SUMMERLAND FARM

Alongside landscape architects, Plummer & Smith, DFJ was engaged to upgrade the agri-tourism attraction at Summerland Farm, one of Australia’s most successful disability enterprises. The reimagined masterplan incorporates and enhances a water-play park into a new adventure playground, dotted with architectural elements, and full of diversified and inclusive play experiences woven through lush gardens and sculptural concrete inclusions. Overlooking this sits the Retail Hub, a repurposed 200sqm shed with new external elements grafted off two sides. Housing ticketing, cafe, gift/produce shop, nursery, back-of-house and toilets, a large entry veranda projects out from the eastern edge to channel visitors into the main space and past the ticket booth. Flowing out to a wraparound covered veranda and courtyard, visitors can enjoy the espaliered shade trees, purchase some plants, or admire the view from the fully accessible walkway. Bench seating provides a great vantage spot to have a coffee while the kids play below.

2022 AIA NSW Country Division - Commercial Architecture Award

2022 AIA NSW Country Division - Vision Award

2021 / Bundjalung Country / Alstonville, NSW

Photography: Natalie McComas