Knowing, Growing and Eating Edible Native Plants

WAX team members Matt Baida and Corey Brown recently participated in a three part workshop based on knowing, growing and eating edible native plants. With less the 2% of pre-European vegetation remaining across the Adelaide Plains, the workshop, run by the South Australian Native Food Association (SANFA), aimed to promote and educate on the importance and cultural significance of native plant species in our landscape. With talks from Neville Bonny (former president of SANFA) and numerous local growers, Matt and Corey began to realise that native foods are making a slow climb up the dietary ladder of many Australians.
With local growers harbouring a passion for the benefits of growing and eating native plants and helping us to reconsider our food choices. There is a battle to introduce these products into the mainstream with a slow and steady approach seeing the public opinion on edible wild foods begin to shift to one of acceptance as they discover their uses in tasty recipes. Our growers, however, are not only aware of their great flavours but are also privy to their nutritional value. Whilst there is still a lot of research to be done into species such as Lemon Myrtle, Muntrie, Wattle Seed and the Quandong, the aboriginal people have known for some time the superior vitamin and mineral content. With edible native plants being adapted to our growing conditions and providing important links to South Australia’s remaining fragmented remnant vegetation, the future for our growers looks positive. Matt and Corey both unanimously agreed the highlight for the workshops were the tasting sessions, where they got to dig into dishes that included wattle seed pavlova with quandong topping, muntries berry jelly slice and lemon myrtle sausages, giving them a glimpse into the culinary possibilities of native plants. For further information please visit, http://www.sanativefoods.org.au/.

NAG Design Festival 2011

The New Architects and Graduates Group (NAG) and the Adelaide City Council have partnered to help rethink the way public space is used in Adelaide, through a design competition to design a shade structure in Bonython Park. WAX and sculptor Rick Clise, approached the project as a chance to generate and share ideas, in a collaborative, explorational process.

WAX Design's concept, XYLEM, was a celebration of the natural and the constructed. It was also an exploration of how light can be crafted to create shade, prospect and shelter. A stainless steel support structure appears to emerge from the ground plane with an artifical root system, which creates sculpted earth mounds and forms congregation areas. Rising up from the support system is the canopy and a series of inclined laser cut leaves that partially open, creating dramatic contrast of light and shade, whilst ensuring shelter is maintained. During rainfall the water captured from the canopy is funnelled down the structure and cascades through the structure, over the earth mounds and into a wetlands system. XYLEM is allegorical, representing the resilience of nature in the wake of industrial intervention. It combines the poetic and the functional, through light and structural elegance, to create beauty whilst satisfying basic human necessity for shade, prospect and shelter.

Congratulations to the winning design 'Flock', which can be seen along with all the other entries on the NAG Design Festival website.

http://nagdesignfestival.tumblr.com/

Mellor Park pencil forest playspace complete

In Adelaide's eastern suburbs nestled amongst the existing Eucalyptus trees, an organic and winding series of connected spaces provide opportunities for dynamic, interactive, passive and reflective play. WAX Design in conjunction with the City of Burnside utilise the key principles, adventure and naturalistic play in the upgrade of Mellor Park.
Play opportunities are created from a feature raised mound of artificial turf with talking tubes allowing communication and sound to be a part of play. Kids can weave amongst the pencil forest set within a pebble mulch, encouraging natural exploration, or get tangled in the climbing net that provides opportunities for more adventurous interaction.

WAX Design Play Space Wins International Accolade

Leading landscape architecture and garden design firm, WAX Design, has won a coveted International Play Association (IPA) Right to play Award of Excellence at the recent IPA World Conference. The award, one of eight given internationally and the only one awarded to an Australian entrant, was presented for their Hazelwood Park play space project, known as 'Wombat Waterhole', which was completed in August 2011.

Sense of community created for medium density housing residents

May saw the completion of the landscaping for Melrose Park aged housing development. WAX Design in conjunction with Energy Architecture looked to provide a design solution that created a sense of community, engagement and pride for the residents of this medium density SA Housing development.
Open semi private courtyards, shaded seating alcoves and communal areas offer the individual an opportunity to pause, converse and interact.
A native, low maintenance garden with an organic materials palate provides a durable and enduring landscape which links through to the mixed use car park and pedestrian access, bounded by swales and rain water storage.

State Recognition of Hazelwood Park Play Space

WAX Design and Ric McConaghy were the recipients of a LASA Award of Excellence for the Hazelwood Park Play Space. LASA (Landscape Association of South Australia) presented Warwick Keates and Amanda Balmer (pictured below) with the award in the Design of a Commercial Landscape ($100,000 - $500,000 Category) for 2011.
LCS (Landscape Construction Services) also received an award for the construction of the Hazelwood Park Play Space at the same awards ceremony signifying the broad success of the project.

