Natural systems and place-making strategies create an urban sanctuary for residents and the public to connect within a vibrant urban context. An outdoor destination for the whole neighbourhood.
An old church site on a busy road in Sydney’s eastern suburbs will see an historic church building adapted for community, retail and hospitality reuse with a new apartment building next door.
How can landscaping integrate these two structures, invite the neighbourhood in and offer sanctuary to the new residents?
Interspersed between the church and apartment building, between diverse land uses, communal open spaces invite passive and active recreation gathering – for residents and locals alike.
An accessible rear courtyard includes a lawned space for play, picnics and fitness. A pocket park offers a quiet retreat, whilst a yoga lawn with a vine-covered ambulatory and timber seating complete the sanctuary experience.
Stormwater is retained for irrigation and sustainable hydrology. The on-site detention reservoir is covered by a large decking area adding usable outdoor space and taking full advantage of the northern aspect. A boardwalk connects it to the apartments across a rain garden which filters the water.
Creeper planting on screens and pergolas increases vertical greening and maintains privacy for the residents. A hybrid of native and exotic species promote local biodiversity to add substantial volume, seasonal colour and fragrance. Cascading plants, shrubs, ground covers and creepers maximise the greening of apartment facades and the balconies.
