Project Credits & Specs:
- Architects: Contreras Earl Architecture
- CGI & Photography: Peter Sexty
- Location: Mermaid Beach, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- Area: 1800 m2
- Year: 2022
Rising 44 stories above its beachside setting, 272 Hedges Avenue presents an unfolding experience of architectural elegance and unparalleled amenity, with the design of the pedestal inspired by the natural forces of the project’s coastal location. Australian property developer Sunland Group appointed Contreras Earl Architecture to design the two-story pedestal base for the Mermaid Beach tower, including the interior and communal areas.
272 Hedges Pedestal was designed as a beautiful sculptural that is both visually stunning and inviting.
Contreras Earl Architecture
Inspired by patterns of wind and water on rocks and sand, the exquisite design brings a human scale to the ground plane of the tower and creates an engaging, sculptural connection with the streetscape and parklands. It marks the transition between the coast and urban edge, and the seamless progression from outside to inside offers a unique spatial experience for residents and visitors.
Residents will experience a breathtaking welcome as they enter the tower’s lobby from Hedges Avenue, and the general public will enjoy the beautifully detailed addition to the public realm that culminates the end of Hedges Avenue and transition to the Broadbeach precinct.
Contreras Earl Architecture
The organic design acknowledges the most extraordinary natural sculptors: the wind and ocean. The sculpted curves of the exterior resemble the windswept crests and erosion of sand. At the same time, the sweeping voids and vaults of the interior evoke a rock cave naturally eroded by the ocean. The nature of the materials heightens this effect, with a distinctive semi-reflective stainless-steel façade that subtly reflects the streetscape and surroundings, and a concrete finish to the grand foyer, which is cave-like and elemental.
The fluid and seamless progression from outside to inside is a unique spatial experience for residents and visitors. Upon arrival residents are greeted by a grand foyer of sweeping voids and illuminated arches.
Contreras Earl Architecture
The transition from outside to inside is fluid and inviting, and artistic lighting subtly follows the ridgelines to enhance the flow from one space to another. Refined sculptural detailing throughout the architectural and interior details reinforces the experiential quality of the pedestal, foyer, and communal areas. This includes the stainless-steel concierge desk in the foyer as well as the lift lobby – a privately enclosed space within the suspended arches.
The pedestal is inspired by the natural forces in play at the project’s coastal location. The subtle curving semi-reflective exterior façade resembles the crests and erosion effect of wind on sand, while its interior creates the illusion of a rock cave naturally eroded by the ocean.
Contreras Earl Architecture
Private amenities of the ground floor include a resident lounge, boardroom, and function room. On the first floor, a 15-meter pool and spa sit beneath a vaulted ceiling and open to a garden terrace overlooking the coastal parklands. Other resident amenities include a gym, sauna, hammam steam room, and treatment rooms. The minimalist, tactile spaces are designed for the senses, creating a spatial sequence and atmosphere that will have a sensory and soothing effect on the user.
The brief was to create an amazing spatial experience. The pedestal design does that by bringing a human scale to the project, and creating an exquisite sculptural connection with the surrounding streetscape and parklands.
Contreras Earl Architecture
(Pedestal): Exceptional resident facilities include a dedicated concierge service, residents lounge, boardroom, function room, 15-meter heated swimming pool, spa, gym, sauna, hammam steam room, and treatment rooms.
(Tower) 44 story: 97 residences, including two, three, and four-bedroom apartments, sky homes and penthouses, and two double-story sky villas, all with the highest quality fittings and finishes.
Further project and practice information:
The project description is provided by the architects.
About the architects:
Contreras Earl works at the intersection of architecture, urbanism, landscape, and interiors, designing buildings and precincts to coexist with the built and natural environments, enhancing the human experience, and improving our cities. Contreras Earl Architecture is led by Rafael Contreras and Monica Earl. Together, with a team of international and local collaborators, they challenge conventional thinking in design, construction, and city-making, and harness the latest technologies to create a climate-resilient architecture where form beautifully follows function, just as in nature.
