Project Overview

The Canopy is an innovative mixed-use precinct located in Melbourne’s Fishermans Bend. Developed by Gamuda Land, this $200M project embodies the company’s philosophy of "listening to the land" by harmoniously balancing urban living with natural environments. Featuring 213 apartments and 13 ground-floor retail tenancies, The Canopy is designed to foster a vibrant and sustainable community.

A cornerstone of the development is its seamless integration with Johnson Street Park, a new 3,000 sqm public green space. Delivered through a ‘works-in-kind’ agreement with the City of Port Phillip and the Department of Transport and Planning, the park addresses the pressing need for accessible green space in urban settings. It will showcase over 4,500 native plants, walking and cycling paths, and community areas, serving as an essential extension of the residential and retail spaces.

Nature is intricately woven into the project’s design - from the park to the rooftop gardens - ensuring residents enjoy tranquil, sustainable living. The Canopy also minimizes its environmental footprint through innovative features like gas-free infrastructure and an e-mobility hub offering electric cars, bikes, and scooters.

Organisation

Gamuda Land

Project Brief

Imagine an urban sanctuary where contemporary living seamlessly blends with nature’s tranquillity. Set to redefine urban living, this visionary development by Gamuda Land not only offers modern residential spaces but also immerses residents in lush greenery rarely found in city environments.

At the heart of this transformation is Johnson Street Park, a sprawling 3,000 sqm green oasis that occupies more than half of the redevelopment zone. Created in partnership with the City of Port Phillip and the Department of Transport and Planning, and with input from landscape architects OCULUS, The Heart Gardening Project, forest makers SUGi, and Indigenous urban design advisors MURRI: YUL, the park is more than an amenity, it’s the anchor of the new parkside community. With native flora, serene walking paths, and vibrant recreational facilities, the park offers a unique lifestyle where residents can unwind amidst nature while still enjoying the conveniences of urban life.

The park has garnered widespread acclaim during public consultations, with community members praising its thoughtful design and the urgently needed pedestrian crossing on Normanby Road.

The Canopy elevates this experience with innovative amenities such as rooftop gardens, an onsen-inspired spa, and an e-mobility hub providing the community with electric cars, bikes, and scooters. This fusion of nature, wellness, and sustainability sets The Canopy apart, making it a landmark project that resonates with modern living aspirations.

Project Innovation/Need

The Canopy addresses the critical need for accessible green spaces and sustainable living solutions within densely populated urban areas like Fishermans Bend. With the rapid urbanisation of Melbourne, there is a growing demand for developments that prioritise the well-being of both residents and the broader community. The inclusion of Johnson Street Park addresses this need by offering a vital green oasis in an otherwise industrial and highly built-up area. Designed in consultation with the City of Port Phillip, the park is not just an amenity but a critical part of the local urban ecosystem, featuring native plant species, recreational areas, and pedestrian connections.

The Canopy itself embodies innovative urban living. As a gas-free building, it significantly reduces carbon emissions while helping residents save on energy costs, particularly as gas prices in Australia continue to rise. The development’s focus on sustainable transport through an e-mobility hub, offering electric cars, bikes, and scooters, promotes low-impact commuting options, reducing the dependency on private vehicles.

This holistic approach to ecological and technological innovation positions The Canopy as a forward-thinking project that meets the contemporary challenges of urban living. It sets a precedent for how future developments can integrate nature, sustainability, and community benefits, offering a more holistic lifestyle to its residents while positively contributing to the surrounding neighborhood.

Design Challenge

Achieving a 5-star Green Star rating presents unique design challenges that require a careful balance between sustainability goals, cost efficiency, and urban context. The Canopy’s commitment to environmental excellence necessitated a thoughtful selection of materials and innovative design strategies to enhance efficiency, water conservation, and insulation.

One of the significant challenges was integrating Johnson Street Park into the development. This required collaborative planning with the City of Port Phillip to ensure the park not only meets environmental and social needs but also aligns with the community's expectations for sustainability and biodiversity. The design had to seamlessly blend the built environment with natural landscapes, creating a cohesive and functional space for residents and the broader community.

Sustainability

Sustainability is the cornerstone of The Canopy’s vision. Aligned with Gamuda Land’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030, the project emphasizes eco-friendly practices throughout its design and construction and has 100% renewable energy. The introduction of over 4,500 native plants, including native trees, enhances biodiversity and creates a green sanctuary within the urban landscape.

Resource conservation is achieved through meticulous material selection and the implementation of energy-efficient systems. The gas-free infrastructure reduces long-term energy consumption, and the provision of e-mobility solutions encourages sustainable transportation choices among residents.

By focusing on these fundamental aspects of sustainability, The Canopy not only reduces its environmental impact but also promotes a culture of eco-conscious living. This approach ensures that residents experience the tangible benefits of sustainable design from lower energy bills to a healthier living environment, while contributing to a more sustainable future.