"Sand” is located on a corner site in Broadbeach and presented an opportunity to create an iconic landmark for the suburb drawing from the unique duality of the context; beachside and urban.
The mid-rise development consists of 14 apartments and 1 Penthouse [2 levels]; a total of 15 boutique beachside Apartments in a building of 18 levels. These spacious one per floor apartments provide an enticing alternative to single dwelling homes where residents will be able to experience sunlight and views from multiple aspects including towards the breath-taking white sand of Broadbeach and the Pacific Ocean beyond. Inside the apartments outdoor spaces are seamlessly integrated with the internal spaces contributing to the overall feeling of openness and providing enhanced cross ventilation throughout all internal areas. The allocation of multiple balconies in each apartment supports flexible living patterns and enables semi-outdoor living all-year-round in the sub-tropical climate.
The building design responds to multiple site parameters such as orientation, context, environment and public realm integration. The directionality and openness of the building towards the ocean was of primary importance, driving the design process. The location of the core and stairs towards the west façade work to mitigate the western sun exposure and to maximize the amount of open space available towards the favorable North East aspect.
The refined shape and form of the building is the result of a responsiveness to the parameters mentioned. The resultant building allows for enclosure and protects from unfavorable conditions (western sun, overlooking neighboring buildings) and opens and embraces the favourable summer breezes and beautiful views to the beach and city skylines.
The spiral morphology of certain sea shell species and their growth pattern inspired the continuous shape of the sun shade device that starts at the ground floor and culminates at the roof level. The elegant facade articulation derives from the recognized need to protect the building envelope from direct sun exposure. Through an extension of the tower floor slabs a continuous shading device creates a seamless articulation of all four façade elevations. The continuous curvilinear shading device takes on a fluid spiral movement, and in addition to providing climatic control, reduces heat loads and also allows for optimized internal light penetration. Visually this shade device connects the floor slabs through a vertical articulation that provides a high level of modulation and presents an attractive sculptural interface to the north west corner.
This iconic corner will create a unique sense of arrival to the prospering centre of Broadbeach on approach from the North and the pedestrian experience will be optimised through the active engagement of the ground plane with street orientated landscape solutions.
