First look: Rothelowman set sights on new Gold Coast suburb
Renowned architecture firm Rothelowman have only lent their pen to a handful of projects on the Gold Coast, all in the high-profile glamour suburbs like Broadbeach, Coolangatta and Surfers Paradise.
Their latest Gold Coast apartment development will be in the small suburb of Labrador, at the northern end of the Gold Coast between Southport and Biggera Waters, where they've designed a striking 13-level tower just off the Gold Coast Highway.
Rothelowman noted the evolution of the housing typology in Labrador, from the early 20th century land lots with single storey detached homes, the ‘Australian Dream’, to the 21 century of high density rezoning and the introduction of the mid-rise tower.
"Gold Coast’s beachside suburbs have recently undergone intense investment in ‘luxury’ apartments that respond to an insatiable demand for beachside holiday homes from affluent local and interstate purchasers," Rothelowman stated.
"This overtly intense focus has partially overlooked the increasing demand for quality apartments in developing areas of the Gold Coast region such as Labrador with its strong key worker demographic and local demand for quality higher-density housing."
They said the intent for the project is to provide an equivalent level of design consideration that responds to the aspiration for improved quality of life in a way that is more accessible to locals.
The new development at 11-17 Hunter Avenue, a vast 1620 sqm site sold earlier this year by development site sales specialists GV Property Group to a private developer, will have 82 apartments in total, eight of which have been designed under the national disability insurance scheme (NDIS).
There will be 70 two-bedroom apartments and 12 three-bed units.
"11-17 Hunter Avenue is founded on the vision to establish a sense of community that promotes health and wellness within all aspects of the project," Rothelowman added.
"This is realised in the curation of flexible apartment living in an authentic subtropical residential tower and the facilitation for engagement with street life at lower level to accommodate recreational program. A varied suite of flexible apartment layouts respond to the lifestyle and amenity requirements of the projected demographic seeking adaptability, quality of life and wellness.
"This perceptibly humble project seeks to engender higher order design considerations for a deserved and almost forgotten demographic seeking similar care to Gold Coast ‘luxury’ living through what are considered humble innovations and a generous eye for life."
Town planner Mewing Planning Consultants says the proposed development will contribute to housing choice and affordability in Labrador, in an area that comprises a strong make up of short-term accommodation and holiday letting units, and ageing housing stock.
"Given the mix of units, the dwellings will be delivered at an affordable price point within the current Gold Coast apartment market and will attract a range of people from demographics to live within the area, including those who are unable to afford detached dwelling blocks within the locale," Mewing's submission as part of the development application noted.
