshotam,
director at The Creative Axis; suspended gatehouse structure at the Innovation Hub; interior view of the foyer at the Civitas Building; view of the exterior glazing facade at
the Civitas Building.
thepropertymag.co.za | 45
DESIGN ProfIlE
architect an opportunity to spend more time detailing the building, which will give you a better product.’ Anil adds that client communications have improved considerably now that clients can properly visualise the end product. The new technology also allows the architects to see how a building will respond to its environment and gives them greater opportunity to improve the building’s sustainability.
Although ‘green building’ is a buzzword in the industry at the moment, it has always been a core and founding principle of the Creative Axis. Bhavik says, ‘The principles of architecture from way back are based on what you build around your environment and on making sure that your building is adapted to the environment. At the Creative Axis, when we start designing a building, we consider those principles.’ Anil adds that technology allows architects access to research that shows the benefits of sustainable building, such as reduced water consumption. Anil says, ‘Sustainability is very important, both in terms of the longevity of the building and the long-term maintenance costs and operational costs. It’s great to design fantastic buildings, but, essentially, when you walk away from the building, you need to look at how the materials perform, how durable the materials are and the operating costs.’
Pretoria’s Innovation Hub, Africa’s first internationally accredited science park, shows just what the Creative Axis team is capable of. Created in a joint venture with M-Architects, the Innovation Hub contributes to the economy through the commercialisation of technology and development of technological capacity, entrepreneurial ability and intellectual capital. The design of the Innovation Hub building includes basement parking for 420 vehicles, the Innovation Centre and multi-tenant buildings separated by a large open piazza for gatherings and
outdoor conferencing. Anil says, ‘It was about making an iconic tourist attraction, to a certain extent, where people could look up to the skyline and see a building that was different from all of the others.’
The building is spacious and high-tech in its design, with red face-brick, glass and aluminium balustrades and steel staircases.
No challenge is too big for the Creative Axis family, who now have offices across South Africa and are expanding into the rest of Africa as well as to Brazil. Anil says, ‘I don’t see any request as strange; I take it as a challenge. It is part of an architect’s responsibility to be daring.’ One of the company’s most challenging projects was the upgrade of Loftus Versfeld Stadium, originally designed in the 1970s, to make it Fifa compliant. Anil says, ‘We were trying to build in areas where spectators were using the building and we were trying to work with a minimum budget. What was also quite a challenge was trying to work on a stadium that is landlocked by a very dense city fabric. We were able to pull that off successfully.’
It is these challenges that keep Anil on the edge of his architectural seat and ready to dive into the next project. He says, ‘What excites me is being able to design a building and explore challenging ways of putting something together. There is always a new solution. Looking at that solution, working it into the building and then building it and then going back to the building three years later and seeing how people are using the space and how the building has responded to the users is a process that we follow.’ For Bhavik, it’s his personal sense of accomplishment that gets him out of bed in the morning. He says, ‘It’s the feedback that you get from clients, when you’re in tune with what they want and you give them something better. It gives you that edge.’ +27 (0)11 854 5922, creativeaxis.co.za
46 | May/June 2012
Top right Bhavik Ranchod, partner at The Creative Axis.
Left, above centre and bottom right Atrium glazing at
88 Grayston Drive; entrance foyer at 88 Grayston Drive.
Below left, top to bottom View of the main facade at 88
Grayston Drive; view of the Park Station Gautrain access link;
interior view of the new Park Station north concourse that is
currently under construction.
thepropertymag.co.za | 47
Ask the sellers who priced their properties correctly, chose the right agent and took all the essential measures to make sure their homes
were attractive to buyers, and they’ll join me in my response: the market’s good!
This doesn’t only have to do with the banks’ releasing their tight grip on bonds. I believe the market will continue to improve if we internalise just three monosyllables: know your worth. It’s a simple creed, but a profound one, and it applies to agents, sellers and buyers, equally. Agents need to understand the value they add so that they don’t compromise their worth. Sellers need to understand the value of their property and maximise its strongest features. And buyers need to feel that they’ve landed their dream home at a fair price. All three are achievable. Collectively, they are my de� nition of success in this exciting and ever- evolving industry.
Most people ask about the market because they’re trying to gauge whether their property will sell. How soon will it sell? Will it sell at the right price? What is the right price? You’ll be glad to know that the banks and the economy don’t have all the control in property sales today. Much depends on the seller’s
approach. One of the biggest mistakes many sellers make is overpricing the property. Overpriced homes will sit on the market for far too long, will not be attractive to buyers and will cause the seller a lot of angst. Eventually, the seller will have to reduce the price, which will often be much lower than the price it would have been had the home been priced correctly from the start. If sellers understand the value of their home and are proactive in optimising its strengths, the property will sell. Quickly.
Selling a home successfully means giving the right agent the right mandate at the right time. I realise it’s not that simple. Selling one’s home is, for the vast majority of homeowners, a highly emotional decision. Both psychologically and � nancially, we invest an enormous amount in our homes. Hearing that the price you want is neither reasonable nor possible can be disheartening. A good agent will remain abreast of all new trends and changes in the industry (such as current bank criteria), educate and support the seller, strive for the right price and keep clients informed about how they can get involved.
