Rio Tinto Naturescape, Kings Park

The $9 million Rio Tinto Naturescape comprises an internationally unique, interactive and highly site responsive 6 Ha of nature based landscape that inspires community learning and positive environmental interaction through fun, discovery, immersion and connection with nature naturalistic landscape spanning 6 hectares, embedded within the renowned Kings Park and Botanic Garden (KPBG) Perth, Western Australia.

The vision for Naturescape was to provide a tactile and experiential naturalistic environment incorporating iconic dryland and wetland habitats, that inspired learning and positive environmental action through fun, discovery, immersion and connection with nature. With the completion of stage two, this highly focused and socially responsive vision is fulfilled.

Ensuring the project presents as a truly naturalistic bushland environment, an understated low-key landscape design was founded on the existing natural attributes of the site and in particular landform and vegetation. Individual design elements, including two dramatic aerial teaching walkways, viewing towers, shelters and seating pods are specifically designed to present as deliberate, yet sympathetic, intrusions into the natural landscape inspired by the shape of animals, seeds, leaves and nests.

The design reflects sustainable principles and promotes best practice in water management, energy efficiency and public safety.

Rio Tinto Naturescape’s built forms comprises a composite of natural materials including timber and stone sourced from throughout Western Australia. In particular Stone Gateways created from 150 tonnes of Ironstone brought 1400 kms from Tom Price in remote north Western Australia, link the project with the iconic landscape  of the state.