Landscape design and implementation for a premier tourist attraction in an iconic and pristine environmental context.
Cape Point Nature Reserve is one of the most pristine and unspoiled places on earth. The 7 750 hectare reserve was established in 1947 with a 40km coastline, is world renowned for its location at the foot of Africa and the meeting point of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans.
The reserve is characterised by the 360 degree views, awe-inspiring 200m high jagged cliffs, deep expanse of ocean, wild and rugged topography, and the endemic Fynbos flora.
The visitors centre is located close to the lighthouse at the southern tip of the reserve and from the point of arrival and reception area a steep walkway leads up to the look-out point.
To minimise the visual impact and retain lateral views the arrival is at rooftop level with the restaurant accessed via stairs and ramps to a lower level where spaces open out to terraces and the views beyond.
Where possible other facilities are cut into the mountain slope. A funicular provides additional access to the viewport where platforms are carefully designed with natural stone edgings to integrate organically into the existing vegetation.
The design was at all times guided by the landscape approach to context in form, scale and materiality. This ‘non-building’ approach has retained a timeless quality and has withstood the harsh environmental conditions since original installation in 1997.