#Realcor Cape-Hotel-13 Floors-Blouberg, Cape Town

Pule · November 2nd, 2007, 04:03 PM

NAME:Realcor Cape, the developers will announce the name later
FLOORS: 13
STATUS: Approved
USE: Hotel

Property development company Realcor Cape will start construction an environmentally sensitively planned five star hotel in Blouberg, near Cape Town, in March 2008.

The 13 storey, 200 room hotel, designed by architects Otten & Louw, is expected to be complete by 2009, in time for the 2010 Soccer World Cup.

Zoning was granted for unlimited height, but it was decided to limit the hotel to 13 storeys, Realcor Cape said on Friday.

"The environment has been taken into consideration from the start of the planning of this hotel," Realcor Cape MD Deonette de Ridder told Engineering News Online in a telephone interview.

"The whole professional team has been told to source materials required for construction locally," she added.

This supports local industry, and also cuts down on carbon dioxide emissions involved in the transport of materials.

She explained that the hotel had been designed using green design principles, including the addition of window overhangs and tinted windows to reduce heat and glare and thus cut down on air conditioning required.

A greywater system was in the final design stages, although it would still be decided whether or not this would be implemented, considering the hygiene issues associated with the hotel industry.

The hotel would also make use of solar water heaters, low-flow taps and shower heads, as well as energy efficient light fittings and air conditioning systems. The basic heating of the hotel would also be derived from solar power, with a back-up generator.

The décor and finishing touches in the luxury hotel would come, as much as possible, from recycled material. Recycled glass, paper and wood had been sourced for use in the development.

Bio-degradable soaps and detergents for cleaning rooms will be used, carpeting and linen will be made from 100% natural fibres, the restaurant will serve organic food, the spa will make use of natural South African herbal products, and the swimming pool will use ozone, which is effective in killing bacteria, as opposed to chlorine.

"For too long the environment has taken a backseat when it comes to construction in South Africa, and the country has lagged behind most of the developed world when it comes to matters of the environment. Our policy at Realcor is to try and give something back to the community without harming the environment," said De Ridder.

Mosi-oa-Tunya · November 2nd, 2007, 07:26 PM

Good going Pule! You beat me to this one. Please give credit to the souce that came from Engineering News. Thanks. It would be interesting to find out who will operate this hotel and whether it will be an international hotel group or one based in SA. I like the view that this hotel will have as well as the developer's consideration of environmental impact in their plans especially on a coastline that is very ecologically sensitive. Lets keep a watch on this development.

Pule · November 3rd, 2007, 08:52 AM

"Zoning was granted for unlimited height, but it was decided to limit the hotel to 13 storeys, Realcor Cape said on Friday."

Does this mean we should expect more higher skyscrapers within that vicinity?

Pule · November 3rd, 2007, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mosi-oa-Tunya

Good going Pule! You beat me to this one. Please give credit to the souce that came from Engineering News. Thanks. It would be interesting to find out who will operate this hotel and whether it will be an international hotel group or one based in SA. I like the view that this hotel will have as well as the developer's consideration of environmental impact in their plans especially on a coastline that is very ecologically sensitive. Lets keep a watch on this development.

Yeah Musi, good from enginnering news. I'm sure the view will come at a cost, but it will be worth it.

Mo Rush · November 3rd, 2007, 11:42 AM

I read somewhere that a 2 bedroom apartment at the Cape Royale being built in Green Point is only R486 000. Thats a bargain!

Mosi-oa-Tunya · November 5th, 2007, 11:24 PM

Cape Town - Blouberg beach is set to get its first 5 star hotel with the emphasis being on the environment. A 13-storey, 200 room luxury hotel, due for completion at the end of 2009 that will set the standard for other environmentally friendly hotels that are sure to follow.Deonnette de Ridder, MD of , the developers behind this project says, "For far too long the environment has taken a backseat when in comes to construction in South Africa. Many of the tourists that visit South Africa come from countries that have stringent laws when it comes to the environment. We believe, that by offering a hotel such as the one we are about to build, we will encourage even more visitors to our shores."

