Cascade Gardens

Briefs Become Solutions

As a result of a rezoned Pymble town centre to increase residential densities and provide more affordable housing choices within close proximity to the Sydney CBD and other local centres, we were tasked to design a unique and outstanding apartment complex that addressed the site’s unique constraints whilst creating a strong sense of community.

Country

Type

Client

Status

Awards

Durramurragal

Residential Apartments

Private Developer

Completed 2021

UDIA Crown Group Awards for Excellence 2021: Excellence in High Density Development
Urban Taskforce Australia Development Excellence Awards 2021: Medium Density Development

Briefs Become Solutions

Living among the trees

Cascade Gardens comprises 98 residential units and a neighbourhood shop across three pavilion buildings set within tiered, landscaped gardens on a sloping site, inspired by “Living Among the Trees.”

In early planning, we negotiated a better urban design outcome by varying planning controls, approaching the site as a whole rather than following the DCP’s patchwork of height and FSR limits or its typical perimeter block design.

This freed the design to be landscape-led, extending the riparian zone and integrating a network of gardens into the site. The built form cascades with the terrain, blending into the natural environment while offering long views and ecological sensitivity. The result is a collection of structures shaped by open space, responding to the evolving character of the local centre and celebrating the site's unique natural setting.

Positive Impact

The masterplan blurs public and private edges, creating generous landscaped and community spaces that encourage social connection. Passive design features, such as responsive screening, control light and temperature while adding depth and texture to the façade. Shadows cast across units and balconies echo the dappled light of surrounding trees, reinforcing the development’s environmental responsiveness.

"

The cascading structures respond well to the evolving character of the local centre, while still blending in with the natural environment.

— Andrew Talbot — Director, Become Architecture

Back to Places