CLOUSTON Associates are Landscape Architects, Landscape Planners and Urban Designers who practice under the banner “place with purpose, landscape with meaning”. Over the thirty years of our practice’s life our approach to planning and design is considered and contextual, seeking to add value to each site with which we are engaged. This approach applies to a diverse portfolio of projects, that may vary from the adaptive re-use of significant industrial and heritage structures through the creation of regional parks and stadiums, to roof top gardens, a university campus or remote community landscapes. The best of creativity meets practicality in our designs.
Our team of creative, young professionals bring fresh eyes, imagination and energy, to complement our experienced leadership, with a legacy of accomplishment and awards. From three offices in Sydney, Darwin and the Gold Coast with a combined team of 25 Landscape Architects, Urban Designers, Planners and Horticulturalists our projects span the country and the world.
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The Bungarribee Homestead Park sits on the site of the former Bungarribee House which has a State significant heritage listing. This newly created parkland reveals the history of the site and the location of the former home while providing a central recreation space for the community of 2,000 residents.
Challenges:
• It was known the footings of the house existed, but it wasn’t certain where. The only visible remains of the past were the brick footings of the barn and exotic trees
• State heritage requirements required no disturbance or damage to the footings
• There were records of other colonial history from an 1832 survey no longer visible onsite including an assumed convict barracks, a dairy, kitchen garden and orchard
• Vocal local community groups formed their own Facebook page concerned that the history of the site would be extinguished by construction.
To help protect the elevated hill top of the homestead, the main access road was lowered. This allowed the homestead park to sit on a dramatic elevated belvedere, defined by a 4m high sandstone wall, with views across Western Sydney Parklands.
The footprint of the homestead was abstracted into sandstone and set within gravel, with gaps in the sandstone make it appear as an old ruin with native grass growing through.
Indigenous cultural heritage was interpreted through interpretive signage, artwork and the naming of Warrawarry Park.
The parkland is valued by the local community and the project won an AILA NSW Award in 2016.
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Sydney University is experiencing a period of unprecedented growth in its 166 year long history, with a range of new teaching and research centres in design and construction phases. The creation of Grose Farm Lane provides a pivotal link that connects new facilities such as the new Charles Perkins Centre and the main campus of Sydney University. The project comprises a gently curved concrete paved walkway, its radius emanates from the centre of the University’s adjoining historical ovals, with granite inserts and high quality furniture that offer break-out spaces for outdoor learning and social interaction. Since completion, the site has been well used by students and staff and is referenced as a benchmark project for future improvements throughout the campus. Not only does the linkage provide an improved and high functioning pedestrian experience, it also offers an attractive backdrop for Sydney University Ovals number 1 and 2. On weekends the space is overflowing with spectators of university cricket and rugby games throughout the year. The walls also provide additional spectator seating and spaces for people to gather and mingle after the game under the shade of existing mature trees.
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The Ponds is a much-loved and vibrant community parkland comprising 88 hectares of riparian corridor in Sydney’s North West; the project has spanned 10 years of development and has been the fastest selling master planned estate in NSW with houses purchased in 2009 for $500K now selling for $1.1M. An integrated set of design guidelines and an accompanying design manual with an underlying narrative centred on the story of water in Western Sydney’s dry landscape and set the scene for the following:
A Memorable Experience
What was once degraded farmland in 2006 is now a vibrant community and landscape. The creek corridor has been revived with bold geometric forms while the creation of landmark bridges and public artwork focuses attention on Second Ponds Creek.
Engaging with Water
The five water quality ponds, along with the lake are distinctive and memorable elements that interpret the water story for the residents of The Ponds.
Joining People and Places
You can walk or ride in the parklands for 7.5km and not use the same path twice and only cross three roads. Residents can also choose to compete in sports, enjoy BBQs, playgrounds or a walk by the lake.
An Environment for all
10 Ha of endangered Cumberland Plain woodland are now protected while contaminated, urban stormwater is polished by twelve hectares of world’s best practice water management.
The success of this ten year long project was recognised with an AILA NSW Award in 2016.
