Inside The Forest are layers of living landscapes which have been lovingly embraced by students, staff, and the community.
They’re presented as a series of raised garden beds comprising thousands of individually potted plants.
The design’s intent – to extend the fernery understory beneath the heritage-listed glass dome into the heart of the building as a central feature.
Plants were carefully selected to ensure they could thrive in the warm, dry, and air-conditioned interiors through a collaboration with the supplier and grower Westland Nurseries, and REALM Studios, the landscape architects.
“Plant care specialists attend to them twice a week to ensure the right levels of hydration and care so there’s no need for extra watering,” Director – Capital Works, Justin Hanlon said.
Among the selected species are Platycerium (Staghorn Fern), Phlebodium aureum 'Blue Star' (Blue Star Fern), Boston Ferns (Macho, Kimberly Queen and Montana varieties), Microsorum musifolium 'Crocodyllus' (Crocodile Fern) and Asplenium nidus (Bird’s nest fern), which is an Australian native plant species.
Light levels around each raised garden bed were considered in bringing the indoor gardens to life.
And while pots may appear spaciously positioned, the reason behind this has been deliberate.
“Each plant has been specifically pre-grown for The Forest and now has its own home with enough space around it to accommodate future size and growth,” Ben Roberts from REALM Studios said.
With contractors making a record of each plant with every visit, keeping the pots in their allocated spaces ensures the collection stays happy, healthy and accounted for.
Over time, the indoor garden beds will change and evolve as they grow, filling in the spaces with lush green foliage.
“More plants are on the way for the indoor spaces, and we have prioritised sourcing these from suppliers that are local,” Justin said.