Peter Miglis
Director, Woods Bagot.

“Creating a sense of community was a driving force behind the design of Scotch Hill Gardens. Situated on a hill, we asked ourselves: how could we bring people together? The answer was to create an authentic neighbourhood through a collection of six buildings that blend into the existing landscape, allowing the natural surroundings to be the true focal point.

By working with the landscape, we’ve crafted spaces that encourage connection while embracing the beauty of nature. To achieve this, we ensured the buildings have a smaller footprint, resembling lily pads scattered across a green pond. This allows them to adapt to the landscape, with the varying topography creating fluctuating building heights, evoking the charm of a European hillside village. The architectural language and timeless materiality of the buildings take inspiration from Hawthorn’s vernacular, drawing on Edwardian and Federation Arts and Crafts styles.

This is then combined with a simple, contemporary modernism, complemented by lush green spaces in the foreground, reflecting Hawthorn’s residences and giving them ample space to ‘breathe’ within the landscape.”