Historically, the location that Glen Waverly Library sits on, was once home to many endemic flora and fauna. In particular, the eucalypt species – Eucalyptus Radiata were in abundant in the area, home to many brushtail possums and other animal species. Brushtail Possums were also once considered to be of significance to the Wurundjeri and Boonwurrung people, however, following post-colonization, with habitat loss, brushtail possums are seen as “pests” in many parts of Melbourne, including Glen Waverly which has a “possum problem”, due to them making homes within residential roofs. The project offers a place of relocation for these possums and hopes to change the perspectives of visitors.
Outdoor Zone
The outdoor zone houses a range of endemic seasonal plants within the Grassy Woodlands classification as well as a pergola structure that wraps around the site. The structure is meant as both an outdoor sitting space and events space for library-goers and seats in the area are adjusted in various heights for different seating preferences. The pergola structure also acts as a bridge for brushtail possums, allowing them to get across to different ends of the site, and columns are planted strategically to lead down to the seasonal plants for possums to feed on.
Kids Zone
In the kid’s library, shelves are placed in a way that allows children to peek out through the gaps into the space beyond. Gaps have been placed at a height that captures views such as leaf piles from the eucalyptus trees and the flora and fauna that live and grow or interact with the piles. Behind the shelves and present throughout the space are nesting spaces for the brushtail possums and any other bird species living in the area. While its occupants may be hidden from view, signs such as scratches around the nesting spaces and nests made of bark, leaves and twigs may leave hints of what may occupy these spaces.
Main Library and Office
By understanding that brushtail possums cannot exist in isolation and that all animals and plants exist within a system, the project introduces various seasonal plants as a means to attract other animals in the area such as honeyeaters and swift parrots. As such the office and main library space contains a trellis-like fin façade system encouraging seasonal climber plants such as purple coral pea and twining glycine. The building also contains rows of nesting spaces, for these animals to build a home within.
Ground Floor Plan
The ground floor plan depicts the placement of the above-mentioned spaces.
Planting Sections
Aside from the nesting spaces, eucalyptus radiata trees have been planted around the outdoor and kid zone due to the nesting hollows they provide for brushtail possums. Other trees such as black wattle are also planted in the area in alignment to the earlier statement that every living being cannot exist in isolation.
Planting Elevations
The elevations depict the different planting patterns on the trellis façade. Seasonal plants have been arranged according to sunlight needs and periods of flowering to attract various animal species across the year.
In the spirit of reconciliation Monash University acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
