In Late 2016, AS Design were commissioned to commence with the Concept Design for the refurbishment of the Tradewinds, Rydges resort along the Esplanade in Cairns as part of the Crystalbrook Collection range of hotels / resorts.

Along Abbott Street, the refurbishment portion of the building required to command street presence. This was done through mass planting the verge. All existing understorey planting around the perimeter of the building is to be substituted with a new range of tropical species.

The Minnie Street verge consisted of existing turf is to be replaced with mass low understorey planting complying with CPTED requirements under a dense canopy of overhead trees. This edge creates a dense / lush feel to the yoga deck and function room break-out space along with providing relief from the harsh western sun.

The intersection of Minnie Street and the Esplanade consists of a paved plaza space with seating opportunities under trees and palms overlooking the reflection ponds of the development with the Esplanade as a backdrop. This space provides the public with an opportunity to experience the reflection ponds from the outside along with providing an integrated space with the Esplanade and nearby Muddies Playground.

Inside the development, the elaborate resort pool with associated day bed areas, a beach edge and sun lounges located in shallow water has an island bar and stepped reflection ponds / infinity edge framing the development overlooking the Esplanade and beyond. Soft landscape features are scattered within the pool and restaurant areas consisting of palm trees in islands and planters, vertical trellis structures framing the relaxation pods and feature canopy trees over the restaurant facing the Esplanade.

Construction was completed in January 2019.

In 2016, AS Design were commissioned to commence with the Concept Design for the 12 storey hotel and residential tower development situated at 163 Abbott street in Cairns as part of the Crystalbrook Collection range of hotels / resorts.

The landscape elements are situated on Ground Level, Level 1 and Level 3 only.

The underlying landscape theme of “where rainforest meets urban” is reflected in many ways within the design. On the Ground Level, the angular shaped building footprint creates an open welcoming feel which forms a thoroughfare directly to the central lifts / entry via the bar lounges and restaurant areas.

This structure is continued even further with an organic paving shape signifying the organic leaf shapes of the regions rainforests highlighting the central pedestrian entry from the Port Cochere. The remaining paving wrapping around the building edges follow the angular form reflecting the hard edges of the urban form. With the Port Cochere encroaching into the verge and the paving pattern extending to the back of kerb, there is a seamless transition from public to private.

Level 1 consists of a pool with adequate sun lounges and sun bed opportunities intertwined with organic shaped planters. Lush, tropical planting frame the edges of the podium and encompass a yoga deck.

Level 3 comprises of a continuation of the same paving pattern as the Ground level incorporating planted arbour / trellis structures and seating alcoves along the edges of the building. A pool and deck structure frames a restaurant and bar facing the south.

Randomly located tropical trees and palms provide shade and relief along with ‘softening’ the edges of the building.

Construction was completed in early November 2019

In 2017, AS Design were commissioned to commence with the Concept Design for the 12 storey hotel and residential tower development situated at 85 Esplanade in Cairns as part of the Crystalbrook Collection range of hotels / resorts.

The underlying landscape theme of “where rainforest meets the reef” is reflected in many ways within the design. Abbott Street frontage on the Ground Level consists of the Porte Cochere with pockets of low planters with 2 external planters comprising of large established palms. Clinging and overhanging plants provide a ‘sea’ of green backdrop from Level 2 down to the street level softening the building façade.

Level 2 or the Podium Level consists of the Wellness Centre, Yoga and Meditation Rooms, Guest Pool, Whiskey Bar and Kitchen all encompassed by dense perimeter planting consisting of lush endemic rainforest species.

Strategically located vertical green façade strips run up the building from Levels 4 to 12 providing fingers of lush planting protruding out from the podium level.

Construction of the landscape was completed in December 2019.
 

In 2018, AS Design were commissioned to commence with Schematic Design after Daydream Island was decimated by Cyclone Debbie in 2017.

