Shortlisted – AIA Victorian Chapter Awards 2024 – Public Architecture

Healesville Sanctuary sits within a very significant location to the Wurundjeri people, close to Coranderrk Bushland and Bulibuntal (also known as Mt Riddell). The creation story of Wurundjeri people tells us Bulibuntal is the resting place of Bunjil, who is the Ancestral Wedge-tailed Eagle, creator of their lands, waterways, animals and people.

The landscape design for stage one of the project, the Raptor Rehabilitation Centre, was driven by the site’s location and adjacency to Bulibuntal. Planting species were selected from the pre-colonisation Ecological Vegetation Classification of Bulibuntal and from Healesville Sanctuary’s landscape masterplan. This planting combination creates a distinct identity while complementing the existing landscape context.

Stage two of the project was to landscape a new forecourt, to gather visitors near the Raptor Rehabilitation Centre and at the entry of the Australian Wildlife Health Centre (wildlife hospital). It is a quiet place to rest, gather and contemplate threats to Australian wildlife. Plant species and retaining walls were selected to harmonise with existing context. Lawn and trees are planted for beauty and shade, to cool the area so it is inviting at all times of the year.