Understandably, there have been many issues in South Africa that have taken precedence over what are sometimes considered to be unimportant, or at least low-priority factors.

South Africa has lagged behind most of the developed world when it comes to matters of the environment. From the South African perspective however, the developed world has become developed largely due to its exploitation of the environment. South Africa and Africa as a whole could be held back from developing further by environmental restrictions put it upon it by the very same exploitative developed nations.

"We believe that South Africa has to improve its international stance when it comes to environmental issues for the betterment of South Africa as a whole" continues de Ridder.

Whilst zoning was granted for unlimited height for the hotel, the developers decided to limit the height to just 13 storey.

"We were very aware of the environmental impact a larger hotel could have on the immediate area, traffic is already a major concern and greatly adding to it would certainly have made matters worse. We have ensured that there is more than adequate parking and will be operating a shuttle van for guests to go into town or to the stadium during the World Cup", says de Ridder.

By Moderator on Sun | 04 Nov | 2007 - Lodging News, Business News
Comments: none - Views: 77

Mosi-oa-Tunya · March 11th, 2008, 01:23 AM

Cape Town - Never one to shy away from a challenge, Deonette de Ridder of Realcor Cape is taking on the British market with the sale of shares in her soon-to-be-constructed, state-of-the-art, and environmentally sensitive hotel on Blouberg waterfront.A small entourage of staff and media consultants will be on their way to London come the beginning of March.

South Africa's favourable interest rates make it a very attractive investment indeed. With 70 percent of the ownership being sold to the public, this will be the first time such a large-scale project will be undertaken by a South African based property developer.

"We are currently in negotiations with The Radisson Hotel Group with the intention of getting them to manage the hotel on a day-to-day basis, bringing with them all the expertise and hotel management skills that makes them such a well-respected, globally-known brand", says Deonette de Ridder, Managing Director of Realcor Cape.

Though shares in the hotel are being sold in the UK, the shares will be available to South Africans too.

Ever-forward thinking, de Ridder has cornered a niche in the market with her audacious plan to build a luxury 5-star hotel in harmony with the environment in one of the most sort after areas in the Western Cape. Preferring to keep the height of the building down to between 13 and 16 storey where many of the surrounding buildings are up to 21 storey, she has shown that her environmental credentials are credible.

Additionally, whilst there are no extra parking requirements by the local council, de Ridder has once again taken the initiative by ensuring that sufficient parking is provided to the Hotel patrons. Concessionary shops will also benefit from the increased parking area.

"We certainly could have built higher but we were very conscious of the affect it would have on the surroundings, not only from an aesthetic point of view but also taking into account the increase in vehicular and pedestrian traffic that could be bothersome for the local residents", continues de Ridder.

Solar panels for the heating of water and large generators were planned for the hotel even prior to the current crisis.

"We want our investors to be secure in the knowledge that we have taken every possible step to ensure the comfort of our guests. At times it has been challenging to source the right piece of equipment or materials, especially from an environmental perspective", adds de Ridder.

Famed for her use of women in the construction industry, opportunities to train women on this project are in the forefront of de Ridders planning.

"Even though this is a hugely technical project, we are finding areas that will benefit hugely from our women builders. We are extremely proud of the fact that we have been able to uplift and train these very special women", de Ridder adds.

Locally produced products and materials are being sourced for the hotel including things like soaps, shampoos, towels linen and carpeting.

"We feel that sourcing goods locally is also in tune with environment. Excellent, quality products are available in or around the vicinity of the hotel, thereby cutting down on transportation costs and assisting the local community at the same time", de Ridder ends.

Promoting South Africa in such a positive light overseas will not only bring investors to our shores but will be key to increasing that most important and valued commodity, the tourist.

