Brookfield Multiplex has been awarded a contract with developer Ho Bee Land to construct the first residential high rise in Surfers Paradise in two years – Rhapsody Surfers North.

The $120 million, 41-storey tower by DBI Design, will feature 223 units, a sky deck with a communal garden, day beds and barbeque area, as well as an executive lounge and gym on the 27th floor with sweeping ocean aspects.

Its leaf shape design responds to the awkward triangular site on the corner of Surfers Paradise Boulevard and Main Beach Parade, surrounded on all sides by roadways. Made of two distinct building elements which have converged to create a single form, the bulk of the building is allowed to address both northern aspects and eastern beach views.

One of the main materials used for the podium is off form concrete left in its natural state and graffiti protected. Together with Alpolic cladding, Corten steel, and natural finish galvanised support columns, it creates a welcomed re-invigoration to an important arterial road.

The building façade is also fronted with powder-coated windows, louvre systems and balustrades, while the off form concrete joins precast concrete members with painted finishes in the internal spaces.

According to the architects, the tower’s beach frontage was an influence on the design themes. For example, the wall surrounding the residents’ pool deck is reminiscent of the dissolving hull of an old shipwreck stranded on the beach.

Swimming pool and spa

This is also evident in the two colour schemes available for the apartments – a light option addresses the beach location, while the dark option addresses the urban location of the tower. Each unit has been designed to maximise space, and for access to natural sunlight and ventilation.

The team has targeted a five star Green Star rating, achieved via a number of innovations including the green roof which encompasses formal landscaped garden spaces and community gardening spaces, as well as the provision of services that are metered for residents to monitor their energy and service usage.

Rooftop garden

Brookfield Multiplex regional managing director for Queensland, Rod McDonald, says the project would generate approximately 500 jobs during construction.

“Queensland’s residential market is gaining pace and it’s fantastic to be back on the Gold Coast and delivering this project which will see cranes returned to the Surfers Paradise skyline for the first time in two years,” he says.

Already, early works have begun on the site, with construction expected to be completed in late 2015.

Additional facilities for Rhapsody Surfers North will include a ground-floor commercial precinct with retail, café and restaurant tenancies. The building is positioned opposite the Surfers North light rail station, which connects residents with Broadbeach, Central Surfers Paradise, and Southport CBD.

Geraldine Chua

Brookfield-Mutliplex-and-DBI-Design-to-deliver-1st-1732031806.png

Let’s connect!