While the right price may depend on factors beyond everyone’s control, there is one important process in which the seller should be fully engaged:
dressing a home for sale. As a woman in real estate, I’ve learned that dressing for success doesn’t just apply to my wardrobe. Here are my two top tips. One is in direct accordance with my wardrobe rules, and the other is … not. First, the � ner details go an awfully long way to creating a powerful � rst impression. Second, leave very little to the imagination. In other words, don’t force potential buyers to imagine what the house would look like if the pool were blue and clear or the garden green and tidy.
As real estate professionals, nothing we do is a perfect science. If it were, most of us wouldn’t do it as well or love it as much. But there are certain patterns that seem to emerge every time, no matter the state of the market or the size of the property.
In over two decades in this business, I’ve learned that there is a recipe for everyone walking away happy, and it works in threes: sellers, buyers and agents need to internalise the value that each of them adds to a successful sale.
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GUEST EDITOR
Adrienne Hersch
residential & commercial
After 21 years in real estate, there’s one question I’m asked constantly: how’s the market?
The Rule of Three
Adrienne Hersch,
CEO Adrienne Hersch Properties
Residential Real Estate
48 | March 2012
Wo
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Your Move
Sandy Geffen, Executive
Director of Lew Geffen
Sotheby’s International
Realty, says a home,
regardless of its heritage
or price range, should
reflect the incalculable
value of the life within
A home is so much more than a shelter – it is both
your sanctuary and your glittering castle, and it
reflects who you really are, who and what you
love, and how you choose to live.
It needs to be a place of peace, joy and laughter
for the whole family, and certain features can help
to enhance that feeling, depending very much on
your personal preferences.
For example, a special room that is soundproofed
and furnished with comfort in mind might be
just the thing for a family that is mad about TV,
movies or music. For others, the pool might
be the focus of family fun as well as exercise
and so should not be shut away from view but
surrounded with an unbreakable glass fence,
beautiful plants and palm trees.
Many homeowners prefer to make their garden
an oasis of peace and tranquillity, in which case
nothing could be better than the sounds of water
splashing gently from a fountain in a special area,
the wind sighing through swaying trees and birds
happily chattering as they visit some carefully
placed bird-feeders.
Glass sliding doors and large window-scapes will
also let nature into your home and enchant you
with a garden view from every room, whilst huge
skylights will not only allow in natural light, but will
also afford you the pleasure of gazing dreamily at
the moon and the stars.
Of course, children will often have a different view
of what makes the ideal home, but a great start
is a special play area, carefully planned with all
requirements tucked into see-through containers
or cleverly designed shelving and drawers. Round
off this space with protective floor mats, a mini
library and the children’s own TV and DVD player.
Older children and teenagers will appreciate their
own chill space where they can hang out with
friends, play their own music and work on their
computers or iPads while their parents enjoy their
own privacy and spend quality time together.
Depending on how you prefer to entertain, you
may want to create a gorgeous formal dining
room or opt for a more relaxed patio or veranda
where you can also enjoy a glass of wine at the
end of a busy day and revel in the peace, harmony
and laughter you have woven into your own
unique lifestyle.
Memories, relationships, treasured possessions –
homes are havens for the things that matter most,
and you’ll know you’ve got it right if, when you
sell, you want the next property you buy to be just
the same.
Till next time,
Sandy
Crystal-clear futureSituated 30km east of downtown Johannesburg and just north of Benoni is the serene
Clearwater Estate. This 80ha development offers the future in estate living, with beautiful
surroundings, exclusive homes and an abundance of amenities and activities. Clearwater
Estate blends the boundaries of home, office, work and leisure into a safe environment with
24-hour security. Phase 1 is complete and comprises 200 housing units, 100 apartments
and 50 clusters. Phase 2 includes an additional 521 fully serviced residential stands and
450 clusters. ‘The capacity of the estate is about 4 000 residents in free-standing homes,
apartments and clusters,’ says Jordan Mann, director of Clearwater Estate’s developer, Krisp
Properties. ‘We live in a stressful world, and our vision for Clearwater Estate was to provide
a micro environment that is aesthetically pleasing, secure and convenient and that promotes
stress-free living.’ In addition to offering a wide variety of homes, the estate also features a
lifestyle centre with restaurant, fully-equipped gym, Olympic pool, tennis courts and squash
courts. The 7 000m2 office park is 90% let and Krisp is busy developing more office space
on the property. An ultramodern boutique hotel with a 700-seat conference facility is in the
Plumb in line with business needsOwned and developed by JT Ross, Plumbago Business Park on the East Rand caters for logistics, freight forwarding and light industrial
operations. To date, Jonsson Workwear, Blue Sky Logistics and John Deere have elected to relocate their national distribution centres to
Plumbago Business Park and their facilities should be ready for occupation during the third quarter of 2012. The park has a modern gatehouse
that is designed to accommodate large commercial vehicles and also houses a security control room. Various sized sites with guaranteed power
supply are being developed at Plumbago Business Park. Ranging from 1 500m2 to 25 000m2, these sites can be consolidated or subdivided to
allow for purpose-built premises to suit tenants’ individual requirements. +27 (0)31 372 9700, jtross.co.za
Falling for the environmentAtterbury Property and Pick n Pay are co-developing a fl agship green
Pick n Pay store in Little Falls, Roodepoort. The R160-million, 10 000m2
store will include a restaurant, liquor store, wine boutique and cheese
room and will stock more imported lines than any other Pick n Pay as
well as specialist ranges unique to the retailer’s fl agship stores. The
Falls Pick n Pay is being developed along ecologically sustainable lines.
