McGregor Coxall’s Lizard Log Parklands balances a sustainable and sensitive response to a rural woodland site. Elana Castle reports on the robust, high-end outcome.

Lizard Log Parklands, designed by McGregor Coxall, is the first built project for the new Western Sydney Parklands Trust.  The brief – a variety of parkland facilities – required a design that would cater to the local demographic as well as develop the objective of the parklands as a whole.

“The design had to reflect the Trust’s environmental agenda, though self-sustainable design which could deliver a robust value-for-money project,” explains McGregor Coxall director, Philip Coxall.  “Lizard log aspires to challenge this trend, providing sustainable response to high quality public space where water, energy and materials are seen as key components of the design’s expression.”

The parklands includes the development of an events space, upgraded and extended toilet blocks, BBQ and picnic facilities, redevelopment of the children’s play area, an access bridge and the addition of a new car park.

“The project had to be durable and respond to the central concept of water scarcity on a modest budget,” continues Coxall.  “This involved integrating water reuse by designing swells and custom concrete elements such as water spout wheel stops, which would integrate the car park and park run off with the existing onsite dam infrastructure, naturally filtering and allowing for onsite water reuse.”  The project’s green credentials extend to solar power power generation, dam water toilet flushing systems and grey water irrigation use.

McGregor Coxall’s design also features interconnected pedestrian and cycling pathway formations, timber playground elements crafted from dead trees felled on site, recycled rope recycled from the decommissioned HMAS Adelaide and a children’s play pump and water course system featuring recycled water usage.

McGregor Coxall

mcgregorcoxall.com

Western Sydney Parklands Trust

westernsydneyparklands.com.au

Images © Simon Wood