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Marion Park Masterplan Mixed Use Buildings by Rafael Contreras and Monica Earl
Marion Park Masterplan Mixed Use Buildings by Rafael Contreras and Monica Earl
Marion Park Masterplan Mixed Use Buildings by Rafael Contreras and Monica Earl
Marion Park Masterplan Mixed Use Buildings by Rafael Contreras and Monica Earl
Marion Park Masterplan Mixed Use Buildings by Rafael Contreras and Monica Earl

Contreras Earl Architecture

Bronze Architecture, Building and Structure Design · 2024

Marion Park Masterplan Mixed Use Buildings

by Rafael Contreras and Monica Earl

  • A' Design Award 2024 Bronze Winner in Architecture, Building and Structure Design
  • Awarded April 15, 2024
  • CLIENT: Contreras Earl Architecture
  • Estimated Number of Design Views: 15,671
  • Verification code 04F82952A9 · Verify this award
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About Marion Park Masterplan Mixed Use Buildings

Marion Park aims to be an iconic architectural landmark in Canberra, embodying environmental, social, and governance standards. Inspired by indigenous landscapes, its organic buildings mirror local terrain. The park-like setting, enhanced through First Nations’ design contributions, offers diverse spaces. Housing options prioritize sustainability and affordability, aiming for Net Zero energy usage. Compliant with city plans, it preserves Parliament House's prominence while enhancing the urban fabric.

Press Kit

Unique Properties
The Marion Park master plan envisions an iconic architectural landmark in the heart of the Nation’s Capital, embodying top-tier environmental, social, and governance standards. It will offer diverse housing options, including affordable units, designed with sustainability and liveability in mind. Innovative Passiv Haus principles and onsite renewable energy generation will pave the way for economically viable pathways to Net Zero operation via Greenpower, ensuring a sustainable future.
Dimensions & Packaging
Combined the five buildings have a total of approximately 456 residential units, providing a variety of housing typologies designed to functionally meet the intergenerational requirements of individuals, partners and families.
The design consists of 2 corner elliptical buildings, each 17 stories and 3 mid-rise structures, each with seven levels. The project includes food and beverage outlets, commercial and retail offices and a community center allowing users to live and play within the district.
Tags
Masterplan, Mixed-Use, Residential, Commercial, Retail, Park
Production Technology
Our goal is to integrate sustainability into design, construction, and operation, aligning with City Renewal Authority's initiatives. We aim for Net Zero operation through onsite renewables and "Greenpower," using passive design and occupant sensing controls to minimize energy demand. These measures meet environmental, health, and economic objectives while supporting climate resilience and Authority's sustainability goals.
Design Challenge
The challenge was to develop a master plan that would meet sustainable targets with a unique organic design inspired by the surrounding nature on a prime located site.
Project Duration
The project was master planned between June and August 2023.
Operation Flow
Passive design principles reduce cooling and heating demand, following Passiv Haus standards. Intelligent occupant sensing controls decrease energy usage by adjusting light and air-conditioning in unoccupied areas. Responsible water management is integrated with sustainability goals, aiming for net-zero carbon operation, Nathers 7-star rating, and adherence to Passiv Haus principles.
Research
The research laying the fundamentals of the project are based around delivering sustainability initiatives. Key initiatives are passive solar design, optimizing natural ventilation, responsible water management, developing for a green city, growing for long term, maximizing green spaces and moving away from non-renewable energy sources.
Inspiration
Drawing on the same geographic elements which Walter Burley and Marion Mahoney Griffin used in their prize-winning design proposal for Canberra, we have strived to express in built form the indigenous landscape of Ngunnawal country. Each of the buildings has evolved with an organic topographical form reminiscent of the local hill side landscapes. Knowles Place has been considered as urban park emulating Lake Burley Griffin & the Molonglo River as they flow through the Parliamentary Triangle.

Colors of Marion Park Masterplan Mixed Use Buildings

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