On 12 November 2025, the Green Building Council South Africa hosted its annual Leadership Awards where Garden Cities’ consultants, Terramanzi, were honoured with the Best Quality Submission in the Existing Operations category for Northridge Coastal Estate. This four-star Sustainable Precinct, situated in Sunningdale, Cape Town, stood out for the clarity and accuracy of its submission, achieving the highest percentage of its target during the first round of evaluation.
The estate’s most recent recertification, completed in February 2025, was led by Garden Cities’ Renier Smith and Danielle Cronje together with lead consultants Terramanzi Group. As the first development of its kind in Africa, Northridge Coastal Estate continues to set a benchmark for what sustainable precincts can achieve. The project showcases how environmental stewardship, community wellbeing and long-term resilience can be meaningfully integrated into modern estate planning. The lessons learned here will continue to inspire and shape future Garden Cities projects.
Why Green Building Development Matters
Green building plays a crucial role in addressing the environmental and social challenges of our time. Developments designed with sustainability in mind use resources more efficiently, reduce carbon emissions, improve indoor and outdoor environmental quality and support healthier lifestyles. They also create long term economic value by lowering operational costs and enhancing resilience to climate related risks. Most importantly, green building demonstrates a commitment to responsible development that benefits both present and future generations. Northridge Coastal Estate stands as a compelling example of how thoughtful planning can protect natural ecosystems while creating vibrant, community centred places to live.
Sustainability Features at Northridge Coastal Estate
- Residents enjoy access to a private conservation area where a raised boardwalk and lookout point provide opportunities for bird watching and ecological walks.
- Five themed parks are planned across the estate, highlighting the ocean, local fauna and flora, historic context and a community food garden.
- A network of footpaths supports walkers, joggers and cyclists, with informational signage placed along the routes.
- In addition to being located near the Table Bay Regional Shopping Mall, residents benefit from a dedicated community food garden for access to fresh food.
- A clubhouse and educational facility are available for community events, workshops, presentations and training.
- In each home two rainwater tanks, Solar geyser heating systems, composting bins and Solar ready DB boards is supplied. Dual bin systems are integrated into kitchen layouts to ensure effective separation of recyclable and non-recyclable waste. Visitor access is managed through an app, and the estate is secured by a perimeter system equipped with infrared and thermal cameras.
