Building in Hawaan Forest Estate

HAWAAN FOREST ESTATE
The Architecture............The Buildings ............The Environment Development Approach

Promoted by Hawaan Investments, the Hawaan Forest Estate is taking a different approach to the way Residential Estates are often developed.
Most other Estates set guidelines at the outset defining the Architectural language the buildings should have, subsequently there is often a tussle to uphold the aesthetics of the language with each owner or architect. Judging from the cluttered skyline of most other estates: the owner wins.
The HAWAAN FOREST ESTATE will be created by one vision and one Architect. This will ensure the concept is preserved and unspoiled.
In addition, the placement of buildings, trees and other features including ponds, fountains, view decks, bridges etc will be considered in relation to each other, the views, privacy and the environment as a whole.

The Architects, together with a full Consultant Team, will be controlling the aesthetics and integrity of the Estate from inception to completion. Guidelines incorporating all aspects of the Development will be prepared to ensure compliance for the ongoing management of the Estate during and once fully developed.

The Environment
The primary objective is to create an environment where the experience of daily life is heightened by the engagement and interaction with the natural environment. This sensitive integration of buildings into the natural environment would result not only in their co-existence, but their self enhancement- providing an enriching and holistic experience, whilst simultaneously effecting the long term regeneration of the existing habitat.

Work has already begun to upgrade the forest and surrounding area. Indigenous planting will be brought into the development area to create natural cadastral boundaries between plots. This will enable the native indigenous bird and butterfly life to thrive throughout the development. Where possible the houses will be broken up and separated into functional components- allowing the natural world (specifically trees) to grow within the space of the house. Each overall site is therefore seen as "the house"-the separation between the interior and the exterior will be blurred. The areas of the houses closest to the forest edge (around the building components particularly) will be densely planted, creating their total environment.

Magical forested treed rooms, courtyards and terraces will be created. The careful positioning and maintenance of trees will create an overall environment that will provide selected views and experiences. Flora will be incorporated into all areas of the homes, creating the feel as if the houses were built around an established and beautifully rich forest.
A dramatic presence will be created by forming avenues of large trees with smaller trees, bush and ground cover providing density and privacy thereby negating the need for high boundary walls.

The Architecture
The architecture is seen as a sensitive engagement where the existing and new environments will be a contributing, but not domineering, factor. There will not be the need for architects to compete and 'out do' each other.
To allow each house to further blend into its environment, natural materials, finishes, colours and textures will be used. A decision was taken from the outset that an imported theme or style was not appropriate, and the architectural language was to be natural, understated and contemporary- determined by a suitable engagement with the site and the expression of the functional programme. Each internal space is to be generously proportioned and in its creation, will mould the exterior form and shape of the overall buildings. Airy and sunlit flowing spaces, both internal and external, will be pursued creating layered and unfolding experiences with a hint of mystery. Natural slate roofs and deep overhangs will offer the feeling of protection and shade, and this will further blur the transition between interior and exterior.

Pergolas and timber decks will be constructed with environmentally friendly plantation wood and will be left in its natural state to weather and age. Surfaces and edges will be natural and "soft"- where possible using textured natural materials, gravel and loose paving.
Doors in most cases will slide into pocket (cavity) walls, so that when totally open the houses will feel like windowless garden pavilions.
Generally, detail is to be restrained and functional, allowing the lines to remain clean and uncluttered. Ceilings will be exposed with either dark or lime washed beams and boarding. Internal and external floors will range from clay tiles to slates and sandstone.

The buildings will be constructed of natural materials wherever possible- not only to enhance the visual quality of what one would expect of a Forest Estate - but to age and be sustainable in and with the environment itself. The architectural language will be low-key, elegant and timeless. Beautifully proportioned generous spaces incorporating light filtering or streaming, will further create a symbiotic relationship with the buildings and natural environment. The units will be carefully placed to create gentle and human streetscapes to interrelate, ensuring comprehensive and total privacy. Through careful and meticulous positioning, this will create an overall sense of community, whilst simultaneously having your own private space will ensure that each owner will have their own garden forest retreat.

Your choices will include sustainable building practices with the incorporation of "Greenroofs" You will be able to view this option from the administration building to be established near the gatehouse. The environment and buildings will be designed to incorporate ledges, holes, cavities and troughs - this is done to create a suitable and sustainable habitat for a specific species - not just the home owners! Here again these are your choices.

The development area is loosely arranged in three zones.
The forest edge homes will be placed closet to the forest and ponds.
A centrally placed zone that will have certain views of the sea from their upper levels.
The larger and more exclusive erven running along the upper west boundary of the site- these will have the best views over the Estate and to the sea in the north-east.
The massing of the buildings will be carefully considered to maximise every unit's view -not only of the feature aspects of the Estate- but where possible the sea and forest views.
IN CONCLUSION-Through the ability and dedication of a number of individuals led by Hawaan Investments, what is presently a commercial cane-field surrounded by a denuded and alien invaded forest will become a unique and exemplary environment that will not only protect and re-habilitate the current forest, but create a calming and tranquil place that will serve to provide its residents with a completely unique living experience.