The Islands Estate

The Islands Estate, situated on 102 ha of prime land on the southern banks of the Hartbeespoort Dam adjoining Pecanwood Golf Estate, is aptly referred to as South Africa's inland Riviera. The property, developed as a marina, came about as result of the culmination of many ideas by a creative development team. A key feature of the project is a system of canals - six kilometers of navigable water at various points in the estate, with islands and jetties to accommodate boats. The canals meander between exquisitely designed waterfront homes.

Two separate developments, Baybridge Canal and I'Bali, form part of the larger Islands Estate and consist of 168 full title stands and 54 section title stands respectively.The water in the canals functions independently of the adjacent Hartbeespoort Dam as the canals have been constructed above the Dam's water level.

The water in the canal is continuously circulated through an artificial wetland system consisting of a series of interconnecting dams covered with water-loving plants and reeds to ensure water quality of a high standard.
Access from the canals to the Hartbeespoort Dam is made possible by means of bi-directional water locks, with a similar system connecting the lower and upper canals. The bi-directional water lock allows for lowering or rising of six boats at a time (three up and three down) at the two water locks. The transfer time of boats in the water lock is kept to less than ten minutes. Freeboard between the canal water level and lower arch of the bridges is three metres or more, thus catering for most sized power boats used on the Hartbeespoort Dam.

The main entrance to The Islands Estate gives an impression of the architectural style which is typical islands with a Bali influence. Ample office space is available to the Home Owners Association and Security personnel, ensuring 24 hour, seven day a week security services. The developers were mindful of the environment in all aspects of the development of the Estate. Many of the indigenous trees were protected and a large number were successfully translocated to the parkland areas. Some 70% exotic and 30% indigenous types of plants were used on the estate due to the fact that indigenous material might not survive the cold winters of the area. Leafy material was chosen to enhance the Balinese, resort-type theme, and mass planting was also carried out. The development made provision for an eight hectare park to be created as a communal area. The vast park area adjoining a sports oval and terraced amphitheatre on one side and the remaining space on the other comprises three dams with connecting streams through which water is circulated continuously.
Pathways within the park area have been created as walking trails and between stands ensuring that green belt expanses were retained. Brick pathways along the road edges are curved and slightly winding, calling to mind the gently raised mounds and berms that characterize the landscaping.

The Mashie golf course and sports oval present an interesting challenge to the five iron and the energetic young. In this undulating parkland area, several attractions have been added such as a toddler playground and a giant sized chessboard and set. The estate is serviced with paved or asphalt roads, paved sidewalks with lawned verges, which also apply to the verges of canals, allowing extensive walks or runs on the Estate. A small population of Springbok has taken up residence at The Islands Estate and birdlife has since completion of the canal and wetland increased considerably.

Storm water drains through a silting system and is deposited into the dam. This is done in compliance with statutory laws for deposit of such water. Electrical and communication underground sleeves allow installations of cable for most purposes which may be required for future use. The state of the art sewage processing system is in place to process material to a standard which can be used for gardening purposes or to be allowed into water courses. Plans have been approved and building of the clubhouse and its environs including a sports gymnasium, swimming pool, bowling green, tennis court and parking area will commence soon.

The success of the project was due to the high level of co-operation of the professional team, and the fact that the clients themselves were very 'hands-on' attending site and co-ordination meetings as well as regular 'walkabouts.' The developers' vision has come to fruition and all involved agree that it was a privilege to take part in a project of such magnitude.