Brassall Bikeway

Rich history celebrated through design

A strong understanding of local community values, both socially and environmentally, resulted in a safe, direct and connected regional bikeway

The Brassall Bikeway Stage 4 creates 2.8km of bikeway using the historic Brisbane Valley railway corridor and links the existing bikeway at Gregory St, Wulkuraka to Diamantina Blvd in Brassall.

Commissioned by Ipswich City Council, VERDé provided complete design, documentation and contract administration for the project, that was developed as part of the South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan and Program and the consequent SEQ Cycle Network Program in conjunction with Queensland Transport, local government and Ipswich City Council.

The bikeway is a high demand facility, particularly for commuting due to its accessibility to the City Centre, educational facilities and other major bikeways.

It also performs a regional recreational function and provides a connection to future residential development areas.

The bikeway traverses residential, educational, bushland and riparian areas, each of which required a specific design response that respected the history of the site, maintained strict standards for user safety and security, considered micro-climate, the potential ‘low water’ future of the site and environmental and sustainability requirements.

The design also focussed on using a proven palette of endemic, low maintenance species to protect the biodiversity of the site. Retention of existing vegetation was important where possible to maintain ecological balance and habit values whilst reducing the impact for users and residents.

Project details

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Project name
Brassall Bikeway - Stage 4

Client
Ipswich City Council

Project type
Community Bikeway

Engineers
Harrison Infrastructure Group

Location
Brassall, Ipswich, 
Queensland

Size
2.8km

Date
2016

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A strong understanding of local community values, both socially and environmentally, resulted in a safe, direct and connected regional bikeway

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Mitchelton Pre-Schooling Centre

Exploring play and learning through landscape architecture

Facilitating child development and connection to the natural world through nature-based play experiences.

Mitchelton Pre-Schooling Centre is a not-for-profit, community kindergarten focused on providing learning through play experiences in the natural environment. The centre is full of green leafy spaces, timber play structures and gardens for exploration.

With the aim of enhancing the children’s opportunity to learn through a connection to the natural world, VERDé Design Group was engaged to develop the design of the nature-based learning environment.

VERDé completed masterplanning, concept design, design development, contract documentation and contract administration for a variety of projects across the site.

A unique challenge of the project was ensuring continuity of design philosophy and opportunities throughout the Centre whilst being mindful of the requirements of small children (3-5 years) and their safety.

To ensure quality outcomes, VERDé was actively involved in discussions with Centre staff, participating in workshops and observing how children used the spaces. This approach was invaluable to the creation of solutions that adhere to the philosophy of the Centre whilst encouraging child engagement and learning.

The result was a sequence of experiences journeying from the front gate, into the Centre and throughout a series of play spaces.

The design incorporates a large number of established trees and gardens as well as the renovation and retro-fitting of a number of existing structures, play equipment and gardens.

The most significant achievement of the project was the children’s engagement with the various spaces and play opportunities. Ongoing personalisation of the spaces occurs as individual children and staff members apply their imagination to each area.

VERDé's ongoing development for Mitchelton Pre-School Centre will provide a structural design for children that captures an effective nature-based learning program in safe, comfortable and luscious garden surroundings.

Project details

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Project name
Mitchelton
Pre-Schooling Centre

Client
Mitchelton
Pre-Schooling Centre

Project type
Various Play Spaces

Location
29 Kedron St, Mitchelton, 
Queensland

Size
1951 m2

Date
Ongoing

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King John Creek

VERDé restores creek habitat

Careful, considered research and design, and a light hand during construction were key to protecting and enhancing the wetland habitat.

The restoration of King John Creek was critical to the long term survival of important wetland habitat and the establishment of accessible recreational parkland.

Commissioned by the Happenstance Group, VERDé completed concept design, documentation and contract administration for the project’s streetscape, parkland, riparian and natural areas.

The creek and associated habitat were in significant decline after years of poor management and rubbish dumping.

In 2016,  Happenstance Group were able to acquire the land adjacent to the creek and undertake design to realise significant restoration of the creek and wetland habitat whilst providing access via recreational parkland along the banks of the creek.

Thorough research and a light hand during construction were key to protecting and enhancing the wetland habitat and providing accessible recreational parkland for the community.

Close collaboration with Council and the construction team resulted in cost savings, and delivery of a project that has been embraced by local residents and seen the return of native fauna to the area.

Project details

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Project name
King John Creek and Park Restoration

Client
Happenstance Group

Project type
Recreational Park and Wetland Habitat

Location
Elimbah, 
Queensland

Size
45,000 m2

Date
2017

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Careful, considered research and design, and a light hand during construction were key to protecting and enhancing the wetland habitat.

