In between hours spent working in the hospitality industry, Jarrett Swersky connects with nature at his abode in the CBD of Cape Town, where he’s created a mini ecosystem in his vertical garden.

Where did you get the idea?

I’d had enough of staring at an empty concrete space. My mum is a talented gardener and first pointed out vertical gardens to me. From there, we sourced plants around Cape Town, and it has taken just over a year to get the garden to where it is.

How did you select the plants?

I chose herbs and greens that I use in cooking (including rocket, lettuce, basil, thyme, coriander, mint, chives and spinach). The troughs are filled with an assortment of cacti and succulents, focusing on their unique characteristics and qualities.

Is upkeep an issue?

I water the plants in the morning before work and again once it’s dark. It takes 15 minutes, including pulling out the odd weed or slug.

Did space limitations affect the planning?

My courtyard is long and narrow, so the wall-mounted pockets by Vertical Veg are a perfect fit. They provide height, aesthetic appeal and the convenience of fresh, edible plants. They’re easy to install, and good value for money.

Most wonderful thing about your garden?

The plants have completely invigorated the space and made it feel like a home. Since planting my garden, I have butterflies, bees, and birds that frequent my courtyard. It means there are ants and slugs too, but I guess that’s part of the package.

Any advice for others tired of staring at concrete walls?

Just do it! Choose plants that you connect with. I love succulents and cacti, and it’s a bonus that they are low on maintenance. If you enjoy cooking, think of your favourite dishes and plant herbs that complement the foods you enjoy.

This article originally featured in IMAGINE.

The post Cool Spaces: Vertical Garden appeared first on Visi.

There is no better way to cool off in summer than a dip in a pool. Our first instalment included infinity pools and plunge pools. Here are two more options chosen by the experts.

Natural Swimming Pools

These green pools originated in Austria and Germany, but in the last decade they’ve begun to spread to the rest of the world. They have a profound effect on people, says Dr Jerome Davis of EcoPools, the bio-engineer who designed one for Angala Boutique Hotel & Guest House. It is, they say, the best part of their renovation year before last. Swimming in one of these pools is like being in a mountain pool.

The fundamental idea behind an eco-pool is that a natural ecosystem develops so the water regulates itself. All one needs to do is maintain it, says Davis, empty leaf traps and vacuum the bottom of the pool once or twice a month, depending on the season. If the natural aesthetic appeals, one doesn’t even need do that.

The first step is a thorough analysis of the water chemistry so that the correct components, from plants to type of gravel for filtration, can be selected to create and maintain the ecosystem. A shell is needed to contain the water, and this can be made from a variety of materials. EcoPools uses rubber liners as it’s environmentally friendly, lightweight and of a very high quality. A pump is usually needed, but not always, says Davis.

There are some things to consider: the pools are expensive to build, and don’t work if not properly designed, he warns – they can have huge algae blooms when the ecosystem is not in balance. They also take a while to become established, so people have to be patient – it’s similar to building a garden. But the pluses are huge. Long-term, if properly designed, these pools are less expensive and a lot healthier for all concerned – people and the fauna and flora we live in, and that’s certainly something worth considering.

Lap Pools

According to The Telegraph, the lap pool was one of the biggest property trends in the UK last year, for people wanting to exercise. These long skinny pools provide a good length for training. They’re beautiful and dramatic, but they’re technically challenging and very expensive, says Jane Visser of Jane Visser Architects, who has designed a couple for private homes.

The ideal length should be easily divisible by 100 (so one can easily add up to a kilometre or so). The widest it needs to be, says Visser, is 1.8 or two metres, but it’s much more fun for others (think children) if just a little broader – it’s not easy to play Marco Polo in a skinny pool. A pool stretching out vertically from a house is dramatic and lovely for the swimmer, who glides into a view. Running parallel to a house it’s equally impressive, and especially if there’s enough elevation to allow for an infinity edge. However, she points out, one should carefully consider its positioning – such a long, thin pool can be quite awkward because it can be a barrier in a space.

Technically, lap pools are complicated. They don’t behave like other pools and there are many things to consider: the depth, which has an effect on the flow of the water for the swimmer; placement of water outlets and inflows and pumps. Combined with a rim-flow edge, it becomes even more tricky. Specialists should be consulted, says Visser, who collaborates with Pool Designs, also engineers.

