Steyn City was launched in 2015 as a ground-breaking residential proposition that expanded the notion of urban living while containing it within a safe and integrated community. By creating fully functioning neighbourhoods within the limits of an estate, it offers versatility and variety, but also comfort and security.
Now, 10 years on, the estate has evolved into what could be described as a city within a city. Multiple developments and world class leisure and lifestyle facilities are designed to make urban life easier, with the aptly named City Centre at its heart. Established in 2021, it’s a hub where residential, retail and commercial spaces converge, distilling the essence of what Steyn City is as a whole — a balanced and integrated living environment.
But while it exemplifies the pinnacle of what urban life should be, it’s by no means a concrete jungle. Designed to feel like an organic part of the estate’s 2 000-acre parkland and modelled on historical cities, City Centre draws inspiration from its surroundings and the principle of building to human scale — with architecture serving to foster connection and a sense of place. ‘Rather than focusing on towering skyscrapers or isolated blocks, City Centre is a series of villages designed to encourage interaction and movement through shared, pedestrianised green spaces,’ says Steven Louw, CEO of Steyn City Properties.
Communal workspaces, conferencing, retail outlets, eateries and even a hotel all a stone’s throw from the apartment homes allow for an effortless transition between work, play and retreat — creating a cosmopolitan and community-centred environment.
In designing City Centre, quality of life was the main driver. The harmonious blend of lifestyle amenities, privacy and room to grow makes it a compelling prospect for anyone looking to combine urban living with the benefits of a resort-like setting. The village-style layout with treed piazzas sought to avoid the density and intensity of high rises. Instead, they are designed to encourage interaction and connection, prioritising individuality via varied elevations rather than repetitive façades.
An emphasis on walkability (retail is integrated and cars are housed in a 2 000-car super basement, allowing the surface level to remain car free) and its location within an expansive — now established — indigenous parkland, create a wholesome environment that is nature-forward. Within each apartment, much like the interaction between the public and private spaces, liveability was carefully considered — in the form of getting the practicalities just right. Generous proportions (high ceilings, wide passages, spacious patios), enhance the feeling of space, with select apartments featuring dedicated lifts that further underscor the sense of luxury. Special design elements such as separate TV lounges and private studies provide dedicated spaces for both work and relaxation.
Through uniquely tailored layouts, no two apartments in the development are alike and each home is thoughtfully configured to ensure variety and character, setting them apart from standard apartment designs. Each home’s interiors and identity are left for owners to determine and mould.
True to its community-centred ethos, Steyn City's concept is also one you can also grow with. Its varied residential models support easy transitions between different stages — from a range of rental apartments and freehold stands, such as The Woods or The Terraces (for those wishing to build their dream home) to the recently launched Senior Village. It's city living like you’ve never seen it before, that centres the human experience over its many life phases.
Text by Julia Freemantle
