Taylor Brammer Landscape Architects’ competition entry named the ‘Illusory Forest’ was shortlisted as one of five competition entries for display within the prestigious International Event. As part of the company’s development of design and conceptualization skills within the practice, a collaborative competition entry was submitted in the Boutique Garden category for the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show design competition.

The “Illusory Forest” design concept by Camila Gamalho Pereira, a Brazilian architect and urban designer within Taylor Brammer was selected from within the company and developed collectively for the competition entry. The concept of an “Illusory Forest” came from Camila’s yoga and meditation sessions, where she seeks the image and tranquility of being in a forest. Achieving the perception of being in a forest in an often confined space, Camila sought to recreate her illusory forest within the relatively confined space of the 5mx5m garden, a common sized urban garden space.

Competition Entry – Concept Development Diagram

The illusion of the forest is created by the use of tall vertical elements and mirrored surfaces to reflect and multiply the depth of the forest and offer changing views as you move through the garden and extend the perception of the boundaries. The grid of structural bamboo poles at 1m intervals is interconnected with a framework of lighter poles to create a structure that is open and allows light to penetrate throughout the space.

Competition Entry – Concept Perspective

The structure creates a labyrinth of secret spaces and framed views that are refracted by a series of mirrors arranged in geometric formation. Planting of the forest is restrained to swathes of groundcover species, punctuated by specimen foliage plants so as not to compete with the verticality of the poles. The raised base is covered in Parlour Palm green walling, so that the garden sits gently in its surroundings.

Competition Entry – Concept Plan

The selection of bamboo for the core structure was a simple choice, as it is strong, durable, cost effective, fire resistant, and is bio degradable. Environmentally the bamboo typically has a higher carbon sequestration rate generating up to 35% more oxygen than an equivalent stand of trees and absorbs 30% more CO2 than trees of an equivalent size.

A series of modular elements are fixed to the bamboo structure within the space including feature epiphytic planting, fractured mirror planes, lighting and fix. As they move around visitors will catch glimpses of themselves reflected within the serene forest creating a sense of wonder and peace.

Design Realisation – Meandering path through forest

A sinuous path of crushed recycled concrete reinforces the theme of sustainable materials and construction and guides visitors through the space. The garden will be constructed on a raised plinth clad in bamboo ply to conceal the pots and footings. Misters are installed to create atmosphere and depth within the structure. At night the garden will be illuminated by uplights casting a web of shadows and creating new mysteries.

Design Realisation – Sustainable materials featured throughout

The garden and green wall was constructed by Coolth Inc. a Melbourne Based Landscape and Green Architecture specialist firm. Bamboo poles have been supplied by Cut Loose Nursey in Port Macquarie, and Live Bamboo by Red Cloud Nursery in Melbourne. Warners Nursery have generously supplied all other plant materials. Leto Bamboo Panels and Plyco have supplied the timber products, while Anston Architectural Paving have supplied the stone.

Find out more.

More information about this award winning project can be found here.

© 2017 Crown Group.

V by Crown is a focus of a new community hub featuring a sophisticated combination of residential, retail and commercial activity which heralds a new era in the Parramatta’s urban renaissance.

The urban scale of the development and the fine detailing of the resort style landscape designed by Taylor Brammer Landscape Architects and Crown Developments continue the award winning design themes that they are renowned for.

Extensive use of natural materials inspired by nature create a marquee development within the Parramatta CBD. The  pool area features an inspirational and soothing environment centred around curvilinear timber screens,  sky blue pool and bridges over water features linking library, gymnasium, spa and other community facilities.

Fine grained timber and stone is featured throughout harmonising with lush tropical specimen planting further evolved with Crown since the success of Top Ryde City Living. The project celebrates the genus loci of Parramatta through extensive heritage interpretation and links to Parramatta Park, a world heritage listed item. The integrated design of contemporary outcomes in public and private spaces sets a benchmark for Parramatta and greater Western Sydney region.

FInd out more.

Matthew Taylor, Director of Taylor Brammer Landscape Architects was recently invited to talk with the final year Bachelor of Landscape Architecture students at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) on the evolution of design philosophy in the profession of Landscape Architecture with particular reference to professional practice.

Topics in the presentation were arranged around the subjects of Heritage planning, Managing a landscape practice, Project evolution and the management of projects while in construction.

The students were asked what they as landscape architects were to “bring to the table” and how their role as landscape architects could bring value to a project as part of a professional design team.

Matthew pointed out the value of the tertiary education which they have gained from the University and the fact that it takes time and experience to learn how to apply their expertise and values to projects.

Of particular note was Matthew’s expertise in heritage planning. The building on campus where the lecture was given was used as an example of the methodology applied in heritage planning where the former land use included the former Kensington horse racing track.

The lecture was summarised with lessons learnt in the installation of landscape projects and the critical importance of coordination and material selection in providing memorable and outstanding outcomes.

Embracing the rich culture of the inner west and paring it with modern playground design, the new neighbourhood park in Leichhardt has become the new favourite spot for families, friends and locals.