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The Village

Award-winning design honours heritage

Challenge meets clever in landscape inspired by legacy and the passion to bring nature close.

The Village Coorparoo is a multi-award winning development featuring 7,700 square metres of landscape design woven between modern, medium density independent living apartments and the heritage listed original homestead ‘Erica’.

VERDé Design Group were commissioned by The Village Retirement Group to provide a relaxed and welcoming setting in a vibrant village community, including complete masterplanning, concept design, detailed design, construction documentation and contract administration for Stage 1.

Embraced by residents from day one, the design created a variety of private and public spaces within the landscape to promote the significant therapeutic benefits associated with access to nature.

In 2012, ‘Erica’ was awarded the Governor’s Heritage Awards Silver Medal from the National Trust of Queensland Heritage Awards.

The Village collected two state awards from Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) Queensland in 2014 for Best Medium Density Development and Best Seniors’ Living. The project then received national recognition in 2015, collecting UDIA’s Best Seniors Living Award and the prestigious President’s Award.

In 2017, The Village was named Best Retirement Living Development at the 2017 National Property Council of Australia Innovation and Excellence Awards.

Project details

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Project name
The Village
Coorparoo Stage 1

Client
The Village
Retirement Group

Architect
S3 Architects

Project type
Independent Living and Retirement Village

Location
398 Cavendish Road, Coorparoo

Project Value
$130 million (stage 1 – $20 million budget)

Size
1.2 Hectares

Date
2012

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Challenge meets clever in landscape inspired by legacy and the passion to bring nature close.

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O'Mara Road

Seamless design connects residential to rural

From protecting biodiversity to erosion control, great landscape architecture is critical for safe, sustainable road infrastructure.

The O’Mara Road Upgrade project provides a critical link for more than $100 million worth of industrial sites and development to the Toowoomba Cecil-Plains Rd and the Warrego Highway.

Commissioned by Toowoomba Regional Council, VERDé completed concept design and documentation for the project’s streetscapes, riparian and natural areas.

The project traversed a variety of character areas, each of which required a specific design response that maintained the strict standards for road safety whilst respecting the micro-climate, potential ‘low water’ future of the site and the environmental and sustainability requirements.

Overall the design focussed on the use of a low maintenance, proven road safe palette of endemic native trees, shrubs and groundcovers to protect the biodiversity of the site.

The project also included improvement of the multiple drainage corridors, channels and drainage lines crossing the road alignment through additional riparian plantings and erosion control measures.

The project is an outstanding example of the benefits of client and designer working closely together, saving time and money and delivering an exceptional outcome for what is now considered the central spine of the Charlton-Wellcamp precinct.

Project details

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Project name
O'Mara Road Upgrade Stage 1A

Client
Toowoomba Regional Council

Project type
Streetscape and Transport Corridor

Location
Charlton, 
Queensland

Project Value
$21 million

Size
3 km

Date
2016

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From protecting biodiversity to erosion control, great landscape architecture is critical for safe, sustainable road infrastructure.

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Maleny Community Precinct

VERDé enriches community

Early engagement and close collaboration with Council and the Community resulted in a parkland embraced by local residents and visitors alike.

The Maleny Community Precinct is a unique parcel of former farmland in local authority ownership. The site has significant heritage and environmental values and is bordered by the town of Maleny and Obi Obi creek, an important habitat for native fauna and flora.

Commissioned by the Former Caloundra City Council, VERDé completed masterplanning and concept design for the project’s residential, communal, recreational, riparian and natural areas.

The steep site topography, cleared and eroded farm land, remnant vegetation and riparian areas each required a specific design response that met Council and community expectations and fulfilled the vision for the site.

Council and community consultation and research were key to development of a design that provides a robust platform for further development of the area.

The site is now a shared space for visitors, locals and residents to celebrate, enjoy and explore the natural environment and engage in a variety of passive and active recreational and sporting activities.

Project details

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Project name
Maleny Community Precinct

Client
The former Caloundra City Council

Project type
Community Parkland and Recreational Facilities

Location
Maleny, 
Queensland

Size
126 hectares

Date
2007

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Early engagement and close collaboration with Council and the Community resulted in a parkland embraced by local residents and visitors alike.

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Point Luxe

Innovative design drives luxury solutions

VERDé created a welcoming and verdant identity for the development that is unashamedly premium and exclusive.

“100% VERDé are excellent. Efficient, prompt and deliver on the brief.”

