With Kohler technology, taking a shower is not only about doing your ablutions but also about enjoying a sensory experience.

We live in a water-scarce country, which makes taking a shower the superior choice over running a bath, as it typically uses less of this precious resource. That said, not all showerheads are equal.

When choosing a new showerhead for your bathroom, there are a couple of important factors to keep in mind: an efficient flow rate (if you want to be water-wise) and optimal coverage (for effective rinsing and a soothing, stress-relieving experience).

The Kohler Rainhead collection features Katalyst technology, which intensifies the flow by injecting air into the water droplets, making them larger. The generous drops offer consistent coverage and just the right amount of force while saving water.

Rainheads are available in three styles, different sizes, and a range of finishes to match Kohler’s wide variety of bathroom fixtures, including polished chrome.

For more information, visit africa.kohler.com.

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The development has been designed with green efficiency and water sustainability in mind, encompassing the latest technologies.

Water-saving Initiatives

A well point will be established, providing an independent water supply to each residence. The water will first pass through an ultra-violent sterilisation unit. Residents can switch between municipal and well-point water. This supply will be supplemented with potable water storage tanks.

A soak away system is also being installed, whereby natural storm water is directed through a system of trenches allowing the replenishment of the aquifer, with only the overflow being directed into the city’s storm water system.

In addition, a grey water system has also been incorporated in the development, whereby shower, bath and laundry water is filtered, stored and then used in the sub-surface irrigation system. One of the key benefits of the sub-surface system is that less water is lost due to evaporation while the irrigation system is in operation.

The fourth initiative that has been incorporated into The Azure is recycling of pool backwash water. Water from the pool is backwashed into a storage tank where sediment is allowed to settle at the bottom of the tank, filtered and then fed back into the pool by a gravity feed system, hereby avoiding the thousands of litres of water that is traditionally lost by backwashing one’s pool.

Location

Situated in the centre of Camps Bay, The Azure offers the convenience of being within walking distance to the beach and Camps Bay Boulevard, where one can find an array of fine restaurants, bars and cafés. After an evening’s fine dining and entertainment, one can stroll back to the quiet sophistication and luxury that defines The Azure.

With Lion’s Head rising to the north, The Azure is backed by the majestic Twelve Apostles mountains and looks west towards the Atlantic Ocean – the perfect setting at the tip of Africa.

Each of the four residences offers four en-suite bedrooms with a large master suite, complete with a walk-in-closet and a beautifully crafted bathroom that features under-floor heating, heated towel rails, dual basins and an exquisite free-standing bath. The air-conditioning provided throughout ensures that a cool temperature can be maintained in Cape Town’s summer months, while one can enjoy the colder winter evenings in front of the comfort of the built-in closed combustion fireplaces.

With only three residences remaining, construction is set to commence during autumn 2018, with completion planned for mid-2019.

For more information and to enquire about The Azure, visit theazure.capetown or call John or David from Horizon Capital Residential on 021 425 8586.

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In collaboration with bathroom brand Roca, Milan designers Gabriele and Oscar Buratti created W+W, a combined washbasin and toilet that makes saving water easier than ever before.

Here in Cape Town, where VISI HQ is located, tough water restrictions have been imposed. This, coupled with the general water scarcity in South Africa, have made us acutely aware of the need to save water, so we were thrilled when we spotted W+W. The innovative design cleverly combines a washbasin and toilet, not only reducing water consumption but also maximising space in the bathroom.

The inventive design employs Roca’s new water-reuse technology to filter and store waste water from the basin, which is then used to fill the cistern. Rest assured, the grey water passes through a double filtration system to remove bacteria and odours. Waste water can be diverted to the drain if necessary, and the cistern can also be filled from the mains. Reusing the waste water from the basin in the toilet means usage is reduced by up to 25%, in comparison to a standard 6/3-litre dual-flush toilet. Talk about sustainable design!

For more information, visit roca.com.

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The water crisis in the Western Cape has everyone thinking about ways to save water or use water more sparingly. When it comes to plants, it’s not always clear which options will still thrive in a dry climate.

