BLUE HILLS | SEPTEMBER 2018
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1 <strong>BLUE</strong> <strong>HILLS</strong> <strong>SEPTEMBER</strong> '18<br />
Magazine<br />
YOUR UNIQUE LIFESTYLE<br />
September <strong>2018</strong> | Issue 5
contents<br />
<strong>SEPTEMBER</strong> <strong>2018</strong><br />
04 IMPORTANT CONTACT DETAILS<br />
05 FROM THE ESTATE MANAGER<br />
07 FAREWELL TO PERCY<br />
09 UPCOMING EVENTS<br />
10 SALES UPDATE<br />
13 IDEAS TO CREATE A STATEMENT STAIRWAY<br />
17 SECURITY UPDATE<br />
19 ESTATE MAXIMUM SPEED<br />
22 BUILDING TIMELINE<br />
23 TROPICAL SPRING PARTY<br />
26 IT IS TIME TO PLANT YOUR HERBS<br />
29 REASONS TO BUY ORIGINAL FINE ART<br />
31 AGM MEETING<br />
32 WATER AT MOPANE ROAD<br />
33 BEAUTIFUL LIVING SPACES<br />
37 GLOBAL TRENDS<br />
39 CHRISTMAS IN JULY<br />
3 <strong>BLUE</strong> <strong>HILLS</strong> <strong>SEPTEMBER</strong> '18
Publisher: K-Studio (Pty) Ltd on behalf of Blue Hills<br />
Advertising Sales: tobia@k-studio.co.za<br />
sales2@k-studio.co.za<br />
Editor: Tobia von Zwietring | Chantel du Plooy<br />
Design & Layout: K-Studio (Pty) Ltd<br />
e tobia@k-studio.co.za t 082 962 8255<br />
f KreatiefStudio<br />
IMPORTANT<br />
CONTACT<br />
DETAILS<br />
ESTATE MANAGER<br />
Percy Manenzhe 083 512 2005<br />
SALES MANAGER<br />
Musi Motsuenyane<br />
082 806 1735 / musi@century.co.za<br />
SECURITY SITE MANAGER<br />
076 771 9082/ 061 704 0111<br />
Bluehills@thompsec.co.za<br />
EMERGENCY<br />
Eskom 086 0037 566<br />
JHB Water 0860 562 874<br />
Police 10111<br />
Ambulance 10177<br />
SPCA 011 265 9935<br />
SNAKE CATCHER<br />
Mike 083 448 8854<br />
<strong>BLUE</strong> <strong>HILLS</strong><br />
EQUESTRIAN ESTATE<br />
MANAGEMENT BODY<br />
The Blue Hills Equestrian Estate management body<br />
has been developed to ensure that should you<br />
have a query or wish to address anything on the<br />
Estate, we have a team of individuals you can refer<br />
your concerns to. This committee goes beyond our<br />
monthly Directors’ Meetings, and is instead aimed<br />
at ensuring that the running of this Estate is handled<br />
with all due care.<br />
THE BOARD IS MADE UP OF:<br />
• Nick Crow, Century<br />
• Ugen Govender<br />
• Joel Mokgohlwa<br />
• Caesar Mtetwa<br />
• Kanyane Mathibe<br />
THE COMMITTEE IS SUPPORTED BY<br />
TRAFALGAR WHO ARE REPRESENTED BY:<br />
• Michael Schaefer / Director of Trafalgar<br />
• Shahiem Carr / Director of Trafalgar<br />
• Ella Louw / Estate Portfolio Manager<br />
• Percy Manenzhe / Estate Manager<br />
• Head office support Birdhaven<br />
Should you wish to be involved and have a spare<br />
couple of available hours per month, please<br />
contact Percy and he can put you in contact with<br />
the relevant Committee Heads.<br />
4<br />
Disclaimer: This Newsletter is produced especially for residents/owners of Blue Hills Estate to provide updates and useful information. It is produced by K-Studio on behalf of Blue Hills Estate HOA.<br />
Although every effort is taken to ensure accuracy of content, Blue Hills Estate HOA and/or the Publisher, cannot be held liable for any inaccurate information, and may not agree with all opinions<br />
expressed in this publication.
