Sydney Transforms Waterworks Ruins into Incredible Public Park

The city of Sydney has infused the ruins of a public waterworks with new life by transforming the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2009/06/11/inhabitat-exclusive-video-the-nyc-high-line-opens/"> antiquated infrastructure</a> into a vibrant public park. Designed by <a href="http://www.tzg.com.au/">TZG Architects</a> and <a href="http://www.jmddesign.com.au/">JMD Designs</a>, <a href="http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/development/CityImprovements/CompletedProjects/PaddingtonReservoirGardens.asp">Paddington Reservoir Gardens</a> is the reincarnation of a defunct reservoir from the 1800’s. Situated a full story below street grade, the park has <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2010/07/09/beautiful-balmoral-water-reservoir-house-by-riddel-architecture/">preserved</a> the original barrel vault roofs and trusses with a subtle weave of new materials and a dynamic design that frames the history of Sydney’s growth into a metropolis.

The original water works was completed in 1878, but it was decommissioned after only 20 years due to low pressure and brackish water. And there it sat, occasionally changing hands until a service station had to abandon the building after a roof collapsed. When <a href="http://www.tzg.com.au/">TZG Architects</a> collaborated with <a href="http://www.jmddesign.com.au/">JMD Designs</a> to turn the space into a public park, they realized the ruins would be a unique and valuable reference for the residents of the city.

The park has a dense layer of subtropical plantings laced with raw materials like wood beams, concrete, iron, and brick. The supporting materials were placed discretely in order to enhance the preserved structures.

The park collects water from the neighboring Paddington Town Hall, and from on-site tanks located beneath the walkways and planters. Australia is a leader in water efficiency, so the waterworks' approach to water preservation is as symbolic as it is functional.

The park's entrance is indicated by a lightweight perforated steel canopy that echoes the shape of the vaulted ceilings. The architects wanted the entrance to offer a counterpoint to the Victorian era ruins.

The 'sunken garden' features a Victorian-era design scheme. Because of the garden's lowered profile and high solar exposure, the micro-climate can support subtropical plants. A large on-site rain collection system provides water.

The building has been preserved with a new concrete waterproof cap. Below, the camber is vividly lit like a industrial cathedral.

The restored reservoir chamber was used for years as a garage.

The gardens are planted based on a Victorian design sensibility, alluding to the public building's preserved architecture.

The roof of the gardens is a public lawn elevated above street level. You can clearly see the concrete cap protecting the infrastructure.