Recycled materials are being used in the construction of the building,
which will be fi nished in glass, steel and stone. Daylight harvesting,
and effi cient lighting will form part of the store’s daily operations.
The developers are also investing R10 million in the upgrade of the
surrounding roads. The store is scheduled to open in time for the festive
season. The Falls Pick n Pay is only the fi rst phase of this development,
which has the potential for an additional 10 000m2 of retail space and
15 000m2 of offi ce space. +27 (0)11 706 1176, atterbury.co.za
thepropertymag.co.za | 49
� e market is in a comfortable upswing and we are looking forward to a positive 2012 – Adrienne Hersch, CEO Adrienne Hersch Properties
Keep on growingGrowthpoint Properties has purchased the remaining undivided share of 64% of Alberton City Shopping Centre from Liberty Group for
R418 million. The 48 000m2 centre includes 130 stores, and thanks to its anchor tenants, Game, Checkers, Clicks and Edgars, it has been a
family favourite for years. Liberty Properties CEO Samuel Ogbu says the decision to sell its stake in the shopping centre was based on Liberty’s
drive to ensure continued infl ation-beating returns for its policyholders. Stephan le Roux, director of Growthpoint Properties’ retail division,
says Alberton City Shopping Centre is a good fi t for Growthpoint's retail property portfolio as it has increased its investment in retail in the
Johannesburg area. The deal will be effective upon approval by the Competition Commission and the fulfi lment of contractual obligations by
both parties. +27 (0)11 944 6000, growthpoint.co.za
50 | May/June 2012
1The main swimming pool at Palais Namaskar. 2–3Water features and lakes in the
hotel’s gardens. 4Handmade Murano chandeliers by Andromeda adorn the public
spaces of the hotel. Imaad Rahmouni was responsible for the hotel’s design. Wo
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Visit thepropertymag.co.za for more business
and leisure news from Africa.
Designed by Paris- and Marrakesh-based architect, Imaad Rahmouni, the recently opened Palais Namaskar is a gorgeous hotel set on 5ha of land between
Morocco’s Atlas Mountains and Djebilet Hills. Part of the Oetker Collection, Palais Namaskar comprises 41 exclusively designed villas and suites as well as a Pool Palace, Mountain Palace and Water Palace. It is set within fragrant, manicured, Balinese-style gardens, surrounded by lakes.
The hotel is contemporary oriental in its look, with feng shui principles woven into the interior design. Complementing the decor are bespoke, handmade light � xtures by luxury lighting design company, Andromeda Murano.
The Italian company’s aim was to create a magical place with reinterpreted modern taste and sensitivity and a unique mix of exquisite tradition and oriental fusions. The overall e� ect is simply breathtaking.
Some of the rooms o� er terraces, while others feature Jacuzzis and heated pools. There is also a spa o� ering guests pampering in the most elegant setting. Dining options include a restaurant, tea lounge and a bar.
Surrounded by golf courses, shopping centres and cultural hotspots, Palais Namaskar is only 30 minutes away from Marrakech-Menara Airport. +39 041 736 674, andromedamurano.it;
+212 (0)5 24 29 98 00, palaisnamaskar.com
Magic in Marrakech
� e fi ve-star Palais Namaskar luxury hotel is a decor feast
investment, real estate, news & leisure
Africa
1
2 3 4
thepropertymag.co.za | 51
Pyramid dreamThe prospects for Cairo’s real estate market are looking up,
according to Jones Lang LaSalle’s (JLL) Cairo Real Estate
Overview. Ayman Sami, head of JLL’s Egypt office says, ‘If the
country is able to address its political issues, then we are confident
that activity will return to the market relatively quickly, as demand
exists across a number of sectors.’ The economic stability of the
country is very much linked to the political situation and has had
a negative impact on the tourism industry and new investment
in Egypt, says Ayman. Despite this, JLL has noted potential
improvement in the Cairo real estate market, where there is
demand for between 5 000m2 and 15 000m2 of office space and
retailers continue to open new stores. Ayman says, ‘Investment
opportunities currently lie in the mid-market segment across
various sectors.’ +2 02 25777 836, joneslanglasalle.com
It’s raining accoladesThe hospitality industry is booming across Africa, and big congratulations
must go out to Rani Resorts, which won a host of awards at the World
Travel Awards Africa and Indian Ocean ceremony in Sharm el Sheikh,
Egypt. Among the awards that the hospitality group scooped was one
for the Leading Resort in Mozambique for its Indigo Bay Island Resort
and Spa, while Pemba Beach Hotel and Spa scored it the Leading
Hotel in Mozambique Award. Rani Resorts’ Stanley and Livingstone
at Victoria Falls earned it the Leading Hotel in Zimbabwe Award. And
Matemo Island Resort in Mozambique, the jewel in the group’s crown
of African hotels and resorts, was named the Leading Resort in Africa.
