FORGE develops contemporary shelters and an eco-sensitive walkway, enhancing connectivity and...
- Client
- Bayside City Council
- Project Partners
- CHROFI (Detail Design Drawings) and McGregor Coxall (Masterplan)
- State
- Victoria
Bringing nature back to inner-Melbourne.
Occupying crown land just 8km from the centre of Melbourne, Bayside City Council was looking to transform the former 9-hole Elsternwick Park golf course site into a natural wetland oasis to be known as Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve.
Following a successful open tender, FORGE was appointed to realise the creative vision for two striking new community facilities within the Reserve - a standalone shade shelter and separate amenities block - based on designs by renowned architects, CHROFI.
Construction of both structures was completed in mid-2024, with the wider transformation of Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve based on a Masterplan created by McGregor Coxall scheduled to open to the public in 2026.
Our involvement.
FORGE was appointed directly by Bayside City Council following an open tender in early 2023. The scope of our brief included the delivery of two key structural elements at Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve: a standalone architectural shade shelter and a separate amenity block.
Our initial involvement saw us work closely with Council to develop and refine their preferred designs for both structures, based on concepts originally created by architects, CHROFI. This included exploration of several cost options during tender discussions.
Once a direction was agreed and approved by Council, the project progressed seamlessly into design detailing, manufacturing and installation on site. Works were completed in mid-2024.
Design Challenge
Featuring flowing curves, intricate detailing, natural textures and elegant finishes, CHROFI’s architectural vision for the shelters was beautiful and highly ambitious. However translating this concept into the real world - whilst staying on budget - was far from straight forward. It was also essential that everything we delivered reflected the wider vision for Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve: “A beautifully designed and maintained native parkland, wetland and urban forest … that echoes the beauty of the land before the invasion of concrete and asphalt.” (Elsternwick Park Association, September 2018).
Construction Challenge
With no option for a gravity sewer on site for the new amenities block, the FORGE team had to install a new pump system 400 metres away at an existing sewer point. Additional coordination with a building surveyor and plumber was required to ensure the compliant delivery of the box gutter roof design. All the while, crews needed to work in and around existing trees and extensive Council planting works which were happening concurrently.
Innovation
Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve was one of the very first pilot projects to be run through FORGE's new Pre-Construction Team. Created to directly support and enhance existing project management processes, it brought together key technical, design, delivery and procurement specialists during both the tendering and preliminary stages of the project - long before construction commenced - to ensure the smoothest and most cost-effective outcome possible.
Features
- 1 x Standalone Shade Shelter (13.7m x 9.3m x 3.9m)
- 1 x Shelter with Amenity (14m x 8m x 3.9m)
Materials
- Mild Steel
- Timber Screens & Cladding
- Brick (walls)
- Concrete (flooring)
- Pic Perf Aluminium (soffits)
Safety & Risk Considerations
Strict EMP controls were required during works to mitigate any risk of run-off contamination of the chain of ponds within Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve. Existing trees and irrigation systems also needed to be identified and carefully protected during 400 metres of trenching to the local sewer point.
Sustainability Considerations
Set amongst natural marshy wetlands, the former golf course site boasted rich biodiversity with waterways that needed to be carefully preserved and nurtured both during and after works. Whilst allowing visitors to experience the Reserve’s natural wonders from close quarters, the new structures also needed to be delivered in a sensitive way that ensured the area remained a safe and attractive space for targeted flora and fauna species to inhabit.
