Guide to tropical city style launched

From the pattern of the city streets to the intricate details of balustrades and window dressing, the distinctive tropical style of the far north is clearly reflected in the new Cairns Regional Council Cairns Style guide.

The Cairns Style Guide to be launched tomorrow morning by Mayor Val Schier has been created to retain and enhance the city’s unique character.

“The book, which is also available as an e-book on Council’s website, describes in words, pictures and diagrams the distinguishing elements of good design throughout the region,” Cr Schier said.

“The guide serves as a reference for developers, home owners and Council when considering creating or renovating living spaces and buildings to ensure that the tropical look and feel Cairns is enhanced and preserved.”

The Cairns Style guide indentifies and analyses the key elements of traditional built forms that contribute to a style recognised as unique to Cairns. It also outlines the defining landscape elements that meet the requirements of urban development.

“If everyone follows the principles outlined in the guide, the inherent style of the city will not only be maintained, but strengthened.  Cairns has a one of a kind identity and we don’t want to see that lost,” Cr Schier said. 

“Buildings designed to capture prevailing breezes with wide roof overhangs assist sustainable building design and ensure the environmental requirements of living in the tropics are addressed.

“Cairns region has an amazing bank of tropical expertise that understands the locale and can be relied upon to design beautiful, practical buildings and landscapes.”

“It is not about copying old buildings.  It is more about capturing a feeling and expressing an identity that is distinctive and tropical Australian.”