From The<br />
ESTATE NEWS<br />
Estate Manager’s Desk<br />
Dear Owners,<br />
Welcome to our newsletter which is packed with<br />
tips and ideas as well as information regarding<br />
the activities in the Estate.<br />
Over the past 17 months,Blue Hills Equestrian<br />
Estate has seen progress on a lot of fronts, thanks to<br />
the partnership of the Home Owners Association<br />
board and Trafalgar Property Management for<br />
contributing towards the success of the Estate to<br />
date.<br />
The progress on the sale of the stands on the Estate<br />
has been tremendously encouraging. Despite the<br />
economy of the country showing limited growth,<br />
sales on the Estate continue to increase at a steady<br />
rate. The progress on the sale of the stands on<br />
the estate has been tremendously encouraging.<br />
Despite the economy of the country showing limited<br />
growth, sales on the estate continue to increase<br />
at a steady rate. As of July <strong>2018</strong>, 97 of the 128<br />
stands have been transferred with a further 6 in<br />
the process of being transferred. This leaves only<br />
29 (22%) stands that are still available for sale. In<br />
2017, 16 homes commenced with construction.<br />
There are currently 11 completed homes and a<br />
further 26 under construction.<br />
We look forward to many new owners<br />
moving into the Estate in the next 12<br />
months which will further entrench<br />
the high value of all properties on the<br />
Estate<br />
With the last bit of winter air still around, kick back<br />
with a cup of coffee a cosy blanket and sink into<br />
the pages of this issue. I would like to encourage<br />
members to give us their feedback with regards<br />
to the newsletter and activities within the HOA, to<br />
ensure we meet everyone’s expectations.<br />
We would like to encourage you as homeowner<br />
to be involved as a community and take part in all<br />
the fun activities, therefore we are launching our<br />
first competition and planning to have something<br />
exciting in issues to come. Read through the<br />
publication to be sure you don’t miss out!<br />
Feel free to write your comments or share your<br />
news with our new community by e-mailing:<br />
percym@trafalgar.co.za<br />
Percy Manenzhe<br />
5 <strong>BLUE</strong> <strong>HILLS</strong> <strong>SEPTEMBER</strong> '18
6 <strong>BLUE</strong> <strong>HILLS</strong> <strong>SEPTEMBER</strong> '18
Percy<br />
A FAREWELL TO<br />
Manenzhe<br />
"Life is meant for spectacular adventures. Let<br />
your feet wander, your eyes marvel, and your<br />
soul ignite."<br />
We regretfully annoucne the resignation of our Estate Manager Percy Manenzhe, he will be<br />
leaving end of August. We will miss you, but realize that exciting opportunities and challenges<br />
await you. It has been an honour to have you as our Estate Manger for the past few years. We have<br />
all benefited from your wit and wisdom and wish you every success on your career path.<br />
7 <strong>BLUE</strong> <strong>HILLS</strong> <strong>SEPTEMBER</strong> '18
8 <strong>BLUE</strong> <strong>HILLS</strong> <strong>SEPTEMBER</strong> '18
WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS SPRING<br />
Red Bull Cart Race <strong>2018</strong><br />
16th of September<br />
The Red Bull Box Cart Race is a<br />
global event for fearless, fun-loving<br />
and foolhardy amateur drivers<br />
racing soapbox carts.<br />
The handmade racing machines<br />
are non-motorised and teams are<br />
judged for their speed, creativity,<br />
and showmanship.<br />
www.soapboxrace.redbull.com<br />
The Soweto Wine Festival<br />
1 to 2 September<br />
Over 100 South African wineries<br />
come together for over 6 000 wine<br />
lovers to taste from the available<br />
wines.<br />
Venue: University of Johannesburg<br />
Soweto Campus, Chris Hani Rd,<br />
Power Park, Pimville, Soweto<br />
www.uj.ac.za<br />
9 <strong>BLUE</strong> <strong>HILLS</strong> <strong>SEPTEMBER</strong> '18<br />
FNB Joburg 10K CITYRUN<br />
24 September<br />
The annual FNB Joburg 10K<br />
CITYRUN features a path alongside<br />
a 10km route for guests to compete<br />
on or just run for fun.<br />
Venue: Mary Fitzgerald Square,<br />
Newtown<br />
Time: 8am<br />
Cost: R170 – R850<br />
Book tickets<br />
Jeremy Loops in the Garden<br />
8 September<br />
Kicking off the first-ever Sunburn<br />
and Wonder event, the Pretoria<br />
National Botanical Gardens<br />
transform into a playground, as<br />
Jeremy Loops and a host of other<br />
bands take to the stage for a live<br />
event for the whole family.<br />
Book tickets
ESTATE NEWS<br />
UPCOMING EVENTS<br />