By Moderator on Thu | 14 Feb | 2008 - Lodging News, Business News
Comments: none - Views: 136

Durbsboi · March 11th, 2008, 09:37 AM

Its facing the wrong way!

Jakes1 · March 11th, 2008, 09:51 AM

And boy is it bland!

Harkeb · March 12th, 2008, 08:06 PM

where's the imagination? Just when I thought the Strand was setting new standards for highrises

Mo Rush · March 12th, 2008, 08:59 PM

its nothing more than a sky-filler..which is not a bad thing.

Durbsboi · March 13th, 2008, 08:19 AM

Yeh, but some of the buildings in the area are really a pleasure to look at, then you get this monstrosity!

annman · March 13th, 2008, 11:18 AM

I don't think it's brutal, or a scar on the urban landscape, it's just so bloody

BORING! But, it's not in Strand, it's in Blouberg... the buildings going up in Blouberg have all been white or beige and quite conservative (only Portico being somewhat cool IMO). Strand has been the trendsetter, albeit sometimes they go a little overboard there. But yes, this building has so been done a million times over.

eyrie · March 13th, 2008, 03:48 PM

It looks like a Costa Del Sol 3 star weekend bargain

eyrie · March 13th, 2008, 03:55 PM

... and the rather unimpressive list of environmentally friendly factors is not enough of a drawcard to make this 5 star.Personally I think some SA developers still think we locals don't know any better and will be impressed with any lick and a promise job going up,but that's just my opinion...

November 2nd, 2007, 04:03 PM	#1
Pule BITTER HEART NEVER REST Join Date: May 2004 Location: JOHANNESBURG Posts: 11,378 Likes (Received): 7	#Realcor Cape-Hotel-13 Floors-Blouberg, Cape Town NAME:Realcor Cape, the developers will announce the name later FLOORS: 13 STATUS: Approved USE: Hotel Property development company Realcor Cape will start construction an environmentally sensitively planned five star hotel in Blouberg, near Cape Town, in March 2008. The 13 storey, 200 room hotel, designed by architects Otten & Louw, is expected to be complete by 2009, in time for the 2010 Soccer World Cup. Zoning was granted for unlimited height, but it was decided to limit the hotel to 13 storeys, Realcor Cape said on Friday. "The environment has been taken into consideration from the start of the planning of this hotel," Realcor Cape MD Deonette de Ridder told Engineering News Online in a telephone interview. "The whole professional team has been told to source materials required for construction locally," she added. This supports local industry, and also cuts down on carbon dioxide emissions involved in the transport of materials. She explained that the hotel had been designed using green design principles, including the addition of window overhangs and tinted windows to reduce heat and glare and thus cut down on air conditioning required. A greywater system was in the final design stages, although it would still be decided whether or not this would be implemented, considering the hygiene issues associated with the hotel industry. The hotel would also make use of solar water heaters, low-flow taps and shower heads, as well as energy efficient light fittings and air conditioning systems. The basic heating of the hotel would also be derived from solar power, with a back-up generator. The décor and finishing touches in the luxury hotel would come, as much as possible, from recycled material. Recycled glass, paper and wood had been sourced for use in the development. Bio-degradable soaps and detergents for cleaning rooms will be used, carpeting and linen will be made from 100% natural fibres, the restaurant will serve organic food, the spa will make use of natural South African herbal products, and the swimming pool will use ozone, which is effective in killing bacteria, as opposed to chlorine. "For too long the environment has taken a backseat when it comes to construction in South Africa, and the country has lagged behind most of the developed world when it comes to matters of the environment. Our policy at Realcor is to try and give something back to the community without harming the environment," said De Ridder. __________________ SOUTH AFRICA my home, SOUTH AFRICA my love.

November 3rd, 2007, 08:52 AM	#3
Pule BITTER HEART NEVER REST Join Date: May 2004 Location: JOHANNESBURG Posts: 11,378 Likes (Received): 7	"Zoning was granted for unlimited height, but it was decided to limit the hotel to 13 storeys, Realcor Cape said on Friday." Does this mean we should expect more higher skyscrapers within that vicinity? __________________ SOUTH AFRICA my home, SOUTH AFRICA my love.