After several options were investigated, it was the Clients decision to rectify and re-instate the existing landscape and pool where possible.

The planting philosophy for the development included designating different planting zones for different areas. The zones included a colourful arrival experience consisting of classical plantings of coastal tropics but also flowering specimens.

Open ocean front areas consisted of hardy species able to withstand the exposed conditions while sheltered areas within the building interface comprised of lush deep green leafiness and perfumed flowers.

The central pool is encompassed by vibrant colour all year round with contrasting colours of foliage accentuating the pool shape as well as creating a distinctive and memorable experience when viewing from above.

The rainforest wing situated on the western side of the island nestled into the landform is aptly surrounded by lush rainforest species.

The official opening of the redevelopment was 15th of April 2019.

In 2020, AS Design were commissioned to commence with the Concept Design for proposed twin tower residential and commercial buildings along with a cinema block and feature open plaza space.

The development site is bounded by Jephson Street, High Street and Sherwood Road with clear pedestrian access provided to all street frontages including a plaza opening out towards the existing Toowong Village Shopping Centre.

The plaza consists of a large open central space providing a platform for multiple uses such as outdoor dining opportunities, small scale and large scale performances, night markets, gathering space and annual feature events.

A major attraction is a large iconic water feature located on the corner of Sherwood Road with an animated fountain also incorporating music and feature lighting at night. This water feature is said to be the ‘beating heart’ of the plaza which also transforms into a stage for performances and shows.

Strategically located planting areas consisting of varying sized canopy trees and dense understorey planting provide the backdrop to the iconic water feature, as well as framing the plaza circulation routes, promoting a subtropical lifestyle.

The Jephson Street pedestrian access is quite unique incorporating alternating trellis structures with planting nodes open to the sky. Along the journey, it will provide a sense of enclosure and privacy with an open and sub-tropical feel.

The Port Cochere acts as an internal pivotal point connecting all three surrounding road accesses. The arcade servicing the Level 1 retail centre consists of densely planted seated planters with overhead planted trellis structures.

Upper levels of both towers contain strategically located green walls and external planters consisting of draping groundcovers and intertwining vines encompassing trellis structures.

The Commercial Building has a recreation area on Level 15 comprising of feature external seating area and a yoga lawn with city views.

Both towers have rooftop designs which provide dining and break out spaces open to the sky while the Residential Building rooftop specifically consists of an organic shaped swimming pool with an infinity edge with direct city views, feature planted aviary structures with lounging opportunities, sheltered barbecue structures near the pool and a densely planted secluded garden.

The Development Application was approved in late 2020 and documentation commenced in early 2021.

In 2022, AS Design was commissioned to commence with the Concept Design for the proposed 21 Level Residential / Retail Building along High Street, Toowong. 

The building is set back to allow for a dense planting strip with canopy trees along the frontage of retail tenancies facing High Street.  

The Entry Lobby and associated arbour rooms on the Ground Floor are nestled into a dense sub-tropical planting buffer, creating semi-privacy whilst still successfully activating with the new surrounding streetscape treatment. Feature planting to the entry complements the iconic entry canopy and awning extending up High Street. Along Ebor Street, a wire trellis structure provides the platform for colourful vigorous climbers / vines ensuring a dense screen to the narrow laneway. 

The following two levels comprising car parking, are littered with continuous façade planters across three faces of the building with densely planted understorey and overhanging groundcovers. 

Level 4 is the first residential podium level consisting of a central core of living space encompassed by a green buffer of planting to the terraced edges, including a mix of columnar and canopy trees and associated understorey planting. Levels 5 to 19 consist of alternating façade planters running up on both the northern and southern sides of the building. 

Level 21 is the recreation rooftop space comprising a large swimming pool, a small mineral pool, yoga lawn, barbecue and outdoor dining and lounging spaces. These spaces are interconnected by covered walkways and bounded by large garden beds with tropical species of palms and trees with a Singaporean flavour. 

