Jakob’s Vineyard
Jakob's Vineyard, a wine farm located in the Hemel en Aarde valley just outside of Hermanus, proved to be an intriguing project. It served as a landscape framework for an agricultural plot, prompting us to explore ways to seamlessly integrate this parcel into the broader context and enhance biodiversity.
In designing the landscape framework plan, we examined methods for cultivating crops or refined activities, as well as implementing cover crops between the vineyards. However, we opted for fynbos species – to increase biodiversity - rather than the traditional grasses. This constituted one aspect of the plan and aimed at revitalising that specific piece of land.
The project also involved the detailed design of a small 'place of pause,' a special request from the owner.
Place of Pause detailed plan
The owner wanted to rekindle his dream, which resulted in the exploration for the creation of a ‘place of pause’ on the property.
We designed this small passive place of pause, essentially a retreat where the owner seeks tranquillity and calmness, escaping the rush of life. It's a space where he gathers with his family, enjoys a glass of his own crafted wine, and appreciates the piece of land he owns. No houses or other infrastructure exists; it remains a simple haven.
This remains one of my (Ankia Bormans') personal favourite projects, and I often refer back to the principles and simplicity of the design.