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Growing the Vision: SLS Brings The Forest at UTAS to Life

SLS Landscape Group crafted a technically precise, immersive forest landscape, bringing tranquillity and natural beauty to the University of Tasmania – The Forest.

SLS Landscape Group

On projects where landscape is embedded within the building fabric, success requires construction discipline and experience in interpreting architectural intent with innovative, build-able solutions.

At the University of Tasmania’s The Forest redevelopment, SLS Landscape Group delivered a transformative living internal and external landscape that required careful sequencing, technical coordination, and a nuanced understanding of the project’s design vision.

Drawing on extensive experience delivering complex urban landscapes, SLS executed works across multiple zones, creating a cohesive forest-like environment that now sits at the heart of the campus.

“In the Atrium area, we constructed all the garden areas and planting, including the installation of the Stratavault system and forest pool,” explains Dean Harris, General Manager. “We also handled boulder placement, the timber boardwalk, irrigation including the misting system, paving base works, gravel pavement, and concrete footings for the light poles and fallen tree.”

Their detailed craftsmanship extended into the laneway, where SLS delivered garden construction, irrigation and planting, boulder placement, sandstone retaining walls, and additional forest pool installations. In the carpark precinct, they constructed the garden areas, irrigation, planting, timber handrails, and further sandstone retaining structures.

“Working in a relatively small workspace around other trades with limited access provided some challenges,” Dean said. “Sourcing suitable material for the forest pools to ensure they held water was another hurdle. And with the architect aiming to recreate a dense forest environment, fitting in all the specified plants within the space was challenging.”

Designed by Realm Architecture, the landscape intent was deeply integrated with the building’s form and the university’s sustainability-led vision. “What we were undertaking had already been designed to fit in with the overall environment. Realm has done an amazing job,” Dean explained.

For more information contact SLS Landscape Group, 14 -16 Hale Street, Derwent Park TAS 7009, phone 03 6273 0075, website www.slslandscapegroup.com.au

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Seeding Long-Term Value Through Integrated landscaping Works

Space Landscape Construction delivered integrated civil, concrete and landscape works creating public spaces for Walkerville

Space Landscape Construction

The redevelopment of Walkerville Recreation Centre represents a major investment in long-term community infrastructure.

Space Landscape Construction was engaged to deliver the integrated external works package, playing a pivotal role in shaping the site’s functionality, durability, and public-facing space.

Space’s scope included project management and survey, civil construction and structural concrete, slab and perimeter concrete works, stormwater and earthworks, carpark construction, street furniture, feature stone planter boxes, irrigation, garden beds and extensive tree installation.

“Walkerville Recreation Centre was delivered within a tight footprint and timeframe, requiring constant collaboration with the builder and other subcontractors to ensure sequencing worked efficiently across the site,” said Senior Project Manager Rick Cerracchio.

Walkerville Recreation Centre
landscaping and carpark at Walkerville Recreation Centre by Space Landscape Construction.
Space Landscape Construction at Walkerville Recreation Centre

“One of the key challenges was managing complex interfaces while maintaining momentum on critical path activities. Clear communication and proactive planning were essential to keeping works moving safely and efficiently.”

Space’s ability to deliver a fully integrated solution was critical to the project’s success. “Our strength lies in offering a ‘turn-key’ landscape, civil and concrete service,” Rick explained. “That approach allows us to control quality, manage risk and deliver cohesive outcomes across projects of this scale.”

Beyond technical delivery, Space is particularly proud of the long-term community value created at Walkerville. “This project will be used and enjoyed by the community for generations,” Rick said. “Seeing the finished facility come together—from the hardscape to the planted areas—highlights the importance of thoughtful, durable landscape construction in public spaces.”

With more than a decade of experience and a growing portfolio of education, health and community projects across South Australia, Space Landscape Construction continues to establish itself as a trusted partner for complex, high-quality landscape delivery.

Space Landscape Construction logo

For more information contact Space Landscape Construction, 3 Duncan Road Dry Creek 5094, phone 08 8234 8274, email info@spacelc.com.au, website www.spacelc.com.au

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