Marryatville Primary School kids get their hands dirty.

‘The best and cheapest food is that which you grow in your own patch of dirt’ - Lolo Houbein. With rising food prices, concerns about food security and a push towards a more sustainable future, there has never been a better time to start growing your own food. Who better to instil this belief in than the future custodians of this planet, our children. WAX Design has been working in a volunteer capacity with Marryatville Primary School for the past eighteen months to produce a landscape master plan. The master plan aims to enhance amenity, aesthetic pleasure, and play value and teach the concept of sustainability.

Works undertaken so far include, the construction of the productive garden in collaboration with GRUBS, the school’s volunteers committee and the creation of the butterfly garden surrounding several class rooms, which is currently being planted out by the children.

WAX would like to acknowledge and thank Yates and Heynes Nursery for their support and generous donations.

Follow WAX Design on Twitter!

WAXtweets brings you up to date information on WAX Design projects and interesting quotes/links.

Better than (re)new

Readers of the Adelaide Review will have seen an interview with Matt Baida of WAX Design this April, entitled 'Better than (re)new'. His Master's project 'Time's Arrow' dealt with a number of issues around the impact of mining projects and the potential for creative output. Matt noted:

“Land art should not cost more if it is planned for from the start. The time for mining companies to measure their success by profit alone is past. They need to answer their responsibility to the environment as well.”

http://www.adelaidereview.com.au/article/672

Stunning Wall Revealed

The recent completion of a Pine Street garden design in Stirling has yielded come stunning results. WAX Design, Summit Landscape and Prospect Contractors combined to achieve the successful design and installation of the project. Most notably, the implementation of a gabion wall of basket range sandstone along the fringe of an existing rock outcrop has seen some striking results.

Courtyard Collaborative

WAX Design has successfully collaborated with the University of South Australia Match Studios and the Women and Children's Hospital Foundation for the design resolution of a hospital courtyard. Orchestrated by Studio Director Jane Andrews and WCHF Art's Coordinator Jill Newman, students beckoned from a variety of courses to focus on the design of the courtyard space with inspiration from WAX.

Rodney Owen Beames Award Success

Matt Baida of WAX Design has received the Rodney Owen Beames Award for his ‘Times Arrow’ project whilst at the University of Adelaide.


In presenting the award the judges made the following citation:

‘Matt's design for the rehabilitation of a copper mine at Kanmantoo in the Adelaide Hills demonstrated a sound knowledge of the principles of landscape remediation of ex-mining sites whilst also emphasising the ‘social’ remediation of the area.

His design philosophy was focused on entropy and the tension between culture and nature, with the title of his project The Arrow of Time reflecting the processes of thermodynamics.

Matt’s design embraced the remediation process of the site by visually showing and referencing the mining processes in different elements, acknowledging that mining did occur rather than trying to disguise it. This then allowed for the creative re use of the tailings and the mine pits for community and educational uses – something he termed social remediation.

The integration of land art, natural systems and technical ability in his design reflected a true understanding of landscape architecture as being a process of science versus art.

He also displayed how his design could be staged and implemented over many years to align with the long term remediation process, and any financial budgets that may drive the remediation’.

The citation was referenced from the AILA website:
http://www.aila.org.au/sa/beames/default.htm

Welcome Matt!

WAX Design would like to welcome Matt Baida to the company.
Matt is an award winning graduate in Landscape Architecture from the University of Adelaide having recently completed his Masters.
Welcome aboard!

Walkerville Terrace Upgrade Completed

Works have been completed on the upgrade of the Walkerville Terrace streetscape.WAX Design successfully collaborated with a number of parties including JPE Architects, the Town of Walkerville, Tonkin, Watpac and Dig It to achieve the goal of improving the overall appearance of Walkerville Terrace.

Hindmarsh Island Auction Home

WAX Design recently donated their time and expertise in garden design for a Charity Auction Home having been invited by the Women’s and Children’s Hospital Foundation. The Auction home is located on the Marina, Hindmarsh Island and the hammer is set to fall on the 26th of February 2011.
Further Details on the property can be found at:

http://www.toop.com.au/fulldetails.asp?refid=LOT206HIN0A

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

Planning Institute of Australia Awards of Excellence 2009

WAX Design recently received a number of awards including the Minster’s Award of Excellence at the PIA (SA) Awards Night. These awards recognise the company’s continued commitment to urban planning and design through collaboration, imagination and the pursuit of excellence.

Minister’s Award

The Rundle Project: The Rundle Street Integrated Public Arts Masterplan

The Minister’s Award is given to the overall winner of the South Australian Awards for Planning Excellence. This Award is judged by the South Australian Minister for Urban Development and Planning.

