The Canopi Valley Lake master plan sites 104 medium density houses around the unique and dramatic topography of Niddrie Lake. This is the transformation of a brownfield quarry site into housing and parkland. Our urban design of roads, streets and house lots conforms to the found, industrial topography of the site while introducing view corridors and pedestrian entry points to create permeability and links to a network of boardwalks, bike and walking tracks established by Development Victoria. Orientation of the timber 2 and 3 bedroom terrace houses provide views to the lake and excellent solar access resulting in each house having a minimum 6-star energy rating. Just 12km from the CBD this is the creation of a stunning lakeside neighbourhood surrounded by wetland sanctuaries and natural parkland. We designed four medium density sites around the lake, that capitalise on changing levels, views and prevailing breezes, with 84 homes completed in 2014 developed by Canopi Homes.

The Quarry

The 48 hectare Niddrie Quarry sits at the eastern edge of a vast lava plain that stretches from Melbourne to Mount Gambier (SA). In the late 1930s, Reid Brothers and Reid established Fowler’s Quarry (later known as Niddrie Quarry), selling it to Boral in 1965.
The quarry’s primary output was basalt, which was used in many ways including paving the roads of Melbourne from the 1940s to 1975. With houses being built closer to the quarry site, and a decrease in accessible rock, the quarry ceased operations in 1975. The site lay vacant for the next 25 years. During this time various proposals to use the site for landfill were rejected or blocked by strong community environmental advocacy.

In 2000, the Urban Land Corporation (now Development Victoria) purchased the Niddrie Quarry site, and developed an innovative masterplan that embraces the site’s unique features. Important rehabilitation and earthworks were undertaken. The lake became the focus of the estate and the main open space, while the soaring basalt cliff behind it creates a stunning connection with the land.