Blue Hills Estate represents the ultimate in country living, included<br />
in this lifestyle is the numerous events that play host to residents<br />
and their guests.<br />
We will be hosting an<br />
exciting colour ride and<br />
run for the kids in spring<br />
so time to get fit and join<br />
in the fun!<br />
10 <strong>BLUE</strong> <strong>HILLS</strong> <strong>SEPTEMBER</strong> JULY '18 '18
ESTATE NEWS<br />
SALES<br />
UPDATE<br />
If you have been looking at<br />
investing at Blue Hills Estate or<br />
know somebody who has, now is<br />
the right time as property sales are<br />
extremely strong.<br />
The long-term value of the Estate is set to make it an unprecedented<br />
investment. Contact us now to experience this wonderful Estate which<br />
is On Show daily 9am-5pm.<br />
Contact Musi now on 082 806 1735 or musi@century.co.za for more<br />
information or to arrange a viewing of these new stands. This is your<br />
opportunity to build your dream family home in this incredible Estate!<br />
11 <strong>BLUE</strong> <strong>HILLS</strong> <strong>SEPTEMBER</strong> '18
12 <strong>BLUE</strong> <strong>HILLS</strong> <strong>SEPTEMBER</strong> '18
Ideas to<br />
create<br />
a statement stairway<br />
13 <strong>BLUE</strong> <strong>HILLS</strong> <strong>SEPTEMBER</strong> '18
LIFESTYLE & DÉCOR<br />
A<br />
stairway is not just a flight<br />
of steps leading to the<br />
next level of your home.<br />
At least, it can be so much more.<br />
Even if it is narrow, it is a space<br />
you pass through frequently, so<br />
make more of it. Utilise the area<br />
with some clever design and<br />
décor tips and tricks that are not<br />
only fun but cost-effective too.<br />
Stairs<br />
Paint: Paint the step risers a striking colour,<br />
or better yet, paint each step riser a different<br />
colour. Ombré steps are trending at the<br />
moment.<br />
Tiles: Mosaic and other decorative tiles are<br />
ideal on step risers. They can give your home a<br />
European feel and complement your staircase.<br />
Runner: A staircase runner is a great way to<br />
bring some warmth and character into your<br />
home. And, because you’re not committing to<br />
any fixtures, you can change it up whenever<br />
you like.<br />
Pot plants: If you have a wide enough stairway,<br />
adding a pot plant to every second step is a<br />
great way to make a statement.<br />
Walls<br />
Hanging pot plants: With kids or pets in the<br />
house, pot plants placed on the staircase could<br />
become somewhat of a hazard. But if you<br />
are keen to bring nature into your stairway,<br />
try hanging pot plants against the wall.<br />
Alternatively, add a few floating shelves and<br />
add pot plants on top.<br />
Wall treatment: The simplest way to make<br />
an impact on your staircase is through a wall<br />
treatment. There are many options to consider,<br />
including:<br />
Painting it a solid colour, opting for two or<br />
more colours, or painting patterns etc.<br />
o Giving it an exposed brick look.<br />
o Adding wood panels.<br />
o Tiling your walls.<br />
o Using wall moulding.<br />
Walk-through gallery: Use your stairway as<br />
a walk-through gallery where you showcase<br />
things that tell a story about you i.e. a gallery<br />
of family portraits, art pieces, travel souvenirs,<br />
vintage or music instrument collectables.<br />
Bookshelves: A very clever and beautiful way to<br />
utilise unused space on your stairway walls are<br />
by adding shelves for your collection of books.<br />
They will be easy accessible, yet out of the way.<br />
14 <strong>BLUE</strong> <strong>HILLS</strong> <strong>SEPTEMBER</strong> '18
LIFESTYLE & DÉCOR<br />
Landing<br />
Bold, statement art: Use this space to showcase<br />
a striking piece, or pieces of art. Like a big,<br />
bold painting or several smaller pieces of art,<br />
sculptures or decorative wall art.<br />
Quiet nook: If you have the space for it, the<br />
staircase landing is a good place to create a nook<br />
with a chair, small couch etc. with some reading<br />
material and complementary décor.<br />
Chandelier: Striking lighting can not only create<br />
a wonderful look but also set the mood you want<br />
for your landing.<br />
Table décor: Add a beautiful table (it doesn’t have<br />
to be big) with stunning décor items. Absolutely<br />
anything can work here i.e. plants, copper,<br />
porcelain, a striking glass vase with a single King<br />
Protea...<br />
15 <strong>BLUE</strong> <strong>HILLS</strong> <strong>SEPTEMBER</strong> '18<br />
Photo Credit: Pinterest
16 <strong>BLUE</strong> <strong>HILLS</strong> <strong>SEPTEMBER</strong> '18
ESTATE NEWS<br />
SECURITY UPDATE<br />
