From left to right: Western Sydney University Lead researcher, Professor Sebastian Pfautsch, Cumberland City Council Mayor, Ola Hamed
Environmental monitoring at the Holroyd Gardens Carpark shows vine-covered structure reduces surface temperatures by up to 50%, improves thermal comfort by 10°C and lowers air temperatures by up to 2.5°C.
Cumberland City Council is proud to announce the successful construction of Australia’s first Green, Cool Carpark. The innovative Cool Carpark Project, located at Holroyd Gardens Merrylands, combines a trellis structure with native vines to transform a hot asphalt carpark into a cool and shaded space. This initiative has already shown promising results, highlighting the impact of urban cooling solutions in reducing the effects of extreme heat.
The Cool Carpark was funded by the NSW Government’s Greening Our City grant program and delivered in partnership with Western Sydney University. The project provided compelling evidence of how combining green infrastructure with innovative design can significantly reduce the temperature extremes commonly found in unshaded car parks.
Cumberland City Council is committed to enhancing both the natural and built environment, aligning with the strategic goal of supporting a resilient and sustainable city. This project not only addresses urban heat but also fosters vibrant, accessible spaces that encourage economic prosperity and support a diverse and sustainable local environment. In addition to this project, Council has implemented a number of heat management strategies and projects including the Heat Smart Toolkit and the UV-smart cool playground in Merrylands.
The prototype delivered all anticipated positive outcomes without the loss of any parking spaces. The addition of new green infrastructure enhanced the car park, and the thermal performance of the prototype exceeded expectations. Shade cast by the vines reduced surface temperatures by up to 50%, improved human thermal comfort by 10°C, and lowered air temperatures beneath the structure by up to 2.5°C compared to areas in the sun.
Cumberland Mayor Ola Hamed believes that the project is a clear example of how smart design and green infrastructure can help build a cooler, more resilient future for Cumberland.
“Cumberland is proud to lead the way in innovative urban cooling solutions. The success of the Cool Carpark Project not only highlights our commitment to reducing the impacts of extreme heat, but also demonstrates our commitment to creating sustainable, vibrant spaces that benefit our community, environment, and economy. The shade structure doesn’t just keep things cooler, it also protects our residents’ cars from sun damage, helps the car park surface last longer, and saves money on repairs. By integrating smart design and green infrastructure, we’re setting a new standard of how councils can future-proof public spaces, particularly in a region where 99% of car parks across Western Sydney remain unshaded,” said Mayor Hamed.
Lead researcher, Professor Sebastian Pfautsch added: “This project brought together the industry partner Tensile Design and Construct and Western Sydney University to help the community adapt to hotter summers. Our nature-based solution is ideal for those places where trees can’t be planted but greening and cooling is still wanted.”
In addition to cooling, the shade structure brought other useful benefits. It helped protect cars from UV damage, which can fade paint and weaken plastic trims. It also helped preserve the asphalt, extending its lifespan and saving Council money. People using the car park now enjoy a cooler and more comfortable experience, and nearby plants benefit from cooler air, helping them stay healthier during hot summer days.
The vines grew well in the first season and are expected to cover up all of the structure within five years. The system is easy to maintain, with only occasional pruning and guidance needed. Placing the trellis on the western side of the car park helped block the afternoon sun.
With nearly 1 km² of unshaded car parks across Cumberland, and 99% of Western Sydney’s car parks lacking any shade, this project represents a scalable, transferable solution that could redefine the way local governments address heat in urban environments.
For more information about all future developments, visit Cumberland City Council’s website at https://www.cumberland.nsw.
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