Our brief was to prepare a development application for a retirement community in mulgoa. Landscape design was required for entry roads, buffer zones, streetscape and boundaries, private courtyards, central courtyard spaces, front yards and pocket parks. The project involved co-ordination and consideration of a range of environmental issues such as bushfire, riparian corridor and bio diversity.

The landscape concept centred around the interaction of the cultural and environmental landscape of Penrith area. the design looked at a fusion of exotic cultural plantings within the development with local endemic species surrounding the development. Where possible exoctic colourful trees strengthened the courtyards for the seniors living apartments and entries. The use of exotic planting provided a comfortable and familiar environment for residents, in particular those with an interest in classical gardens.

The native vegetation was strategically placed at the interfaces between the riparian zone and biodiversity corridor. the andermic plannting was also used along the streetscape to strengthen the local neighbourhood character.

The landscape was designed as a series of outdoor rooms with themed gardens. The various outdoor spaces are to be named and defined by signature flowering trees. The courtyards were defined and named as follows:

1. Magnolia Green

2. Elm Terrace

3. Myrtle Common

4. Tallow Grove

5. Claret Ash Cascades

All external landscape spaces were linked with loop paths that allowed each graden room to be explored.

This development is a multi functional facility for staged aged care. It involved the creation of public parks and picnic areas, a landscape boulevard, private courtyards, recreational facility and riparian zone. the landscape design had to address the following issues:

- Bushfire

- Riparian buffer zones

- Acces and mobility

- Local endemic planting

- Site context

The retirement resort is to be the first of its kind in australia. the landscape documentation was presented to Frank Sartor for approval.