Overview

TourismSport

Client
RACV

Collaborators
Wood Marsh Architects
Wynward Structures
PJA Irrigation Design

Disciplines
Landscape Architecture
Town Planning
Media

Location
Torquay, VIC

Date
2013

Imagery
David McGuiness

With a street address of No. 1 Great Ocean Road, RACV Torquay is at the gateway to one of Australia’s iconic coastal journeys and a focal point for millions of visitors who pass by each year. Positioned on a sweeping curve, the club can be seen by traffic heading south and west as they leave central Torquay.
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In 2008, the RACV purchased the club and its facilities, and initiated a makeover of the course, along with the development of a multipurpose resort complex.

Due to the high visibility of RACV Torquay, the landscape design would need to create a visually striking setting that captures the attention of passersby and draws them in.

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Tract provided planning and landscape architectural assistance to RACV to secure the necessary approvals for the new resort to proceed. RACV partnered with the Torquay Golf Club to ensure the future of the 18-hole golf course for its extensive membership base and the broader community.

The development of accommodation and conferencing facilities aimed to fill a market gap in the region, supporting the local economy by attracting visitors to the area.

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The resort has a sweeping curved design that complements the surrounding landscape, including the curvilinear forms of the golf course. The facility is of scale that suits its coastal location, however, the ambitious plan initially challenged the expectations of the township.

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Given Torquay’s status as a location for planned strategic growth, Tract identified opportunities to advocate for a landmark outcome on the site. Tract made submissions on behalf of the RACV as part of strategic planning exercises being undertaken by the shire.

This approach ensured the foundations were laid for a development of this scale before the planning application was made. The planning application was supported by photomontages from select nearby locations and demonstrated that the scale of the site was suitable to accommodate the building.

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The essence of the landscape design concept was to integrate the new facility with the existing landscape of the golf course. Careful consideration was given to planning the site three-dimensionally, ensuring that the building and outdoor facilities are nestled into the site’s undulating topography.
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Tract’s landscape response is based on the naturally established paths and ‘desire lines’ that traverse the site. The landscape plan uses a mix of densely planted native coastal vegetation to extend the existing bands of planting that separate the golf fairways.

Selected for their ability to thrive in windy coastal environments, the vegetation has successfully established and enhanced the setting of the main resort building.

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The plant palette was carefully chosen for its ability to thrive in drought conditions and the windy coastal environment, as well as to complement the existing plantings on the golf course.

The planting has significantly improved the previously barren car park, providing additional benefits such as shade and wildlife habitat, as well as aesthetic appeal and a buffer for adjacent residents.

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A large, elevated terrace abuts the practice green and the 9th, 10th and 18th holes. It offers a great space for social gatherings with stunning views over the course and the ocean.

The site also includes recreational facilities such as tennis courts, a children’s play area and a swimming pool. These facilities have been carefully moulded into the site and spatially reinforced by the planting.