— Paul Gedoun, Pointcorp Development

VERDé Design Group were engaged to provide concept design, detailed design, construction documentation and contract administration for this premium and exclusive project, that focussed on presenting a high-end, refined palette of soft and hard materials to reflect the luxury architectural design and the client’s desire to deliver a Luxe development product.

This was achieved through the use of a simplified, high quality palette of elements and the layout of private courtyards that contribute to the luxury character of the landscape – elements such as pavement finishes, plant material and lighting.

The small footprint of some of the spaces presented a challenge to deliver design solutions that met strict standards, yet still conveyed a high-end look and feel.

The result was highly detailed, luxurious private courtyards incorporating plunge pools, dining space and gardens that create seamless visual and physical connections from the internal entertainment space and bar.

VERDé also managed the procurement and growing-on of seventy-five (75) x 4m tall shrubs to be installed in the project to provide instant screening and privacy to all boundaries, and to provide a green backdrop to the private courtyards and plunge pools.

The approved Concept Design was progressed into detailed documentation for Tender and Construction. VERDé provided Contract Administration services to the client to oversee, inspect and report on the Landscape works and liaised with Council to gain the required approvals and coordinated streetscape solutions, including meeting a requirement to retain two significant street trees and the heritage kerbs within the roadway.

Every element of the project was thoughtfully considered and delivered within a tight budget and timeframe, using models to quickly assess opportunities, constraints and design changes.

Project details

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Project name
Point Luxe
New Farm

Client
Pointcorp Development

Project type
Luxury Townhomes

Architect
Heise Architecture

Location
218 Moray St, New Farm, Queensland

Size
2226 m2

Date
2016

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VERDé created a welcoming and verdant identity for the development that is unashamedly premium and exclusive.

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Green Mountains Landscape Hotel

Australia's first landscape hotel

Project success relies on connecting with the landscape, understanding the unique qualities of the environment and intertwining with it.

“Very pleased and expect it will result in enhanced ecotourism offerings.”

— Mick Cubis, QLD Parks and Wildlife Service

Green Mountains Landscape Hotel is a public / private partnership as part of the Queensland Government’s initiative to develop and operate innovative, semi-permanent and low impact nature-based tourism accommodation facilities in the heritage listed Lamington National Park.

One of only two sites to be released to private investors under the ecotourism initiatives with an aim to enhance nature-based tourism opportunities in and adjacent to Queensland’s iconic protected area estates.

VERDé Design Group were invited to provide specialised landscape architectural services for a consortium submission in response to an invitation only expression of interest. The consortium proposal was successful and the project now awaits legislative amendments before progressing to the next stage.

The proposal focussed on creating Australia’s first Landscape Hotel, a unique ecotourism offering that enhances the hotel experience by immersing guests within the landscape and promoting the landscape as an educational ‘artwork’ or ‘wallpaper’ from within the accommodation.

Particular focus was also placed on the experience of journeying to, from and around the site as a source of education and engagement with the natural environment

Challenged with developing an ecotourism destination on a site with numerous conservation, planning, cultural and social constraints, VERDé Design Group developed a site management and landscape strategy that provides guidelines for understanding the conservation and cultural heritage values of the site.

Project details

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Project name
Green Mountains Landscape Hotel

Client
Department of National Parks, Sport and Racing

Project type
Luxury Eco-resort

Architect
Tonic Design

Location
Lamington National Park, 
Queensland

Size
20,500 hectares

Date
2013

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Project success relies on connecting with the landscape, understanding the unique qualities of the environment and intertwining with it.

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Danang Golf Course and Resort

Unique project key to biodiversity

Detailed analysis outcomes promote the regeneration of biodiversity within the region and support the local ecosystem.

The Danang Golf Course and Resort is situated on a unique parcel of beachfront dunescape. The site has significant historical and environmental value and is located on the renowned ‘Non Nuoc Beach’ in South Central Vietnam, between the major port city of Da Nang and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hoi An.

Commissioned by Vina Capital and Sala, VERDé completed a detailed botanical survey of the 260ha development site to determine plant species that would thrive and survive the site conditions, identify key management strategies for weed infested areas, and provide an overlay to guide the golf course design and overall development master planning processes.

Data collected enabled the development of site responsive plans and recommendations detailing specific management strategies for individual species and identified ‘next steps’ in the process to ensure the preservation of key specimens within the golf course design.

The botanical survey promoted the re-introduction, retention and management of locally indigenous plant species within the landscape, and the protection of remnant indigenous vegetation.

The project contributed significantly to the resort and golf course detailed design and planning processes ensuring that key species and specimens became an integrated part of the development.

