landscape architecture

project: whitehorse civic centre forecourt redevelopment

client: whitehorse city council

description of project
hansen was engaged by Whitehorse City Council to undertake design development and contract documentation for the forecourt entry to the new Whitehorse Civic Centre in Nunawading.

The design comprises a paved podium that steps down to a native garden, planted with local plant species, drought-tolerant plants and a number of existing trees. Timber boardwalks provide access over this planted area and axial paving bands highlight entry points to the Civic Centre and Library. Exposed aggregate concrete pavements were used allowing for a variety of colours and patterning on the ground plane, while timber detailing of boardwalks, bollards and signage provides interest. Future stage works will include a dry-stone wall, seating, lighting and signage.

The design demonstrates Council’s commitment to sustainability, through water sensitive urban design. Located below the forecourt, a 100,000 litre storage tank collects water run off from the civic centre roof which can then be utilised for irrigation throughout the municipality. Any overflow will filter through a bio-retention swale in the native garden.

Close collaboration between hansen and Whitehorse City Council ensured the outcome provides a prominent new entry to the Civic Centre and a demonstration of Council’s commitment to sustainability which residents of the municipality can appreciate and adopt in their own gardens.

whitehorse civic centre forecourt