ask ashlatest news & developments
Development with intent: The Bridges under construction in Ratanga Park, Century City. Waterways weave through landscaped space, residential buildings, offices, restaurants and leisure amenities. Photo: Supplied

Pioneer of mixed-use precincts

Century City stands as proof that long-horizon planning, private infrastructure investment and adaptive development can succeed

  • Eyaaz
5 min read
Smart cities: This is a render from the Zendai Modderfontein project that was cancelled.

South Africa’s obsession with ‘Cities’

South Africa doesn’t need another “mega city” with big promises and no foundations. It needs cities that work – developments rooted in demand, affordability and local partnerships

  • Eyaaz
4 min read
Housing crisis: The City of Johannesburg must take action now to prevent a repeat of the 80 Albert Street building fire in which 88 people were injured and 77 died. (Delwyn Verasamy)

Ask Ash | Johannesburg’s housing crisis is like a movie on loop

The hijacking of buildings is a symptom of seriously deep-seated social problems in our society

  • Des Erasmus
8 min read
Imagine 17!: Not all architecture is appealing, such as the Disa Towers in front of Table Mountain. But even these buildings invoke people’s memories. Photo: Supplied

What makes a building memorable long after the paint dries?

All buildings have their own stories and they hold those of the people who built them, lived there or used them

  • Eyaaz
7 min read
Immersion: The Luxurious Marble Cirus event, which is returning in October, takes experiental retail to another level. Photo: Supplied

It’s all about convenience and experiential retail

Brands can reinvent themselves by targeting new markets and taking note of new shopping trends

  • Eyaaz
7 min read
There’s money pouring in amid a residential boom, as well as all the retail, commercial and hotel action

It’s rocking in Joburg’s Rosebank

There’s money pouring in amid a residential boom, as well as all the retail, commercial and hotel action

  • Eyaaz
7 min read
Opportunity: Ponte Tower, situated in the Berea suburb of Johannesburg, is up for grabs – but only for buyers who are interested in urban renewal. Photo: Delwyn Verasamy

Ponte, Johannesburg’s symbol of resilience

The journey of the cylindrical residential tower in Johannesburg swung from glamour to grit and back, and now it’s up for sale

  • Eyaaz
8 min read
Easy living: The Evergreen retirement village in Muizenberg has communal facilities, medical services and a walkway set in indigenous flora – but a luxurious lifestyle comes at a price. Photo: Supplied

Retire in a stylish village without buying a property

A newish way of living in a retirement village is through a life rights contract that involves single ‘deposit’ upfront

  • Lukef
7 min read
(Graphic: John McCann/M&G)

Westcliff, the rich ridge with a view

Situated in the quiet greenery, wealth and elegance of an historic inner city suburb of Johannesburg is the Westcliff Hotel

  • Eyaaz
7 min read

Is Balwin Properties  too bold for the SA market?

A penthouse going for R80  million, and more than 5  000 apartments — all in one development. That’s a big price tag for Gauteng (and for South Africa in general). When it comes to some of the Balwin Properties developments, it makes me wonder who the buyers of these apartments and luxury penthouse are. Who lives in […]

  • Eyaaz
8 min read