Category: Catalyst Project

We studied the landform to draw out keylines and level paths through rolling hills and gullies. People follow the path of water, tracing cool blue loops around farm dams and gathering at storage tanks on ridge lines. The dog park can be seen in the top right corner.

We studied the landform to draw out keylines and level paths through rolling hills and gullies. People follow the path of water, tracing cool blue loops around farm dams and gathering at storage tanks on ridge lines. The dog park can be seen in the top right corner.

We studied the landform to draw out keylines and level paths through rolling hills and gullies. People follow the path of water, tracing cool blue loops around farm dams and gathering at storage tanks on ridge lines. The dog park can be seen in the top right corner.

We studied the landform to draw out keylines and level paths through rolling hills and gullies. People follow the path of water, tracing cool blue loops around farm dams and gathering at storage tanks on ridge lines. The dog park can be seen in the top right corner.

We studied the landform to draw out keylines and level paths through rolling hills and gullies. People follow the path of water, tracing cool blue loops around farm dams and gathering at storage tanks on ridge lines. The dog park can be seen in the top right corner.

We studied the landform to draw out keylines and level paths through rolling hills and gullies. People follow the path of water, tracing cool blue loops around farm dams and gathering at storage tanks on ridge lines. The dog park can be seen in the top right corner.

We studied the landform to draw out keylines and level paths through rolling hills and gullies. People follow the path of water, tracing cool blue loops around farm dams and gathering at storage tanks on ridge lines. The dog park can be seen in the top right corner.

We studied the landform to draw out keylines and level paths through rolling hills and gullies. People follow the path of water, tracing cool blue loops around farm dams and gathering at storage tanks on ridge lines. The dog park can be seen in the top right corner.

We studied the landform to draw out keylines and level paths through rolling hills and gullies. People follow the path of water, tracing cool blue loops around farm dams and gathering at storage tanks on ridge lines. The dog park can be seen in the top right corner.

A multitude of farm dams and subtle hills lie within the clay contours of Wianamatta South Creek.

People naturally seek cool and shade in the hot western Sydney landscape. Our masterplan starts with blue and green infrastructure to create a logic for movement, dwelling and resource management.

People naturally seek cool and shade in the hot western Sydney landscape. Our masterplan starts with blue and green infrastructure to create a logic for movement, dwelling and resource management.

The Shale Hills Parklands masterplan introduces new uses to the semi-rural landscape. Bold sculptural and geometric forms define different land uses and reveal natural systems. Playgrounds, car parking, grassland and bushland are held within a clear path system that provides different experiences for visitors.

A locally native planting approach retains mature vegetation and features star species of the Cumberland Plain Woodland.

The vast scale of the dog park inspired bold design moves in response.

The entry road and carpark are concealed by topography and planted mounds to maximise the sense of green when arriving in the dog park.

Double avenues of Eucalypts provide shade to the perimeter walking track and a buffer to the adjacent residences.

The dog park has been embraced by the greater Western Sydney community and recommended by professional dog trainers.

The Shale Hills Dog park is the first portion of our Southern Parklands Framework Plan to be constructed.

Visualisation of the grassland terrace: a new outdoor exhibition space for the city.

This diagram shows the footprint of the Powerhouse Museum, former tidal flats and ancient movement patterns along the ridges (yellow).

Three topographic levels help to orient visitors: the ridge of Harris Street, the terrace linking key entries and exhibition halls and the valley floor, once the tidal flats of Tumbalong. The urban design strategy creates improved active transport connections on all edges as well as through the block.

Three topographic levels help to orient visitors: the ridge of Harris Street, the terrace linking key entries and exhibition halls and the valley floor, once the tidal flats of Tumbalong. The urban design strategy creates improved active transport connections on all edges as well as through the block.

Our proposal returns the sound of the breeze through grasses, the sight of sculptural Angophora trees and the flicker of fire.

Plants are selected from species present in the Sydney sandstone environment, developed in consultation with the Powerhouse First Nations Directorate, Yerrabingin and cultural burn specialists.

Our Terrace design is an extensive grassland from corner to corner, creating an enormous and immersive planted field in a heavily built up part of the CBD.

This project transformed leftover roadside space at one of Sydney’s busiest intersections, to a new community park and meeting place.

On any day, the park is packed with people sipping coffee, lounging in the sun or playing with children in what is now regarded as a safe place.

The design responds to the character of three major intersecting streets: residential Blair Street, the commercial spine of Glenayr Avenue and heritage plantings of Warners Avenue. The sculptural ribbon wall ties disparate corners of the intersection together and defines outdoor rooms.

The design responds to the character of three major intersecting streets: residential Blair Street, the commercial spine of Glenayr Avenue and heritage plantings of Warners Avenue. The sculptural ribbon wall ties disparate corners of the intersection together and defines outdoor rooms.

Our design used the ribbon wall, tree placement and planting zones to create layers of safety between pedestrians and traffic.

We wanted the feeling of coastal dune plants emerging from the concrete footpath. We made generous planting beds under the mature Paperbark trees and carved out pathways between them.

We contrasted the palette of tough foredune plants against a matrix of stainless-steel mirror tiles, sun-bleached precast concrete and warm-toned stone paving.

The sculptural, ribbon-like wall brings a flash of glamour to the park, elevating the new park above its heavily trafficked surrounds.

New high-profile tenancies have moved into what was a failing retail strip, anchoring the vibrancy of Glenayr Avenue and contributing to the local village atmosphere.

Long Reef Surf Club aerial view

We explored options for robust, permeable paving that could accommodate trailers, surf craft and windblown sand. We mapped major desire lines, then looked for opportunities to invite the environmental flux of the wider site into the heart of the club.

Located on the land side of the dunes, sand blows across the site constantly. We convinced our stakeholders to embrace the site conditions, showing how their operations could thrive within the life of the dune system.

Four pavilions frame a small courtyard with extensive functional requirements. The courtyard had to be habitable on quiet weekdays and chaotic weekends, absorbing the ebb and flow of life at the beach.

Our planting design brings diversity of species back to the dune. Rooftop grasslands provide greencover and foraging for local birds. Spinifex and Themeda stabilise slopes while Coastal Beard Heath and Melaleuca offer habitat.

Fine details in joints, edges and brass make the courtyard feel like a protected garden behind the dunes. Water is collected from the building roof and reticulated to the dune gardens through a custom brass downpipe, bowl and rill.

Each seat tilts up from the ground plane, with thin concrete blades that intercept windblown sand, protecting pathways and allowing dune plants to establish.

Over time the courtyard can support an emergent dune system, bringing people into conversation with natural processes. Drifting sand is not to be cleaned or swept away, rather it is welcomed and celebrated as part of the raw energy of coastal life.

Seasonal planting palette, colours and flowering phases embrace and celebrate the seasonality of the dune landscape.

Mature Pandanus trees and deep eaves give shade and protection on hot summer days.

The design welcomes windblown sand as it blows across the site. The pavers are designed to blend with the drifting sand for a seamless transition between surfaces.

The planting beds are arranged to define key pathways, with broad seating edges and dune planting.

Nestled behind the dune and protected by the pavilions, the courtyard is the heart of the surf club.