Nowadays, consumers question the quality and origin of contemporary food production. 'Solace in Soil' responds to this issue, proposing a slower and more therapeutic farming approach. Situated in Jacksons Hill, Sunbury, this project adapts Building 21, a brick shed, into an urban farm, while recognising the difficult history of the site as a former lunatic asylum.
Butterfly Conservatory Perspective
At the back of the existing brick shed, a butterfly conservatory sits on a decking overlooking the city. This butterfly conservatory acts as a 'chimney' and aims to encourage the reproduction of the endangered Eltham Copper butterflies.
Greenhouse Perspective
In this open corridor, the views towards the city along with the lingering scent of lemon myrtle and sweet bursarias invite people to linger, to share, to breathe.
Proposed Floor Plan
The form of the old brick shed is echoed in the new greenhouse. This approach maintains the memory and connection of the old brick shed to the Sunbury community.
1:20 Sectional Model
The sectional model showcases the dialogue between the old (brick shed) and new (experimental kitchen and butterfly conservatory).
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.