“Having indoor plants is a water-wise choice already,” says Andreas Keller, founder of local online nursery Plantify. “Most medium-sized plants (i.e. 30 cm) don’t need more than one to two cups of water per week,” he adds, which can be collected from the water you save while showering or washing the dishes.

Not sure which plant to choose for your home? Andreas shares five options to keep in mind when looking for drought-tolerant greenery.

1. String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)

A String of Pearls succulent, which looks like a cascading living plant curtain, can reach lengths of around 60 cm. This succulent stores water in its leaves (or pearls). In its natural environment, a String of Pearls grows in the shade of other plants or rocks. As an indoor plant, it’ll enjoy bright, indirect light. Water moderately once a week in well-drained soil and watch your living curtain grow.

READ MORE: Where to Buy Indoor Plants Online in SA

2. Asparagus Fern (Asparagus densiflorus)

Every home needs at least one Asparagus Fern, with its bountiful green foliage providing an ideal way to add a pop of green to any home. These South African ferns can handle low light and direct sunlight, making them incredibly versatile. Storing water in their fleshy, bulbous roots, Asparagus Ferns are drought resistant and hardy. Going on holiday? Skip the house-sitter. In all likelihood, your Asparagus Fern will look just as great as when you left. While you’re at home, water once a week.

3. Spekboom (Portulacaria afra)

South Africans have rediscovered this homegrown botanical gem, using it in everything from gin distilling to stews and salads. Known for its medicinal uses, and remarkable carbon sequestering properties, the applications of Spekboom seem endless. As an indoor plant, its fleshy green leaves, red stems and tendency to form a sculptural bush, make Spekboom a visual delight. Its drought-tolerant properties make this succulent a hardy home cohabitant. Place in bright light to direct sunlight and water once every two weeks. 

READ MORE: 26 Statement Planters for Your Home

4. Blue Chalk Sticks (Senecio ficoides)

Blue Chalk Sticks is another sculptural South African succulent worth knowing about. Few plants have this colour/shape combination, a silvery-blue hue with an array of elongated leaves. It’ll add contrast and form to a stylish plant collection. Growing in the coastal regions of the Cape, Blue Chalk Sticks are hardy and proliferate well. They’ll be happy in bright light and require watering approximately once a week.

5. Aloe

Aloes are popular indoor plants, much loved for their sculptural rosettes of concentric fleshy leaves. During flowering season, an aloe will reward its owners with a striking yellow to red bloom. Storing water in its fleshy leaves, Aloe plants are drought tolerant, and thus an excellent water-wise plant. Place in a sunny spot in your home and water once every two weeks.

Looking for more plants or planters? Sign up to our weekly newsletter, here,

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The little Mr Power Geyser Controller gadget is easily installed into your electrical distribution board and can save you 40-60% of your geyser costs. After all, it’s money far better spent on you, your home and family.

The Geyser Controller is programmed to switch off your geyser when hot water is not required in large amounts. It differs from a timer in that it detects current as opposed to time. The geyser is therefore only active for the period of time necessary to get the water to the pre-set temperature and will then cancel the rest of the time period. The controller features a handy boost button should you need it.

Interestingly, a normal geyser is the item that uses the most electricity in the majority of households – sometimes up to 60% of the total bill. Mr. Power’s Geyser Controller can therefore reduce your electricity bill by 20-30% – which is a huge saving (especially with the ever-increasing costs of power). By doing your bit for the environment and saving energy, you’ll also have a bit extra in the bank. The best part is that you will see a reduction in your bill within the first few months and the Geyser Controller pays for itself within a year.

The Geyser Controller also works in conjunction with the Power Factor Correction (PFC) unit. The Controller regulates the function of the geyser and the PFC unit stabilises and optimises the usage of electricity. The two work independently, but when used together, you save more. In fact, if both products are installed, Mr. Power guarantees you will save a minimum of 20% of your total energy bill.

Energy saving is a personal and national priority for all of us. The rise of the “green economy” has ensured that countries around the world are investing in solutions that reduce unsustainable energy consumption and increase energy efficiency.

For more information, visit www.mrpower.co.za or call the Mr. Power team directly on 011 804 2988.

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