Sunshine. A truly quintessential inner Melbourne suburb
Founded on humble beginnings by pioneers across industrialisation and agriculture – from earliest European settlement the township that we know as Sunshine has flourished, endured and evolved.
Like many inner Melbourne suburbs, Sunshine was built around key industry. Homes, parks, gardens and retail that served the workers, and supported the businesses – creating communities and eco systems that were self-sufficient.
While many of these industries/factories/businesses are long gone – they leave behind a legacy, an identity and an ethos that is still prevalent today.
Like many inner Melbourne suburbs, Sunshine was built around key industry. Homes, parks, gardens and retail that served the workers, and supported the businesses – creating communities and eco systems that were self-sufficient.
While many of these industries/factories/businesses are long gone – they leave behind a legacy, an identity and an ethos that is still prevalent today.
Architecture of the ages
There is no singular word to describe the architecture of Sunshine. It is a glorious mix of workers cottages, terrace homes, colonial and federation styles, California bungalows and all manner of 70s and 80s brick veneer.
Heavily influenced by the immigration boom of the 50s and 60s – the homes in particular tell a uniquely Melbourne story. A story of pride, of enduring family and community values and a strong work ethic.
While the architectural landscape may be evolving, it’s roots are well embedded in Sunshine and its vibrant past.
These principles can be seen in the architectural response to the residences at Clayworks – developed by SMA and designed by Hayball (Architects).
The Garden State
Melbourne has long been the heart of the Garden State – and Sunshine is a shining example of this.
An early adopter of the international ‘Garden City Movement’, influential and prominent Sunshine pioneers such as Hugh Victor McKay (the industrialist who founded the Sunshine Harvester Works) was a renown advocate of the Garden City movement. In 1909, he commissioned the Sunshine Gardens – now known as The H.V. McKay Memorial Gardens – for the recreational use of his employees. He also applied the Garden City principles to housing communities he planned and built for his workforce – the suburb of Albion being a prime example.
Clayworks has been designed very much with the Garden City movement at its core. Landscaping partner Tract have designed the tree lined streets, pocket parks and generous shared amenity that provide the foundation for this new master planned community. Bringing back old fashioned values of a connected neighbourhood, with room to roam, where neighbours know each other and children play safely where they live. Outdoor living not just to walk the dog – but to meet and connect.
Clayworks has been designed very much with the Garden City movement at its core. Landscaping partner Tract have designed the tree lined streets, pocket parks and generous shared amenity that provide the foundation for this new master planned community. Bringing back old fashioned values of a connected neighbourhood, with room to roam, where neighbours know each other and children play safely where they live. Outdoor living not just to walk the dog – but to meet and connect.
Clayworks is a community shaped by heritage
Proudly embracing its heritage, multicultural influences and community pride from settlement to current times – Sunshine continues to grow and thrive.
Clayworks is designed to reflect the very essence of Sunshine – it’s past and its future. It has been shaped by heritage to emerge as a highly responsive urban community that balances tradition with innovation. It will be a welcomed addition to this evolving and proud suburb in the not too distant future.