Above The Understory

Suspended between painted gardens, an elevated walkway rises and climbs. Textured tree trunks hold a canopy up high.

The brief

For a site nestled on the edge of the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, the task is to create a new entry path winding up the steep landscape. Along the way, conceal two septic tanks in the front yard. The only thing we want to see is everything out there. 

Site response

We're lucky to work on a project like this, but a certain amount of responsibility comes with working on a project near a national park. The selection of plants and their potential impacts need to be scrutinised; the last thing we want is to be responsible for garden escapees marching through a pristine environment.

We decided on a light treatment, creating an elevated walkway that traverses the site and conceals the tanks beneath it. The more minimal the impact on the ground, the better. That goes for the process too: an off-shore site with no road access contributes to practical and efficient construction.

Endemic species have been chosen to nestle the path, provide habitat for wildlife and coexist with the splendour of the park.

Location | Elvina Bay, NSW 
Scope | Concept Design, Design Development, Documentation
Year | 2017 - Present