South Africa's new plant-covered micro-apartments in Cape Town

Dogon Properties has launched its new micro-apartments in Cape Town, with the 24-storey building set to be the first ‘biophilic’ development of its kind in South Africa.

‘The Fynbos’ will feature 689 apartments, including a rooftop sunset terrace with a lap pool and co-working space, a rooftop fitness centre, a botanical bar and a concierge service.

The outside of the building is planted with 30 species of trees and 20 species of shrubs, while integrated PV solar panels utilise the maximum coverage allowed by the building’s footprint and generate double the electricity quota needed to power the common areas. These energy savings are passed back to the owners through reduced levies, Dogon Properties said.

“The pioneering system at The Fynbos was fastidiously designed and implemented by a specialist team of technical botanists headed up by Donovan Gillman who has over 45 years growing plants in difficult locations across Africa. Together they had the right contacts, knowledge, experience and global awareness to bring the concept to life,” the group said.

“100% indigenous to the Cape, each plant is considered for aesthetic and resilience. The look is green, leafy and geometric. The schematic for how the plants are placed across the structure follows the working in-situ example of Table Mountain with trees at the base and lower profile shrubs and cascading plants towards the top.”

Dogon said exterior plantings have a cooling effect and provide shade and screening. Water efficiency is improved through low-flow fittings and a central heated water system allows for economies of scale and avoids individual geysers, while a sophisticated rainwater harvesting system is integrated into the balcony design.

The Fynbos, which is located on upper Bree street, will include studio apartments sized between 24m2 – 40m2 with prices starting at R890,400.

Prices rise to R1.36 million for a one-bedroom apartment and R4.92 million for two-bedroom apartments.

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