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RESIDENTIAL

SUSTAINABLE CANBERRA GARDENS

Four residential gardens - designed and built between 2004 and 2007 - demonstrating innovative work in the field of sustainable landscape design. The projects involved development of design aesthetics and techniques for sustainable residential landscapes which fulfil the clients’ aesthetic and functional needs within the constraints of the dry and cold Canberra environment and modest budgets. 

Landscape Principles in Practice:

  • Value Our Landscape: Using modest budgets and owner-construction, the designs minimise built elements and rely on existing site features to guide design development.  Focus on sustainable material selection and minimization of energy-use via the use of recycled and waste materials.  Client participation in construction and development encourages connectivity with the environment into the future.
  • Protect – Enhance - Regenerate:  Water sensitive urban design principles applied at the individual household scale - incorporating use of non-potable water, minimal artificial irrigation, restoration of degraded site soil, increased biodiversity and environmentally responsive use of materials.  
  • Design with Respect: Designs provide opportunities to experiment with new design techniques and solutions directed towards more sustainable outcomes, while respecting the traditional suburban context.  
  • Design for the Future: The project explored various aspects of sustainable residential landscape design during a period of extended drought, empowering residents to take action to improve the sustainability of their gardens in response to the impacts of climate change.
  • Embrace Responsive Design: Improved ecosystem services delivered by the gardens include slowing and cleaning surface water run-off, increased permeability of the soil, additional habitat for native animals, enhanced energy efficiency of buildings through appropriate use of sun, shade and windbreaks, and inclusion of edible plants. Gardens also incorporate a wide range of plant species including non-cultivar forms to increase genetic diversity.

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AILA's Climate Change Adaptation Skills for Professionals Program 2008 - 2010 has been assisted by the Australian Government through The Commonwealth Department of Climate Change.