Unique podium design set to raise Aalto to new heights

NATIONAL design firm Conrad Gargett is raising the bar for Gold Coast high-rise design, with its latest residential tower project showcasing that development need not come at the expense of green space.

The design company is working with Weiya Holdings on its 38-storey tower on the beachfront in Garfield Terrace, Surfers Paradise, which recently received DA approval from Gold City Council.

Conrad Gargett director John Flynn said the development will feature a unique podium design which, when combined with the building’s soft-edged form and lush landscaping, would create a sense of openness and act as an extension of the natural dune landscape and surrounding public green spaces.

“The original landscape of the ocean, beach and dunes, continuing through to the waterways has been broken over time by buildings, so by lifting the tower off the ground, we’ve been able to create greater transparency, which has been one of our key design moves,” Mr Flynn said.

The connection to landscape has been a major influence behind the design of Aalto.

“The Gold Coast is evolving from the notion of high-rise developments being these big shiny tokens, to creating places that have a story behind them that is true to the context of the site. Tha’s what people are looking for – something they are proud to be a part of,” Mr Flynn said.

Aalto will feature full and half-floor luxury residences with expansive outdoor living spaces and a range of resort-style amenities, recreation and wellness spaces including a lobby, spa, gym, lounge, bar and pool. Its large podium will be left open, providing light-filled outdoor spaces that invite the natural elements of the coast into the building’s footprint.

The use of raw and natural materials will also play a key role in the design, to ensure the building will withstand the elements and tie in with the natural landscape.

A pre-sales campaign of the project, and its 67 luxury apartments has already begun, with prices for a two-bedroom unit starting at $2.2m, rising to $3m for three-bedroom units and $8m for whole floor residences of which there will be six in total. Demolition on the existing site has already begun.