South African property buyers, like many of their global counterparts, are looking for green-building lifestyle developments that address the various aspects encompassed in the drive for sustainability. More specifically, in this country, purchasers are beginning to consider installed solar power and related clean energy technology as being crucial to cushion the lack of energy security.
An excellent example of this is Paarl’s Drakenzicht development, which offers cutting-edge green-living that includes electric car-charging systems, in addition to a number of other features that have earned it an ‘advanced’ rating from the Green Building Council of South Africa’s (GBCSA) EDGE.
The GBCSA’s EDGE, is a quantifiable way for property developers to reduce the resource intensity of building, which is a significant step toward assisting the industry’s transition to sustainability. In fact, it sets a minimum of 20% reduction across three categories that directly impact sustainability. These include energy consumption, water consumption as well as embodied energy, the sum impact of all greenhouse gas emissions attributed to a material during its life cycle.
“As a leader in green building we have won the first 6-star net zero-rated award for our head office in Johannesburg,” Andre Pillay (CA) Finance Director, Legaro Property Development, pointed out, “and are entering the Living Building Petal Challenge for our new commercial development in Melrose, Johannesburg. All our residential developments in Johannesburg are achieving EDGE Advanced ratings from the Green Building Council of South Africa. We are bringing our vision of green building to the Western Cape to the Drakenstein area in Paarl as we believe green building is the way of the future.”
Another unique feature is the development’s inclusion of an on- site Little Hill Montessori School, which reduces commuting, further cutting back on residents’ carbon emissions.
Legaro Property Development will launch this development (opposite Boschenmeer) on 26 November, it’s first in the province, comprising 205 villas and two penthouses. Having just received the 2022-’23 African Property Award for Best Leisure Development South Africa, the company is confident Drakenzicht, a secure luxury residential estate in the Drakenstein valley, will be equally well received.
In keeping with Legaro’s green-building accolades, such as achieving the first Living Building Challenge Petal Certification for an Office Building in South Africa and the first Living Building Challenge Water Accreditation in the World for a Medical Facility, all the 3- and 4-bedrrom villas at Drakenzicht will have an Edge Advanced rating from the Green Building Council of South Africa and feature cutting-edge green-living features such as electric car-charging systems, and solar power.
Drakenzicht will comprise 205 villas and two penthouses featuring premium finishes such as Stephen Pikus chandeliers, Smeg appliances and Oggie hardwood floors. The state-of-the-art lifestyle centre will include a heated pool, Training Science gym, yoga, and pilates studio, padel and basketball courts, running track, children’s play area, splash and dog park.
Homes start at R6 999 900 and interested buyers are welcome to join the launch Saturday 26 November by contacting zoe@legaro.co.za, or 010 035 3410.