+258 21 301 618, raniresorts.com
Protea flourishing in AfricaProtea Hospitality Group will be driving US$130 million (about R1 billion) into Africa with the construction of 11 new hotels. The expansion, one
of the biggest in Africa by a hotel group, will bring to nine the number of African countries where Protea has hotels. The first hotel will be built
in Nigeria. Plans for hotels in Uganda and Zambia are in the pipeline. Protea Hospitality Group CEO Arthur Gillis says, ‘As political stability and
business opportunities increase, they create a greater need for the hotels.’ He adds that certain African countries are setting global economic
trends in terms of hospitality and that the change of traditional trading partners has resulted in growth for these countries. The new hotels in
Nigeria will include Protea Hotel Ibadan, Protea Hotel Select Emotan, Protea Hotel Select Ikeja, African Pride Avalon Hotel and Spa and Protea
Hotel Asaba. The new hotels in Nigeria, Uganda and Zambia are expected to create 1 000 new direct jobs in the hospitality industry in those
countries. 0861 11 9000, proteahotels.com
Stanley and Livingstone at Victoria Falls
Indigo Bay Island Resort and Spa
africa
Protea Hotel Lusaka
52 | May/June 2012
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Forming part of the luxury leisure group, Shamwari, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is situated between Montagu and Barrydale on the world-famous R62 and brings a
whole new meaning to camping. The reserve’s Explorer Camp o� ers the more
adventurous and active visitor a two-night outdoor tented bush camp along a shaded river line.
The experience centres on being on foot in one of South Africa’s largest private game reserves, where the potential to have a close encounter with many di� erent species of game is always a reality. The reserve is home to the Big Five, zebra, buck, gira� e
and other wildlife. The enchanting view extends for kilometres, and only the sound of the crickets chirruping in the grass is there to distract visitors from their game- viewing. Comprising 54 000ha of mountains, plains and indigenous � ora and fauna, the reserve o� ers a feeling of total isolation, a place where historic rock faces and caves are decorated with San paintings, and a variety of birdlife guards the skies.
The Explorer Camp is a tailor-made safari. The walking trails are chosen by guests, who are then assigned a quali� ed, armed guide. The trail walks can last up to four hours. There’s an optional game- viewing vehicle for specialist tracking needs,
allowing guests to travel further a� eld to explore other walking trails and see what game awaits them in di� erent parts of the reserve.
Guests select the spot on which to pitch camp. Accommodation comprises three mobile canvas tents kitted out with comfortable camping beds. Each tent sleeps two, has its own bathroom facilities and provides optimal privacy.
Meals are enjoyed under the stars, and guests need simply relax, put their feet up, and take in the magni� cent surroundings. The Explorer Camp operates from October to April. +27 (0)41 509 3000,
sanbona.com
Visit thepropertymag.co.za to discover other
fantastic getaways in South Africa.
1–3Sanbona Explore Camp allows guests to get back to a simpler way of life amid the
rugged natural splendour of the Karoo.
South Africa
1
Wide-openWide-openspaces
Sanbona Wildlife Reserve’s Explorer Camp off ers a succulent outdoor
Karoo experience
2 3
thepropertymag.co.za | 53
Bargain bayProperty sales along the southern coast of KwaZulu-
Natal are seeing both local and upcountry buyers
snapping up seaside property bargains. Deidre
Ronnenberg, owner of the Aïda Amanzimtoti
offi ce, says the biggest driver of this activity is
the proposed R100-billion upgrade of Durban’s
former international airport, which is just 11km from
Amanzimtoti. ‘The anticipated increase in local
property values as a result of this development,
plus the fact that the demand for long-term rentals
here is already increasing, is attracting a far greater
number of investment buyers, and many of them
are paying cash,’ says Deidre. The South Coast
fares well in terms of property values. For example,
a spacious two-bedroom beachfront fl at with
garage costs around R650 000. Further down the
coast, there’s strong demand for retirement homes.
An estimated 400 000 retirees reside between
Umkomaas and Port Edward. Homes in this area are
popular for purchase, either as an investment or to
accommodate new retirees.
+27 (0)31 916 4215, aida.co.za
Interest-on-Sea Homebuyers are showing increased interest in properties in the Eastern Cape town
of Kenton-on-Sea, particularly in the middle-income market. Older, well-priced,
well- maintained homes are seen as offering good value or as having that ready-to-
move-in feel. Pam Golding Properties Area Principal, Michael Wilmot, says homebuyers
are drawn to the tranquil coastal lifestyle and unspoilt environment, which is ideal
for young children. ‘We are seeing leisure buyers returning to the market, including
middle-income small families and young buyers and a younger generation of retirees,
mostly from Gauteng, Eastern Cape and Bloemfontein, and they are generally seeking
properties in the range of R1 million to R2,5 million,’ says Michael. The growing number
of young buyers includes parents who intend sending their children to private schools
in Grahamstown as well as parents whose children attend Rhodes University. Michael
says Kenton-on-Sea is a popular holiday destination with relatively crime-free streets
and a Blue Flag beach. +27 (0)46 648 1203, pamgolding.co.za
Waterfront livingPam Golding Properties is marketing Ambermere Estate, which is situated on 300ha of prime land right next to the confl uence of the Vaal and
Wilge rivers. There are 61 waterfront stands available, each a minimum of 2ha in size and with at least 100m of private waterfront. Plots are
priced from R750 000. Building regulations are strict, allowing future buyers two years to build on their plots, and only single-storey homes of a
maximum 600m2 in size. All services will be underground, ensuring no unsightly cables are seen, as architectural guidelines are geared towards
being sympathetic to the surroundings. In the last few years, more than 10 000 indigenous trees have been planted on the estate and the
waterfront areas have been improved, including the building up of embankments and the construction of two marinas. Residents will be able to
enjoy outdoor activities, including water sports and birdwatching. The estate is fully fenced and secure, in line with the reintroduction of game
into the area. +27 (0)16 371 1377, ambermereestate.co.za
Mall in the middleMiddelburg Mall has reopened after a R500 million refurbishment. Moolman Group
and Flanagan & Gerard Property Development & Investment say the facelift came
about because of increased retail demand. Middelburg Mall is situated just off the
N4 in Mpumalanga. The made-over interiors now have modern fi nishes, higher
ceilings, new tiling, a fresh coat of paint and improved bathrooms. The mall has been
extended by 10 000m2 to 43 000m2, and there is still room for further expansion.
