LAVA reimagines Garden Island

Garden Island

Nineteenth century heritage buildings are reimagined as cultural facilities, colonial architect Francis Greenway’s vision for a pyramid is fulfilled and new residential and recreational buildings are inspired by the natural forms of Sydney Harbour, under a concept developed by LAVA for Garden Island.

Garden Island
Image © LAVA

LAVA’s ideas for Garden Island in Sydney Harbour turn a previously inaccessible headland into a cultural, leisure, and community destination. LAVA was commissioned to explore how the area could evolve in future decades, by the Urban Task Force in response to a report by former Deputy NSW Premier, Peter Collins, on the future of Garden Island.

Garden Island
Image © LAVA

The former dry-dock could be used for floating markets, harbour baths, theatre performances and boat shows, whilst a new residential precinct is inspired by the sweeping curves of Sydney Harbour with all its wonderful bays and beaches and sandstone headlands.

Garden Island
Image © LAVA

“The new buildings make a departure from the traditional vertical apartment box model, into a green and sustainable, airy tower landscape, with roof terraces, balconies, swimming pools and community facilities,” said Chris Bosse, LAVA director.

Garden Island
Masterplan

The whole front of the island toward the harbour could have been contrived so as to have formed part of the base of the pyramid with steps leading up to it in various directions”. “It is an opportunity to .. create a new city precinct on the waterfront, return Garden Island to garden with green technology and naturally cooling
buildings.”

Garden Island
Diagram

Staged over 10-30 years there could also be a high-tech park, museums, galleries and other public buildings. The concept presupposes that the Navy is relocated to another location in the future and that the international cruise terminal is relocated to Garden Island, allowing the worlds largest cruise ships to visit Sydney. Source and images, Courtesy of LAVA.

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