Summerhill Estate

Client
PEET Ltd

Disciplines
Landscape Architecture

Location
53 Craig Rd, Botanic Ridge VIC 3977

Date
2023

Imagery
Tract

Located in Botanic Ridge to Melbourne's south-east, Summerhill Estate distinguishes itself as an example of the opportunities designing with nature can provide greenfield sites.

Special focus was given to the planting of a central drainage channel so that it presented as a green spine that delivered storm water functionality whilst also contributing to community amenity and biodiversity. The success of the revegetation and the addition of culverts to facilitate bandicoot movement created a valuable ecological corridor connecting the neighbouring Botanical Gardens to remnant native vegetation on site.

Tract’s guidance at the master planning stage contributed to the alignment of stakeholder requirements and expansion of scope that allowed for greater community use and appreciation of the bushland that was to be conserved.

The low impact design intervention consisting of informal paths and non-intrusive wayfinding elements were the lateral responses to restrictions placed upon construction and maintenance methods within the bushland due to Cultural Heritage and Conservation management plans.

The waterway process included extensive collaboration with Council, Melbourne Water and DELWP (DECCA) was a key factor in the design and delivery of a multifaceted ecological system, one that combined hydraulic function and significant new habitat for the endangered Southern Brown Bandicoot. Moving away form the archaic concrete channel approach, a flourishing ecosystem was created, and one that defines the character of Summerhill Estate and the adjacent Acacia Estate.

The pedestrian bridge crossing involved in depth discussions with Council and Melbourne Water to achieve authority requirements, and to traverse the full extent of the channel. A collaborative process with GR Design and Construct from initial sketches to onsite installation was key to the delivery of a customised, reinforced bridge that extended the required length while ensuring footings remined outside of the hydraulic zones.