‘It could eventually exceed 55 000m2,’ says Patrick Flanagan. The mall includes
94 shops, and most of them are let. Tenants include major banks and cellular
companies. The anchor tenants are Woolworths, Pick n Pay, Game, Checkers and
Edgars. Included in the retail mix are Clicks, Musica, Mr Price and Truworths. Among
the mall’s chain restaurants are the household names Spur, Mugg & Bean, Wimpy,
McDonald’s and Debonairs. +27 (0)13 244 1404, middelburgmall.co.za
AFRICA South Africa
54 | May/June 2012
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Development partners including Stark Property Development businessmen Steven Skoppelitus and Paul Shipoke as well as TransNamib have collaborated
on the retail project of the Bahnhof Square and Lifestyle Centre, a new mixed-use development in the coastal town of Swakopmund. The billion-dollar project originated after the realisation of the area’s need for a development of such a nature and has already attracted potential investors, especially from South Africa.
The basic design of the centre is in place and negotiations with potential tenants and financing
partners for the estimated 180 000m² Bahnhof Square and Lifestyle Centre are under way and should be finalised by the end of May. The development will be situated on two open properties owned by TransNamib, including the Swakopmund railway station, and will feature doctors practices, offices, restaurants and a shopping centre, as well as light industrial warehousing and residential apartments. Construction of Bahnhof Square and Lifestyle Centre is expected to start by August this year and to be completed in 2017.
Apart from this exciting development, there’s the N$1,1-billion Grove shopping centre development in
Kleine Kuppe, Windhoek. A joint venture between Safland Property Services Namibia and Demushuwa Property Developers, the 55 000m² Grove shopping centre development forms part of the planned mixed-use 220 000m² Hilltop Estate, which will incorporate the mall, a medical centre, a hotel, offices and medium-to-high-density residential units. The development is expected to be completed by November 2013. Safland is also extending the Shoprite Centre in Otjiwarongo, from 5 700m² to 8 000m². The centre’s name is being changed to Otjiwarongo Town Square. +264 (0)61 254 972, safland.co.za
Visit thepropertymag.co.za to discover for
more business news from Namibia.
1–2The N$51-million upgrade to the Otjiwarongo Shoprite Centre will create the
second-largest shopping complex north of Windhoek, Otjiwarongo Town Square.
1
1
Several new modern shopping centre developments and extensions have mushroomed across Namibia
The rise and rise of
Namibia2
AFRICA Namibia
Cream of the cropBroll Namibia and the Lüderitz Nest Hotel
have both been highly commended, with
the former scooping several awards in
the Ohlthaver & List Group of Companies’
(O&L) 12 Seasons Awards, and the latter
winning the prestigious South African-
based research institution, Professional
Management Review’s (PMR) Africa
Award. For the second year running
at the annual O&L 12 Seasons Awards
held in Windhoek, Broll Namibia was
named Top Performer and was also
rated number one within the O&L Group
as the Best Company to Work For. The
company was also named fi rst runner-up
for operational excellence and second
runner-up for creating an excellent trust
relationship with its customers. For the
third consecutive year, the Lüderitz
Nest Hotel won the PMR Africa Leading
Four- Star Hotel in Namibia Award. For
2011 the Nest Hotel took the only gold
award and the Diamond Arrow award for
2009 and 2010 for being Namibia’s top
hotel. Situated directly on Lüderitz Bay,
the hotel boasts 73 sea-facing rooms and
its own tidal beach.
+264 (0)61 374 500,
brollnamibia.com.na;
+264 (0)63 204 000, nesthotel.com
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Tourism triumphNamibia is one step closer to being selected as the host of the Adventure Travel World
Summit in 2013. The country has been shortlisted as one of the three fi nalists to host the
event, which involves an international gathering of over 600 heavyweights in the adventure
travel industry. The organisers of Namibia’s campaign to host the summit believe that the
country stands a good chance of winning the bid, based on Namibia’s safe and secure
environment, excellent infrastructure, effi cient telecommunications, rich cultural heritage and
award-winning, community-based natural resource management programme. Nambia has
already reached Phase 3 of the bid process and if it succeeds it will be the event’s fi rst time
in Africa. A fi nal announcement is expected later this year. adventuretravel.biz
Safland Awards 2012 gala dinner, Windhoek Country Club Resort & Casino, Namibia: 1Kallie van der Merwe 2Mandy Samson 3Prins Shiimi 4Johan
Piek 5James Hatuikulipi 6Floris Marx 7Michelle Nehoya, Meghan van der Merwe, Vency Mupupa 8Katrienka Rossouw, Mirinda van der Merwe
Society
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2
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3
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6
thepropertymag.co.za | 57
socials
Safland Awards 2012 gala dinner, Windhoek Country Club Resort & Casino, Namibia: 9Jeremy Rossouw, 10Anton Westraadt, Petro Oberholster, 11Michael Mukete 12David Nuyoma 13Maria Dax 14Ranga Haikali 15Simeon Negumbo 16Jacob Nghifindaka 17Meghan van der Merwe, Mirinda van
der Merwe, Andreas van der Merwe 18Jurie Badenhorst 19John Mandy 20André Swanepoel 21Claude Bosch 22Conrad Scheffer, Kallie van der Merwe.
