South African architects announce US$900m 'car-free' eco village
by Kim Megson | 13 Apr 2016
Architecture and development practice Swisatec have outlined plans for Africa’s “most environmentally friendly estate” – a car-free leisure village in Cape Town.
Blue Rock Village will be a 40-hectare extension to an existing water ski resort, and has been envisioned as “a pioneer for an exciting new standard of living.”
The project is worth an estimated R14bn (US$900m, €790.5m, £631m) and construction will begin in August this year.
In addition to luxury apartments, the green village will include boutique shops, cafes and restaurants, a hotel, a spa centre offering therapeutic treatments, and a multi-functional ‘Life Style Centre’ hosting concerts, operas and markets.
Wellness will be high on the agenda, with the outdoor design emphasising the planting of trees and greenery. Landscaped trails will encourage walking and hiking and various sports facilities are planned, including a gym, yoga centre and swimming pool. Therapeutic and medical centres are also planned for residents.
Roads will be limited and all parking space located underground in a bid to keep the village free of motor vehicles and inspire “a car-free lifestyle.”
The village will be located on the site of a former rock quarry which fell into disuse in the 90s and has since been filled with water and transformed into a lake popular with water sports enthusiasts and scuba divers.
Apartments in the planned village will utilise energy efficient appliances, LED lighting, water-management systems, solar water-heating systems and self-generated solar power. Future tenants who invest at an early stage will be given the opportunity to design their own interiors.
“This eco-village is defined by high-quality, contemporary design incorporating sustainable development with green living codes and standards, said the architects in a statement. “Our vision is to set a precedent for future developments in South Africa.
“During the development and design phase, strict architectural guidelines are set forth to place the street and the public spaces centre stage and allow for maximum vegetation.
“Finally, by removing vehicles, we are creating a safe, child-friendly and interactive village lifestyle for residents to enjoy.”
South Africa Blue Rock Village car-free lifestyle architecture design eco city wellness
Wellness will be high on the agenda, with the outdoor design emphasising the planting of trees and greenery Credit: Blue Rock
The site is located by a former quarry, which has been filled with water and transformed into a popular lake Credit: Blue Rock
Luxury apartments will be located alongside leisure and sports facilities in the eco-village Credit: Blue Rock
Tenants will have the opportunity to design their own interiors Credit: Blue Rock
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FEATURE: New opening – Living wellness
Architecture and development practice Swisatec have outlined plans for Africa’s “most environmentally friendly estate” – a car-free leisure village in Cape Town. Blue Rock Village will be a 40-hectare extension to an existing water ski resort, and has been envisioned as “a pioneer for an exciting new standard of living.” The project is worth an estimated R14bn (US$900m, €790.5m, £631m) and construction will begin in August this year. In addition
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