Page 52 - Bulletin 23- 2020

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Although the initial plans and landform as shown in reports by Lowe (1971a and 1972b) and
Hill Kaplan Scott (1971) had been finalised by mid-1971, it was decided to test the proposed

landform in a wind tunnel to examine the level of wind shelter that could be achieved.

The tests, which were undertaken at a large wind tunnel at Caltech in California, showed that
much better shelter against the prevailing “south-easter” could be obtained by making further

changes to the proposed landform – particularly through construction of dune barriers to the
south of the project. A new plan was developed, which is shown in Fig. 2.13. This allowed

the detailed layout of the first development area, Eastlake, with 40 houses at Eastlake Island,
to be finalised. (Fig. 2.14.)

Design and detailing of the shelter areas, and the landscaped roads and footpaths was then

undertaken by Richard Schadt. Executing this work with the local sandy soils, in very windy
conditions as occur at Muizenberg required extreme care in the movement of earth, planting

of quick growing rye grass and a careful sequencing of windbreaks.

Mono-pitched roofs

There were many lessons learned from the Sea Ranch project. Of particular importance was
the use of Lawrence Halprin’s recommendation of mono-pitched roofs which are effective in

deflecting the wind. These are now a distinctive design feature of the Marina. (Figs. 2.15 -
2.18.)

Nursery and landscaping

To provide the plant material and trees for stabilising and landscaping the project area, Anglo

American established a large plant nursery with over half a million seedlings, to the north of
the vlei. This was directed by Gordon Smith, who had previously been responsible for

successful greening of mine dumps on the Witwatersrand.

As the construction proceeded and the topography of the whole area was reshaped, the

surface sand was stabilised, physical windbreaks were built and each element was landscaped

with careful planting. Planting of windbreaks in the road reserve was an unusual feature of
the road design.

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