Once an owner resides in the<br />
Estate, he/she can register on the<br />
“Click-On” system in order for their<br />
visitors to gain access to Blue Hills<br />
Equestrian Estate.<br />
We reiterate importantly:<br />
Residents of Blue Hills Equestrian Estate<br />
who are interested in getting panic<br />
buttons, which will be linked to the<br />
reaction officer’s vehicle and the control<br />
room, may contact Percy or the Security<br />
Manager for arrangement of installation<br />
at their homes.<br />
If ever you are travelling home to Blue<br />
Hills and you feel unsafe & suspect that<br />
you are being followed, Thompson’s<br />
security have offered to meet you<br />
at a safe collection point to escort<br />
homeowners to the Estate. This option is<br />
only available from two spots. The Cnr<br />
of R55 & Summit road/Olifantsfontein<br />
and from the robots at Crowthorne<br />
shopping centre.<br />
Thompson’s site security manager can<br />
be contacted on 071 230 1627 (Joe<br />
Williams) & 076 771 9082 (Reaction<br />
officer) to have your own personal Alarm<br />
system & panic buttons installed for rapid<br />
response by the on-site armed reaction<br />
officer.<br />
Owners are welcome to contact Percy to<br />
arrange to have their fingerprints loaded<br />
to the access system for easier access<br />
into the Estate.<br />
The Estate has installed a state<br />
of the art thermal CCTV system,<br />
which is monitored by Thompson’s<br />
24/7/365. Cameras have been<br />
strategically placed around the<br />
Estate to monitor and report<br />
on any transgressions. Thermal<br />
cameras have been placed along<br />
the wetland area separating<br />
Blue Hills Equestrian Estate from<br />
Blue Hills Country Estate and<br />
these will assist in alerting any<br />
transgressions in this area.<br />
17 <strong>BLUE</strong> <strong>HILLS</strong> <strong>SEPTEMBER</strong> '18
I’ll tailor the holiday of your dreams<br />
TAMARIN SEYMOUR<br />
Travel Counsellor<br />
082 877 3603<br />
tamarin.seymour@travelcounsellors.co.za<br />
www.travelcounsellors.co.za/tamarin.seymour
ESTATE NEWS<br />
The Estate's<br />
MAXIMUM<br />
speed limit.<br />
The speed limit is 30Km/h in the Estate.<br />
We don’t have stopstreets in the Estate yet but the HOA<br />
is looking at installation of road signs/speed signs<br />
throughout the Estate, please ensure that you drive as<br />
safe as possible.<br />
There are children walking and riding their bikes to<br />
school please ensure that you keep to the speed limit.<br />
19 <strong>BLUE</strong> <strong>HILLS</strong> <strong>SEPTEMBER</strong> '18
20 <strong>BLUE</strong> <strong>HILLS</strong> <strong>SEPTEMBER</strong> '18
21 <strong>BLUE</strong> <strong>HILLS</strong> <strong>SEPTEMBER</strong> '18
ESTATE NEWS<br />
BUILDING<br />
Timeline<br />
The Board urges all homeowners to begin<br />
submitting and finalising their building<br />
plans to ensure they abide by the rules and<br />
regulations and avoid being penalised.<br />
homeowners have been given 24 months<br />
to commence building from date of<br />
transfer of stand, therefore all home<br />
owners need to adhere to this in order to<br />
avoid penalties from being incurred.<br />
22 <strong>BLUE</strong> <strong>HILLS</strong> <strong>SEPTEMBER</strong> '18
LIFESTYLE & DÉCOR<br />
tropical<br />
spring party<br />
It's that time of year again...new beginnings, sunshine,<br />
laughter, braais with friends & family, swimming<br />
pool fun and bright happy colours! SPRING HAS<br />
ARRIVED, and I am overjoyed! Winter was too long, so<br />
let's shake it off, and celebrate with a fun filled tropical<br />
paradise party to get Summer going!<br />
Pinterest<br />
23 <strong>BLUE</strong> <strong>HILLS</strong> <strong>SEPTEMBER</strong> '18
I adore natural tones and textures,<br />
and even more so when I can combine<br />
them with something fun and vibrant.<br />
So for this celebration, don't be afraid<br />
to mix and match a little. Create some<br />
interest with different textures and try<br />
keep the tones all complementary.<br />
Here I have mixed some natural<br />
earthy tones, with the leafy greens of<br />
a tropical paradise and then included<br />
bold brushed metal cutlery and<br />
coasters to complete the table.<br />
The glassware has a special touch<br />
with its gold rim and ties the entire<br />
combination of your set up together<br />
nicely. If you use a vibrant printed<br />
tablecloth, keep your napkins plain<br />
and simple so you don't overwhelm<br />
the eye. But if you are using a neutral<br />
table covering, go wild with the<br />
napkins to create an interesting focal<br />
point.<br />
