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CONSTRUCTION WORLD
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2015
ENVIRONMENT
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The 1 260-acre Monaghan Farm is situated in Lanseria and
offers an alternative to the norm in estate living and property
development in Gauteng with its principles of sustainability.
It embodies the freedom of farm living with all the trappings
of a modern, connected and self-aware environment.
Where it began
The ethos begins with the layout of the land and the architecture of
the homes. Monaghan Farm has been designed with a density of one
residential unit per five acres and the principle that the farm will
only ever consist of 300 properties with an average size of 4 500 m
2
.
When the property is completely developed, the footprint of all
the buildings combined will occupy only three percent of the farm.
One thousand acres – which amounts to 78% of the property – will
be common open space. A vast contrast to the current norm of high
density and high volume ‘packing’ that is seen in most urban and even
most other eco developments.
Monaghan is a working organic farm, built around principles of
sustainability, which promises a better lifestyle – one cushioned by
space and nature. The entire farm belongs to the residents: the farming
areas, the gardens, the trails, the tree houses and the outdoor decks
along the riverbank. This community ownership extends to the facil-
ities of the organic farm, the Montessori School and popular restau-
rant, along with the Curro School currently being developed. Plans for
further facilities include a gym, stables and business centre.
Sustainability and architecture
Not only is Monaghan Farm a pristine haven of indigenous bush and
beautiful agri-village land, but it is also one of 15 finalists in the 2014
AfriSam SAIA Award for Sustainable Architecture: a firm indicator that
it is not merely giving lip service to a trendy organic lifestyle.
The awards recognise buildings that are the result of an integrated
approach to architecture, natural systems and technology. The nomi-
nees have a positive influence on their communities and are envi-
ronmentally friendly through strategies such as the reuse of existing
structures, low-impact and regenerative site development, energy and
water conservation and the use of sustainable or renewable construc-
tion materials and practices. Respect for the environment pervades all
aspects of life at Monaghan. Rainwater harvesting, energy efficiency,
recycling and positive relationships with surrounding communities all
contribute to a responsible and informed way of living. These prac-
tices are part of Monaghan life along with the ten acres of organic
gardens that grow cut flowers, vegetables, fruit and herbs to be deliv-
ered locally to residents, reinforced by Monaghan’s BCS Certification.
The large herd of Nguni cattle that wanders the hillside provides
natural fertiliser and control of the long grasses.
At Monaghan, each residence is spaciously set into the natural
veld with pockets of indigenous bush hiding the residences from one
another. Boundary walls are not permitted which adds to the free
flowing layout of the land and houses are a mandated single storey
so as not to impede views. The desired effect is of muted architecture
that is one with the landscape with natural colours and materials being
utilised. Solar, PV panels, geothermal, low voltage lighting and heat
pumps are just a few of the energy saving initiatives that have been
put in place in every home along with a rainwater harvesting system of
a minimum of 20 000 litres per property.
NOT YOUR STANDARD
Our society has become increasingly aware of
the earth’s need for nurturing and many urban
dwellers seeking a respite from the assaults
of the city have turned to eco estates to fulfill
both the need for space along with the need
for a rapport with nature. Sadly, many eco
estates have not lived up to expectations and
only a few are truly deserving of the name in
aesthetic and principle.
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