The historically titled ‘Nestor’ site, deep within the Leichhardt neighbourhood, has managed to highlight significant parts of its colourful history, through a range of design elements.

The park features a memory frame of the house called Nestor that once stood on the site. The entry to the house has been re created in a outline steel portal and the traditional tiles of the Victorian era that once lined the entry porch now welcome the community.  The portal of the house allows stainless steel wires to facilitate flowering and scented vines that in time will form a shaded arbor.

In the early 19^th Century the land which the park now currently sits on, was owned by Captain John Piper who was renowned for his large real estate portfolio through the early colonial period. Captain Piper also owned a number of significant sites in Sydney including Henrietta Villa (also called the Naval Pavilion),  the property now known as Vaucluse House and land in George Street. He went broke in the 1830’s.

Colourful community murals celebrate the sites history with the theme of the sites history of local uses (including the piggery which was one of the former land uses).  These themes are integrated into the playful memory walls supporting a range of play opportunities from toddlers to teenage activities. Swings, a basketball hoop, climbing elements flow through the park with bespoke timber pigs, timber seating pods and a sound tube complement the brightly coloured banded soft fall throughout the park.

Find out more about this project at: http://www.taylorbrammer.com.au/urban/hearn-street-park/

WINNER:

Excellence in Retirement Living – Lober Square Redevelopment by Anglican retirement Villages

WINNER:

Excellence in Aged Care – Mark Moran Vaucluse by Mark Moran Group

Mora about this project at http://www.taylorbrammer.com.au/seniors-living/mark-moran,-vaucluse-/

FINALISTS in:

Excellence in Affordable and Not for Profit Housing – ARV Derby Street by Anglican retirement Villages

Excellence in Affordable and Not for Profit Housing – Petalurna, Katoomba by Uniting

Excellence in Master Planned Communities – Cove Boulevarde, Shell Cove, NSW for Frasers property Australia and Shellharbour City Council.

Excellence in Retirement Living – Lober Square redevelopment

Excellence in Retirement Living – Mark Moran Vaucluse

Excellence in Retirement Living – The Brighton Croydon

Excellence in Retirement Living – Uniting Petalurna, Katoomba

Excellence in Aged-Care – Mark Moran Vaucluse

The depth of experience in a wide range of project types is exemplified in the developments above. Clients recognise the value, design philosophy and forward thinking that Taylor Brammer Landscape architects bring to every project.

More information about the UDIA awards may be found at: http://www.udiansw.com.au/awards-for-excellence-winners

Top Ryde Sun Pavillion and Water Features. Image by Author

Once again, ‘Top Ryde City Living’, a Crown Group project with Taylor Brammer Landscape
Architects designing the resort-style landscape, has won yet another award for design excellence.

The development has been awarded the ‘Best Australian Outdoor Project’ at the 2015 HIA-CSR
Australian Housing Awards Ceremony.

Renowned for its First-class alfresco areas, water features and lush landscaping, the resort-style
amenities allow residents to escape in the hustle and bustle of city life, right in their backyard.
With a 25m infinity pool, sun-drenched viewing platforms of the Sydney Harbour Bridge or the
dense gardens to relax and entertain, Top Ryde City Living has something for everyone.

Images by Andrew Turner – Copyright 2015

Five Dock Memorial re-opens for ANZAC Centenary

Taylor Brammer Landscape Architects have assisted the City of Canada Bay Council with the restoration and design of important focal elements for the Five Dock War Memorial set in the heritage listed Five Dock park, which reopened on ANZAC Sunday the 19th April. This community commemoration highlighted the importance to Australia of the original ANZACs, many who came from the immediate neighbourhood.

The refurbishment of the memorial re-established the heritage values and involved the removal of unsuitable fencing, returning the brickwork to its original form, replacing and renewing structural elements and a new pressed metal ceiling complementing this 1920s structure. Taylor Brammer Landscape Architects using their conservation heritage expertise to guide the refurbishment, creating a new ‘heart’ to the memorial. This feature consists of an ‘eternal flame’ framed in a brass and glass etched names of ANZACs set on a stone plinth.

Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway, Concord, Sydney – 20 years on

Unveiled in 1995, this living memorial was the focus of a Dawn Service on ANZAC Sunday, 19th of April. A choir supported by a spectacular light show emulating the dawn, highlighted the time and place for the original ANZAC landing of 1915. Taylor Brammer Landscape Architects assisted in the layout of the service and general advice.

ANZAC Commemorative site, Gallipoli, Turkey – Preparations

At Gallipoli in Turkey the ANZAC Commemorative Site is being readied for the ANZAC day centenary commemoration. Designed in 1998 and unveiled in 2000  the site is the focus of the Dawn Service at North Beach, a kilometre to the north of  ANZAC Cove. Gallipoli has  long been a place of pilgrimage with the centenary having having a special significance to all. The site has been subject to new lettering and supplementary infrastructure for this centenary commemoration.