The Development Application was lodged in early April 2022 and currently awaiting approval. 

In 2021, AS Design were commissioned to commence with the Concept Design for the proposed 30 Level Build-to-Rent units located on the corner of Campbell, Edgar and Hazelmount Streets, Bowen Hills. 

The site is perched on a crest in Bowen Hills and has unimpeded views of Brisbane abroad. 

The Ground Level predominantly consists of retail facing all 3 street frontages with lush sub-tropical planting pockets located along the edges of the tenancies to break up the paving area and integrate landscape from the adjacent streetscape into the building. 

The following three levels comprising car parking are bound by strategically located perimeter planters providing relief of the hard building face with densely planted understorey and overhanging groundcovers easily accessed from behind for maintenance purposes. 

Level 4 is the first residential podium level consisting of a central core of living space also including indoor communal facilities such as an indoor / outdoor gym, combined lounge / kitchen and sauna. The expansive external terrace comprises of recreational spaces such as a boule court, communal vegetable garden, flexible congregation space, barbecue areas and outdoor lounges. Perimeter planting softens these spaces, including large trees and associated understorey planting. 

Levels 5 to 29 consist of centrally located planters running up the building on all faces. 

Levels 30 and 31 comprise the Lower Roof Terrace and Upper Roof Terrace. These terraces provide the rooftop recreational hub with several outdoor lounges nestled into surrounding garden beds and scattered barbecue areas, and a swimming pool and spa. 

The Development Application was lodged with EDQ in late 2021 and approved in early 2022. The project is currently in the documentation phase. 

In 2019, Cameron Buchanan and Shannon Deutrom commissioned AS Design to commence with the Concept Design for their dream home on the southernmost edge of Casuarina Beach, Northern New South Wales.

The 4324 square metre site is bound by the cycle / pedestrian way on the east and is a stone’s throw away from Casuarinas sandy beach. The house footprint is 368 square metres and is designed by well renowned Shaun Lockyer Architects.

The house is nestled between several existing Banksia trees, which are protected by Tweed Shire Council’s strict requirements. AS Design developed a native themed oasis that typifies a seamless transition from built form to external landscape in coordination with Council.

Areas labelled 88B and 7f zones by Council consisted of densely planted local native species that set the platform for a tranquil backdrop to the couple and their four children’s luxurious abode. Natural materials from the external façade of the house were complemented within the landscape using local rock and pebbles. A formal grassed court is situated on the northern side of the living and dining areas, whilst circular raised vegetable gardens are located on the southern side, accessible from the kitchen’s pantry.

The backyard consists of an organic shaped open lawn overlooking a feature circular seat centred around an outdoor fire pit looking back at the house and swimming pool.

The driveway and guest car parking outside the house comprises of granite unit paving with concrete infill panels.

In 2015, AS Design were commissioned by Harridan Pty Ltd for the landscape concept design, contract documentation and site supervision for a 64 lot subdivision. The subdivision comprises of streetscape planting along with a 2 hectare open space area nestled in between the lots.

The open space primarily consists of a central overland flow swale with rehabilitation planting to the surrounds. 2 bio-retention basins are strategically located as well as meandering localised rock boulder walls to retain significant existing trees. Pedestrian paths link both residential components via a bridge / culvert structure over the swale.

The site was constructed in May 2017 and won an award for Construction Excellence for Ecological Rehabilitation Category 2018 for Landscape Queensland.

In 2019, the project won an award under the Land Management Category for Australian Institute of Landscape Architects.

Whilst at RPS Group, Andrae was responsible for the project management of the $32M Cairns foreshore redevelopment.

In conjunction with Justin O’Neill from O’Neill Architecture, Andrae oversaw various consultants including Architects, Civil and Structural Engineers and Heritage Consultants.

 The project included the refurbishment of heritage listed wharf sheds, the retention of the existing crane and railway tracks, construction of a new sea wall and associated waterfront promenade and architecturally designed feature shelters / structures.

