The Fynbos biolithic development, South Africa – update

8th September 2023 By: Sheila Barradas - Creamer Media Research Coordinator & Senior Deputy Editor

The Fynbos biolithic development, South Africa – update

Photo by: Lurra Capital

Name of the Project
The Fynbos biolithic development.

Location
Bree street, in Cape Town’s central business district, in the Western Cape, South Africa.

Project Owner/s
Dogon Group Properties, development managers Gardner Property Solutions, and Lurra Capital.

Project Description
The project involves the construction of Africa’s first-ever biophilic development – a 24-storey “living”, “breathing” mixed-use building in the heart of the city’s central business district.

Biophilic buildings incorporate natural lighting and ventilation, natural landscape features and other elements to create a more productive and healthier built environment. Biophilic design describes an approach to architecture that seeks to connect building occupants more closely to nature. 

Once completed, The Fynbos will feature 689 apartments, and include a rooftop sunset terrace with lap pool and co-working space, a rooftop fitness centre, as well as a ground-floor vegetarian restaurant, tearoom and botanical bar.

The Fynbos will be entirely draped in a 1 200 m2 vertical garden comprising 30 species of indigenous trees and 20 species of shrub. The specific configuration of vegetation will be monitored by a highly technical water and nutrient system using automated root scanners, monitored water content and drainage, as well as “flying” gardeners who will manage maintenance remotely.

Potential Job Creation
Not stated.

Capital Expenditure
R1.2-billion.

Planned Start/End Date
Construction on The Fynbos development is set for completion at the end of next year, with the first apartments ready for occupation in early 2025.

Latest Developments
Lurra Capital has completed the demolition of the existing building at the site; the excavation for and construction of the three-level basement have started.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
TwentyEightZeroTwo (architect).

Contact Details for Project Information
Dogon Group, tel +27 21 671 0258.