At the 2026-2027 African Property Awards, Craft Homes secured five accolades, including three five-star honors naming them South Africa’s best in their respective categories. Three Johannesburg projects were recognized for achievements in marketing, sustainability, residential development, and apartment design.
The African Property Awards, a prestigious component of the International Property Awards, recognize excellence in various aspects of property development, including design, quality, service, innovation, and sustainability, as judged by an independent panel of industry experts.
Iconic Melrose: Two Five-Star Awards
Craft Homes’ Iconic Melrose development garnered two five-star awards, specifically Best Apartment / Condominium Development South Africa and Best Single Apartment / Condominium South Africa, with the latter also being nominated for the Best in Africa award.
Located at 50 Jameson Avenue, Iconic Melrose features a central multi-level atrium that draws natural light into the building. This design allows for trees and planting at ground level. The building’s materials help it run about 2% cooler. A landscaped deck holds a gym, coffee bar, and clubhouse. The estate offers more than 3 000m² of recreational and green space.
The interior design of Iconic Melrose’s apartments draws inspiration from Johannesburg’s 1960s residential style, featuring elements such as herringbone-patterned flooring, fluted glass cabinetry, and terrazzo-inspired bathroom finishes, with units ranging from 33m² to 153m² and priced between R1.259m and R3.515m.
Reinier van Loggerenberg, CEO of Craft Homes, said the development was designed to be both liveable and investable. He added that the recognition shows the design team got that balance right.
Bryanston Country Estate: The Red Wall Campaign
Bryanston Country Estate earned a five-star Best Development Marketing South Africa award for the Red Wall campaign. It also received an Award Winner title for Residential Development (20+ Units) South Africa.
The campaign began with a single unbranded wall at the corner of Grosvenor and Bryanston Drive, painted bright red. Cryptic new lines appeared on the wall each week, sparking public debate and social media activity. Brands like Tabasco and SPAR joined with their own activations. A competition to guess the developer drew almost 6 000 entries.
The campaign reached more than 100 000 people organically before Craft Homes was revealed as the developer. It concluded with a community blood drive with the South African National Blood Service, where 123 donors gave blood—enough to potentially save 369 lives.
Riverstone Wetland Estate: A Sustainable Community
Riverstone Wetland Estate in Fourways was named Award Winner for Sustainable Residential Development South Africa. The estate is set along the rehabilitated wetlands of Magaliessig.
The development places studio and two-bedroom apartments near nature trails, birdlife, and open green space. It is about 500m from Montecasino, Fourways Mall, schools, and main roads. Sixty percent of Phase 1 sold over its launch weekend.
Riverstone has earned EDGE certification, a green building standard. This requires at least a 20% reduction in energy, water, and carbon use compared to a standard building. The estate also features metered solar, a water backup system, fibre connectivity, and 24-hour security.
“Sustainability is no longer a premium add-on,” Van Loggerenberg stated. He noted that buyers now ask about solar and water efficiency before considering other features. Riverstone demonstrates a green lifestyle is compatible with being close to urban amenities.
“Five awards across three developments is a reflection of how we work,” Van Loggerenberg concluded. He said the company does not use cookie-cutter projects and that every site starts with a conversation about future residents. He credited the award to the entire team and the buyers who trusted them with a major purchase.