November 3rd, 2007, 11:42 AM	#5
Mo Rush life.love.everything else Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Cape Town Posts: 29,212 Likes (Received): 2	I read somewhere that a 2 bedroom apartment at the Cape Royale being built in Green Point is only R486 000. Thats a bargain! __________________ You don't need a Holiday, you need CAPE TOWN #cityofinspiration

November 5th, 2007, 11:24 PM	#6
Mosi-oa-Tunya Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Cape Town Posts: 1,479 Likes (Received): 0	First environmentally conscious 5 star hotel for SA Cape Town - Blouberg beach is set to get its first 5 star hotel with the emphasis being on the environment. A 13-storey, 200 room luxury hotel, due for completion at the end of 2009 that will set the standard for other environmentally friendly hotels that are sure to follow.Deonnette de Ridder, MD of , the developers behind this project says, "For far too long the environment has taken a backseat when in comes to construction in South Africa. Many of the tourists that visit South Africa come from countries that have stringent laws when it comes to the environment. We believe, that by offering a hotel such as the one we are about to build, we will encourage even more visitors to our shores." Understandably, there have been many issues in South Africa that have taken precedence over what are sometimes considered to be unimportant, or at least low-priority factors. South Africa has lagged behind most of the developed world when it comes to matters of the environment. From the South African perspective however, the developed world has become developed largely due to its exploitation of the environment. South Africa and Africa as a whole could be held back from developing further by environmental restrictions put it upon it by the very same exploitative developed nations. "We believe that South Africa has to improve its international stance when it comes to environmental issues for the betterment of South Africa as a whole" continues de Ridder. Whilst zoning was granted for unlimited height for the hotel, the developers decided to limit the height to just 13 storey. "We were very aware of the environmental impact a larger hotel could have on the immediate area, traffic is already a major concern and greatly adding to it would certainly have made matters worse. We have ensured that there is more than adequate parking and will be operating a shuttle van for guests to go into town or to the stadium during the World Cup", says de Ridder. By Moderator on Sun \| 04 Nov \| 2007 - Lodging News, Business News Comments: none - Views: 77

March 11th, 2008, 01:23 AM	#7
Mosi-oa-Tunya Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Cape Town Posts: 1,479 Likes (Received): 0	Realcor Cape to build green hotel in Cape Town Cape Town - Never one to shy away from a challenge, Deonette de Ridder of Realcor Cape is taking on the British market with the sale of shares in her soon-to-be-constructed, state-of-the-art, and environmentally sensitive hotel on Blouberg waterfront.A small entourage of staff and media consultants will be on their way to London come the beginning of March. South Africa's favourable interest rates make it a very attractive investment indeed. With 70 percent of the ownership being sold to the public, this will be the first time such a large-scale project will be undertaken by a South African based property developer. "We are currently in negotiations with The Radisson Hotel Group with the intention of getting them to manage the hotel on a day-to-day basis, bringing with them all the expertise and hotel management skills that makes them such a well-respected, globally-known brand", says Deonette de Ridder, Managing Director of Realcor Cape. Though shares in the hotel are being sold in the UK, the shares will be available to South Africans too. Ever-forward thinking, de Ridder has cornered a niche in the market with her audacious plan to build a luxury 5-star hotel in harmony with the environment in one of the most sort after areas in the Western Cape. Preferring to keep the height of the building down to between 13 and 16 storey where many of the surrounding buildings are up to 21 storey, she has shown that her environmental credentials are credible. Additionally, whilst there are no extra parking requirements by the local council, de Ridder has once again taken the initiative by ensuring that sufficient parking is provided to the Hotel patrons. Concessionary shops will also benefit from the increased parking area. "We certainly could have built higher but we were very conscious of the affect it would have on the surroundings, not only from an aesthetic point of view but also taking into account the increase in vehicular and pedestrian traffic that could be bothersome for the local residents", continues de Ridder. Solar panels for the heating of water and large generators were planned for the hotel even prior to the current crisis. "We want our investors to be secure in the knowledge that we have taken every possible step to ensure the comfort of our guests. At times it has been challenging to source the right piece of equipment or materials, especially from an environmental perspective", adds de Ridder. Famed for her use of women in the construction industry, opportunities to train women on this project are in the forefront of de Ridders planning. "Even though this is a hugely technical project, we are finding areas that will benefit hugely from our women builders. We are extremely proud of the fact that we have been able to uplift and train these very special women", de Ridder adds. Locally produced products and materials are being sourced for the hotel including things like soaps, shampoos, towels linen and carpeting. "We feel that sourcing goods locally is also in tune with environment. Excellent, quality products are available in or around the vicinity of the hotel, thereby cutting down on transportation costs and assisting the local community at the same time", de Ridder ends. Promoting South Africa in such a positive light overseas will not only bring investors to our shores but will be key to increasing that most important and valued commodity, the tourist. By Moderator on Thu \| 14 Feb \| 2008 - Lodging News, Business News Comments: none - Views: 136