Project details

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Project name
Danang Golf Course and Resort

Client
Vina Capital

Project type
Golf Courses, Resort, Hotel and Luxury Residences

Golf Course Designer
Greg Norman Golf Course Design

Location
Danang, 
Vietnam

Size
260 hectares

Date
2007

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Detailed analysis outcomes promote the regeneration of biodiversity within the region and support the local ecosystem.

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Air Apartments

Rich history celebrated through design

Understanding and celebrating the rich history of a site and respectful integration of the new design are critical to a project's success.

Air Apartments form part of the broader Pentridge Prison redevelopment precinct, the historic site of the former Pentridge Prison. The project provides a successful blend of contemporary living and heritage features that celebrate the sites rich history.

VERDé Design Group were commissioned by Shayher Group to provide landscape concept designs that expressed the monumental nature of the existing prison walls and watch tower whilst providing a suitable, respectful setting for the new architectural forms.

Points of interface with the prison walls and architecture facilitate interaction and celebration whilst providing legible and permeable spaces for both residents and visitors.

Internal pavement treatments extend into the public realm in order to transcend the physical and psychological barriers created by the prison walls; and publicly accessible open space areas encourage interaction and recreation whilst framing significant views.

The design enhances and facilitates interaction with the sites heritage features and provides legible and permeable spaces that add to the developments appeal within the wider community.

Early engagement and close collaboration with the clients and the Heritage Authority resulted in a design that provided a sound platform for ongoing design coordination and ensured that design progression remained true to the original intent.

Project details

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Project name
Air Apartments

Client
Shayher Group

Project type
Heritage precinct and multi-residential apartments

Architect
JHA Architects / Particular Architects

Location
Pentridge, Coburg, 
Victoria

Size
6300 m2

Date
2016

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Understanding and celebrating the rich history of a site and respectful integration of the new design are critical to a project's success.

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Sephora

VERDé makes history with Sephora

Sephora was the first multi-unit development to gain certification under the EnviroDevelopment National Technical Standards Version 2.

“100% VERDé are excellent. Efficient, prompt and deliver on the brief.”

— Paul Gedoun, Pointcorp Development

Sephora was the first multi-unit development to gain certification under the EnviroDevelopment National Technical Standards Version 2.

VERDé Design Group’s innovative landscape design surpassed the requirements of each category, including ecosystem protection and maintenance, waste minimisation, environmentally responsible material usage and water efficiency.

Commissioned by Pointcorp Development,  VERDé completed concept design, detailed design, construction documentation and contract administration for this boutique apartment development in one of the most highly sought-after locations in Brisbane, with West End and the CBD on its doorstep.

A whole of cycle approach to sustainability was implemented, with consideration given not only to plant selection and siting requirements but to the entire process, from design, through construction, to ongoing maintenance.

The selection of a limited plant palette, featuring mature tree and palm species, created a strong identity for the development and complemented the surroundings, while the layered approach to arrangement provided a sense of place and the look and feel of a lush, established landscape setting.

Early engagement, close collaboration and the use of 3D modelling to assess design progression resulted in time and cost savings for the client, and delivery of a constructed project that remains true to the original intent.

Project details

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Project name
Sephora

Client
Pointcorp Development

Architect
Ferro Arch

Project type
Multi-Residential Apartments

Location
85 Dornoch Terrace, Highgate hill

Project Value
$4.6m

Size
1164 m²

Date
2014

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In an industry first, the landscape design, construction and maintenance surpassed all sustainability, efficiency and ecosystem protection requirements.

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Nam Long City

New city with a green heart

A sustainable approach, widespread green spaces and a focus on accessibility are all key to a city's success

Nam Long City is surrounded by the tranquil waters of the Vam Co Dong River and is located south of Ho Chi Minh City in Long An Province.

A new waterfront city for 30,000 residents, Nam Long incorporates a range of residential typologies, retail and commercial precincts, educational facilities, civic and community facilities, marina and world class golf course.

Commissioned by NLI Corporation, VERDé completed detailed land use planning and masterplanning of the 54ha residential, civic and leisure parcel and concept design of the various precincts and recreational spaces.

Individual precincts required a specific design response whilst remaining true to the overall masterplan and maintaining the vision for the site.

Comprehensive research, consultation and culturally appropriate design solutions were key to development of a sustainable design that provides a robust platform for further detailing of the project.

On completion the city will become a regional destination providing the opportunity for a waterfront lifestyle centred around a range of leisure and cultural facilities.

Project details

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Project name
Nam Long City

Client
NLI Corporation

Project type
New waterfront township

Architect
Tonic Design

Location
Long An Province, Vietnam

Size
54 hectares

Date
2011

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A sustainable approach, widespread green spaces and a focus on accessibility are all key to a city's success

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