Andre van Rooyen was our client and is still a friend. He is a civil engineer and a remarkable man. He developed and constructed Tolderia, which includes a lake nearly two kilometres long. The accommodation and entertainment facilities are extensive and world-class. Have a look at their website. The project is in Lothair, about 50km east of Ermelo, Mpumalanga.
We designed four three-bedroom lodges that are available for weekends and holidays. I managed to convince Andre to use thatch and interesting building shapes that would soften the structures against the background. The finishes are similar, but each room and each bathroom are different.
Building these structures was a challenge, but Andre managed the process and got these very complicated buildings finished to a high level of detail. Lizette van Huysteen again played a critical role in the handcrafted cement and concrete finishes. This was another long-distance project, but it was a pleasure spending time there.
Tolderia has hosted the Mieliepop Music Festival many times. One of my childhood favourites, Uriah Heep, performed at one festival. I named one room and bathroom the Uriah Heep room.