A nod to coastal masonry walk ups: Rothelowman's design decisions behind the Mermaid Beach apartment development, Yves
Yves is the third Gold Coast apartment development by the Melbourne-based developer Hirsch & Faigen2021.
For all three of their developments they've had Rothelowman handle the design process, with Yves comprising a contemporary collection of three towers.
The $200 million Yves project will have 145 apartments across the three 26-level towers, which start from $540,000 for a one-bedroom apartment, and $740,000 for a two-bedroom apartment.
Rothelowman noted in their design statement that the design of Yves is a nod to the history of coastal masonry walk ups.
"Embedding the coastal traditions of this place within high density apartment precincts is not by any means a straight forward task," Rothelowman state.
"Mermaid Avenue seeks to humbly direct this thinking towards an outcome that promotes liveability and simplicity. The unique “wedge-shaped” site results in a dynamic built form that has been subtly articulated through a series of intersections in form and incisions in the overall mass.
"A layered approach to façade balancing glazing with masonry responds to climatic orientation, desire for views and outlook. A textural approach which balances reflectivity in glass with undulating precast patterned concrete will create a vibrancy through shadow and depth.
"The low set podium is modestly scaled to engage with the neighbouring apartment buildings and continue the language of the street within the undercroft of the tower. Gardens prevail on all frontages ensuring a balanced relationship with the adjacent sites.
"The narrow streetscape interface is relaxed with generous setbacks allowing for the establishment of a landscape focused forecourt between the lobby and the footpath.
"Gardens are utilised to create a domestic tone, rich in coastal species, colour and textures."
Rothelowman noted the site presented a unique opportunity to create a transitional tower project at the junction between the intensity of cosmopolitan Broadbeach and the more traditional/ laidback vestiges that is well defined by places such as Mermaid Beach.
"Between the sleepless Broadbeach & gentrified Burleigh, Mermaid Beach captures the diminishing modesty of the Gold Coast," Rothelowman note in their design statement.
"It is a microcosm with cafes, craft and culture. A community of locals and tourists relishing a more humble urban lifestyle than the north & south.
"A deliberate and direct attitude towards enhancing the way in which buildings can add to the narrative of life of the Gold Coast is important in ensuring an “Architecture of Place” can be developed."
"A rich part of the evolution of the Gold Coast is the challenge and opportunity posed by the emergence of high density precincts amongst the well-established lower intensity beachside villages of the City. This is very much a product of the desirability of living in the emerging City and the rapid shift towards a more urbanised environment along the length of the Coast."
The building's are crowned with outdoor rooftop seating, with the residential amenity located in the shared lobby, which Rothelowman designed as a greenhouse to create a suburban feel.
There will be a north-facing swimming pool as the centrepiece, as well as a pool and yoga deck, a gym, sauna, recreation lounge and barbecue seating.
