CLOVER prepared the landscape architecture concept masterplan as part of the multidisciplinary team led by Ekistics, alongside Nettletontribe Architects and New Urban Villages, for this landmark mixed-use development in Parkside.

 

The proposal reimagines the existing Australian Education Union site as a contemporary work-live-play precinct, delivering more than 200 build-to-rent apartments together with commercial office space and a diverse range of resident amenities. Designed to provide long-term, affordable rental housing for teachers and other essential workers, the development responds to South Australia's growing need for well-connected, high-quality urban housing.

 

The landscape strategy creates a sequence of public and private outdoor environments that encourage community interaction, wellbeing and everyday living. At the heart of the design are communal recreation spaces including a swimming pool, social gathering areas, landscaped terraces and shared open spaces that provide opportunities for relaxation, recreation and connection.

 

A defining feature of the landscape is the outward-facing public realm, where interpretive landscapes celebrate Kaurna Country through collaboration with Kaurna Elder Allan Sumner. Native and endemic planting, cultural storytelling and locally responsive landscape elements acknowledge the site's heritage while creating a distinctive sense of place that connects people with Country.

 

The masterplan also carefully responds to the surrounding residential neighbourhood through generous setbacks, retained mature vegetation where possible and layered buffer planting that softens building interfaces while improving privacy, biodiversity and urban cooling.

 

Currently progressing through the planning process with the City of Unley, the project demonstrates how landscape architecture can help shape higher-density living by balancing cultural identity, environmental performance, community wellbeing and contemporary urban design.