DESCRIPTION
CLIENT: Buildcorp
LOCATION: 480 Swans St, Richmond VIC
SCOPE: Supply and install garden beds, install of plants, supply and install wet pour rubber, irrigation to terrace.
COMPLETION: July 2024
Project Overview
Australia Post entrusted Ficus Landscape Group with the transformation of their central Melbourne premises into a greener, more inviting urban workspace. The goal was to introduce greenery in functional and aesthetic ways across multiple building levels, while ensuring durability, low maintenance, and a strong sustainable focus. We collaborated closely with project managers and architects to ensure every element, from terrace garden beds to indoor self-watering pots, was aligned with the site’s layout and the client’s vision.
Working Field
- Installation of self-watering planters with tropical trees and feature plants.
- Integrated irrigation systems across four levels (terraces and planter boxes)
- Supply and installation of wet pour rubber surfacing for safety and aesthetics
- Placement of decorative pebble mulch, crushed rock, and foam void fillers
- Use of lightweight garden soils for roof-level installations.
Challenges and Solutions
1. Weight restrictions on rooftop garden beds:
Used lightweight ROOFLITE soil, foam void filters, and drainage cell systems.
2. Access across multiple levels:
Scheduled coordinated lift access and worked efficiently across levels 1 – 4.
3. Maintaining moisture in harsh urban conditions:
Integrated automated irrigation and water- retaining mulch to combat heat and wind exposure
Project Highlights
- 150 + self-watering potted plants across four floors
- 100% compliant safety surfacing
- Fully automated irrigation with low-maintenance zones
- Materials sourced from sustainable suppliers
Ficus brought a new level of greenery and life to our inner-city space. Their professionalism, knowledge of plant suitability, and ability to execute across complex levels made all the difference. — Project Manager, Australia Post
