2010 PIA Award Success for WAX Design

WAX Design, in conjunction with URPS, was the recipient of an award for planning excellence in the category of Rural and Regional Planning Achievement for the Georgetown Urban Design Framework.
The ‘Georgetown into the Future’ UDF was commissioned to provide a vision for the future development for the small rural township in the mid north of the State. Its approach demonstrated how planning can positively impact on small struggling communities with realistic outcomes that can be implemented over a long period of time. The judges considered it an excellent example of recognising opportunities to build on the existing township qualities, to provide positive outcomes for a small community and improve its overall pride.

For more information on the award follow the link:
http://www.planning.org.au/documents/item/2240

Hazelwood Playspace Radio Interview 5AA

Warwick Keates and Amanda Balmer were recently interviewed on 5AA Radio by Amanda Blair, to talk about the success of the Hazelwood Park Playspace at Burnside.
Light discussion revealed the triumph of a collaborative approach to the playspace design, and the necessity for variation in play opportunities.

Amanda Balmer “The success was down to a collaborative effort with Play space designer Ric Mcconaghy and Burnside Council. We combined the natural play and the constructive play to appeal to all ages and all level of abilities. The ideal is for parents to allow children to make their own assessment as to what they’re capable of rather than prescribing”.

Green Roofs Conference

WAX Design’s Mark Jackson recently attended the Green Roofs Conference in October at the Adelaide Zoo. There were interesting contributions with representatives coming from around the world, including keynote speaker Raphael Garcia (Rana Creek, USA), who noted ‘The education of Landscape Architects on Green Roofs is key’


WAX Design understands and supports sustainable green infrastructure initiatives, due to the opportunities for reduction in the Urban Heat Island effect, reduction in stormwater run off, improvement of air quality, improvement in urban biodiversity, creation of urban food production, and desirable enhancement of the urban aesthetic.

WAX Design are now registered members of Green Roof's Australia, a not-for-profit organisation that draws together the governmental, organisational and businesses groups and individuals interested in being kept informed about green roof science, technology, practice, regulations and specifications. GRA promote green roofs as an effective response to climate change and city heat island effects, and to reduce buildings’ carbon footprints.


http://greenroofs.wordpress.com/

Trio of Awards for Beaumont Garden

WAX Design have recently received two LASA awards for excellence for residential design in Beaumont, inlcuding an overall award from ABC Gardening Talkback for its sustainablity. This highly acclaimed project also gained an a third award that evening, for excellence in Constuction, going to Summit Landscape who helped to create the landscape.

Short Story Success

WAX Design's Mark Jackson was a finalist in the Career Transition short story competition run by the WorkLifeGroup. His story 'A Graduates Retrospect' looks at the experiences of a Landscape Architect following graduation from University.

The story can be viewed at:

http://career.worklifegroup.com/career-stories/graduates-retrospect-mark-lewis-jackson-66.html

Welcome Mark!

WAX Design would like to welcome Mark Jackson to the company. Mark is a Landscape Architect who has experience working in Australia, and also the UK where he recently returned from in January 2010. He has lived and and worked in Newcastle Upon Tyne, Sheffield, Leeds and Manchester. Welcome aboard!

WAX featured in SA Gardens Magazine

A garden designed by WAX at a Beaumont redsidency has been a feature of the recent SA Gardens magazine. The article entitled 'Water Works' focuses on the sustainable use of water and its incorporation into a functioning modern day garden. Having overcome the challenges of water retention and irrigation on such a steep site, the platform was created for superb growing conditons for both native planting and fruit baring trees. The planting soaks up much of the stormwater successfully captured in swales and stored in several retention basins.
P.23-25 Volume 1

Hazelwood Park nearing completion

A successful collaboration between WAX Design, play space designer Ric Mcconhagy, Burnside Council and LCS has seen the creation of an ambitious new playground in the remenant eucalypt setting of Hazelwood Park. Not only does the design actively promote the notion of natural play, but also the greater benefits of social interaction amongst all age groups. The largely open plan design also accomodates disabled users through accessible pathways and disabled dedicated play equipment. The park will be opening shortly.

WAX featured in Outdoor Design & Living Magazine

Further recognition has been given to a contemporary garden designed by WAX. Seeking to maximise use of a limited space, the cohesive design successfuly linked the house, garden and pool areas, resulting in a user friendly, family-sympathetic space.
- P.160-161, Vol 21