Pavers add colour to iconic Loftus Park

The Loftus Park precinct in Pretoria is a large-scale, mixed-use development that will seek to stimulate growth within this region. Contributing to this integrated commercial and retail environment are Corobrik’s Cederberg and Burgundy pavers, selected for their superior aesthetics and durability.

The 55 000m2 development will eventually comprise an open-air piazza, Protea Hotel operated by Marriott hotel, a Virgin Active gymnasium and office, effectively combining the live, work, play aspects into a self-sustaining development. A prime Pretoria location, the development is adjacent to Loftus Versfeld Stadium, and in close proximity to the Union Buildings, several embassies, four top schools with easy access to the Hatfield Gautrain Station. To date, Corobrik has supplied 35 000 Burgundy pavers, 46 500 Cederberg pavers, 41 080 Burgundy Piazza pavers and 6 500 Graphite pavers.

Musa Shangase, Corobrik’s Commercial Director, said the clay paver range was the perfect complement to this dynamic development: “Loftus Park is going to be a great boost for this node and is set to attract a lot of traffic. Corobrik’s pavers are incredibly durable, can withstand constant weathering and use, while retaining the aesthetics that make them so popular.”

Shangase explained that the natural clay material meant the pavers had colour-fast benefits that retained a newly-laid appearance for years to come, and the inherent skid-resistant properties made them the safest pedestrian option. In addition, the natural thermal properties allow for a cooler ground surface on hot summer days.

The paving, installed by GreenAcres Landscapes, started in December 2017, with the project completed in March 2018. A total of 1 260m2 was paved, using the Burgundy pavers within the Loftus Park development and to the area north of Loftus Versfeld Stadium. Corobrik’s Piazza paver was used for demarcating bays, with the Cederberg laid externally and adjacent to Loftus Versveld.

Commenting on the selection of Corobrik’s clay pavers for the development, Tiaan Laker, Director and Landscape Architect at Daniel Rebel Landscape Architects, explained: “Corobrik’s Country Meadow face bricks were used in the facades of the buildings, throughout the development, to fit in with the surrounding built environment. This finish picks up the clay bricks which were used in the facades of the Loftus Versfeld Stadium and this, together with the heritage of the project, played a big part in the selection of the Cederberg and Burgundy pavers. It seemed fitting that clay pavers be used in the development.”

Laker said the fact that clay is a natural material made the colour of each paver rich and vibrant, and using it together with concrete pavers, enhanced the rich and vibrant characteristics of the clay paver. The Burgundy is a deep red while the Cederberg is a rich biscuit colour with reduction and flash marks that add character.

“The Cederberg pavers were selected to fit in with the Loftus Versfeld Stadium, and used – in the herringbone pattern - for pedestrian circulation in and around the site,” continued Laker. “The Burgundy was selected and packed in a basket weave pattern to emulate the old Kirkness red brick that was used in the area. These were used in the axis leading towards the heart of the piazza in the development. The finished product is a really striking visual effect.”