Environmental issues were at the forefront of this estate, both a place for residents and a place for sustainable environments
Valley Lake Estate was completed in April 2007. The civil landscape project was assigned to JA Dodd for client, VicUrban.
The old 47ha Niddrie quarry site is located south of the Essendon Airport in Victoria. VicUrban’s redevelopment of the quarry allowed for 376 conventional lots and 408 medium-density units with an open space of 30 per cent of the total land area.
The existing lake edge reserve features 600 linear metres of boardwalk, rock wall terraces as well as several barbcue and seating areas. Other open spaces included the regeneration of Steele Creek, several wetland systems and a clifftop walkway. In addition, JA Dodd was responsible for the civil infrastructure of pathways, curb and channel, and soft materials including gravel and mulch surfaces.
“With environmental sustainability in mind, recycled timber finishes were applied where possible,” says Ken Bartlett from JA Dodd. A mixture of polished timber and exposed surfaces was used, creating a range of different finishes and textures.
Recycling was the key to minimising waste on this project. Environmental issues on the site were critical and were exacerbated due to particular characteristics. These characteristics included location, as the site is surrounded by a high density residential area; demolition and removal of hazardous materials in close proximity to general public and residential properties (where practical, all materials remained on site for sorting and treatment purposes prior to disposal); consideration of native wildlife; and preservation of existing trees and vegetation.
Early installation of stormwater pits and the use of hay bales and filter socks around open pits ensured that stormwater run-off would not provide undue contamination or surplus run-off into neighbouring properties, public roads or creeks. Large culverts were installed under roadways to carry any excess rain water and ensure the lake water level was not compromised.
Exhibiting a strong environmental aspect, Valley Lake Estate is both an open space to be enjoyed and a sustainable landscape to be lived in.
Contact
JA Dodd
Ph: 03 8699 4333
Web: www.jadodd.com.au
Project Particulars
Client: VicUrban
Civil Landscape: JA Dodd
Project Director: Ken Bartlett
Construction Manager: Michael Filippone
Site Manager: Michael Matuschka