"The Rundle Project’s success in winning this year’s Minister’s Award is due to the collaborative approach brought to developing this Masterplan. It is also reflects the importance of using planning to deal not only with land-use issues and implications, but also to develop an urban design framework that encourages interesting places that stimulate thinking, invite interaction and provide for contemplation. Fostering better urban design will be one of the key outcomes of the State Government’s 30-Year Plan for Greater Adelaide, so it is not only fitting but timely that the Rundle Project should be the recipient of this year’s Minister’s Award." (citation)

Award of Excellence Urban Design - Plans and Ideas
The Rundle Project: The Rundle Street Integrated Public Arts Masterplan

WAX Design in partnership with Tanya Court, Special Projects Under Development (SPUD) and Naomi Horridge.

“The jurors recommend an Award for this innovative project, which demonstrates a thorough understanding of the place of art in the urban design of public places. The project client was Adelaide City Council who should be commended for commissioning the work and encouraged to continue this commitment to urban design. The project adds considerable value to the body of knowledge of the cultural aspects of urban design in the city. The manner in which the document is presented is suitably reflective of guidelines created for public art along a linear corridor and sets a high standard and innovative mode of communication of this planning matter.” (juror's citation)

Award of Excellence Urban Design - Plans and Ideas
Port Vincent Urban Design Framework

This project was led by WAX Design in partnership with JPE; Suter Planners; Shane Foley and Associates.

“The jurors recommend an Award for this excellent framework for the future development of the coastal township of Port Vincent. The project documentation displays a very high level of urban design analysis, creative ideas development, excellent presentation and a thorough engagement of the community. The framework provides flexibility for effective decision making about future projects without being too proscriptive, but provides some photomontages of the potential. The document displays a very high standard of illustration with excellent graphics, which communicate the potential for urban design excellence in the town." (juror's citation)

Australian Institute of Landscape Architects Awards of Excellence 2009

WAX Design was recently recognised for its collaborative and innovative approach to landscape architecture and urban design at the AILA (SA) Awards Night 2009.

Landscape Architecture Award for Planning

“The project demonstrates an innovative approach to planning for public art in the urban landscape. Using public art typologies and many techniques from the urban design framework process, such as responding to the social and urban context of the street, this document demonstrates a structure for future public art proposals. The collaborative team of landscape architects and artists creatively responded to the brief, and this approach is reflected in the design of the document that challenges conventional ways of representing information.” (jurors citation)

LASA vist to Jacobs Creek Visitors Centre

The Landscape Association of South Australia recently hosted the National Landscape Conference here in Adelaide. As part of the event, the delegates went on a tour of the Barossa Valley and and stopped Jacobs Creek Visitors Centre for lunch, as it was an opportunity to show case a recent LASA award winning project.
WAX felt privileged to be able to discuss the project with the delegates and open up a dialogue regarding their view points on the use of native plants in a contemporary setting, the value of biodiversity and sustainability, and of course, enjoy a glass of the local wine!

Graffiti of the Loop

During the opening night of the Bowerbird Bazaar at the Queens theatre, WAX engaged aerosol artist 'Aka the Store' to tag one of the Loop seats. Guests arriving at the event were greeted with the evolving art, and the Loop was transformed into an amazing canvas of colour and shape. WAX would like to thank Bullseye Creative and DaKlinic for their support and assistance in bringing this event together.

Bowerbird Baazar

WAX Design has been invited to be a part of the inaugural Bowerbird Design here in Adelaide, show casing the award winning Loop Seat. We have engaged an aerosol artist 'Vans Omega' to paint a seat during the event.

Please see flyer below for details, an opportunity to see many talented local and interstate designers, artists, crafts people and more. Feel free to check out their website, http://www.bowerbirdbazaar.com.au/

SPASA Award

A recent WAX Design project at Kensington Park has picked up an award at the Pool and Spa Association of South Australian. The contemporary pool installed by Quantum Pools has recieved a Gold Medal for the under $50,000 geometric pool catergory.

Award of Excellence, Landscape Associaton of South Australia

WAX is proud to announce it has recently received an award for the landscape design at Jacobs Creek Visitors Centre. The Award of Excellence recognises the contemporary use of native plants, creating a sense of arrival to the centre and show casing the environmental view point that the company is adopting. The design is a focal point for the ongoing projects that Orlando Wines are instigating, as a result of the positive feed back this project has generated from the visitors, the employees and the community.

WAX's success in this project are also attributed to Greg Stirling from Orlando Wines and Bob Knott from Galwer and Barossa Landscape Services.