Content
Landscape design guidelines
Flora
Generally, plant species are to be predominantly from those indigenous to the Sunshine Coast Region. The Bushland Zone is exclusively species which are locally indigenous with plants being propagated from local seed sources. The Parkland is a mix of locally and regionally indigenous trees with a minor component of other species.
Within the main campus building area a more eclectic approach is appropriate in response to the wide ranging needs of specific spaces and micro-climatic conditions. Here locally and regionally indigenous species are mixed with native and a small proportion of exotic species.
Character
The overall character of the campus is one of an open woodland in which locally and regionally indigenous tree species predominate. Thus the colours, textures and quality of light specific to the region are an everyday feature of the campus. This local distinctiveness will be familiar to Sunshine Coast residents, yet be experienced by visitors as a unique expression of the regional environment.
Within the main building area a more varied series of sub characters are possible, although these are held within the strong landscape framework of the Central Spine and the cross link path avenues.
Throughout the campus the landscape exhibits an uncluttered, casual and simple quality which complements the buildings and facilitates full enjoyment of the benign climate which supports outdoor living.
Views
The parkland nature of the campus landscape supports open views throughout. However, a series of designed views also contribute to a sense of order and orientation within the landscape.
The principal designed view is along the central spine. This view is the major organising experience within the main campus area, allowing a sense of connection with the lakes and the wider landscape, while providing a strong spatial experience of the built form of the campus.
Views to the lakes from throughout the campus are important in providing a sense of orientation within the wider landscape.
Generally visual links with surrounding development, as with physical connections, are encouraged to allow maximum integration of the campus with the wider community. This is balanced with the need for some screening along Claymore Road and the school boundary to the south west.
Sub-topics
Landforming and earthworks
Contextual development
Landforming and earthworks
Building platforms
Each grid section within the main building area progresses down the slope along the Central Spine with a 500mm difference in level.
This level difference allows for a gradual terraced sequence down the spine. It does however present challenges in the manner in which this level change is either taken up within the length of the building or accommodated within the path corridor between buildings.
Each building should resolve this issue within its own footprint and/or contribute to the negotiation of the level change within the abutting path corridor.
Wherever possible fill or removal of topsoil from site should be avoided.
Localised earth mounding
Within the uniform and gently sloping campus landscape localised mounding should be used sparingly to create special landscape spaces, screen buildings, direct drainage or compliment adjacent excavated water bodies.
Utilised carefully, rises and depressions can be used to considerable dramatic effect in an otherwise uniform ground-plane such as the campus site.
Contextual development
Mountain Creek Road
The open woodland of the parkland zone of the campus should extend to Mountain Creek Road . As this road is developed during the construction of the Town centre it will more than likely be flanked by an avenue of large scale trees.
The most appropriate integration with the campus landscape will occur if future road-side planting of Mountain Creek Road is with a species which is prevalent within the university parkland zone i.e. a large Eucalypt.
Back to top