I’ve never seen “pap en wors” served like this!  Yumm…

From the images it looks like Makojalo combines down-to-earth luxury, beautiful views and scrumptious food.  Exactly what I need right now!

I got involved when the gate/reception construction was already well underway so I’ve decided to take you through the whole process in a series of blogs from then on.

First though, some pics of the surroundings to inspire you…

The image on the left is taken from what would be a very lucky someone’s backyard, looking towards Thabazimbi and the other is one of the beautiful indigenous protea flowers.

Above is a view from the road coming from Thabazimbi, showing the plateau on which the site sits and where a pair of black eagles and numerous vultures nest.

Left is a ravine running through part of the site and where a waterfall features most of the year.

Breathtaking, isn’t it?

In an ideal world this area will be left unspoilt and not “developed” at all, but because that is unfortunately not an option, I think the owners are going about it the right way in that they go to extraordinary measures to preserve it and in the process setting an example for other “developers”.

With this in mind all construction are monitored very closely to comply with international green standards and to keep it as green and sustainable as possible.

The following images are 3D generated illustrations of the gate/reception and showhouse that give a good idea of the architecture and how it relates to the magnificent  surroundings.

The main features of all man made structures will be the use of bricks made of local sand, local stone, reclaimed materials as much as possible and of course, the green roofs throughout.

Next week I’ll share with you the first part of the construction process but until then you’re welcome to visit Touch-it or 360° ‘s facebook pages.

Now Wren has stepped it up a gear by  collaborating with a photographer, graffiti artist and model to create these wonderful images that really show off each bag and cleverly plays between 2 and 3D objects.

The newly designed packaging are also a work of art all on it’s own and it beautifully conveys the story of the bag.  The sides of the packaging explains the properties of the bag, while the front and back are used to illustrate the coming together of nature, in the form of the elephant – which is also the PPC symbol – and technology, which are represented by the city.

Get your hands on one of these show stoppers right in Wrens’ Etsy Shop.

You just couldn’t resist browsing at Eau-la-la’s stand.

Sew Good’s brooches and neckpieces were to die for, and I wanted every one of Lady Peculiar’s bags.

Babes in the Wood creates amazing textiles and I couldn’t drag my pregnant friend away from the cuddlyness of Lily Rose.

Hantie from Thesna does beautiful coffee sack cushions and Charlene Oberholzer’s stand, especially the bird cutout placemats, were so cute!

The best thing about this concept is that you can experience the skills and work of our Northern creatives…all under one roof.  Watch out Cape Town, Pretoria might just be making a bid as the creative capital of South Africa!

Want to see more?  You’re welcome to visit Touch-it’s facebook page here.

The next Tierlantynkies market is in October and it is not to be missed!

The driving forces behind Tierlantynkies – an Afrikaans word meaning flourish or bauble -  is Ronel Coetzer, Elmien van Zyl and Lorette Kunz who started it all over a cup of coffee one day.  Although the market concept is not new, what makes this different is the fact that products are sourced all over South Africa and that sellers are invited after being interviewed to ensure quality and high standards.  If sellers cannot attend the market themselves, the products are still sold by Tierlantynkies.  An internet shop will also be open soon where you’ll be able to browse even on non-market days.

The next market will be from 31 March to 2 April and yours truly will be there on Thursday to have a good look around and bring back some goodies and pics.  Hope to see you there!

Next is just a few of the furniture pieces we’re working with.  Bird taxidermy is a passion of the client that will also be a major part of the interior.  I am certainly not a fan of taxidermy but it is an example of where I have to make something work for a client, even though it is not my taste. The one in the collage is a beautiful Blue Crane and the other is a big old vulture.  We’re still negotiating how much more of his 39 strong collection will get a perch inside the house.

The only new piece at this stage is the feature light from Ambient Luce that will be hanging over the kitchen table.

What do you think?

Update: 23/03/2011

I’m sorry to say that, because of various reasons, the whole project has come to a complete standstill.  It’s the first time that something like this happened to me and it is just so frustrating!  I couldn’t wait to translate this picture in my head into a real space so just letting it hang there is really difficult.  I really hope to be able to complete the Birdcage into an amazing space, but I guess we’ll have to wait and see…

This is the entrance to the house, with the still functional old water reservoir on the left.  Apparently the architect wanted it demolished, but luckily the owner chose to keep it as is.  The look will change slightly as some pillars will be erected on it to support the solar panels.  I’m also toying with the idea of having a little breakfast area on top as it is lovely and shady all day round.  What do you think?

This is the living area looked at from the entrance.  The nearest area will be the lounge and the furthest part will be a bar area, with the entrance to the first bedroom next to it. You can also see the test colour samples painted on the wall.

There are numerous old tree trunks built into the house as well as this African sculpture.  The beams and door frames are all made of beams salvaged from a dilapidated old mine.  I just love them!

The view back to the entrance and over the raised kitchen part, as well as the entrance to the second bedroom.  The beams above will support the floor of the mezzanine area, which will house the main bed and bathroom.

My favourite part of the house is this corner of the kitchen with another tree trunk, a live “Raasblaar” tree and a piece of rock jutting out into the space.  All of these make designing the kitchen quite a challenge!  I also love all the old windows used in this area.

You can also see a little bit of the construction method, which is a steel mesh that is then plastered over.   The end result looks just like brick and mortar walls.

The views from the first bedroom.  The window sills are also made out of those old mine beams.

This is going to be the splash pool, which is just an extension of the patio area.  You’ll be able to roll of your chair straight into the pool.  I like that!

In the next blog I’ll show you a bit of the inspiration for the interior finishes and some of the beautiful furniture pieces.  Remember to head over to Touch-it’s facebook page for more pics.

I hope to take you through it with a series of posts beginning with this one where I’ll introduce you to the Birdcage project.  Why ‘Birdcage’?  Well the first reason I call it that is because of the construction method that was used,  which is a kind of metal mesh structure that is erected and then plastered over.  When the structure was up people kept asking if it is a birdcage or warehouse being built and also because the owner is a serious taxidermy fan, especially birds, which had to be incorporated into the design.

The owner is a bachelor from Thabazimbi and the builder an old friend of his that he “imported” from Zambia.  The house is on an elevated site against a hill with an amazing view across miles of bushveld to the Kransberg mountains.

I was only pulled into the project a month or so ago, at quite an advanced stage when most of the construction has been done.  The owner really just wanted to work with me on the final finishes of the floors,  walls,  lights and furniture and so I did not have any input on the layout.  It is quite simple and straightforward though and I think in the end it will translate into a very livable house.  I made a basic 3D impression of the layout, just to give you an idea of how the space will be used.

Above is the layout of the house in plan, with the stairs leading up to the currently hidden mezzanine level.  In the bottom left corner you’ll see one of the main features in the house, which is a living “Raasblaar” tree, which was left in situ and the house built around it.  Just beside the tree, underneath the bench area is a large rock jutting into the kitchen which was left in situ as well.  The size of the dining table is not a mistake, it really is 4m long!!

The whole of the mezzanine level will be taken up by the main bed and bathroom, witch has the best view in the house!

I think this is enough of an introduction for now.  Next time I’ll show you the inspiration board of the interior look, as well as pics of the actual construction.

Want more?  Head over to Touch-it’s Facebook page for more pictures.    If you have any ideas about this, I’d love to hear it!

The gorgeous Lourensford venue set the tone for beautiful handmade products and delectable food.  Here are a few of my pics.

For more pics you can go over to Touch-it’s facebook page.  See something you like?

Gorgeous, they are!