First look exclusive: Luxcon set for origami-inspired apartment development on Surfers Paradise beachfront

PBD Architects say Escape will be an iconic tower overlooking the ocean from the coast of Surfers Paradise
First look exclusive: Luxcon set for origami-inspired apartment development on Surfers Paradise beachfront
The planned Escape on Garfield Terrace. Image credit: PBD Architects
Joel Robinson July 20, 2022

The Sydney-based luxury apartment developer Luxcon Group is breaking into the Gold Coast apartment market, and they're doing it on Surfers Paradise's prime beachfront strip.

Luxcon, headed by Ilya Melnikoff, are set to create Escape, a 30-level tower with just 28 apartments.

It will replace the ageing apartment development Sea Breeze at 63-65 Garfield Terrace.

PBD Architects say Escape will be an iconic tower overlooking the ocean from the coast of Surfers Paradise, towering out amongst the Gold Coast cityscape as a new destination for those looking for resort-style luxury living.

"The Garfield tower will rise 30 storeys refining the luxury residential buildings in Gold Coast," PBD noted in their design statement submitted to the local council.


The planned Escape on Garfield Terrace. Image credit: PBD Architects

"Its uniqueness is comparably contemporary and "edgy" amongst a sea of beachfront architecture incorporating coastal curvature and sleek ripple effects in their designs. It also creates a highly sophisticated urban design.

"The building enthusiastically embraces its iconic role by contributing to the vibrant skyline of the coast, whilst also providing opportunities for stunning vistas of the ocean, the Nerang River, and the greater city.

"Inspired by the natural transition or movement from the coast to the air by the cooling coastal breeze, Japanese art of paper folding, origami, a simple rectangular paper begins to articulately transform into a sculptural object."


The planned Escape on Garfield Terrace. Image credit: PBD Architects

There will be a three-level podium which will home the resident amenity.

The ground level will feature lounges and cabanas that will be an outdoor barbecue space set in lush landscaping. Level one will home the start of the fitness centre, a gym facing the beach. That will be feature a spiral staircase which leads to the lap pool and spa, steam room, sauna and changing rooms.

The apartments start from level three, with 270 sqm, full floor three-bedroom apartments, each with their own cellar, butler's pantry, and second living space at the rear of the apartment. The main open plan kitchen, living and dining area opens to an ocean-facing balcony, as does the master suite which has a walk in wardrobe and ensuite.

Topping the building is a huge two-level penthouse, spanning 440 sqm of living area. That will have four bedrooms, its own home office, and a wine room.


The planned Escape on Garfield Terrace. Image credit: PBD Architects

It's the latest plans for the busy Garfield Terrace, which is set for a huge redevelopment.

In December Iris Capital, who are developing the $800 million V&A Broadbeach, filed plans for a 38-level tower at 71 Garfield Terrace, just a few doors down. That will have 51 apartments and a two-level beach house.

Another aimed at the high end holiday maker or owner-occupier, the smallest apartments on offer will have three bedrooms and span half a floor, oriented to have ocean-facing balconies.

They run over half way up the tower, before hitting the resident facilities on level 24 where there will be a swimming pool and pool deck, a gym with a sauna, and an outdoor barbecue and dining area.


The planned Iris Capital tower 71 on Garfield. Image credit: DBI Architects

Up to level 33 will be the full-floor, four bedroom apartments, each with a study and private plunge pool on the balcony.

Next door Weiya Holdings recently secured approval for Aalto, which will also rise 38 levels. It will have 64 apartments designed by Conrad Gargett.

Down the street KTQ are creating something different, something the Coast hasn't seen before.

Serēn (pronounced serene), will comprise an independent luxury, 60-room hotel, which will occupy levels three to six. Above, after the separate hotel and the residences pool and recreation decks, will be 60 apartments, spanning a huge 350 sqm each and offering three-bedrooms and a multi-purpose room.

Toward the pointy end of the 42-level tower will be full floor apartments and a special two-level penthouse.

Luxcon was established in 2008 by Founder and Managing Director Ilya Melnikoff, and have developed a number of luxury projects, primarily in Sydney's eastern suburbs. They have a number of projects in the pipeline in some of Melbourne's best suburbs as well, including The Address overlooking Fitzroy Gardens.

Joel Robinson

Joel Robinson is the Editor in Chief at Urban.com.au, managing Urban's editorial team and creating the largest news cycle for the off the plan property market in the country. Joel has been writing about residential real estate for nearly a decade, following a degree in Business Management with a major in Journalism at Leeds Beckett University in England. He specializes in off the plan apartments, and has a particular interest in the development application process for new projects.

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