Newham, Shire of Macedon Ranges, 2015

Pollen Studio in collaboration with Buro Architects were successful in winning the tender to design and document shelters and landscape works at one of Victoria’s most significant sites.Through the popularity of the 1975 film, Picnic at Hanging Rock, this place has reached mythological status in the Australian ethos. It sits at the junction of three Aboriginal language groups within the Macedon Ranges Shire. This unique volcanic formation stands out within the surrounding farmland and proves a major draw card for local families and international tourists.

Pollen and Buro were commissioned to design two picnic shelters to service the increasing tourism demand of Hanging Rock and spread the activities to the East Paddock, which has majestic views if the surrounding geological features.Sketch Model by Buro Architecture.

The shelters have been designed to sit intuitively into the landscape, with local stone-clad walls, low wing-shaped rooves designed to maximize water collection and landscape features that help settle the structure into the surrounding environment. Site design has been particularly important with this project aiming to maximize views of Hanging Rock, whilst accommodating existing recreational activities on the site as well as minimizing the visual impact of views from the top of the rock.

The concept designs have been unanimously approved by the Macedon Ranges Shire Council and will now proceed to design development, with the construction of the shelters proceeding early in 2016.