outdoor designs -silver Award

Master Planning

Design Brief:

An existing building on this site was to be demolished to allow space for a new modular building and an existing building refurbished to allow for increased community health services to commence. Due to the modularity of the new building the landscape design was to create a series of courtyards which could be relocated with the building in the future. The landscape brief required a series of outdoor waiting room spaces and private courtyards reminiscent of a residential backyard to be utilized by family groups.

There was to be no fixed playground equipment in the private courtyards due to the relocatable nature of this project. Open space was requested to allow children the opportunity to take their toys out to play in a safe and private outdoor space while in full view of their parent/carer in the adjacent counselling rooms. There was to be an emphasis on the power of plants using garden beds and planters filled with seasonally changing plants to soften these spaces providing a welcoming, homely feel.

Judges’ Comments:

The name ‘Sanctuary ‘ describes this plan beautifully. A lot of thought has gone into creating a design that can be relocated in the future. Some areas are private and enclosed whereas others have more transparency allowing views through to other buildings and areas. The emphasis on the ’Power of Plants’ providing clients and visitors with a homely feel and the feeling of safety and security in the individual garden rooms was well thought out in this plan.

Designer:

Alison Watson
E.     alison@outdoorgardendesigns.com.au
W.    http://www.outdoorgardendesigns.com.au
Inst. @outdoor_designs

Contributing Architect:
DesignInc Melbourne - Michelle Harris 

In the year following its entry in the competition the design was constructed. Images have been added showing the constructed areas.

Click on the thumbnails to view larger images.