Contact Pool Designs on 021 852 2484 for more information.

This article was originally featured in IMAGINE.

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Summer in South Africa spells swimming, but which pool is best? We chat to the experts…

Infinity Pools

The infinity pool is not a new concept. In fact, the first one known to us is the Stag Fountain at the Palace of Versailles, built in the early 1600s. Although no-one swam in it, it does have a vanishing edge. These pools are probably the most visually impressive of all the pools, but they’re not simple to build and are expensive, says Neil Marwick of Pool Designs.

There are various elements needed: elevation, distance and ideally a view, as well as excellent engineering, says Marwick. A huge amount of design goes into the filtration and water-level controls in order to manage what happens when, for instance, the wind blows or there are many people in the pool. The water that floods over the rim needs to be stored somewhere, so it has to be designed with this in mind.

There are some things to note: a rim-flow pool requires much management thanks to the two different levels – the rim-flow pool is at the top, and the reservoir at the bottom (it’s important that this be big enough to contain the overflow). Two pumps are needed, one to drive the water up from the reservoir, and another for the sanitisation process. The level controls are important factors. And, Marwick says, if one lives near the ocean, something to consider is that seagulls love infinity pools and sit on the edge, preening and plucking their feathers, and the guano is prime stimulation for algae and the feathers get into the filtration system. In short, a rim-flow pool requires maintenance, and Marwick recommends specialists.

However, what makes it worth the effort are how beautiful views are enhanced, especially if looking onto another body of water. A well-positioned pool also acts as a water feature, and that can add great value to a house. If built above or adjacent to living spaces, careful engineering is vital to avoid leakage. There should be no shortcuts when it comes to building a pool, advises Marwick.

Contact Pool Designs on 021 852 2484

Plunge Pools

The humble plunge pool is probably the most cost-effective of pools, and there are many more advantages in terms of it being ecologically friendly – it uses less water, costs less to heat, but provides a maximum amount of fun and can add great visual impact in a home. So says George Boorsma of award-winning Johannesburg architects Ink Design Lab, who designed a third-floor plunge pool for a client’s private home.

Plunge pools are often built within the structure of a house like this, and so careful engineering is vital because, as Boorsma says, pools tend to leak. One must use a reputable pool consultant to make sure the structure is technically sound. Employ a company that has been around for a while, he advises, one with a reputable and long history. Ink Design Lab uses Penguin Pools in Gauteng.

Essentially, a tank must be built in the shape the client wants, a structure that then gets plastered, waterproofed and finished in various ways, depending on the effect one wants to achieve. This is where the size helps keeps costs down, says Boorsma. Finishes – such as bold tiling – can be very expensive and a small pool obviously means less overall cost. The average size is 4 metres by 2.2 metres, so it also uses less water, which means less evaporation. It’s a smaller volume of water to heat, and this can be done consuming virtually no electricity by allowing the water to run through long black piping on the roof of the house so the water is heated by the sun – all that’s needed is a small pump. The ideal is to place the pool where it gets the full run of the sun, says Boorsma, so it can absorb as much of its heat as possible.

A plunge pool is also not expensive to maintain, and infinitely manageable. One can use salt chlorination, which is healthier for swimmers, but the downside is that the pump tends to corrode and needs to be replaced every few years.

It’s important to secure a pool – today there are laws regulating this, he adds. There are various ways to do this, from a fence with a gate to a material pool cover that slides over the water surface on a roller mechanism that can be hidden away.

This article was originally featured in IMAGINE.

The post The Best of Swimming Pool Options: Part 1 appeared first on Visi.

THE SPACE

All the architecture on this island is inspired by the Seychelles vernacular: clean, simple lines, wide verandahs set under deeply pitched red roofs, with wide doors and windows opening up to the balmy world outside. All two-storey villas have six bedrooms en-suite, a private pool and garden, views onto the turquoise sea and front verandahs on both levels. There’s also reserved mooring for a yacht.

THE LOCATION

Think bath water – and it’s also virtually as flat as that. The Indian Ocean is ideal if you’re the yachting-and-snorkeling type. Temperature range: 25 – 32˚C.

