British architecture studios David Chipperfield Architects and Assemble have teamed up with Australian landscape architect Jane Irwin to create a commercial and residential neighbourhood on a former dairy farm in Canberra.

Aptly named Dairy Road, the master plan is proposed for a 14-hectare site on a former dairy farm between the industrial suburb of Fyshwick and the Jerrabomberra Wetlands and will connect existing reused warehouses with housing, commercial buildings and gardens.

An adaptive reuse scheme developed by Australian studio Craig Tan Architects has already seen existing industrial buildings, dating from the 1970s, become home to a brewery, distilleries, coffee roasters, creative co-working, a gallery and an industrial design studio.

David Chipperfield Architects, Assemble, Jane Irwin Landscape Architecture and developer Molonglo will expand on Craig Tan Architects' adaptive reuse project to transform the area into an "interconnected neighbourhood".

"The future vision for Dairy Road is an interconnected neighbourhood where many often-separated parts work together as one ecosystem," said property developer Molonglo.

Assemble will add ten warehouse-style buildings that will be used to house a number of community activities and workspaces, including sports spaces, community centres, manufacturing and work studios.

"Light industry will continue to be prioritised, recognising the commercial and cultural value that making brings to a place and the significance of industry to this part of Canberra," Molonglo continued.

Thirteen residential structures by David Chipperfield Architects, housing up to 700 residents across three and four-storey buildings, will be organised around a wetland ecosystem restored by Jane Irwin Landscape Architecture.

Jane Irwin Landscape Architecture will reincorporate wetlands, grasslands and woodlands to better mirror the site's pre-colonial state.

Alongside the restored land, architecture will also serve as a foundation for plant life. Gardens will inhabit vertical spaces across residences, into basements and between buildings.

The first new additions to the site are scheduled to be completed in 2024 and the project marks Assemble's debut in Australia.

Dairy Road marks David Chipperfield Architects' second project and first residential project in Australia. Also at the site, Chilean studio Pezo von Ellrichshausen built a pavilion-like artwork that is comprised of concrete columns and a circular ramp.

Earlier this year, the Berlin studio of David Chipperfield Architects unveiled its plans for the Santa Giulia arena in Milan for the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Renders are courtesy of David Chipperfield Architects, unless stated otherwise.