We are going tropical and earthy<br />
here, so instead of using napkin rings,<br />
tie your napkins with a long leaf or<br />
even some twine! And don't forget a<br />
centrepiece. Use simple arrangements<br />
of natural leaves or even cream roses.<br />
Keep it minimal and you'll stay in tune<br />
with the flow of your table.<br />
So now you have a natural<br />
earthy scene with a touch of<br />
elegance. Nothing better than<br />
that!<br />
Sunshine and poolside fun calls for<br />
a meze of interesting goodies to pick<br />
and nibble on as the laughter and<br />
chatter keeps everyone entertained for<br />
hours. I like to place a long wooden<br />
board down the entire length of<br />
my table and fill it with interesting<br />
goodies. Cheeses, cold meats, fruit,<br />
crackers and interesting breads, pâtés,<br />
finger snacks, veggies and dips. With a<br />
large variety to pick on every guest will<br />
find something they love. Throw some<br />
edible flowers in the mix and you<br />
are sure to have a spectacular colour<br />
explosion that will entice all.<br />
I wish you the bests Springtime yet,!<br />
See you next month!<br />
Yours in style & design,<br />
Lee xox<br />
LIFESTYLE & DÉCOR<br />
24 <strong>BLUE</strong> <strong>HILLS</strong> <strong>SEPTEMBER</strong> '18
25 <strong>BLUE</strong> <strong>HILLS</strong> <strong>SEPTEMBER</strong> '18
HEALTH & WELLNESS<br />
It’s time to plant your<br />
herbs<br />
Herbs are so versatile. Chances are if you shop at Checkers<br />
you have stacks of seeds waiting to be planted. With<br />
planting season starting in August, we think it could be a<br />
good idea to get started on your herb garden this month.<br />
It could be a fun family activity for you and the kids.<br />
26 <strong>BLUE</strong> <strong>HILLS</strong> <strong>SEPTEMBER</strong> '18
HEALTH & WELLNESS<br />
Reasons to plant your<br />
own herbs:<br />
It saves money: With herbs growing<br />
lusciously in your own little herb garden,<br />
you will have access to free herbs most of<br />
the year.<br />
It’s healthy: Herbs add flavour and are<br />
packed with vitamins. Having it available<br />
in your garden allows you to use it more in<br />
your cooking. Plus, the time spent outside,<br />
nurturing your herbs is also good for your<br />
mental health.<br />
It’s beautiful: Herbs are not only<br />
nutritious but attractive to look at too.<br />
Wherever you choose to create your herb<br />
garden, it will add to your curb appeal.<br />
Ideas for leftover herbs<br />
If you’ve cut off more than you need, or if you<br />
need to prune your plants, try this with the<br />
leftovers:<br />
• Wrap it in a moist kitchen towel and place<br />
inside a ziplock bag/airtight container and store<br />
inside the fridge.<br />
• Clean and cut your herbs, place them<br />
inside empty ice cube containers and fill with<br />
olive oil. Freeze and once frozen add the cubes<br />
into ziplock bags and keep them frozen. Simply<br />
add a block to your dishes when cooking.<br />
• Create your own herb-infused oil. Heat oil<br />
and the herb of choice in a pot on the lowest<br />
setting on your stove. Let it go for a while,<br />
strain and pour into a bottle with a lid. Store<br />
your infused oil in the fridge.<br />
Tip: Any of the above will make<br />
a great “gift” for family and<br />
friends.<br />
Planting tips<br />
Choose a semi-sheltered, sunny (4-7 hours of<br />
direct sunlight), non-windy spot.<br />
Plant your herbs in containers that drain well<br />
(drainage is key) using fertile potting soil.<br />
Water regularly the first two weeks, and<br />
thereafter only when the first 2 cm of the pot is<br />
dry to the touch.<br />
• Prune regularly.<br />
• During August – April fertilise monthly.<br />
• Mulch once a year.<br />
• Repot annually.<br />
• If you have pests, use organic pesticide.<br />
27 <strong>BLUE</strong> <strong>HILLS</strong> <strong>SEPTEMBER</strong> '18
HEALTH & WELLNESS<br />
Recycled herb “pot” ideas<br />
You don’t have to start out big or make a large<br />
investment at first. Instead, test your skills with<br />
these recycled “pot” ideas:<br />
• A shoe organiser<br />
• Empty tins<br />
• Pellet wood<br />
• Gutters<br />
Photo Credit: Pinterest<br />
28 <strong>BLUE</strong> <strong>HILLS</strong> <strong>SEPTEMBER</strong> '18
LIFESTYLE & DÉCOR<br />
REASONS TO BUY<br />
original fine art<br />
Decorating a home is an exciting and on-going project and<br />
choosing the right wall hanging to complement your space and<br />
style is perhaps one of the most thrilling of the process.<br />
29 <strong>BLUE</strong> <strong>HILLS</strong> <strong>SEPTEMBER</strong> '18