THE EXTRAS

Eden Island is only a few minutes from Victoria, the financial and administrative capital. The Seychelles is made up of 115 islands, which makes it one of the top honeymoon destinations in the world. Add to that the fact that the sea is gentle and, with all those islands, there are plenty deserted coves in which to park a yacht for the day, it’s a popular playpen for playboys and girls. These couples have visited: Prince William and Kate, Salma Hayek and François Henri Pinault and Posh and Becks.

THE SIZE

Up to 1  685m²

THE PRICE

From $450  000

This article was originally featured in IMAGINE. Visit pamgolding.co.za for more luxury listings. For more information about this property, contact Brian Gradner on 082 361 4381.

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Winter doesn’t have to mean staying indoors. Here are two ways to bring the outside in – and cosy up at the same time.

A SPA BATH

When space allows, a water feature is a wonderful addition to any outside area, and a steamy open-air bath in winter offers a very particular pleasure. As Peter Goetsch of Porta Spa in Port Shepstone, KwaZulu-Natal, explains, a four-to-six seater 1  000  litre spa is becoming an increasingly attractive feature as it is more economical to install and maintain than a conventional swimming pool, plus it has the added advantage of offering a warm water solution for cooler evenings outdoors. When it comes to spas, you can choose between an in-ground feature or a free-standing unit.

Nemone Bieldt of Indigo Architects in Cape Town says it’s worth noting that water weighs one ton per cubic metre, so installing a large in-ground spa as an afterthought can create structural problems, especially on suspended terraces. It’s best if dug-in water elements are integrated into outdoor design from inception.

“If you opt for an in-built spa, it’s imperative that it is suitably installed in a concrete box so that the acrylic shell is easy to remove when repairs are required,” Peter explains. “Alternatively, if it is fitted into a timber deck, the base of the spa needs to be adequately supported by a timber tower.”

Free-standing spas that are raised higher than seat level need not become visual obstructions to an outdoor area if they are cleverly considered. “Anything from planters and stepped seating to bar counters can add to the aesthetic of your free-standing spa,” Peter says. “The added bonus of a stand-alone unit is that no heat is lost through groundwork, plus the pipes and pumps are concealed in the base, allowing for a seamless, uncomplicated structure.”

Nemone adds that when the edges of a spa are raised to seat level and widened slightly, they can provide additional seating space, which is especially useful in small spaces.

Choice cladding for free-standing spas includes timber such as meranti that expands and contracts with changing temperatures, or a synthetic fibre cement wood-grained frame that requires less maintenance, Peter explains. This can be coated and sealed for a timber effect or whitewashed for a more contemporary, streamlined look.

Another key consideration is the cover. “Select a floating solar blanket for easy use and insulation, or a pullover PVC unit that keeps dust and leaves at bay,” Peter advises. “Another option is a light-weight fold-in-half PVC-covered polystyrene cover with lockable clips, which is ideal for holiday homes.”

ENCLOSED SPACES

Internal courtyards bring light and ventilation to buildings that are constrained by party walls – ideal for high-density areas – says Nemone, plus they offer welcome outdoor space in urban areas.

The ideal courtyard should be a visual extension of adjacent rooms in one’s house, so it should flow seamlessly without abrupt changes. “This connection is best achieved by using paving or timber flooring that matches the colour and texture of your indoor rooms,” Nemone explains. “The same applies to wall and ceiling finishes and even your choice of outdoor furniture. Continuity of the structural elements from indoor to outdoor is a fun way to blur the boundaries and lure guests outside. Folding doors which open fully, or sliding doors that disappear into hidden pockets in walls, also help make the outdoor space a seamless extension of the building.”

Whether one opts for a screed floor, timber decking or tiles, bear in mind that the materials need to be as slip-proof as possible. If you’ve decided on the latter, choose natural stone tiles or roughened ceramics to ensure minimal mishaps. “Timber is an excellent solution for outdoor flooring as it offers warmth and texture and that priceless holiday feeling while being low-maintenance,” Nemone says. “Jarrah, a sustainably harvested Australian gum, is ideal for these purposes, although South African producers are also rising to the challenge of supplying sustainable timber and are currently accelerating the supply of properly cured local eucalyptus species.”