10 11
1312
21
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Bring back the smileWe Go Beyond Windhoek to
Frankfurt, Accra,Luanda, Lusaka,Walvis Bay & more ...Johannesburg: Cape Town: Windhoek:
Central – a truly ImpressIve HomeSurrounded by a beautiful garden, you will find this modern 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom home with open-plan lounge, dining, TV room, fitted kitchen, BBQ, study, laundry/scullery and 3 garages.
WalvIs Bay n$ 2 700 000 In CC WalvIs Bay n$ 3 800 000 lonGBeaCH n$ 4 850 000
slasHInGly DIFFerent!Stunning 4-bedroom masterpiece close to the lagoon with solar heated swimming pool, kitchen with granite tops and gas hob, lounge with fireplace, TV room overlooking lovely garden, 2 bathrooms, fitted study, BBQ room, 4 garages and granny flat with lounge, BBQ, kitchen and bathroom.
luxurIous lIFestyle on tHe GolF FaIrWayBrand new, with only the best ultramodern finishes! 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, private lounge, stunning kitchen, TV room, BBQ, 3 garages and domestic room en suite. Garden with pool. Open-plan living with interleading sliding doors to patio!
stylIsH DesIGner HomeDisplaying a unique fusion of creative design, stylish finishes and effortless in/outdoor living! This magnificent beachfront home offers you 3 bedrooms, 3 en-suite bathrooms, outdoor and indoor BBQ, fitted kitchen, beautiful garden and spacious double garage. 330m².
sWaKopmunD n$ 10 600 000 lonGBeaCH n$ 2 700 000 In CC lonGBeaCH n$ 3 950 000
open plan DreamBeachfront location with breathtaking views across the Atlantic Ocean. Spacious home, 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 3 garages, bar area, indoor swimming pool, scullery, dining room, 2 lounge areas. 750m².
Just move InFully furnished with sea views! Very spacious open-plan living area with entertainment area with indoor BBQ and kitchen. Offering 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and a double garage. 280m².
entertaIner’s DelIGHtFamily home, sunny, spacious, neat garden and superb finishes, 3 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, 3 garages, study, dining room, lounge, fitted kitchen, indoor BBQ and much more. 390m².
FaIrWay estateThis brand-new, modern and sunny home consists of a huge open-plan lounge, dining, elegant fitted kitchen and scullery, BBQ room, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and garage parking for 2 to 3 cars.
meersIGA stone’s throw from the sea you will find this awesome 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home with open-plan lounge, dining, dream fitted kitchen, scullery, BBQ, fireplace, enclosed garden and 3 r/c garages.
Impressive double volume stunning home on large erf.This is living with a capital “ L“. Open-plan living area.
Ideal for in and outdoor entertainment.
Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 Garages: 3 cars
Position counts. Walk to the ocean from this 450m²spacious family home with a separate one bedroom
flat located in a quiet cul-de-sac.
THE AREA THAT COUNTS N$ 3 745 000
Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 4 Garages: 3
Well located very spacious family home close to allamenities. Entertainment room with BBQ. Doublevolume with view over the dunes. CC registered.
FABULOUS OPPORTUNITY N$ 3 200 000
Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2 Garages: Double
Hear the waves rolling onto the shore whilst enjoying magnificent view from this unusually
top floor apartment in Vineta.
GRAND SEA VIEW N$ 2 565 000
Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 Garages: 4 cars
Spacious family home with secluded garden and an entertainment room for relaxing parties.
Includes a one bedroom flat fully self-contained.
SUNNY KRAMERSDORF HOME N$ 3 200 000
Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 Garages: Double
Have the best of both worlds – upmarket, home in secure Golfing Estate. Play golf
after work without having to drive miles.
CALLING ALL GOLFERS N$ 4 040 000
Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 Garages: Double
Comfortable home in upmarket area.Rustic finishes add to the character of this interesting, well designed residence, ready to move in without renovation.
BRAND NEW DESIGN N$ 3 200 000
Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 3 Garages: Double
Close to the sea! Modern clean lines, quality finishes. Designed to optimize indoor and outdoor living. From the
terrace enjoy the sunset view on the ocean with your friends.
EXCELLENT VALUE N$ 2 500 000
Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 Garages: Double
Walk to the main beach. Small new development,which is an ideal lock up and go or permanent home
for the executive in a brand new secure development.
IMMACULATE NEW CONSTRUCTION N$ 2 850 000
SwAkopmund
SWAKOPMUND
N$ 2,500,000. CC
Spacious Home for Ideal Living
Spacious home offering 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms,
a neat kitchen and laundry room, lovely lounge and
dining room, TV room, a guest toilet, indoor braai area,
and an alarm. This home also offers a double garage
and an immaculate garden. Ideal living space!
N$ 4,170,000. CC
Warm, Bright and Cosy
This bright, cosy and warm home offers 3 bedrooms,
3 bathrooms, a kitchen with modern finishes and
spacious scullery, a lounge with gas fireplace, a sunny
dining room, a TV room, and two electric garages. In
addition to this it offers a storage room, guest toilet,
a separate room with an outside shower and basin and
a beautiful garden.
