The 21 Broadbeach Boulevard development is located at the end of a cul-de-sac on Broadbeach Boulevard; the site occupies a corner where Armrick Avenue meets the bustling beachside Boulevard. The adjacent corner is occupied by the landscaped gardens of the neighbouring apartment building ‘Oceana on Broadbeach’ to the north-west. The site offers the opportunity to design a residential landmark that coexists with the natural environment, nestled within the leafy Broadbeach Park quarter and drawing inspiration from its unique context, a quiet green nook in the heart of bustling Broadbeach.
Architect: Contreras Earl Architecture
Interior: Plus
Renders: NPA
Client: QNY Group & Glenvill
The morphology of the building is inspired by the surrounding vegetation and parks. The elegant design is articulated by the tower’s vertical structure, which resembles a tree trunk that is seamlessly connected to each floor slab and expresses an elegant organic petal shape in plan (inspired by the undulating detailed profile of the Norfolk pine branches from the adjacent Broadbeach Park). This not only creates a beautiful expression of the building form, but it also corresponds to the internal layout distribution of the apartments, with each petal framing an open living area (on the east) and private areas (on the west). The end result is a distinct architectural expression that integrates architecture more seamlessly with nature.
The 24-story building houses 19 boutique beachside whole-floor apartments and two penthouses spread across three levels. There is a wellness area (gym) on the ground floor, and a Lifestyle Amenities area on the roof. This opulent amenity will give the historic structure a distinct personality. Residents can enjoy an abundance of natural sunlight and views from multiple viewpoints, including magnificent white sand and ocean views of East Broadbeach and the Pacific Ocean, in the spacious one-per-floor apartments, which offer an appealing alternative to single-family homes. Furthermore, the southern lush green park scape extends all the way to the western hinterland. Each apartment integrates internal and outdoor spaces seamlessly, emphasising open-plan living and increasing cross ventilation in all indoor areas. Each apartment’s balconies promote semi-outdoor living and flexible living patterns, allowing them to be used all year in the local subtropical climate. The balconies’ gentle undulating contour connects to the adjacent beachside.
The building design addresses a number of site parameters, including orientation, context, environment, and public realm integration. Two significant site perspectives influenced the design process: the building’s orientation and openness to the ocean, as well as the internal arrangement oriented towards the expansive green open space to the south. The core and stairs are located on the northern façade to maximise privacy from the site’s only neighbouring building while also increasing the amount of open space available for the favourable view outlooks. This distinctive structure will provide a distinct sense of arrival to the thriving suburb of Broadbeach when approached from Armrick Avenue from the north, as well as a lovely visual addition to the lush Broadbeach Boulevard corner. The active interaction of the ground plane with street-oriented landscaping will enhance the pedestrian experience. This new landmark will be a stunning architectural addition to the urban fabric of the coastal city.
About Contreras Earl Architecture:
Contreras Earl Architecture is led by Rafael Contreras and Monica Earl.
We founded Contreras Earl Architecture to design original, inventive, ground-breaking buildings that contribute to the evolution of architecture and toward a better future for our communities and cities.
We create buildings, spaces, masterplans and objects that are biologically informed and digitally engineered. From mid-sized commercial buildings and mixed-use developments to high-end apartments and bespoke objects, it’s not about the scale of the project, but the scale of clients’ ambition.
As architects, we are problem solvers and innovators. We challenge old conventions and contribute new ideas. We believe architecture should evolve with technology, and we embrace the latest technology to push the boundaries of architecture. By using advanced software, robotics, materials and construction processes, we are liberated from traditional building practices and forms, and free to explore more creative, avant-garde ideas.
Our design process is driven by the careful analysis of contemporary life and the desire to create buildings that coexist with the built and natural environment. We synthesise research and understand patterns in nature to deliver site-specific solutions that are rich, beautiful and functional – like the natural world. The architecture that emerges is innovative and advanced, imbued with warmth, soul and artistry. Sculptural forms and organic lines encourage public engagement and optimise environmental performance.
These are not just grand gestures or bold forms, but reflect our design ethos to realise a better world. Freed from tradition and convention, we can contribute to the evolution of architecture, and together we can create a better future for our urban and natural environments.
Other Contreras Earl Architecture projects include world’s first Living Coral Biobank in Port Douglas, Australia & Skyportz – Australia’s first air-taxi vertiport.
Rafael and Monica commenced their careers working with two of the most well-recognised global architecture practices: Zaha Hadid Architects and Foster + Partners.
Rafael led international teams in Zaha Hadid Architect’s exclusive ‘design cluster’ in London, working directly under Zaha Hadid and Patrik Schumacher. He was a design leader for the Grand Theatre in Rabat Morocco, Tokyo National Stadium and the New Beijing Daxing Airport (the world’s largest airport terminal), as well as large-scale residential and mixed-use projects across Australia.
Monica’s experience working for Foster + Partners, Carmody Groarke and acclaimed architect and theorist Farshid Moussavi crosses a broad range of sectors from heritage to cultural. At Foster + Partners, Monica worked on prestigious large-scale developments, including ICD Brookfield Place Dubai, and at Carmody Groarke she was involved in the British Museum and Windermere Jetty Museum in England’s Lake District.
