Challenge
The CAFS care farm is a therapeutic environment that provides health, social and educational care services for at-risk and vulnerable people through supervised, structured programs. The brief evolved throughout the project, and we worked closely with CAFS to bring ideas to life. This project developed our understanding of the potential health benefits of outdoor environments. The existing site provided many challenges including steep terrain, existing structures and extensive high maintenance rose gardens that needed to be reworked to fit the new purpose of the site.
Solution
Key requirements that informed our design were to create a safe, supportive and inclusive environment for a range of vulnerable people; flexibility in use of the site; and consideration of ongoing maintenance. Our design maximises access to the beautiful farm environment, provides opportunities for meaningful activities, social interaction, exercise and working with animals.
Results
The landscape masterplan provides for many activities and experiences including an animal therapy area, dad’s shed, market gardens, maze, mini golf, glamping, sensory forest, kick about space, wellness clinic and therapeutic accommodation. The plan is an important tool for guiding the future development of the site and communicating the CAFS care farm vision to sponsors, donors and the community. We completed design, documentation and construction (by a local contractor) of the Market Garden precinct in 2018. The Market Garden includes a barn, raised gardens, hot houses, kitchen garden, fruit orchard, mushroom shed, poultry coops, outdoor shelter and seating. Around 5000 people attended the CAFS Care Farm open day on 27 October 2018. The animal barn was a hit, with queues out the door.
The existing roses planted by previous owners of the site found a new home with a local nursery.
