A WINDOW ONTO NATURE'S WORLD - SPATIAL PLANNING, SOILS, & SLOPE STABILITY.

The Spatial Layout for any project or area rests on two Key Pillars, namely the "Built Environment" and the "Natural Environment". Professional Assessment of the Project area to identify "Existing" Species is a priority with three main categories : Indigenous species including "Protected" Trees and plants, Exotic plants and Alien and Invasive species. The Indigenous content should be identified, listed and carefully incorporated within the Layout Plan, the Exotic plants reduced to a 2% maximum coverage, and the Alien and Invasive species totally removed and eradicated. The existing Indigenous content may form a basis for the Landscape and Rehabilitation on a "Site Specific" basis with a minimum of 65 species to increase the bio-diversity. Where the land is left bare of vegetation re-introduction of "Pioneer" species is essential to restore the natural chain of "Plant Succession".

From ancient times man has utilised the Land for Buildings and cultivation. The Inca's in the Andes achieved terraces for their buildings and crop cultivation. Wherever a terrace or Building Platform is "Cut" we increase the surface area for optimum usage. Thereafter, the increased surface MUST be utilised with related costs. The Incas increased exposure to sunlight for crop growth, controlled

erosion and improved water absorption and aeration of the soil. Today Foundation Planning Procedures calls for a Team Approach, to include top professionals with a Proven Track Record of Success. This is even more critical as we address "Climate Change", often within an inherited "Disturbed and Modified" Landscape. The new Building must be Secure, the Landscape offer surrounding bio-diversity and stability for man-made banks, with rooting depth to enable certification by the Engineer.

A Survey Plan of the area, to Scale, should include the ERF nos., the North Sign, all contours and boundaries, the existing road access, over-head cables and power supply lines and local authority installations with pipelines for Sewer connection, Water Supply and Stormwater Catchment and Evacuation systems. The Survey should indicate any Stream, River embankment, `Wetland', Dam or ephemeral stream. An initial hydromorphic delineation procedure is advisable, conducted by a Registered Pedologist, whereby the original mottled chroma is identified, nowadays with possible underground water seepage and saturation levels. "Set-back" lines may be defined with 10 M allowed from the stream edges and further from a riverbank depending on previous Flood records. An accurately recorded total Hectarage is essential, with separate break-down estimates given where Construction necessitates a Phased Program. Nominate a Geo-technical Engineer to

complete cone penotrameter tests with results to indicate the safe Building areas to avoid "collapse", for each individual Section.

The Spatial Layout to identify the optimum Exit and Entry points for the property, two gateways being required for any Complex for Safety. The Architect's Layout to show a welcoming Entrance with Garage driveway and parking, also access to the domestic facilities. Optimum pool placement surrounded by lawn grass to off-set the garden borders, allow a maximum 25% of the "Green Habitat". Screening with indigenous planting for privacy, wind protection and to deflect bright lights at night requires a minimum 3.0M spacement around the boundary. In Eco Estates an informal indigenous 5.0M border assists the browsing wildlife. For cluster Units allow 'Open Space" for the community, a large Pool with a safe children's "splash" section, a Club House with a nearby children's playground and separate space for Tennis courts, or sporting activity.

Above average Rainfall has caused the underground water table to rise towards the surface. Where this occurs there is a ripple effect. The "Deluge" is no longer able percolate saturated soil so excess Run-off occurs with resulting wash-away, and erosion. Where Berea Red Clay beds occur, the "collapse" potential MUST receive Laboratory analysis prior to any design or construction.

Soil Fertility Analysis is another priority, the results indicating the volumes of Organic Compost and nutrients required to ensure "Soil Quality Improvement". Where Fertility Recommendations are absent ^no blame" against the turf grower and/or Nursery supplier when their products fail to flourish! Steep slopes may only remain stable with professional "Site Specific" "Methodology" combining proven indigenous planting techniques. Seasonal Monthly Maintenance for an initial one-year period with monitoring by an Environmental Consultant to assess Growth 'Continuity', ambience and Soil Coverage