TERRA+

The Molslang Timber Boardwalk, a project currently in its conceptual design phase, will be an addition to Westridge Park in Cape Town as part of the comprehensive Westridge Park upgrade.

A new boardwalk is proposed for the Biodiversity Dune, replacing the existing boardwalk, that will be universally accessible for all users of the park. The name of this boardwalk has been termed ‘The Molslang’ which is fitting given the habitat of the Mole Snake in sandy, scrub-like environments like Westridge Park.
The characteristic nature of the molslang is in contrast to the ‘Boomslang’, whose  habitat is above ground in the tree canopies. This proposed boardwalk system will mimic the molslang which moves across and underground, occasionally suspending itself above the ground as it moves over the terrain. 

The boardwalk aligns with the new educational center’s entrance, connected by a wide pedestrian pathway. The boardwalk’s tail extends over the path through a mosaic, reemerging next to the building to reach its first floor.

The landscape around the new EEC building will play an important role in a variety of ways. On the ground floor, the building is designed to open out onto the external space to the south, creating an extension to the internal gathering and learning spaces.  Low seat walls opposite will provide an edge to this hard space and opportunities for artistic mosaics or murals that link to environmental educational themes. 

The ground plain will be a combination of patterned paving and pebble mosaics that will envoke interest, encourage gathering, guide movement and slow vehicular traffic across the space.

At the head of the Molslang, a spacious seating area accommodates outdoor educational events for approximately 30 children. It offers shelter from the elements through a lightweight structure suitable for plant growth.

Inspired by the Molslang snake’s form and movement, the boardwalk replicates its behaviour through four ground conditions:

In the Earth: Seamlessly integrated into the landscape, held by retaining seat walls with scenic viewpoints. Hovering Close to the Earth: Certain sections float slightly above the ground, providing a unique experience. Elevation Above the Earth: Some parts elevate significantly, conveying the snake’s underground movement through creative floor textures. Implied Underground: Areas where the boardwalk is entirely underground, suggested only by the textured flooring.

The ‘tail end’ of the walkway will end outside the first floor entrance to the EEC building. From here it ramps down the northern dune and crosses the shared movement/ circulation route. At this intersection, the route will be on grade with the roadway, and then rise on the opposite side on the southen/ biodiversity dune. 

The walkway will undulate both in width and height off the ground in a series of ramps and level platforms. The gradual incline will reach the apex of the dune where the Molslang boardwalk will terminate in a wide view platform with the ‘head’ enclosed below a shade structure. 

The boardwalk is proposed to be constructed using robust materials that will require little maintenance, be vandal proof, while still being attractive, unique and ‘light weight’.

A combination of recycled timber or plastic ‘polyplank’ decking and structural members that will be supported by concrete footings and line up against concrete seat/ retaining walls. A custom made balustrade and handrail will ‘move’ and undulate as one moves along the walkway.

In the sheltered valley between the existing dunes is the proposed location for the main outdoor classroom. The fairly level space and the existing Ficus tree providing shade, also contribute to this site selection. 

The space can be accessed from any direction, and directly up to the Molslang walkway. The space will be edged by low seat walls that will be a continuation of material and theme used elsewhere. 

It is important to note that the project is currently in the concept phase. All photographs in this article are taken of the existing boardwalk structure. The Molslang Timber Boardwalk promises to be a distinctive addition to Westridge Park, offering an educative experience that playfully combines art, nature, and community engagement. For more information about the upgrade of the larger section of the park see: Westridge Park Concept Design