A COMMUNAL CONSIDERATION LANDSCAPE

Engaged by Mount St Joseph Girls’ College in Altona, Victoria, landscape contractor PTA Landscapes was commissioned to design and construct a link from the school gymnasium to the sports ground. The new landscaped zone, known as the Northern Communal Garden, provides a variety of different functions for small and large groups that accommodate passive recess gatherings, performances, activities, workshops and outdoor learning.

The existing space was outdated, underutilised and in need of repair after a recent building upgrade. The area was flood prone and contained a Melbourne water easement that cut through the site.

Significant design consideration needed to be given to drainage, overland flow and site levels, and relevant Melbourne Water build-over permits sought. In addition, thought was needed to futureproof the works, with consideration given to the impact on additional works and the material palette used throughout the school.

The finished landscape is set on a diagonal axis, constructed from a series of concentric layered ovals forming the outline, with landscaped surfaces and spaces snapped to these lines. This design approach allowed for seamless student movement between building entrances and to and from the sports courts, while also creating important opportunities for communal-use zones. It also has the added benefit of creating visual interest from second- storey balconies and classroom windows

One side of the area is highlighted with low-level glazed-brick walls of Denim Blue, Stein Grey and Calm Day that provide seating options, offer directional guidance and generate a flood barrier. The raised level of the walls affords protection for the school building from water inundation, while also providing an opportunity to incorporate raised garden beds.

Granite paving was used to draw attention to building entrances. Charcoal concrete identifies movement pathways, while exposed aggregate and synthetic grass form suitable, sturdy surfaces for gathering areas.

Synthetic grass was chosen over natural grass in the space due to its ability to withstand heavy pedestrian traffic, as the space is in high demand during recess with multiple groups of students lounging in talking circles.

A raised and covered multipurpose stage constructed of hardwood looks out across the grassy expanse, which is used on open days and for school performances and outdoor assemblies.

Custom fixed-shade umbrellas cover concrete log benches and stools, providing a shaded seating area suitable for outdoor learning or lunchtime gatherings.

Soft landscaping surrounds the area, planted out with low-level Australian native and exotics. These hardy plants maintain sightlines for safety and display regenerative and bounce-back qualities appropriate for an institutional build. Gravel mulch was used in irrigated garden beds to aid in moisture retention and weed suppression.

Advanced trees give instant impact to the landscape and provide shade in summer, light in winter and visual variation throughout the year that contrasts appealingly with the hardscaping.

PTA Landscapes was responsible for managing the entire works from planning, design and council approval to project management and construction. In addition, it completed all demolition, earthworks and services, installed pole lighting, drinking fountains, cobblestone paving, as well as picnic tables, natural grassing and tree rings.

“We were extremely excited to collaborate with Mount St Joseph Girls’ College to create this stunning educational landscape,” stated Andrew Wilson, director and project manager for PTA Landscapes.

“Personally, I’m very proud of the team, and get enormous satisfaction returning to the school and watching the students interact with the space.”

PROJECT PARTICULARS
Client Mount St Joseph Girls’ College
Location Altona, Victoria
Landscape Contractor PTA Landscapes
Photography Tim Turner

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