The Waratah Studio Chelsea Australia Garden Olinda

The Chelsea Australia Garden Olinda is a decade long evolution from the 2013 RHS Chelsea Flower Show, the Australian Garden, originally conceived by Phillip Johnson, Wes Fleming and the Fleming’s and Trailfinders team.  Once again, Decibel Architecture collaborated with Phillip Johnson Landscapes and Lump Sculpture Studio to breathe new life into the Waratah Studio, an integral part of the initial creation.

The Waratah Studio underwent a transformation, transitioning from its original timber form to a structure fabricated from Corten steel evolving into a lasting, permanent installation within the breathtaking landscape designed by Phillip Johnson and his team.  The sculpture preserves the essence of the original Chelsea installation and integrates seamlessly into the natural surroundings of Olinda.

The scale of the project is amplified twentyfold, creating a cleverly designed landscape that invites visitors on a meandering journey through the reclaimed golf course at Olinda.  Along this journey, key moments reveal the Waratah sculpture as the centerpiece of an incredibly beautiful and remarkable public garden.  The new iteration of the garden pays homage to the past, but it has established itself as an engaging and connected feature in the natural tapestry of Olinda.

The Chelsea Australian Garden is located at the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens, Victoria Australia.

Designed and constructed by Phillip Johnson Landscapes in collaboration with Parks Victoria.

The Waratah sculpture designed by Decibel Architecture, fabricated and installed by Lump Sculpture Studio.

Photography, John Gollings, Claire Takacs, Decibel Architecture, Lump Studio.