November 2nd, 2007, 07:26 PM	#2
Mosi-oa-Tunya Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Cape Town Posts: 1,479 Likes (Received): 0	Good going Pule! You beat me to this one. Please give credit to the souce that came from Engineering News. Thanks. It would be interesting to find out who will operate this hotel and whether it will be an international hotel group or one based in SA. I like the view that this hotel will have as well as the developer's consideration of environmental impact in their plans especially on a coastline that is very ecologically sensitive. Lets keep a watch on this development.

March 11th, 2008, 09:37 AM	#8
Durbsboi East Coast Massiv Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Durban Posts: 16,988 Likes (Received): 3	Its facing the wrong way! __________________ Ðŭґطąמ South Africa's Playground! the Bucket

March 11th, 2008, 09:51 AM	#9
Jakes1 Jakes1 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: somewhere Posts: 3,325 Likes (Received): 20	And boy is it bland!

March 12th, 2008, 08:06 PM	#10
Harkeb BANNED Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Cape Town, Seoul Posts: 2,674 Likes (Received): 1	where's the imagination? Just when I thought the Strand was setting new standards for highrises

March 12th, 2008, 08:59 PM	#11
Mo Rush life.love.everything else Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Cape Town Posts: 29,212 Likes (Received): 2	its nothing more than a sky-filler..which is not a bad thing. __________________ You don't need a Holiday, you need CAPE TOWN #cityofinspiration

March 13th, 2008, 08:19 AM	#12
Durbsboi East Coast Massiv Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Durban Posts: 16,988 Likes (Received): 3	Yeh, but some of the buildings in the area are really a pleasure to look at, then you get this monstrosity! __________________ Ðŭґطąמ South Africa's Playground! the Bucket

March 13th, 2008, 11:18 AM	#13
annman Annman Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Cape Town Posts: 5,788 Likes (Received): 30	I don't think it's brutal, or a scar on the urban landscape, it's just so bloody BORING! But, it's not in Strand, it's in Blouberg... the buildings going up in Blouberg have all been white or beige and quite conservative (only Portico being somewhat cool IMO). Strand has been the trendsetter, albeit sometimes they go a little overboard there. But yes, this building has so been done a million times over.

March 13th, 2008, 03:48 PM	#14
eyrie 2cloudsabove9 Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 349 Likes (Received): 0	It looks like a Costa Del Sol 3 star weekend bargain

March 13th, 2008, 03:55 PM	#15
eyrie 2cloudsabove9 Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 349 Likes (Received): 0	... and the rather unimpressive list of environmentally friendly factors is not enough of a drawcard to make this 5 star.Personally I think some SA developers still think we locals don't know any better and will be impressed with any lick and a promise job going up,but that's just my opinion...

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode