November is the month for celebrating and showcasing every firm and project that was victorious at the inaugural SCAPE Award of Excellence. These names are raising the bar for excellence in the local architecture and design industry, standing on a stage set for international acclaim. In partnership with Infinity Surfaces and alongside our Impact Partner Oggie, we present the top firms and portfolios in the country for 2024. Introducing the Winner of Landscape Architecture Project of the Year: AT Landscape Architects
Reimagined as a multi-generational recreation space and designed with community at its heart, Penny Lane Park establishes a space teeming with life and purpose for the residents of Baronetcy Estate. Designed by AT Landscape Architects, this private park on the slopes of the Tygerberg Nature Reserve is an inviting space for passersby to stop and enjoy.
The site prior to the intervention was an underutilised expanse, devoid of any character or function. As AT Landscape Architects stepped in, it became clear that residents of the estate craved a multifaceted environment, a place where they could come together outside of their homes.


Uneven challenges
The primary objective for Penny Lane Park was to carve out a level kick-about area from an uneven slope with a daunting nine-metre height difference. Previous design attempts yielded vast cut-and-fill slopes and imposing retaining walls that sacrificed usability. The challenge set forth was clear: to create a balance of recreation, relaxation, and community engagement, utilising the natural slope to its fullest potential.
The design ethos centres on circular forms that resonate with the undulating topography, establishing a narrative of connectivity and continuity throughout the park. A sinuous pathway — wide and inviting — acts as the backbone, snaking between the upper and lower levels while providing access to various activities.
Heart of activity
Further along the path lies ‘The Amphitheatre’, defined by curvy stone-clad walls and grassy terraces, accommodating over a hundred residents. At the core of Penny Lane Park lies a central lawn, engineered to balance cut and fill, which serves as a versatile sports space. Encircling this lawn, a one-metre-wide smooth asphalt track invites push bikes, skateboards, and scooters.


The people’s park
Large mixed species shrubs create a buffer from adjacent homes, softening sterile boundaries and promoting a sense of enclosure. In an important act of restoration, a semi-mature Water Pear tree, deemed a nuisance by a neighbouring homeowner, was successfully transplanted to a new and secure position.
By embracing the natural terrain, AT Landscape Architects have created a space for residents of all ages. The park now serves as a vibrant gathering place, where laughter, activity, and the beauty of nature intertwine.
“This is a complete transformation of the site into a park for all ages and abilities. Design strategies were used to create differing areas for various activities that involve many of the senses. It includes a thoughtful selection of plant species and much consideration for shade and places for people to sit. Overall, an excellent example of landscape architecture for a commendable park.” – Heather Dubbeldam, Founder and Principal of Dubbeldam Architecture + Design
This article is an extract from our November issue. Read the full issue here.