Close collaboration with the Client (Cairns Port Authority) was required on the design and construction of the play structure intertwining within the existing 90 year old fig tree along with the commissioning of local indigenous artists for the artwork and sculptures.

Detailed artistic elements included sandblasted / etched paving illustrating the historical and cultural significance of the site and its surroundings, incorporation of existing wharf timbers into artwork / sculptures and laser cut steel information plaques located along the fishing wharf balustrade.

 Whilst at RPS Group (formerly C&B Group), Andrae was responsible for the design, documentation and contract administration of 25 individual villas along with a community swimming pool and associated recreation facilities.

The ‘massaging’ of the villa locations and associated facilities within the existing large eucalypts became the primary focus of the design.

Plant species chosen were predominantly native and had to comply with the Brookwater Masterplan.

In 2013, previously with RPS Group, Andrae was commissioned by the Balmain Group to commence with the masterplan for the Port of Airlie including a detailed Landscape Concept Design and documentation for a gated community called “The Cove”.

This prestigious residential development consists of 23 residential lots and a multistorey apartment building situated adjacent to Cruise Whitsunday Ferry Terminal.

The landscape consists of clusters of palms and a colourful plant palette comprising of lush tropical species able to withstand the exposed canal estate location. Large feature timber totems and bluestone wall elements signifies the estate and strengthens the theming of other residential developments within the Port of Airlie precinct. Exposed aggregate threshold paving denotes significant areas such as the entry and view corridor linkages to private marina berths.

In 2009, previously with RPS Group, Andrae was commissioned by Multiplex Pty Ltd to commence with the landscape masterplanning, concept design, contract documentation for a 1000 lot subdivision made up of 12 Stages.

The development is situated on Captain Cook Highway, Trinity Beach nestled into adjacent lush vegetation of Moore's Gully, Earl Hill. Stage 2 "Elysian", comprises of dense rainforest walking trails, quiet streets and views southeast with the peaks of Yarrabah Peninsula.

The landscape theme comprises of natural products such as timber and stone which are reflected throughout the development. Overland flow paths are accentuated with natural rock swales and meandering paths nestled into the existing dense vegetation. Pocket parks consisting of shelters and open grassed areas overlook the scenic North Queensland bush backdrop.

In 2011, previously with RPS Group, Andrae was commissioned by Billiton Mitsubishis Alliance to design, document and oversee the construction processes of several mining accommodation camps within the Dysart and Moranbah regions during the mining boom of 2011. Projects such as Buffel Park comprising of 2000 living units and associated central facilities and amenities buildings within a Construction and Operations Village; Acacia St, Stages 1 and 2 comprising of a 450 person accommodation village with over 100 two bedroom and three ‘eco-cabin’ bedroom units, central facilities, laundries, a maintenance shed and several barbecue areas and Dysart Accommodation Village comprising of a single person village housing approximately 180 living units and associated amenities buildings and barbecue shelters transformed the region in providing successful accommodation camps for FIFO workers and provided employment opportunities for locals.

In 2012, previously with RPS Group, Andrae was commissioned by Urban Land Development Authority for the design and documentation of a 151 lot subdivision nestled in behind the local Health and Fitness Club. With the growing population in the area due to the mining boom, the development required to provide a comfortable living environment in a rural setting.

It provided opportunities such as pocket parks, play equipment and large open areas consisting of earthy tones and native species of planting to be able to withstand the local dry / hot conditions.

In 2003, previously with EDAW, Andrae was responsible for the design and documentation of a team of Landscape Architects for a 6km waterfront development. The waterfront comprises of several different precincts consisting of large open space parks, an open amphitheatre overlooking the water, waterfront promenade spanning the entire length of the development, shelters and viewing platforms nestled into the open space areas, a pedestrian bridge and restaurant / café pop jet plaza.