And to top it all, a great option for overhead is a movable or mechanical overhead enclosure, such as louvered aluminium or sliding glass panels, which will protect one’s courtyard from the elements when necessary, gifting extra hours outdoors even in fierce sun or sudden downpours. “Alternatively, if extreme weather conditions aren’t a huge consideration, consider a more organic roofing solution, such as a proprietary tensile structure, a tarpaulin on cables and rope, retractable awnings which extend out over the space  – or a simple rietdakkie,” Nemone adds. “Remember that solid overhead structures such as light steel or corrugated iron roofing will affect the quality of light to any adjoining rooms, so consider using panels of translucent sheeting panels against the building to keep adjoining rooms well lit and to bring brightness to the outdoor space itself.”

Finally, proper rainwater sumps and catch pits will ensure adequate drainage of an indoor courtyard and prevent it from turning into a muddy swamp.

This article was originally featured in IMAGINE.

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Whether it’s showering with the sun on your face or enjoying the vista from a bubble-filled tub, there’s no reason why you can’t get that holiday feeling in your bathroom at home. Two design experts share their know-how.

FOR OPEN AIR

These days, shower heads have gone high tech with luxe offerings such as chromo- and aromatherapy (yes, showers that spray out essential oils as well as water). But if we’re honest, no matter how top end your bathroom is, nothing compares with showering outside. ‘Remember to have a hot water connection outdoors so you can shower any time of day. Even in good weather you want it to be warm,’ says Lisa Millbacher of Bespoke Bathrooms. And who doesn’t want to shower under the stars?

Think about positioning for privacy, but also so you can enjoy as much natural light as possible, and consider whether you’ll be showering more in the morning or in the afternoon. It’s essential to have good drainage, and if you want a grey-water system, Lisa’s advice is to factor this in right from the start. ‘It’s difficult to retrofit it, but grey-water systems and solar panels are the way to go,’ she says.

BRING INSIDE OUTSIDE

In Jon Case’s design experience as a partner at Antoni Associates, ‘the most successful bathrooms are the simplest ones’, as seen in this minimalist masterpiece. His advice, if the location allows, is rather than focusing on fittings at the outset, think about what the outside offers and how you want to incorporate it in your design.

‘It’s all about the atmosphere. In this bathroom, the shower feels like it’s outside and, thanks to the glass around it, the view can also be enjoyed from the bath,’ he says. Designed to let in as much natural light as possible, this bathroom has a sliding door that can quickly transform the bathroom into a private space. ‘When the weather’s cold or there are people on the deck you can close it up, effortlessly.’

The choice of materials supports the seamless inside-outside flow: the timber on the shower floor continues outside and the mirror in the shower extends the view even further. The materials also echo the allure of the outdoors. ‘Rather than prestige marble and polished surfaces, clients are going for barefoot luxury with weathered materials,’ says Jon.

‘People’s lives are stressful, and your bathroom should be a relaxing space where you can escape from reality.’ In line with creating a stress-free zone, shelving sits behind mirrors, plugs are hidden, and invisible drawers are revealed at a push within the timber vanity. You have the view and the immaculate design, but Jon still has one crucial tip for bathroom nirvana. ‘His and hers is essential,’ he says. ‘From basins to storage, it should be non-negotiable!’

This article was originally featured in IMAGINE. Missed Bringing Your Bathroom Outside: Part One? Find it here.

The post Bringing Your Bathroom Outside: Part Two appeared first on Visi.

Three design fundis share their tips for breathing new life into your interiors, with minimum effort. Jason Sandows, finalist in SABC 3’s Win A Home and Steyn City’s Four D Interior Design Challenge is next.

How would you describe your design style?

I design with people in mind, so my approach is personal. A space should be an extension of the client’s personality and complement their lifestyle.

Your tips on refreshing a room for maximum impact with minimal effort?

Creating a new look for a room in your home doesn’t have to be expensive or labour-intensive. An easy way is to create a feature wall, which adds dimension and character to a room, and creates a focal point. Use interesting, patterned wallpaper, a photo-frame collage or a bold paint colour. Also, as cliché as it sounds, less is more. When conceptualising a room, don’t let every item of furniture be a statement piece. Choose one or two strong pieces and allow the rest of the room to complement them.

Tell us about this space.

I designed this room to be a meditative space in which to relax after a long day. The colour palette is neutral, and the daybed and swinging chair emphasise the laid-back atmosphere. I also designed a wooden art piece; this was intended to create a bit of drama but not detract from the relaxed atmosphere.

This article was originally featured in Pam Golding’s IMAGINE publication.