While there is a time and place for limited edition<br />
and fine art prints, it is always a good idea to<br />
look at buying original first, and here’s why:<br />
1. It doesn’t have to cost a small fortune – It is<br />
a misconception that only very expensive artworks by well-know<br />
artist are worth investing in. As the popular saying goes, “Beauty is<br />
in the eye of the beholder”, and so also is art. Browse the internet, flea<br />
markets, art fairs etc. for paintings by up and coming artists that you<br />
adore.<br />
LIFESTYLE & DÉCOR<br />
2. You’ll be supporting an artist’s livelihood – Imagine how boring the<br />
world would have been if everyone worked in the same industry. The<br />
creative industry is extremely undervalued and artists need support<br />
from the community to continue doing what they do.<br />
3. It’s unique – With the vast amount of things that are massproduced,<br />
it is nice to know you own something unique and one-ofa-kind.<br />
It makes it even more valuable.<br />
4. Inspire conversation and thought – Original fine artworks convey<br />
a unique story. Not only the story the artist aimed to tell (and how<br />
others interpret it), but also the story of how you came to acquire the<br />
painting.<br />
5. It is an investment – Original fine artworks become more valuable<br />
as time goes by. While this shouldn’t be your main outlook when<br />
looking to decorate a wall with art, it is definitely nice to know.<br />
30 <strong>BLUE</strong> <strong>HILLS</strong> <strong>SEPTEMBER</strong> '18<br />
ESTATE NEWS<br />
AGM<br />
MEET<br />
ING<br />
The HOA has set a date for the AGM to be on the 12th September<br />
<strong>2018</strong>, at Reddford house school auditorium.<br />
It would be great to see you all there.<br />
DATE<br />
31 <strong>BLUE</strong> <strong>HILLS</strong> <strong>SEPTEMBER</strong> '18
ESTATE NEWS<br />
WATER AT MOPANE RD<br />
We would like to inform you that Century are currently<br />
undertaking a water reticulation project to supply grey water<br />
to the Landscaping done at the front entrance of the Estate.<br />
This exercise will take some time as they are planning to extract waste water from<br />
the sewage water treatment plant to supply our entrance. The cool seasons grasses<br />
has experienced some strain and will die but there is a plan to replace the dead<br />
grass. We ask that you be patient during this process.<br />
32 <strong>BLUE</strong> <strong>HILLS</strong> <strong>SEPTEMBER</strong> '18
BEAUTIFUL<br />
LIVING<br />
SPACES<br />
Article written by Studious Architects<br />
33 <strong>BLUE</strong> <strong>HILLS</strong> <strong>SEPTEMBER</strong> '18
Make provision for Northern sunlight to<br />
enter the building.<br />
Have you ever stayed in a hotel and<br />
noticed the difference between the south<br />
and north facing rooms? The north facing<br />
rooms, generally, have a comfortable<br />
climate, whereas the south facing rooms<br />
are generally colder.<br />
As winter is finally turning into spring, we at<br />
Studious Aesthetics are working harder than ever<br />
to assist the Estate Management, homeowners and<br />
their architects in making Blue Hills the benchmark<br />
for future residential developments.<br />
34 <strong>BLUE</strong> <strong>HILLS</strong> <strong>SEPTEMBER</strong> '18<br />
Herewith some basic tips:<br />
We as Studious Aesthetics have made it our<br />
mission to enhance and protect the value<br />
of the Estate and the investment that every<br />
homeowner has made.<br />
It is, therefore, my privilege to share some<br />
insight and experience on the proses of<br />
building your dream home In Blue Hills.<br />
Having recently completed the construction<br />
of my own home, and after living there for<br />
a few months, I have further developed my<br />
understanding on internal climate control<br />
and how it is primarily affected by some<br />
basic architectural principles.<br />
It is of utmost importance that your living<br />
areas and bedrooms are orientated to face<br />
north, or slightly east of north.<br />
It is a common misconception that<br />
northern orientation is required to bring<br />
light into a building. Although this is also<br />
true, it should be noted that the primary<br />
reason for the northern orientation of<br />
living areas, is to allow direct sunlight to<br />
penetrate the interior of the house, heat the<br />
floor and radiate heat into these areas that<br />
are most frequently used.<br />
The concept of proper northern exposure<br />
should be kept in mind when considering<br />
the addition of a new patio or planting<br />
large trees that could cause overshadowing<br />
of northern windows.
