The town of Hogsback is a unique small hamlet tucked in the remarkable indigenous Amatola forests. Situated on top of a hill, its character is defined by the shape of the surrounding mountains, its waterfalls and its dense forests. Most of the town is hidden from the Main Road by trees and its undulating topography. The town is an important destination and tourist attraction.

This project focuses on the upgrade of the town’s Main Road and pedestrian facilities. The design approach focuses on supporting the character of Hogsback while introducing NMT facilities for the proposed R345 road upgrade.

The main road is currently a gravel road and creates excessive dust for road users, the surrounding areas and residents. Due to the gravel surface, travel speed is low, allowing the road to function as a “shared road” used by vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists. The project aims to maintain and strengthen the rural small-scale character of the town, with slow vehicular speeds and a pedestrian friendly streetscape, while also upgrading the road for the benefit of the town and its residents. The relevant section of road is approximately 5 km in length and starts at the bend when entering Hogsback from the south.

The town of Hogsback provides numerous clues which can be used in the project to enhance and strengthen the character of the town. The usage of timber and stone are important aspects in this. Natural stone walls and surfaces are part of the existing landscape. Additional stone walls and surfaces can be used to define spaces and provide seating. The proposal uses locally sourced materials. Through the material choices, the project provides a design that is sensitive to context, understated and promotes connection to the forested natural landscape in which the town is situated.