Dunstan Grove

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Part of Crimson Hill, a master-planned community in Lindfield, Dunstan Grove includes two apartment buildings which border the natural bush setting of Lane Cove National Park. Arcadia created open spaces which successfully integrate the architectural built form, by Architectus under Principal Mark Curzon, with the rich natural landscape.

Arcadia was briefed by client Defence Housing Australia (DHA) to produce a landscape which unites the unique, high quality natural environment of Lane Cove National Park with the architectural built form of the Dunstan Grove apartments. From the outset, the design was driven by the existing topography, water courses and native plants. The resulting bushland interface and central courtyard respond to the existing landscape of the site.

Design Process
When designing the landscape for Dunstan Grove the built form was a key driver in defining the space, character and materiality.

The forming of the walls and spaces respond to the angular nature of the architecture while creating comfortable central zones for habitation. The interface with the National Park and existing vegetation was managed carefully to ensure the development nestled into and became part of this context.

Design Challenge
Arcadia also needed to find a way to soften the projected built edge of the basement carpark which stepped half a level in the middle of the communal open space. The landscape solution uses the level change to create deep planters for mature tree plantings within the site, and to assist in concealing and breaking down the level change and associated structure.

Project completion
Arcadia’s design has framed Dunstan Grove with a bushland interface using a native species palette to give a seamless connection of the built form to the adjacent bushland and streetscape. Native plantings also provide screening and break up the views between the built forms. The central courtyard has been designed for significant solar access, with a passive turfed area and communal BBQ. Native species have been used for screening and shade, whilst the concrete and timber finishes of the tables and seating provide a connection to the National Park surrounds.