In Thabo Mbeki’s’ I am an African’ poem, he says, “I owe my being to the hills and the valleys, the mountains and the glades, the rivers, the deserts, the trees, the flowers, the seas and the ever-changing seasons that define the face of our native land.”
Balwin Properties agrees and is therefore proud to be launching its fist Balwin Park at The Polofields in Waterfall.
Balwin has converted the existing servitude parallel to Woodmead Drive into a beautifully-designed open space for the exclusive enjoyment of its residents and guests. The landscaping has been done by the award-winning landscape architect, Daniel Rebel. Daniel’s 22 years’ experience and impressive portfolio demonstrate that environmentally-responsive and purposeful open spaces improve quality of life life and increase adjoining property values. Daniel’s design was informed by principles of simplicity, permeability, sustainability, environmental sensitivity and indigenous planting.
“Balwin Properties does more than build homes, we create lifestyles; all of our developments include facilities that add holistic lifestyle value to our homeowners,” says Steve Brookes, CEO of Balwin Properties. “Balwin Parks is a natural extension of this philosophy, and our vision is to have a park in each of our developments in the future.”
Balwin’s developments include onsite lifestyle centres that offer a range of leisure, health and entertainment facilities such as restaurants, spas, cinemas, gyms, sport and entertainment centres. Balwin Parks adds to these by providing a safe open space for residents to enjoy, whether it be a wind-down walk after work, a technology-free game for children or simply a comfortable outdoor space to read a book.
“The Polofields’ Balwin Park focuses on the user’s experience and interaction with the landscape through meandering pathways that choreograph the desire line throughout the park and connect spaces of gathering, playing, picnicking and contemplating,” says landscape architect Daniel Rebel. Design features include:
- Gathering spaces framed with a sculptural gum pole design that reflects the undulating Highveld and creates identity in the park.
- Sculpted mounds along the pathways create sensory familiarity of a Highveld and create a playful experience.
- A varied palette of tree species accentuates the pathways and boulevard, and provides shade for activities.
- An understory which creates contrast between open lawn spaces and the wild Arista grass and aloes; again reflecting the Highveld landscape.
The park also features a sculpture from widely revered South Africa sculptor, Anton Schmidt. The stone sculpture, titled Faith takes pride of place in the Balwin Park and is an inspiration for all who view it.
The beautiful architectural landscaping and magnificent artwork certainly create a space that will make all proud of our native land.
