This coastal development in the heart of Noosa is all about environmental conservation and preservation
Located on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, this housing development epitomises Australia’s relaxed way of life.
The design brief was to develop environmentally sensitive homes and recreation facilities in the highly sensitive Noosa North Shore coastal woodlands. Landscape Architects Terrain Consultants were called upon to undertake the coastal development.
The site was previously used as a grazing paddock for camels, which impacted greatly on the trees and ground-cover vegetation. As coastal woodland, the development zone included significant fauna and flora habitat values. Tree cover was aged between 50 and 150 years and comprised largely of scribbly gums and Bribie Island pines.
The project comprised the development and construction of 48 beach homes. Key features included the adoption and application of ESD principles for all design and construction approaches and maintenance of native endemic environmental systems, vegetation and character.
Design included the street network linking of homes to the Recreation Centre and adjacent beach access road; detention basins for the preservation of water quality to the wetlands; fire buffer zones to adjacent conservation areas; and habitat protection zones throughout the site.
Endemic vegetation, reuse of grey water, pervious pavements, water sensitive design, individual water tanks and solar lighting are all feature elements of the design.
Construction was guided by Environmental Management Plans and strict construction management guidelines. Worksites were adhered to in order to maintain and protect the inherent environmental qualities of both the site and the adjacent national parks. Service corridors for water, power, sewer and greywater services were also fully coordinated to minimise impacts on the site.
“This project challenged us to incorporate latest technology and environmental design principles,” says Scott Taylor from Terrain Consultants. “Visual and environmental assessments, plant procurement, construction methodologies and environmental sustainability principles directed the placement of both the design and construction of the unique residences in the World Heritage environment.
“We now see ourselves as a leading consultancy in environmental design and planning because of this magnificent experience.”
Terrain Consultants liaised closely with Noosa Council on this project to ensure a consolatory approach to all planning and design issues encountered.
“Remediation of the environment through management, conservation and preservation principles has resulted in an exemplary project for all involved,” says Scott.
Contact
Terrain Consultants
Ph: 97 3252 1977
Web: www.terrain.com.au
Project Particulars
Landscape Architect, Planner & Arborist Consultant:
Terrain
Consultants
Nursery: Plants of Noosa
Civil Engineering: Cardno
Design Management: John Cameron Architect