ARCHITECTURE<br />
Windows are<br />
the eyes of<br />
the building.<br />
Design and plan windows carefully<br />
The lens in the human eye is protected from<br />
the sun by eye lashes and eye brows and set<br />
back into your eye socket.<br />
In the same way the windows of a building<br />
should be protected from over exposure.<br />
Overhangs above windows or glass doors<br />
should be carefully calculated and designed<br />
to allow winter sunlight into the building but<br />
keep harsh summer sunlight out.<br />
A good rule of thumb is that overhangs above<br />
large north facing windows or doors should<br />
protrude by a distance approximately 1,4 times<br />
the height of the window.<br />
35 <strong>BLUE</strong> <strong>HILLS</strong> <strong>SEPTEMBER</strong> '18
Make use of performance glass.<br />
Cross ventilation<br />
ARCHITECTURE<br />
In recent years, the technology<br />
around glass has improved<br />
greatly. Many different options<br />
are available on the market that<br />
allows you to create spaces that<br />
feel more open toward the garden<br />
area. Your architect is qualified to<br />
calculate the specific requirement<br />
for performance glass in the<br />
building. Please take note that<br />
some performance glass has a dark<br />
tint or a reflective appearance,<br />
which is not allowed in the Estate.<br />
Avoid unsightly and expensive air conditioning units by<br />
allowing the building to breathe naturally.<br />
The most effective way to regulate thermal comfort in<br />
your house is by means of well planned and executed cross<br />
ventilation. Make sure that your architect allows for openable<br />
windows on two sides of a room to ensure a sufficient level<br />
of air changes.<br />
Window positions can be cleverly designed to bring cool<br />
air into the building on a low level from the southern side<br />
and expel air on a higher level on the north.<br />
For more tips on thermal comfort and sustainable housing guidelines,<br />
please visit our website at: www.studiousaesthetics.co.za.<br />
Insulate concrete slabs.<br />
It is required by law to insulate all concrete roof slabs. The thickness of the<br />
polystyrene is usually calculated to be 90mm thick and placed on top of the<br />
concrete slab before the screed is laid over.<br />
The addition of a 50 mm thick layer of stone pebbles over the waterproofing,<br />
as required by the Estate, will also contribute to the insulative qualities of the<br />
building envelope.<br />
Proper installation of insulative materials makes a substantial difference in the<br />
internal comfort of a room, especially at night, when uninsulated roofs radiate<br />
too much latent heat into a room.<br />
36 <strong>BLUE</strong> <strong>HILLS</strong> <strong>SEPTEMBER</strong> '18
CONSTRUCTION<br />
global trends<br />
shaping the local residential<br />
construction industry<br />
37 <strong>BLUE</strong> <strong>HILLS</strong> <strong>SEPTEMBER</strong> '18<br />
written by HLP Construction
CONSTRUCTION<br />
We are all part of the global village, and now, more<br />
than ever, it is changing the way we build our homes.<br />
These trending technologies are right on our doorstep:<br />
Going Green<br />
This trend has now moved past its infancy stage and has<br />
created a growing awareness amongst home owners that this<br />
is the route to go. Life at the southern-most point in Africa is<br />
shadowed by issues relating to electricity supply and security,<br />
the quality and supply of water, as well as the reduction of<br />
waste. Home owners need to seriously contemplate the<br />
advantages that building a resource-efficient building will<br />
bring.<br />
On the practical side of things, homes should be designed<br />
to optimise the use of natural lighting, as well as adding<br />
adequate facilities for waste recycling and management.<br />
Other options to consider are:<br />
• Install water-efficient devices such as low-flush toilets.<br />
• Landscapers can incorporate waterwise plants and shrubs,<br />
and rainwater harvested for irrigation.<br />
• Heat pumps could be used to heat geysers.<br />
Admittedly, the initial cost could be a bit pricey, but<br />
benefits such as being “off the grid”, and creating a healthier<br />
environment for people and a less damaging impact on our<br />
planet, certainly makes it worthwhile.<br />
Drones<br />
Drones are being used more and more on residential<br />
construction sites than ever before.<br />
Drone photography from various angles can be used to create<br />
a 3D image of the property. This can be used to update a client<br />
on progress, in a visual manner, irrespective of whether the<br />
client is at the contractor’s office or on the other side of the<br />
world.<br />
For the contractor, on the other hand, site inspections can<br />
be done far easier than before, by providing quick access to<br />
areas that are difficult to come by. Photographs and video<br />
footage of possible problem areas can be discussed and<br />
analysed afterwards if need be.<br />