N$ 5,885,000. CC
Quality Lifestyle Home
Stunning family home with 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms,
beautiful kitchen with granite worktops and scullery,
study, TV room, guest toilet, and 5 garages. Indoor
braai, indoor courtyard, rooftop balcony with fantastic
sea views. Plus a self- contained 2-bedroom flat with
kitchen, living area and separate access to the garages.
N$ 3,700,000. CC
Modern and Elegant
This modern and elegant 4-bedroom home offers
3 bathrooms, a very attractive open-plan kitchen with
Namibia Wildlife Resorts is a Stateowned enterprise, mandated torun the tourism facilities withinthe protected areas of Namibia.
Its only shareholder is the Governmentof the Republic of Namibia; hence,it belongs to the Namibian people.it belongs to the Namibian people.
Tel 011 447 4420
29, 7th AvenueParktown North, Johannesburg, 2193
www.kingsestates.co.za
Your home deserves Kings
Dunke ld – R8 900 000
Par k town Nor th – R6 500 000 inc l VAT
For es t Town – R5 800 000
Par khur s t – Ear l y R4 Mi l l ions
Par kwood – R4 800 000
Par khur s t – R3 700 000
Beyond the ordinary.Beyond beautiful.Beyond your expectations.
VEREDestates
JUST WHAT YOU WANT011 341 1300 | [email protected] | www.vered.co.za
SANDHURSTA wonderful home within an exclusive estate. Reception rooms flow to a delightful covered patio and a specialJapanese style Zen garden. Excellent accommodation includes 4 spacious bedrooms en-suite plus a guest suiteor study. A fantastic opportunity to acquire a wonderful property with 24 hour guarded security.
For exclusive viewing please call Stephen Brick 082 5517971 or Nina Obel 082 5527325.
web ref: 106114
PARKTOWN NORTHA contemporary executive family home. Surrounded by lush tropical garden, this home of ±844m2 under roof haswrap around patios to swimming pool. 3 reception rooms, Italian designed kitchen, 4 large bedrooms, all en suitewith dressing rooms. Plus excellent security.
For exclusive private viewing please call Terri Dicks 083 252 7668 or Trevor Sedgwick 082 900 1722
web ref: 106222
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Head Office 011 728 7013 www.ah-properties.co.za
Auckland Park Offers from R5.999 million - asking R7.5 million. ”French Provençal B&B”. Opulence & Elegance, with a superb blend of impressive treasures are nestled in this ‘French chateau’. Remarkable ‘country retreat’ offers unrivalled 4-star hospitality, a selection of 10 luxuriously decorated rooms, all en-suite, overlooking the pool area. Conference facilities, gym, 2 master crafted kitchens, dining areas, cloakrooms & SQ of the highest order, a distinct past guest list ensures this sanctuary remain a quality investment. CJ 083 704 2042 Frederick 082 345 7817
Senderwood Absolutely fabulous family home! Outstanding accommodation of note! Finishes of class, top quality and appeal. Just divine! Genuine seller, wants offers in charcoal, ink or blood. Calling King David and Saheti buyers! Larger families? Need space? Want security, status and charm? Best you pop around here and view, cos it could be for you. What offers?? Howard 078 719 7442 Janine 083 676 1967 (B) 011 728 7013
Waverley State-of-the-art double-storey cluster in 24-hour security complex! Serious seller relocating. Mid R2 millions. Double-volume entrance hall, open-plan formal lounge / dining room, granite kitchen, guest cloakroom, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (mes). Double garage with direct access. Landscaped garden with pool, underfloor heating and aircon in unit... Too much to mention - come see for yourself! Lorraine 082 690 6873 Gregory 082 335 4167 (B) 011 728 7013
Houghton Estate Inviting buyers in the upper R4 millions and R5 millions. Brand new contemporary stylish clusters. Offers porcelain tiles, caesar stone, stainless steel, aluminium stackable doors, Hans Grohe sanitary ware and much more! 3 Receptions rooms, 3 / 4 bedrooms (all en-suite), modern kitchen, double garage, staff accommodation, covered patio and private garden. Seeing is believing! Close to highways, malls and Mosques. Sally 082 570 1470 Dan 079 505 0450 (B) 011 728 7013
Morningside“A house with honour”. This exclusive prime positioned home will set you apart from all others! 4 Luxurious beds, great receptions, lounge, dining, family room, dbl garaging, staff quarters, perfect sized garden for all aspects of home life, pets, kid - family orientated home with magnificent and luxurious quarters. A home of note that will make your proud, brand new on the market & won’t last long before SOLD is seen on this billboard. Avrille 084 725 2883 Jen 079 780 3377 (B) 011 728 7013
Bryanston East Inviting buyers between R4.799 - R5.499 million to view & negotiate. This is living if your family comes first... Looking for excellent security, fabulous entertainment, stunning garden with borehole (±3336sqm), solar heated pool, cottage, 5 garages & loads of parking? This magical homes has it all (±950sqm)! 4 Large receps to patio, billiard/pub room, granite kitchen, 3 beds (upstairs), study / 4th bed, 4 baths (mes) guest cloak, SQ, 1 bed, cottage. Other features include atrium, skylights. Christine 083 632 3472 Virginia 082 768 5895
Web ref. 100288440
Web ref. 100287248 Web ref. 100262366
Web ref. 100288171
DIRECTORY
ESKOM RATES ARE GOING UP ANOTHER 16%!
