272 Hedges Avenue Pedestal Architecture by Rafael Contreras and Monica Earl Receives the Platinum A' Design Award in Architecture, Building and Structure Design

The Work

Project

272 Hedges Avenue Pedestal Architecture

Function

Architecture

Category

Architecture, Building and Structure Design

Discipline

Spatial Design

Industry

Architecture

Colors

Dark Slate Gray, Black, Dim Gray, Light Slate Gray and Ghost White

Images

5

Client

Contreras Earl Architecture

The Recognition

Laureate

Rafael Contreras and Monica Earl

Country

Australia

Recognition

Platinum A' Design Award

Edition

2022 - 2023

Design ID

#148558

Credits

Team

Rafael Contreras - Director / Lead Architect and Monica Earl - Director / Lead Archtiect

Image Credits

Photographer: Peter Sexty, 2022; Photographer: Peter Sexty, 2022 Video Credits: Video: Filmed by - Hutchinson Builders, 2022 Editor: Dwayne Liu, 2022

Design Details

Unique Properties

The two-story pedestal base of 272 Hedges Avenue in Gold Coast, Australia, brings a human scale to the residential tower and creates a contextual connection with the surroundings. As urbanization grows, it separates humans from nature. The pedestal merges the built and natural environments, improving the area and community. Advanced design techniques and products were used by Contreras Earl Architecture to create a biologically informed and digitally engineered design. The pedestal is a unique and site-specific solution that contributes to the evolution of architecture and urban development, benefiting inhabitants and the environment.

Inspiration

Biologically informed and digitally engineered, the contoured design acknowledges nature’s extraordinary sculptors: the wind and ocean. The facade is a stainless-steel monocoque structure that is original and complex in its conception, design and execution. The subtle curvatures resemble the crests and erosion of wind on sand, while the interior alludes to a rock cave naturally eroded by the ocean. The innovative and advanced architecture is imbued with warmth, soul and artistry.

Research

We hold the view that it was imperative to employ a distinctive material that would enable us to produce an intriguing reflection of the environment, characterized by a specific dynamism such as the presence of vegetation and high pedestrian traffic. The utilization of Stainless steel presented a considerable challenge, given that builders and clients typically adhere to conventional materials and customary fabrication techniques. Nevertheless, the endeavour was deemed worthwhile. The monocoque panels underwent manufacturing and pre-assembly in the Netherlands' factory and were subsequently transported to Australia.

Challenge

Our objective was to construct a podium that would serve as a link or intermediary between a towering edifice and the pedestrians. We devised a distinctive work of art that would serve as a warm greeting to visitors and provide a delightful user experience. The neighbourhood and general public have been exceedingly receptive to the concept, with individuals frequently stopping to admire the pedestal and appreciate the true impact of architectural design. The spectacle is indeed mesmerizing, leaving onlookers captivated by its sheer beauty.

Realization and Technology

The podium envelope is a 6-millimetre stainless-steel monocoque that supports the loads and enables the structure to be a singular, stand-alone sculpture. We tendered the production of the pedestal to stainless steel fabricators in Australia. They did not have the capability to manufacture the monocoque structure in stainless steel. We consequently tendered the production to CIG Architecture in The Netherlands, an expert in complex 3D-formed steel constructions. CIG used our 3D model to prefabricate the 120 panels at full scale, and pre-assembled them in its workshop in The Netherlands. Once received in Australia, the structure was fully assembled on-site.

Operation and Interaction

Our design approach emphasizes the connection between architecture and nature. Nature provides solutions to many design challenges and inspires us to study biology and natural systems for new ideas. We use advanced techniques like computational parametric modeling, cutting-edge technology, and inventive fabrication to create novel designs. The organic design of the pedestal benefits pedestrians and the beachside area, connecting the natural and built environments. The stainless-steel skin can be touched and appreciated for its intricate details. The façade's subtle curvatures resemble wind patterns on sand and the interior evokes a naturally eroded rock cave.

Project Duration and Location

In 2018, Contreras Earl Architecture was commissioned to design the interior and communal areas of the two-story pedestal base for the 272 Hedges Avenue tower in Mermaid Beach, Gold Coast, Australia. The project reached completion in 2022. Situated in an exceptional location, 272 Hedges Avenue offers an unparalleled experience of architectural sophistication and luxury amenities. Soaring 44 stories above the beach, this residential tower represents a pivotal point in the region's urban landscape, serving as the southern demarcation of the high-density zone.

Specifications

The Pedestal, comprising the ground floor and the first level, offers an exceptional range of residential facilities, including a dedicated concierge service, a resident lounge, a boardroom, a function room, a 15-meter heated swimming pool, a spa, a gym, a sauna, a hammam steam room, and treatment rooms. The external facade was designed to be transportable, utilizing 40-foot and 20-foot shipping containers that were transported from the Netherlands to Australia and assembled on-site.

Keywords

monocoque, stainless steel, erosion, sand patterns, innovation, unique