What is Sustainability in the Landscape?
We think it starts at the initial approach to a site which is something that is always in the forefront in our minds when looking at a new project. Identifying the key landscape features and existing materials and assessing how they can be re-purposed or reused within the design to create something new and improved.
We approach all our projects in the same way, which is to introduce the new with minimal impact on the existing environment - a careful and considered integration of new and old.
Protecting the distinct features or materials of a site is important, and in many cases we look to hero them in the design.
Certainly reducing the amount of materials and waste being removed from a site, and working with the existing materials is being sustainable. The benefit of having a number of projects running simultaneously, is that we will also look to use removed materials from one site to another if possible.
When it does come to material selection we look at what materials can be used that have sustainable qualities. Ideally recycled products, or locally sourced/produced materials, , such as Australian hardwoods, Australian sandstone and other locally manufactured products.
In terms of the planting of a site, the same ideology applies, in that local native plants are always a first choice for their ability to adapt successfully and to become ultimately low maintenance and sustainable.
Taking it a step further, is the whole urban productive garden approach, growing your own food on your property whether it be a small courtyard garden or a quarter acre block. This has plenty of ongoing sustainability benefits such reducing emissions associated with food production, reducing Waste etc. This however comes with a required level of input and maintenance and should not be considered without a realistic understanding of such expectation.
An example of a successful Sustainable and Urban Productive Garden is our Parriwi Road Mosman project, which is full of repurposed materials, locally sourced materials, productive gardens, water storage /recycled water irrigation systems and solar power. It even features a fully deck out chicken coop boasting some of the best views in Sydney !
Photos of this garden will be coming to our website soon…..