Now you can rather pay up to 60% LESS by installing
a solar geyser or heat pump from Totally Solar and
have Eskom pay for some of it via their rebate.
It pays for itself in less than three years and thereafter
provides hot water for FREE. It works in all weather
conditions and can be fi tted out of sight. Phone for an
on-site assessment to evaluate the best solution for you
at a price that suits your budget. Eskom, SESSA and
SABS approved with a 5-year warranty and expected
lifespan in excess of 25 years.
R o g e r 0 8 3 6 5 1 0 4 6 4 o r t o t a l l y s o l a r w c @ t i s c a l i . c o . z a V i s i t o u r w e b s i t e w w w . t o t a l l y s o l a r . c o . z a
FREENo obligations, property law and/or
conveyanc ing consu l ta t ion .
Contact: Aa ron S tanger and Assoc ia tes i n c o n f i d e n c e o n 0 1 1 4 4 2 3 1 1 8 o r 0 8 3 6 0 0 0 1 2 3 o r 0 8 2 4 1 3 1 7 9 0
Wo
rds
Cath
eri
ne R
iley
TREND WATCH
For a cool and technologically trendy addition to your offi ce space, look no further than these accessories
BOOGIE ON DOWNThe Boogie Board Rip, available from Mantality, is both
environmentally friendly and seriously cool. Write down
or doodle down your ideas on this touch-sensitive tablet,
with the peace of mind that you can save your scribbles and
revert to them later. The Boogie Board Rip allows you to save
up to 100 pages and even lets you transfer your drawings,
lists and ideas to your Mac or PC. Nationwide delivery.
+27 (0)11 462 5482, mantality.co.za
COFFEE WHEN YOU CANThese Coffee Joulies, available from Mantality, are the
ultimate boardroom weapon, helping to keep your cuppa
joe warm throughout long meetings. Should you need
a jump-start sip immediately, these smart beans help
with that, too! Sealed within each stainless steel bean
is a phase change material (PCM) that melts at around
60°C and draws the heat out of boiling hot coffee,
changing it to a more drinkable temperature. The PCM
also slowly releases the heat its absorbed, keeping your
coffee warm for longer. Mantality delivers to all major
cities in South Africa. Bottoms up! +27 (0)11 462 5482,
mantality.co.za
These Coffee Joulies, available from Mantality, are the
ultimate boardroom weapon, helping to keep your cuppa
joe warm throughout long meetings. Should you need
a jump-start sip immediately, these smart beans help
with that, too! Sealed within each stainless steel bean
is a phase change material (PCM) that melts at around
60°C and draws the heat out of boiling hot coffee,
changing it to a more drinkable temperature. The PCM
also slowly releases the heat its absorbed, keeping your
coffee warm for longer. Mantality delivers to all major
cities in South Africa. Bottoms up! cities in South Africa. Bottoms up!
mantality.co.za
CALCULATING IN COLOURBrighten up doing your calculations with this range of cute Casio
calculators from Offi ce National. Choose from a variety of cool
colours. Available from Offi ce National outlets nationwide.
+27 (0)11 704 0056, on24.co.za
ZOOM INFrom the Lighting Warehouse comes a new
range of desk and fl oor lamps, including this
Magnifi er Clamp Light in white. The lamp
effortlessly clips onto your desk and has the
bonus of a built-in magnifying glass. Available
from Lighting Warehouse outlets nationwide.
0861 5444 8464, lightingwarehouse.co.za
TREND WATCH
For a cool and technologically trendy addition to your offi ce space, look no further than these accessories
For a cool and technologically trendy addition to your offi ce space, look no For a cool and technologically trendy addition to your offi ce space, look no For a cool and technologically trendy addition to your offi ce space, look no For a cool and technologically trendy addition to your offi ce space, look no For a cool and technologically trendy addition to your offi ce space, look no
ZOOM IN ZOOM INFrom the Lighting Warehouse comes a new
range of desk and fl oor lamps, including this
Magnifi er Clamp Light in white. The lamp
effortlessly clips onto your desk and has the
bonus of a built-in magnifying glass. Available
from Lighting Warehouse outlets nationwide.
0861 5444 8464, lightingwarehouse.co.za
For a cool and technologically trendy addition to your offi ce space, look no GETTING IT RIGHT
The Livescribe Echo Smart Pen is a must-have for the
offi ce stationery box. This multipurpose pen records
everything that its writer hears and writes. For quick
and accurate access to all recorded information,
simply tap on your written notes. It has a built-in
micro USB connector (useful for transferring notes to
your computer) as well as a jack for headphones and
a speaker for playback. With two memory options
available, 4GB (400 hours) or 8GB (800 hours),
the Echo Smart Pen never misses a beat. Available
nationwide from The Gadget Shop. +27 (0)11 792 4912,
thegadgetshop.co.za
72 | May/June 2012
Prop Mag F-P May 4/23/12 1:30 PM Page 1
Composite
C M Y CM MY CY CMY K
Built-in sound control
0860 27 28 29 www.gyproc.co.za
With Gyproc’s new high performance SoundBloc, you can create a world where patients heal and doctors can hear themselves think. A world where kids can learn and teachers can teach. A world where business travellers are guaranteed a good night’s sleep and holiday goers can go on partying till dawn. Sounds good, doesn’t it.