The award-winning MacKenzie Falls Gorge Trail project was an innovative design intervention that used a back-to-basics approach to deliver a bold design solution for one of Australia’s largest waterfalls, located within the Grampians National Park, Victoria.
The project stemmed from the preparation of a concept plan for the MacKenzie Falls Precinct under their flood recovery program after floods caused the destruction of a key footbridge in early 2012.
The project stemmed from the preparation of a concept plan for the MacKenzie Falls Precinct under their flood recovery program after floods caused the destruction of a key footbridge in early 2012.
The design includes a realignment of the MacKenzie Falls Trail Path and locally manufactured expanded mesh footbridge crossings. The new trail provides a more integrated user experience setting up dramatic spatial sequences that better connect people to the landscape.
Careful consideration was given to the material choice to ensure climate change resilience and sustainable building practices. Local rock was sourced directly from site for the construction of steps and paths. All of which were positioned by hand due to the difficult terrain and the inaccessibility of machinery.
Careful consideration was given to the material choice to ensure climate change resilience and sustainable building practices. Local rock was sourced directly from site for the construction of steps and paths. All of which were positioned by hand due to the difficult terrain and the inaccessibility of machinery.
The mild steel used for the expanded mesh footbridges were fabricated by local companies and installed by local tradesmen. Their presence in the landscape is better integrated with the natural surroundings. The mild steel was chosen due to its former use in the area, contributing to a sense of place and forming an strong identity.
The trail’s new mild steel footbridges and stairs are bolted into the rock face, providing robust infrastructure with the proven ability to withstand flooding and fires – both common in the Grampians National Park.
The trail’s new mild steel footbridges and stairs are bolted into the rock face, providing robust infrastructure with the proven ability to withstand flooding and fires – both common in the Grampians National Park.
The remoteness of the site and lack of base data meant we had to rely on more basic, hands-on techniques such as on-site visual mapping and photo assessment, which in turn contributed to the delivery of a highly site-specific response.
This project was undertaken during my time at hansen partnership pty ltd. MacKenzie Falls has been awarded a 2015 Victorian Premier's Design Award, a 2014 AILA Design Award, the 2014 AILA People's Choice Award, and a 2015 Good Design Award for Architectural Design: Urban Design and Public Spaces.
Photo Credits - Andrew Lloyd.
Photo Credits - Andrew Lloyd.
