Rosemary Reserve, an unassuming grassy reserve in a pocket of Frankston North, was selected by the City of Frankston to undergo improvement works and construction of a new play space. The park upgrade incorporated multiple new amenities, paths and equipment to cater to the local community, encouraging public activity and interaction.

Landscape architect and artist Katherine Masiulanis of Leaf Design Studio was commissioned by the council to design large-format pine cones to be situated around the reserve as decorative points of interest within the landscape. These would serve as displays of collaborative public art, while also paying homage to the former pine plantation in the locality. The pine cones were designed as ‘Pine Homes’, featuring intricate, detailed scenes of tiny houses between their scales.

Following completion of the initial pine cone sculpture, SVC was engaged to produce multiple replicas out of durable precast concrete, designed to last for years in the outdoor environment. The elaborate design was successfully translated into a silicone mould, which was used to create the final concrete forms that retained all the minuscule details of the original.

Project construction works were completed by Sustainable Landscaping, including skilful installation of the pine cones at various angles to make their placement look more natural. Local Grade 5 and 6 students from neighbouring Mahogany Rise Primary School also collaborated on the project, coming together to paint vibrant colours on the finer details of the pine cones. The finishing touches were completed by Leaf Design Studio and Rosemary Reserve reopened to the public, thriving as a reinvigorated community space for all to enjoy.