Continuing our association with the National Trust, the team has just completed a masterplan, conservation plan, and interpretation plan for ‘Old Farm, Strawberry Hill.’ Situated in Albany, the place was Western Australia’s first farm, and was the first property vested in the National Trust.

Complementing the ongoing conservation works, the masterplan has put together a long-term vision for the development of the place. It outlines a range of interpretive techniques designed to provide an immersive and active experience rooted in the stories of the place. One of the key themes is drawn from the transportation of plants, and on-going human sustainability and colonisation, interaction between the Mineng people and the European settlers.

Interpretation is woven through the plan and informs the landscape design and the architecture of the new building which draws on the aesthetics and ideas of a Wardian Case.

Mulloway worked with Taylor Cullity Lethlean Landscape Architects, Paul Kloeden, Alltrack, Tom Heinrich, Caroline Grant and John Viska, and the Trust’s team.

The plan will also contribute to shaping the identity and function of the trail, by considering how audiences may interact with interpretive facilities, including potential off-site methods such as through the internet. The team are currently engaging in consultation with the project steering group and stakeholders, and are visiting sites along the rail corridor to analyse the physical conditions and heritage assets to identify opportunities.