A CMP for Mirrabooka's Future |
The Reid Family commissioned the practice to help develop a heritage strategy for the long-term conservation of their family home, Mirrabooka, in Castle Hill. Designed by Sydney architect Bruce Rickard in 1961 on a five acre block of land with sweeping westerly views to the Blue Mountains, the house has been maintained in excellent condition, retaining the highest levels of authenticity and integrity. It is a masterpiece of Australian Modernism, arguably of national heritage significance.
John and Judy Reid were enthusiastic plant collectors and the family developed a magnificent garden surrounding the house. Blue gum high forest remnants were retained and the grounds include an unusually large and varied horticultural collection featuring many rare and uncommon plants from around the world, supported by a permanent natural spring.
The practice prepared a Conservation Management Plan (CMP) for the house and garden, fully assessing its significance and providing policies to guide owners to conserve its heritage values and develop and use the site ahead. The CMP also included a concept plan for the possible subdivision of the lower portion of the site, acknowledging that change and development will occur over time, and future owners may wish to develop parts of the grounds.
A separate Snapshot of the Mirrabooka CMP was prepared by the practice, providing future owners with a succinct summary of the main CMP policies and a clear understanding of the heritage values of this remarkable place. The use of a 'Snapshot' is an innovative approach, which aims to ensure that the CMP's principles are well understood by all stakeholders.
In 2020, the Reid family nominated Mirrabooka house and gardens (the upper part of the site) for listing on the NSW State Heritage Register, and the practice negotiated with Heritage NSW to finalise an appropriate listing, curtilage and exemptions. The Heritage Council of NSW endorsed the nomination and the upper area of the site has now been added to the NSW State Heritage Register.
To assist future owners, maintenance plans for the house and garden are provided within Mirrabooka’s CMP, with detailed exemptions. This means approval under the Heritage Act for these maintenance works is not required. The stage is set for the next chapter of Mirrabooka’s life.
The landscape analysis of the Mirrabooka arboretum was undertaken by specialist Geoffrey Britton, and the historic research was prepared by Dr Mark Dunn - both highly regarded specialists - with whom collaborating is always fun and mutually engaging.
John and Judy Reid were enthusiastic plant collectors and the family developed a magnificent garden surrounding the house. Blue gum high forest remnants were retained and the grounds include an unusually large and varied horticultural collection featuring many rare and uncommon plants from around the world, supported by a permanent natural spring.
The practice prepared a Conservation Management Plan (CMP) for the house and garden, fully assessing its significance and providing policies to guide owners to conserve its heritage values and develop and use the site ahead. The CMP also included a concept plan for the possible subdivision of the lower portion of the site, acknowledging that change and development will occur over time, and future owners may wish to develop parts of the grounds.
A separate Snapshot of the Mirrabooka CMP was prepared by the practice, providing future owners with a succinct summary of the main CMP policies and a clear understanding of the heritage values of this remarkable place. The use of a 'Snapshot' is an innovative approach, which aims to ensure that the CMP's principles are well understood by all stakeholders.
In 2020, the Reid family nominated Mirrabooka house and gardens (the upper part of the site) for listing on the NSW State Heritage Register, and the practice negotiated with Heritage NSW to finalise an appropriate listing, curtilage and exemptions. The Heritage Council of NSW endorsed the nomination and the upper area of the site has now been added to the NSW State Heritage Register.
To assist future owners, maintenance plans for the house and garden are provided within Mirrabooka’s CMP, with detailed exemptions. This means approval under the Heritage Act for these maintenance works is not required. The stage is set for the next chapter of Mirrabooka’s life.
The landscape analysis of the Mirrabooka arboretum was undertaken by specialist Geoffrey Britton, and the historic research was prepared by Dr Mark Dunn - both highly regarded specialists - with whom collaborating is always fun and mutually engaging.