Springfield Multi‑Dwelling DA Landscape Design (3 Dwellings, Newcastle NSW)
- Kairos Jones - PARC Concepts
- Mar 13
- 5 min read
A case study demonstrating how landscape documentation resolved deep soil, access, waste management, and maintenance challenges on a constrained multi-dwelling site in Newcastle NSW.
This Springfield project involved landscape documentation for a three‑dwelling residential development application (DA) on a constrained allotment in Newcastle, NSW. The development comprised one detached dwelling facing the street and two attached dwellings positioned to the rear, all accessed via a single shared entry corridor.
The site was located within an R2 residential zone and subject to Mine Subsidence requirements, creating additional design considerations around levels, retaining structures, planting opportunities, and long‑term landscape performance.
The objective was not simply to provide landscape plans for approval, but to coordinate landscaping, access, open space, and deep soil opportunities into a practical and buildable outcome that supported the broader DA submission.
Project Snapshot
Project Type: Multi‑Dwelling Residential DA
Location: Newcastle, NSW
Site Area: 684.7m²
Development: Three dwellings
Deep Soil Area: 129.5m² (approximately 18.9% of site area)
Key Constraints:
Narrow site configuration
Single shared access arrangement
Mine Subsidence requirements
Limited deep soil opportunities
Sloping block falling from rear to front
Long‑term rental ownership requirements
The Challenge
Like many infill residential developments, the available landscape area was competing with access, waste management, private open space, retaining structures, and the building footprint itself.
One of the key coordination issues identified during the design process involved the placement of deep soil zones adjacent to waste management areas. While the initial arrangement satisfied landscape allocation requirements, it created practical access conflicts that would have reduced functionality for future residents.
The project also required careful consideration of private open space provision, circulation, and planting opportunities despite the site's relatively compact dimensions.
Coordinating Landscape and Architecture
A significant part of this project involved working alongside the architectural team to ensure the landscape design supported how the development would function in everyday use.
Rather than treating landscaping as a separate layer added at the end of the process, access routes, waste management areas, planting zones, and private open space were coordinated together.
This allowed several potential conflicts to be resolved before lodgement, resulting in a clearer and more cohesive submission package.
The final layout created a logical circulation spine connecting all three dwellings while maintaining privacy, functionality, and landscape outcomes throughout the site.
Deep Soil Placement on a Constrained Site
Deep soil provision was one of the more challenging aspects of the project.
With a total site area of 684.7m², opportunities for meaningful deep soil allocation were limited, particularly around the central dwelling where competing site requirements reduced available planting space.
Rather than distributing deep soil areas thinly across the site, the landscape strategy focused on creating genuine planting opportunities capable of supporting long‑term canopy establishment and meaningful landscape outcomes.
Several deep soil zones were associated with retaining structures due to the site's topography and levels strategy. Plant species were selected accordingly to ensure suitability for available soil volumes, site conditions, and long‑term performance.
The final design provided approximately 129.5m² of deep soil area across the development.
Designing for Long‑Term Rental Ownership
The client intended to retain all three dwellings as investment properties, making long‑term maintenance an important consideration in the landscape strategy.
Instead of relying heavily on traditional lawn areas, the front landscape was deliberately designed without turf to reduce future maintenance requirements and minimise routine upkeep.
Where turf was appropriate, Zoysia grass was selected for its durability, lower mowing requirements, and ability to perform reliably under the site's conditions.
Planting selections throughout the project prioritised:
Reduced water consumption
Long‑term durability
Low maintenance requirements
Compatibility with constrained planting zones
Suitability for elevated and retained planting areas
This approach supported both visual presentation and practical long‑term asset management.
Planting Strategy
The planting design was developed to perform several roles simultaneously.
Layered planting was used to:
Improve privacy between dwellings
Soften the visual impact of built form
Define transitions between public and private areas
Reinforce circulation routes
Enhance overall site presentation
Species selection focused on practical performance rather than short‑term appearance alone, ensuring the landscape would continue to mature successfully within the site's physical constraints.
Project Outcome
The completed landscape documentation delivered:
A coordinated landscape outcome aligned with the architectural design
Approximately 129.5m² of deep soil area
Functional private open space for all dwellings
Resolved access and waste management conflicts
A low‑maintenance landscape strategy suitable for long‑term rental ownership
Practical planting opportunities within a constrained site layout
Clearly documented planting, access, and landscape compliance outcomes
Importantly, the landscape component proceeded through assessment without landscape‑related Requests for Further Information (RFI), reflecting the level of coordination achieved during the design process.
Related Services
If you are preparing a residential development application in NSW, you may also be interested in:
View the Complete Project
This article explores the thinking behind the Springfield development. To view the full landscape documentation package, including detailed plans, planting schedules, and project outcomes, view the complete Springfield Multi‑Dwelling DA Landscape Design project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the biggest constraints on this site?
The narrow site, shared access arrangement, mine subsidence considerations, and limited deep soil opportunities created the primary design challenges. The landscape strategy focused on balancing functionality, compliance, and long‑term usability within those constraints.
Why wasn't deep soil spread evenly across the site?
On constrained sites, distributing deep soil too broadly often creates planting zones that are difficult to utilise effectively. The design concentrated deep soil in locations capable of supporting meaningful planting and long‑term canopy establishment.
Why was low‑maintenance landscaping prioritised?
The client intended to retain the dwellings as investment properties. The landscape strategy therefore considered long‑term maintenance requirements alongside compliance and aesthetic outcomes.
What role did landscape documentation play in the DA process?
The landscape plans clarified deep soil allocation, planting opportunities, access arrangements, private open space, and landscape intent, helping support a coordinated and assessable development application submission.
How early should landscape documentation be prepared?
Landscape documentation is generally most effective when coordinated early alongside architecture, planning, and engineering disciplines, allowing potential conflicts to be resolved before lodgement rather than during assessment.
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