A Game-Changer for Urban Heat Management

Australia has just unveiled its first Green Cool Carpark, and the results are nothing short of impressive. This innovative project at Holroyd Gardens Merrylands combines native vines with a clever trellis structure, to transform what was once a scorching hot asphalt carpark, into a cool, shaded oasis.

The Cool Carpark Project represents a breakthrough in urban cooling solutions, demonstrating how smart design can tackle one of our cities’ biggest challenges: extreme heat. With funding from the NSW Government’s Greening Our City grant program and expertise from Western Sydney University, this prototype has delivered results that exceed all expectations.

The Numbers Speak for Themselves

The transformation has been remarkable. Shade cast by the native vines has reduced surface temperatures by up to 50 percent, while improving human thermal comfort by a significant 10°C. Air temperatures beneath the structure are up to 2.5°C cooler compared to areas exposed to direct sunlight.

What makes this project particularly impressive, is that it achieved these results without sacrificing a single parking space. The addition of green infrastructure enhanced the carpark while delivering thermal performance that surpassed initial projections.

Beyond Cooling: Multiple Benefits

While temperature reduction was the primary goal, the Cool Carpark delivers value in unexpected ways. Cars parked beneath the structure are protected from UV damage that typically fades paint and weakens plastic trims. The asphalt itself benefits too, with the shade helping preserve the surface and extend its lifespan, ultimately saving money on repairs and maintenance.

Users of the carpark now enjoy a dramatically more comfortable experience, while nearby plants benefit from the cooler microclimate, helping them thrive even during intense summer heat.

A Nature-Based Solution That Works

Lead researcher Professor Sebastian Pfautsch highlighted that this nature-based approach is perfect for spaces where traditional tree planting isn’t feasible,  but cooling is still desperately needed. The vines flourished in their first season and are expected to provide complete coverage of the structure within five years.

Maintenance requirements are refreshingly simple, requiring only occasional pruning and guidance. The strategic placement of the trellis on the western side of the carpark helps block the harsh afternoon sun when it’s needed most.

Addressing a Massive Problem

The project tackles a significant urban challenge. With nearly one square kilometre of unshaded car parks in the local area alone, and a staggering 99 percent of Western Sydney’s car parks lacking any shade coverage, the need for scalable solutions has never been more urgent.

This prototype represents exactly that kind of transferable solution that could revolutionise how local governments across Australia address urban heat. As cities continue to grapple with rising temperatures and more frequent extreme weather events, innovative approaches like the Cool Carpark offer a practical pathway forward.

Setting New Standards

The project demonstrates how integrating smart design with green infrastructure can future-proof public spaces in an era of climate change. By proving that effective cooling solutions don’t require choosing between functionality and environmental benefits, this initiative sets a new benchmark for urban development.

As we face an increasingly hot future, projects like the Cool Carpark show that with creativity and commitment to sustainability, we can build more resilient communities that work better for both people and the environment. The success of this prototype suggests we’re just getting started on reimagining how our urban spaces can adapt and thrive in a changing climate.