Click here if you missed tips from La Grange Interiors’ Sumari Krige and interior designer Kate Moffatt’s handy advice.

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Three design fundis share their tips for breathing new life into your interiors, with minimum effort. Here are interior designer Kate Moffatt’s top tips.

How would you describe your design style?

My style is clean and simple, leaning towards the contemporary, but each project varies. I aim for clients to feel comfortable and relaxed in their spaces, so that it feels trends: Interiors like an authentic extension of their own personal style.

Your tips on refreshing a room for maximum impact with minimal effort?

I like to use a neutral palette so the space ages well, with pops of colour to create interest. I’m loving geometrics at the moment: they’re fun and bold, and bang on trend. Don’t be nervous to mix up geometric patterns; using a few colours can make a statement. Adding a rug is an easy way to change the look of a space to something more current without having to break the bank. My advice is to take out decor items on appro – most decor stores will let you do this. Try out different combinations at home to see how they work before you commit.

Tell us about this space.

This is a Higgovale home, built for the owners six years ago. They wanted a new take on the interiors – there was a lot of dark wood panelling, it had an almost log-cabin feel. It’s now fresh and contemporary. Part of the renovation included a new office over the garage. And who says offices have to be boring? I love the yellow of this rug and how the pattern adds another layer of interest to the light-filled, airy space.

This article was originally featured in Pam Golding’s IMAGINE publication.

Missed tips from La Grange Interiors’ Sumari Krige last week? Take a look. Next week, we’ve got advice from Jason Sandows, finalist in SABC 3’s Win A Home and Steyn City’s Four D Interior Design Challenge. Don’t miss it!

The post Top Tips #2: Give Your Home a New Look appeared first on Visi.

Three design fundis share their tips for breathing new life into your interiors, with minimum effort. Sumari Krige, owner of La Grange Interiors, is first up.

How would you describe your design style?

It straddles classic and contemporary, and promotes easy, elegant living.

Your tips on refreshing a room for maximum impact with minimal effort?

Before you do anything, declutter. This is very important – it must be the starting place. A fresh, new colour scheme and the layering of hard and soft materials can speak volumes when it comes to revitalising a space. Incorporate some new textiles in bold patterns, layered with heavy, woven textures in the form of rugs, throws and scatter cushions. Then restyle and accessorise using books and objets, art or plants. If you don’t have the budget to buy new decor pieces, I suggest swapping things around from other rooms in your house.

Tell us about this space.

In November 2012, a fire destroyed 76 homes in St Francis Bay, Eastern Cape. Our clients, the owners of one of these beautiful thatched homes, wasted no time in rebuilding. The brief called for crisp, fresh and contemporary interiors, with a ‘barefoot luxury’ feel, yet staying true to the traditional style of architecture and design that St Francis Bay is renowned for. In the living area, you can see the striking result of layering textiles and accessories of contrasting materials. It is now a home where three generations of family come together to create new memories.

Your advice on choosing new colour palettes?

Colour invokes different feelings and a harmonious colour palette is crucial. When a palette lacks harmony, it’s either really boring or hectically chaotic. Here, I used cool hues of grey, petrol bues and hints of warm wheat tones – the combination is uplifting, comforting and inviting all at the same time.

This article was originally featured in Pam Golding’s IMAGINE.

Next week, we will feature interior designer Kate Moffatt’s top tips on giving your home a new look. Don’t miss it!

The post Top Tips #1: Give Your Home a New Look appeared first on Visi.

A Melrose Arch penthouse that will appeal to all those with a love of the cosmopolitan lifestyle, offering luxury design, high-end finishes (including an Arclinea kitchen) and magnificent views. With three en-suite bedrooms, a double-volume dining and living room, and a beautifully designed outside area complete with pool and braai area, there is an abundance of stylish spaces.

SNAP FACTS

• 40 On Oak development
• 3 en-suite bedrooms
• 5 bathrooms
• Entertainment area with built-in bar
• Arclinea kitchen
• Large deck with pool and braai area
• 3 basement parking bays
• Basement storage unit
• 24-hour security
• Unit size: 494m²
• R30 million

This article was originally featured in IMAGINE. Visit pamgolding.co.za for more luxury listings. For more information about this property, contact Victoria Russell on 074 683 1222 or email her via victoria.russell@pamgolding.co.za.

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