Canopi Valley Lake, Keilor East | Bird de la Coeur Architects

Canopi Valley Lake, Keilor East | Bird de la Coeur Architects | Photographer: Guy Lavoipierre

2025 National Architecture Awards Program

Canopi Valley Lake, Keilor East | Bird de la Coeur Architects

Traditional Land Owners

Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung

Year
2025
Chapter

Victoria

Category
Urban Design
Builder
Metricon
Photographer
Guy Lavoipierre
Vanessa Bird
Media summary

Canopi Valley Lake is a masterplan for 104 affordable townhouses around the unique and dramatic topography of Niddrie Lake on a two hectare hillside site, just 12km from the CBD. This former brownfield quarry site, saved by community protests and advocacy from becoming a semi-toxic dump, is now home to wetland sanctuaries, Steeles Creek, peregrine falcons, recreation and housing, that taps into existing established infrastructure.

This masterplan introduces roads and walking paths that conforms to the existing, unique topography of the former Niddrie Quarry, capitalising on rock ledges and changing levels. Careful orientation of the compact townhouses offers views, solar access, and prevailing breezes resulting in each house having a 6-8star NatHERS energy rating.

Our medium density masterplan sits within Development Victoria’s larger 48 hectare site, of which 30% is open space. With hundreds of newly planted trees, Valley Lake is a step towards a greener and more compact city.

The broad range of two- and three-bedroom homes respond magnificently to the spectacular terrain. Canopi Valley Lake presents an affordable opportunity for buyers who would usually be priced out of such a highly sought-after locale. We’ve put a lot of energy into making sure there’s no wasted space in the homes. They’re compact, efficient, very liveable homes, within a five-minute bike ride to 10 schools, a dozen parks, and multiple shopping and transport options. With vast open spaces and plenty of opportunities for exercise and relaxation within a premium location, it really does tick all the boxes.

Project Practice Team

Neil de la Coeur, Design Architect
Vanessa Bird, Design Architect
Minnie Cade, Design Architect

Project Consultant and Construction Team

red.c and MAB Corporation, Developer
CDA Design Group, Landscape Consultant
Meinhardt, Town Planner

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