272 Hedges Avenue Pedestal

Rising 44 storeys above its beachside setting, 272 Hedges Avenue presents an unfolding experience of architectural elegance and unparalleled amenity, with the design of the pedestal inspired by the natural forces of the project’s coastal location. Australian property developer Sunland Group appointed Contreras
Earl Architecture to design the two-storey pedestal base for the Mermaid Beach tower, including the interior and communal areas. Inspired by patterns of wind and water on rocks and sand, the exquisite design brings a human scale to the ground plane of the tower and creates an engaging, sculptural connection with the streetscape and parklands. It marks the transition between the coast and urban edge, and the seamless progression from outside to inside offers a unique spatial experience for residents and visitors.

The organic design acknowledges the most extraordinary natural sculptors of all: the wind and ocean. The sculpted curves of the exterior resemble the windswept crests and erosion of sand, while the sweeping voids and vaults of the interior evoke a rock cave naturally eroded by the ocean. The nature of the materials
heightens this effect, with a distinctive semi-reflective stainless-steel façade that subtly reflects the streetscape and surroundings, and a concrete finish to the grand foyer, which is cave-like and elemental.

The transition from outside to inside is fluid and inviting, and artistic lighting subtly follows the ridgelines to enhance the flow from one space to another. Refined sculptural detailing throughout the architectural and interior details reinforces the experiential quality of the pedestal, foyer and communal areas. This includes the stainless-steel concierge desk in the foyer as well as the lift lobby – a privately enclosed space within the suspended arches.

Private amenities of the ground floor include a resident lounge, boardroom and function room. On the first floor, a 15-metre pool and spa sit beneath a vaulted ceiling and open to a garden terrace overlooking the coastal parklands. Other resident amenities include a gym, sauna, hammam steam room and treatment
rooms. The minimalist, tactile spaces are designed for the senses, creating a spatial sequence and atmosphere that will have a sensory and soothing effect on the user.

Quotes:
- “272 Hedges Pedestal was designed as a beautifulsculptural that is both visually stunning and inviting.”

- “Residents will experience a breathtaking welcome as they enter the tower’s lobby from Hedges Avenue, and the general public will enjoy the beautifully detailed addition to the public realm that culminates the end of Hedges Avenue and transition to the Broadbeach precinct.”

- “The fluid and seamless progression from outside to inside is a unique spatial experience for residents and visitors. Upon arrival residents are greeted by a grand foyer of sweeping voids and illuminated arches.”

- “The pedestal is inspired by the natural forces in play at the project’s coastal location. The subtle curving semi-reflective exterior façade resembles the crests and erosion effect of wind on sand, while its interior creates the illusion of a rock cave naturally eroded by the ocean.”

- “The brief was to create an amazing spatial experience. The pedestal design does that by bringing a human scale to the project, and creating an exquisite sculptural connection with the surrounding streetscape and parklands.”