"Inspired by the inimitable movement of drifting sands and water along the coastline": How Conrad Gargett designed Aalto
When developer Weiya Holdings sought architects to shape their visionary Surfers Paradise beachfront apartment project Aalto, it was a no brainer for them to go with Conrad Gargett, after their impressive work on Weiya's first Gold Coast project, DE-LUXE in Burleigh Heads.
Weiya's Managing Director, Wei Wang, said Conrad Gargett's longstanding commitment to creating innovative, imaginative and yet timeless residences is epitomised by Aalto.
"Its world-class beachfront location needed to be matched by a truly exceptional calibre of design, and we have worked closely with Conrad Gargett to ensure this standard was delivered – and surpassed," Wang said.
"The result is a building of elegance and sophistication inspired by the essence of the unique coastal landscape it inhabits, within moments of the Gold Coast’s iconic cosmopolitan lifestyle precincts."
With a profound understanding of the locale and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Conrad Gargett embarked on creating a structure that seamlessly integrates with its surroundings.
The team ran an in-house design competition so they had a number of different options. Three teams tested multiple ideas in parallel to produce the best outcome for this supreme location.
Once a design direction was established, the architecture and interior design teams joined forces from the outset to ensure a seamless integration from architecture to interiors, resulting in a coordinated and holistic design language.
The grandeur of Aalto's design philosophy draws heavily from the broader context of its location. Paying homage to the natural beauty that sets Surfers Paradise and the wider Gold Coast apart, the team embraced the interplay between the ocean, the hinterland, and everything in-between.
Conrad Gargett Director John Flynn says Aalto's relationship with nature is expressed in its unique curvature and harmony of flowing lines which envelope the tower form.
"The articulated edges display a natural rhythm comprised of soft corners and long sweeping forms, inspired by the inimitable movement of drifting sands and water along the coastline."
A significant source of inspiration came from observing the movement of sand and water, a consequence of the Long Shore Drift phenomenon. Originating in the south, the natural process transports silica particles along the coastline, forming the iconic white sands and crystal-clear blue waters that grace the region.
The architectural embodiment of this interplay can be witnessed in the sinuous edges of the building, evoking the organic ribboned forms resulting from the stratification of sand as the water recedes and erosion takes hold.
The Gold Coast's distinctive landscape is characterised by a striking contrast of colours: deep blue waves crashing against golden sands, and lush green foliage sprawling across basalt rocks.
Aalto's materiality draws inspiration from this juxtaposition and textured richness. Designed to withstand the coastal climate, the building incorporates durable and robust materials such as stone, concrete, timber, and steel, carefully chosen for their ability to gracefully age over time.
The concrete has been moulded and carved to reflect the natural recesses found in wind-sculpted sand. This design principle echoes throughout the residences, where elements from the coastline are translated into a luxurious array of finishes.
Within these spaces, pale timber boldly contrasts with natural stones and elegant brass details, creating a sensory experience that fosters a deep connection to the surrounding landscape.