Collins Residential has begun building the Seaton Estate gatehouse, with Phase 1 set to be completed by August 1 next year. Inspired by the charm of the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast, the gatehouse is an outstanding creation that seamlessly blends with the landscape of the area while capturing the spirit of Seaton Estate’s unique character.
Designed by architect Brent Buchanan from Nsika Architecture & Design, a land-art bridge mirrors the natural rise and fall of the land. Buchanan’s creative idea for the gatehouse departs from the usual style of estate entrances. He says, “The Seaton gatehouse will look more like a connected ribbon than a formal gatehouse.” Rather than being imposing and bulky, it focuses on functionality, weaving together a unified system of roads and walkways.
Inspired by the land art bridges of Europe that enable fauna to traverse busy roadways, this piece of architecture allows people to move through, over it, and within it.
The upper-level links one precinct to the other, effectively offering the “roof” as a pathway guiding pedestrians, cyclists and even horses from one side to the other, while staying connected to the beauty of the landscape. Within the gatehouse, the building provides various essential facilities for managing an estate, including a security office, sales office, management offices and project meeting rooms, and a central mobility hub for residents and visitors.
Each touchpoint within the gatehouse complex reflects an unwavering commitment to a superior standard of living. This commitment is epitomised by the integration of people’s needs, purposeful design and the contours of the natural terrain.
Murray Collins, Director at Collins Residential says, “Beyond its role as a secure entry and exit point for pedestrians and motorists, the gatehouse breaks traditional moulds, emerging as an imaginative hub that seamlessly marries services, environment, people, and transportation. This integration flows effortlessly through the structure, rendering it an architectural marvel that gracefully traverses a textured landscape.”
The endeavour includes a commitment to develop extensive roadworks and infrastructure enhancements, which aim to uplift the broader community while fortifying the appeal of North Coast living. With over 1400 homes planned for this Seaton development, the landmark structure represents an investment in the future.
