A5 Site landscaping and communal open space
A5.01
Communal open spaces Section Summary
High Density Communal Open Space Considerations Checklist: • Ensure a contextual approach to landscape which integrates the development into the existing community. • Most of the open space must be clearly defined and functional, not left- over space between buildings. • Seek to minimise communal open space such as fenced courtyards designed for exclusive use by select groups and maximise public open space. • Areas of shared open space must include non-secluded seated areas. • Consider creating opportunity for incorporating artworks to outdoor spaces. • Create open space networks that are linked through the provision of walking and cycle trails and integrated with open space from abutting subdivisions.Best practice is to aim for rooftop commu-nal areas where practical and an Housing Choices preferred initiative. This requirement is to be assessed on case-by-case basis. • Consider communal areas for activities that are difficult to accommodate in apartment living ie. car washing bays, plant potting areas, pet washing station etc. • For rooftop gardens and open space to levels above ground, consider the need for deep root planting, root barriers, waterproofing strategy, and automated irrigation strategy to all common area landscaped areas. • All common area garden taps to be brass vandal proof fittings. • Any furniture is to be robust and vandal proof. • Where open rodded balustrades and railings are proposed, consider the potential impact for building users to experience vertigo and creating wind noise, particularly to upper levels. Low Density Communal Open Space Considerations Checklist: • Fencing in line with existing or appropriate to the neighbourhood character and in line with local authority guidelines is to be allowed for to all boundaries. • If space allows, consider a communal open space for all residents to use. • Provide a clothesline within available private open space.
Communal open spaces should be created as attractive, healthy, and high- quality environments that encourage people outdoors, to be active, and to connect with their local community. These should be functional and safe areas that accommodate passive and active recreation, nature conservation, recreation and play, formal and informal sport, and social interaction. Communal Open Space Considerations Checklist: • Develop a high-quality landscape design that is commensurate to the urban design and architec-ture. • Ensure adequate capacity for planting high canopy trees where appropriate and needed, includ-ing providing deep root planting space, root barriers, and waterproofing detailing as needed. • Common landscaped areas shall be irrigated by a standard automatic watering system. The irriga-tion system is to utilise stored rainwater if a retention tank is incorporated into the develop-ment.Ensure all open spaces are inclusive and welcoming. • Maximise passive surveillance and avoid blank walls facing public or communal spaces. • Areas of shared open spaces must be landscaped with a variety of soft and hard treatments to cater for different uses. • Within building setbacks landscaping must be used to soften the built form, provide summer shade to the building, and provide a break in hard surfacing. • Provide an interactive interface between dwellings and public spaces. • Clearly distinguish between private property and public open space; and accommodate people of all abilities, ages, and cultures.A landscape plan is to be submitted to Housing Choices for ap-proval. • Healthy existing trees are to be retained wherever possible. • All gate hardware is to be welded. • Low maintenance. Any communal areas requiring regular upkeep should be avoided. • The design should minimise any opportunities for injury.
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Housing Choices Australia | Design Guidelines
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