AILDM NATIONAL DESIGN AWARDS 2011

Residential under $50,000

+ Allan Correy Award

Winner: Valley Garden Landscapes — Alex Haskey

Comments:The designer was asked to create a better connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. The sunken dining area fits naturally into the space while the shed is supremely stylish. The designer has integrated the existing trees into the new garden by not changing the soil level, building the deck around their trunks, crown lifting and tip pruning. This means the garden has more established trees and some of the privacy screening was able to be maintained. The orange and white custom-made powdercoated planter boxes give a bright spark of colour to the space. There is a limited planting palette, which includes Strelitzia reginae in the striking orange planter boxes. The stiff architectural foliage of the strelitzia is in contrast to the wispy stems of the Bambusa gracilis used for screening along the back boundary. The standard of documentation for this entry was excellent. Alex Haskey was the worthy winner of the top design award — the Allen Correy Award (named in honour of AILDM’s patron and significant contributor to landscape architecture in Australia, Allan Correy).

Residential under $500,000

Highly Commended:Botanical Traditions — Ruth Czermak and Fiona Hurse

Residential $50,000–$150,000

Winner:Urban Exotic — Richard Kelly, Gary Edwards and Bryce Rudd

Comments:When you arrive at this Port Stephens property you realise you are about to experience something special. The sharp architectural lines of the front fence reflect the clean, contemporary lines of the residence and this is complemented by the bold shapes of the steppers leading to the front gate. Two stunning mature Date Island Palms make a dramatic statement. These feature specimens are supported by mass plantings of hardy coastal plants with a modern tropical feel, relying on texture and form for impact. The driveway itself also incorporates strong shapes by combining exfoliated granite and large pieces of split-face granite in large swirls. Subtlety is maintained through the use of a limited colour palette and this restraint underlines the sophistication of the design. From the front entry, a generous undercover walkway leads to a sunken courtyard. The balance between clean, sharp lines and subtlety has been achieved here with the clever use of a ’60s-inspired panelled feature wall comprised of specially commissioned concrete cast tiles painted the palest of greys.

Residential $50,000–$150,000

Highly Commended: Gardens by Design — David Bennett

Residential $150,000 plus

+ Plantscape Award

Winner:Dirtscape Dreaming — Wendy Clarke

Comments:At first sight this appears to be a country garden, so it’s hard to believe that this it’s in suburban Aberfeldie, Victoria. Clever planting blurs the boundaries and totally obscures surrounding properties. The positioning of trees such as Eucalyptus caesia ‘Silver Princess’ provides focal points and depth while the size and form of many of the trees keep the focus within the garden. Energy and flow were critical to the client and in response the designer has created a strong connection between the house and garden, facilitating the flow of energy throughout the property. The focal centre is symbolically marked with a large quartz crystal that can be viewed throughout the garden. Moving water, ponds and curving pathways through the planting strengthen the flow. Starting with a blank canvas and a demanding brief to incorporate many diverse areas within the garden (Japanese garden, woodland area, Australian bush garden, perennial planting and a vegie patch), it’s a testament to the skill of this designer that the garden doesn’t appear disjointed. 

Residential $150,000 plus

Highly Commended:Urban Exotic — Richard Kelly, Gary Edwards, Sam Morrisey and Lorraine Lenior

Residential $150,000 plus

Highly Commended:Anthony Wyer Landscape Design – Anthony Wyer & Ross Hynard

Commercial Institutional

Winner:J W Concepts — Jonathan Weinert & Sam Long

Comments:The design for this garden area at the St Lucia Campus of the University of Queensland was developed in response to a range of concerns expressed within the client’s brief. These included developing a sustainable and maintainable outcome, the introduction of a native planting palette and an increased provision for seating and shade. The new budget-driven design needed to relate contextually to the broader university community as well as address the issue of bush turkeys nesting on the site. Through the creative use of the materials palette combined with innovative design for modular seating, the client’s brief is addressed while maintaining a connection to the surrounding areas. The use of permeable pavements to replace the existing failed garden beds contributed to the success of the design in many ways. While addressing the issue of the nesting bush turkeys, this served to introduce colour and patterning to the area along with increased water penetration to the subsoil. This also allowed for the incorporation of established trees throughout without the need for vast mulched areas.

Commercial Institutional

Highly Commended:The Gardenmakers — George Adams

Landscape Management

Winner:J W Concepts — Jonathan Weinert, Shaun McCoombes and Sam Long

Comments:The designer was asked to develop a site master plan for the Wyaralong Regional Trail Bike Facility near Boonah, southeast Queensland, which is 85km from Brisbane. The designer had to develop a plan for the 745-hectare off-road motorcycle facility that would adhere to the State Planning Regulatory Provisions (SPRPs). The SPRPs are in place to ensure that the facility is constructed and managed in a way not to compromise the surrounding natural environment. Extensive site investigation and feasibility studies were completed for the development. The site, which is quite mountainous with areas of native bushland and farmland, would be used for day-to-day trail bike riding plus overnight camping and motorcross riding. This means that clear areas had to be designated for camping, parking, administration offices, spectator seating, visitor amenities and waste management. Areas that are environmentally sensitive and culturally significant have been mapped and will be protected. The development is to be implemented in four phases — the clearing and bulk earthworks, the excavation, the trail works construction and the maintenance period. 

In other news sadly AILDM farewelled National Councillor and Victorian Director Beverley Read. Bev had always been extremely active in AILDM even during her fight with cancer. Bev, championed the Victorian AILDM community and pushed for ALDM to support and be involved at MIFGS, the Garden Design Fest and the Australian Landscape Conference amongst many other things. Bev will be missed by all and AILDM is definitely in a better place because of her tireless work.

www.aildm.com.au

Photocaptions: Homepage - Urban Exotic -ruchard Kelly, Gardy Edwards, Bryce Rudd; Botanical Traditions — Ruth Czermak and Fiona Hurse; Valley Garden Landscapes - Alex Haskey; The Gardenmakers — George Adams;