Indwe Park / A Tranquil Urban Oasis - Johannesburg
Design - 2021
Installation completed - 2022
Further upgrades to water features - 2025
Located on the Liberty Life campus and adjacent to Wits University, Indwe Park was envisioned as a peaceful retreat within Johannesburg’s urban core.
LASquare led the design of an integrated water feature and surrounding hardscape, collaborating with Batley and Partners (architects) and James Delaney (artistic consultant). Our concept centred on a cascading water channel flanking a central walkway, inviting movement and reflection.
To encourage interaction with water, we incorporated a recirculating system with waterfalls and bio-filtration, ensuring a clean, chemical-free experience. The gently meandering paths and layered water elements were designed to create a safe, restorative space for students, office workers, and the public.
3D modelling supported the presentation of our design, helping stakeholders visualize the spatial and sensory impact of the feature.
Rainwater harvesting / Residential pool - Johannesburg
Design - 2021
Installation completed - 2022
This project is located in the Johannesburg’s Observatory area. The outdated backyard with a large, old swimming pool and the narrow, dysfunctional patio had to be modernized.
The following were the key objectives for the new design:
• reduce the size of the pool from ±120.000 to ±50,000 liters
• redesign the backyard to provide a large, usable space for family gatherings
• increased privacy of the yard
• introduce rainwater harvesting measures allowing for collecting the runoff
from the large roof and the hard landscape area. Water will be used for topping-up the pool and for the new irrigation system for the garden
• add outdoor fire pit and braai (BBQ) area
• link the adjacent cottage building with the pool area
LASquare redesigned the backyard and assisted during the construction process. The existing pool has been rebuilt into two vital components: a new 3m x 11m swimming pool and a large, underground water storage that can harvest up to ± 75,000 liters of rainwater.
The new, rectangular pool is partially located inside the old structure and includes:
• a shallow(±0.5m) area for the kids
• a deeper (±1.8m to 3m) swimming area, which is protected with an underwater net
• an ‘infinity edge’ section with a catchment that doubles as a wadding area for small kids
• colour LED underwater lights and rope-lighting at the outside perimeter of the pool
The water storage area is divided into two sections. The larger chamber collects rainwater that is partially filtered via the gravel sump. From this chamber water goes through a sand filter and is collected in the second, smaller section. The double-filtered water is than used for the irrigation and the pool. Both underground, concrete tanks are covered with a new decking
that is built from the composite material. A section of the decking can be open to access both the tanks. A small water feature in the adjacent planter allows for monitoring the quality of the stored water. The gas fireplace eliminates the risk of ashes contaminating the pool. The new, raised planter edge provides ample sitting opportunity adjacent to the colorful vegetation.
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KSB Pumps and Filters - Ekurhuleni
Design - 2022 Phase 1 and 2024 - Phase 2
Construction - 2023 Phase 1 and 2025 - Phase 2
The goal of this project, situated in the industrial area of Germiston in Ekurhuleni, is to convert two outdated industrial structures into modern office buildings, surrounded by an attractive landscape.
Some of the existing factory structures have already been demolished, leaving only selected steel structures and an industrial concrete floor on the ground. The existing structures were incorporated into the landscape design, repurposing their functions into attractive and functional features. The existing concrete floor has been partially removed, creating room for soft landscape treatment.
A significant water feature with multiple interconnected pools and a centrally located roofed gazebo provide the Client, a manufacturer of industrial pumps and filtration products, with an opportunity to display and promote some of their products.
A large underground cistern has been designed to harvest rainwater from the roofs of the buildings and all hard and soft landscaped areas. The collected and pre-filtered runoff will be used for the landscape irrigation system, compensating for evaporation loss in the water feature, for all pump demonstrations at a specially designated facility, and selected uses at the office building.
The soft landscape at this site will primarily consist of indigenous plants that are drought-resistant, providing an attractive setting throughout the year.
