Zip + Climb Perth

TYPE | ARCHITECTURE, interior design, DOCUMENTATION

SECTOR | COMMUNITY + CIVIC

STATUS | COMPLETE (2024)

Location | BURSWOOD, WA

HEIGHT | 5.6m

SCALE | GFA: 350 SQM, SITE: 2,500 sqm

PHOTOGRAPHY | NICHOLAS PUTRASIA

A design anchored in adventure and place

Located at the eastern gateway to Perth’s CBD, Matagarup Zip + Climb establishes a permanent operations facility for one of the city’s most thrilling attractions. Plus Architecture’s design embeds this project into the evolving landscape of Burswood Park, a site rich with layers of natural, industrial, and cultural history.

The design draws inspiration from its surroundings, referencing the dynamic angles of the Matagarup Bridge and the industrial aesthetic of nearby Optus Stadium. Expressed steelwork and a façade of timber and sand-based render evoke a connection to the park’s heritage and environment, allowing the architecture to settle naturally into its riverland context. The building is framed by endemic flora, which weaves through the site and enhances its seamless integration with the park’s broader ecological regeneration efforts.

While the architecture complements its setting, it is also highly functional. The facility supports Matagarup Zip + Climb’s operations with purpose-designed spaces for ticketing, equipment storage, and visitor amenities. Additional public facilities, including a café, shaded seating areas, and park ablutions, enrich the park’s offering and invite wider community engagement. Elevated signage ensures clear wayfinding without interrupting the park’s visual flow.

This pavilion-like structure contributes to the transformation of Burswood Park into Perth’s next great urban parkland. It balances its role as a gateway to adventure with its duty as a steward of place, offering a design that sits quietly within the landscape while enhancing the experience of the park for locals and visitors alike.