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

400m2 of green roof designed by Taylor Brammer Landscape Architects- ‘Monument’, Oxford Square, Darlinghurst

Urban greening has long been promoted as an easy and effective strategy for creating natural beauty in the built environment and increasing investment opportunities. Our experience designing over seven football fields of green roofs demonstrates this growing trend.

Whilst green roofs are known for their aesthetic features, one of their many benefits is to provide added insulative properties to the building beneath.

In the short term, savings can be achieved in heating and cooling costs because the layer of vegetation provides excellent insulation to the building. The green roof acts as thermal mass keeping the internal temperature of the building relatively constant. Should the plants be allowed to spread, this enhances the biomass and access for the root system for the plants and living in an ecosystem not unlike being on natural ground. Established green roofs regulate rooftop temperature with a flow on effect to the interior temperature therefore reducing the dependence on HVAC systems. Established green roof structures also assist to increase the efficiency of rooftop infrastructure including Photovoltaic cells and the efficiency of other service equipment by reducing glare and air temperature on the exposed surfaces.

Key to achieving insulation benefits is the varying depths of soil and vegetation, with current research indicating that a minimum soil depth of 300mm and shrub planting required to achieve a 15% annual reduction in energy consumption.

For further information regarding Green Roofs we recommend that the following sources may be of benefit.

Sources

Wong, N.H et al. 2002. The effects of rooftop garden on energy consumption of a commercial building in Singapore. Department of building, school and design and environment, National University of Singapore.

Energy Performance and Green Roofs – David Sailor

Green Roof Benefits – Greenroofs.org