A third of the existing mature trees on the former school site have been retained through careful planning. Around 350 new trees will be planted in public areas to create green corridors linking to existing trees and bushland, as well as new parks.

The landscaping will feature retained local and exotic trees, with a diverse understorey of endemic plant species. This planting mix reflects the site’s rich history, both Indigenous and European. Green corridors will provide habitat for native fauna, including iconic black cockatoos. New planted trees will double the size of the existing canopy cover over the site, providing protected and shaded areas for residents, as well as creating feeding, roosting and nesting sites for birds and other animals.

We are working closely with local community groups to support their stewardship of the area and recognise the cultural links between the site’s flora, fauna and the broader Hamilton Hill landscape context. The new landscaping will reflect a Whadjuk Noongar trail identified through the site.

Rehabilitating the natural bushland at the southern part of the site, which links to the Beeliar Regional Park, will create a flourishing greenlink for wildlife.

Indigenous and European cultural connections to the site will be reflected through public art, street names and parks to enrich the character of the overall development. The site’s recent history as a school will be reflected in the geometric planning and the use of repurposed and recycled school building materials in the landscape.

Quality public open space will form 17 per cent of the developed area – almost double the minimum requirement. The diverse range of public open spaces, such as kickabout areas, contemplative spaces, barbeque facilities and nature play, are thoughtfully located across the development and well connected by walking and cycling paths.

OneOneFive has a strong focus on sustainability, incorporated from early design and planning through to completion. The project has been awarded the maximum 6 leaves for the Urban Development Institute of Australia’s EnviroDevelopment framework, which is their highest level of sustainability certification.

Achieving this rating required close attention to reducing the impact on the local ecosystem, sustainable use of materials, energy and water, careful waste management, and improving community wellbeing.

OneOneFive has a strong focus on sustainability, incorporated from early design and planning through to completion. The project has been awarded the maximum 6 leaves for the Urban Development Institute of Australia’s EnviroDevelopment framework, which is their highest level of sustainability certification.

Achieving this rating required close attention to reducing the impact on the local ecosystem, sustainable use of materials, energy and water, careful waste management, and improving community wellbeing.

Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) features allow for the passive treatment and natural infiltration of stormwater via vegetated swales (rain gardens), permeable paving, and underground detention galleries. These WSUD features increase soil moisture, helping the growth of mature trees and new plantings, and reduce pressure on our local council’s stormwater infrastructure.

Good water management is important to support, maintain and improve biodiversity across the site as well as the connected ecosystems. Urban greening is a key part of the overall site philosophy to ensure improved liveability, amenity and biodiversity outcomes. The site is part of a broader system, and therefore water management will consider neighbouring areas and bushland. Appropriate vegetation will be maintained and enhanced to maximise shading and cooling effects.

It is important to balance water conservation with the need for irrigation that supports healthy green spaces including active play and recreation areas. Landscapes will be ‘hydrozoned’ to ensure appropriate plants are selected and water is allocated in our public open spaces, streetscapes and private gardens. In addition, efficient smart metering systems will be installed to help detect leaks, measure soil moisture and consider weather forecasts.

Alternative water capture and storage systems, as well as a variety of water sources, will be included to support the long-term water needs of the community. These fit-for–purpose options will have lower impacts on the environment and include:

• Using rainwater for toilets and washing machines,
• Greywater-ready plumbing for larger lots,
• Groundwater for watering public and private spaces, with sustainable recharge of the aquifer,
• Onsite stormwater management and infiltration for cooling the urban environment and providing additional water for trees and plants.

Water savings will be established at the household level though good planning and design guidelines, including:

• Medium density development with smaller lots to reduce garden water use and a range of high-quality, attractive and useful shared green spaces to provide connection with nature,
• Design Guidelines that target water-efficient fixtures and fittings such as taps, showerheads, toilets and appliances,
• Incentives to support the uptake of efficiency measures and alternative water systems,
• Community programs to support and encourage waterwise behaviour.

OneOneFive provides a unique opportunity to investigate, document and communicate how integrated water management approaches can become mainstream practice in Perth’s urban development industry. This work will be captured through the HSHS Waterwise Development Exemplar program, which is supported by DevelopmentWA and Water Corporation, along with key stakeholders City of Cockburn and Department of Water and Environment. The program will trial leading innovative water management practices and the learnings will inform future stages of sub-division and other developments.

The development has been certified as a Water Corporation Waterwise Development, with additional research partnerships explored to test new ideas.

We are aiming to create a thriving new residential community that integrates with the surrounding area and supports the City of Cockburn’s Revitalisation Strategy. The development will provide about 232 lots and deliver around 310 diverse, climate-responsive homes, with opportunities for affordable living.

We worked with the local community in planning and have incorporated their feedback into key areas such as retaining trees and bushland, the importance of sustainability, respect for the site’s Aboriginal heritage, and acknowledgement of the former school’s history and stories. We will support local community groups to continue the excellent conservation work they undertake.

We are working with the City of Cockburn, the local community and other groups in developing strong and seamless connections to the surrounding area. The range of adjacent infrastructure and activities will support the delivery of a quality infill development to help meet the needs of Perth’s growing population.

The design will reflect and incorporate the site’s history as an important local high school with the use of recycled school building materials and the retention of a school quadrangle. An art installation reflecting the site’s Aboriginal heritage and educational history will enhance the character of the development. The planning also acknowledges an identified Whadjuk Noongar trail across the site. Naming of streets and parks will also reflect the site’s Aboriginal and European heritage and culture.

The development features a strong commitment to urban greening by retaining existing vegetation, supporting conservation work in adjacent bushland, and adding new quality parklands and public spaces. Our design seeks to create a comfortable microclimate, which tackles urban heat and enhances the existing tree canopy and vegetation. Green corridors and public accessways will provide important links to a series of neighbourhood parks through the development, creating a connected and walkable community