Building Information Modelling<br />
Also known as BIM, it can be defined as a technology that<br />
produces an accurate and exact digital representation of a<br />
building in 3D. The precision with which BIM operates, is<br />
the key to its success.<br />
Implementing BIM could have the following benefits for all<br />
parties involved:<br />
• Design flaws (such as a window intersecting with a roof<br />
line) and variation orders can be reduced considerably,<br />
as changes to the design could be made during the initial<br />
stages.<br />
• Construction cost are estimated more precisely, minimising<br />
the chance of overbuying of material.<br />
In general, BIM increases effectiveness and collaboration<br />
like no other tool.<br />
Virtual Reality<br />
Virtual Reality (VR) initially saw the light as a tool for the<br />
computer gaming industry. Now VR has moved outside the<br />
gaming world and is being implemented in many different<br />
industries for various reasons and benefits. Virtual reality is<br />
defined as a digital constructed reality, which resembles real<br />
life.<br />
3D modelling and BIM programs can overcome their lack<br />
of depth, by being adapted to VR tools, whereby creating a<br />
fully virtual representation in a new dimension at a relatively<br />
low cost.<br />
VR users can see a 3D display through a headset which<br />
allows for an “all-round” view with navigation within the<br />
interior space of their soon-to-be-built home. Home owners<br />
therefore experience the space and may make changes during<br />
the design phase, rather than during construction, which<br />
saves time and money.<br />
The process of building a home can now be more rewarding<br />
and pleasant than ever before, to the home owner as well as<br />
the contractor, as the residential construction industry in<br />
South Africa is changing right before our eyes – literally.<br />
for more information visit<br />
38 <strong>BLUE</strong> <strong>HILLS</strong> <strong>SEPTEMBER</strong> '18<br />
info@hlp-construction.co.za | www.hlp-construction.co.za
ESTATE NEWS<br />
A winter<br />
wonderland<br />
comes to<br />
Gauteng as<br />
Century hosts<br />
Christmas in July<br />
events<br />
Winter is supposed to be cold – but doesn't a winter<br />
wonderland in Gauteng seem a little farfetched? And it turns<br />
out that thinking Christmas only comes once a year is also<br />
completely wrong! Over four weekends in July, residents<br />
of Waterfall Estate, The Hills Estate, Blue Hills Estate and<br />
Crowthorne and Carlswald Luxury Apartments were<br />
greeted with a magical winter wonderland.<br />
The clubhouse areas of each of the estates were<br />
transformed into a Christmas snow scene with<br />
frosted white winter trees with bright red lollipops<br />
dangling in the falling snow. Children laughed<br />
with joy and delight on a white jumping castle to<br />
the tune of classic Christmas carols with free hot<br />
chocolate to shake winter's cold nip. In the artsand-crafts<br />
marquee, children decorated paper<br />
Christmas trees. In the centre of the arena was<br />
a large Christmas tree with two big gift boxes<br />
– one for animal donations and one for human<br />
donations.<br />
Whilst the Christmas in July events were free<br />
for our residents and their children, we did ask<br />
for them to donate to our nominated charities -<br />
Kitty and Puppy Haven and Yenzani Children's<br />
Home, both located in Midrand.<br />
It was Century's honour to collect and handover<br />
the 3 carloads of generous donations. On<br />
Wednesday 1 August, we visted both charities<br />
to deliver the collection of food, blankets, toys,<br />
clothing and cash. It is the residents of our various<br />
developments who are the heroes for donating<br />
so generously, THANK YOU!<br />
Kitty and Puppy Haven based in Midrand was<br />
our nominated charity to receive the animal food<br />
39 <strong>BLUE</strong> <strong>HILLS</strong> <strong>SEPTEMBER</strong> '18
ESTATE NEWS<br />
and items donated. Kitty and Puppy Haven is a prolife<br />
sanctuary started in 2000 with the sole purpose<br />
of rescuing neglected, abused and abandoned<br />
animals. Their aim is to provide the animals in<br />
their care with the best medical attention, dietary<br />
requirements and above all love and attention while<br />
they nurse them back to health before placing them<br />
in suitable, loving homes.<br />
Yenzani Children's Home was our<br />
nominated charity to receive the food<br />
items, clothes and toys we received.<br />
Yenzani is a registered children’s home,<br />
Public Benefit Organisation and<br />
Non-Profit<br />
Organisation/Company<br />
operating since 2002. They rescue<br />
children from the court system and<br />
provide a safe, loving home for them<br />
to flourish until adulthood. The home<br />
currently supports 12 children, all of<br />
whom attend school and are just the<br />
most pleasant and appreciative kids.<br />
40 <strong>BLUE</strong> <strong>HILLS</strong> <strong>SEPTEMBER</strong> '18