Contreras Earl Architecture, in collaboration with Arup, Willemsen Group, and Urbis, has unveiled the Marion Park Masterplan, a mixed-use development envisioned for Canberra, Australia. This project, which was submitted as an expression of interest to support the Australian Capital Territory government’s city centre renewal plan, brings a fresh approach to sustainable urban design and has recently been shortlisted for the World Architecture Festival (WAF) 2024.
Project Name: Marion Park Masterplan
Studio Name: Contreras Earl Architecture
Location, Canberra, Australia
Area: 125,000m2
Year: 2023
Clients/ Developer: Willemsen Group
Engineering: Arup
Landscape: Urbis
First Nation Consultant; Yerrabingin
Planning consultant: Purdon Planning
Renderings credits: ©Design by Contreras Earl Architecture
A Focus on Sustainability and Liveability
The Marion Park Masterplan spans an almost 2-hectare site, featuring topography-led architecture with five buildings that rise organically from the earth. Horizontal terraces with lush vegetation connect the buildings, creating a lively natural park with pathways and green spaces. Curved landscaped balconies soften the building edges and gently emulate the rolling hills of the region.
Rafael Contreras, Director of Contreras Earl Architecture, explains, “Much like in nature where everything exists for a reason, every element in this project has a purpose.”
The design includes 456 residential units distributed across the five buildings, along with hospitality, commercial, retail spaces, and a community centre. These amenities are designed to promote interaction among visitors, workers, and residents. The masterplan maximizes solar access, creating a vibrant public realm where people can sit and linger outdoors, fostering wellbeing and connection with nature.
Matthew Franzmann, Director of Urbis, adds, “Every corner of the site design aims to engage and inspire, serving as platforms for community engagement and a defined sense of place.”
A Sustainable Focus
Sustainability is deeply embedded in the master planning and design of Marion Park. The masterplan targets Net Zero operation with all-electric systems powered by 100% renewable energy. The design incorporates an “urban sponge” for stormwater management, green roofs, and extensive landscaping to enhance biodiversity. Passive design principles significantly reduce heating and cooling demands, while green infrastructure mitigates the urban heat island effect. Intelligent occupant sensing controls and sustainable materials further support sustainability performance, aligning with Canberra’s vision for a resilient urban future.
Richard Vincent, Sustainable Buildings Leader at Arup, comments, “Our collaborative team set out to push the boundaries of sustainability, exceeding the requirements to create a project that not only meets but surpasses the highest standards of environmental responsibility.”
Anthony Willemsen, CEO at Willemsen Group, adds, “We placed environmentally sustainable design and occupant liveability as core objectives, wanting to produce a proposal that would reflect world’s best practice in these areas.”
