Marion Park Masterplan
Mixed Use Buildings for Contreras Earl Architecture
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.
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Marion Park Masterplan by Rafael Contreras
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Mixed Use Buildings by Rafael Contreras
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Rafael Contreras Marion Park Masterplan
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Rafael Contreras Mixed Use Buildings
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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.
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.
Project Overview
Marion Park Masterplan Mixed Use Buildings has been a Bronze winner in the Architecture, Building and Structure Design award category in the year 2023 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Bronze A' Design Award is given to outstanding designs that showcase a high degree of creativity and practicality. It recognizes the dedication and skill of designers who produce work that stands out for its thoughtful development and innovative use of materials and technology. These designs are acknowledged for their professional execution and potential to influence industry standards positively. Winning this award highlights the designer's ability to blend form and function effectively, offering solutions that enhance people's lives and wellbeing.
Image Credits
For design images and photos please credit Rafael Contreras.
Bronze Recognition
Rafael Contreras was recognized with the coveted Bronze A' Design Award in 2024, a testament to excellence of their work Marion Park Masterplan Mixed Use Buildings.
Rafael Contreras Press Releases
For journalists seeking engaging content: Explore our press releases featuring Rafael Contreras's work, freely available for incorporation into your stories. Journalists can access 1 press releases immediately, ready for your use.
Rafael Contreras Newsroom
Discover outstanding design and award-winning initiatives in the Rafael Contreras Newsroom.
