Design excellence shapes new palm beach landmark

Plus Studio and Macquarie York are raising the bar for Gold Coast developments with Cirrus, a striking 13-storey tower in Palm Beach. The project received a 50% height bonus for its design excellence. The City of Gold Coast Council has approved the Design Application (DA) for the 42.4-metre tower, which is situated on a 488-square-metre site. The design contributes to Palm Beach's evolving coastal character.

The building’s unique look comes from a curved façade with fluted concrete inspired by shell patterns. The design thoughtfully divides the building's mass into two parts. The podium, or base, has textured stone paving and warm concrete. This transitions to a lighter tower element with cool-toned concrete and large windows. A vertical green spine runs through the building, separating materials naturally and anchoring it to the site.

Plus Studio Director Danny Juric explained the process:

"We approached this project as an opportunity to demonstrate how design excellence can transform a site into an architectural landmark. Our collaborative process with Council, often involving real-time design refinements sketched during meetings, helped us create a building that not only maximises resident amenity but makes a genuine contribution to Palm Beach's urban fabric".

He added that the building's form was specifically shaped to maximise setbacks and views. The street-level entrance is designed to be welcoming and to strengthen Palm Beach's developing village feel.

Cirrus will feature ten full-floor residences with three bedrooms each, as well as a two-level, four-bedroom penthouse. Each residence will have 15 metres of ocean frontage, which is more than double the typical width of a beachfront apartment.

An elevated recreation deck on the first level will have an infinity-edge pool that overlooks the ocean. Landscaping will cascade down the podium, creating a direct path for pedestrians to the beach.

Macquarie York Managing Director Roy Skaf said the partnership with Plus Studio was a success, building on their previous work together.

"Having experienced Plus Architecture's design excellence capabilities on Nina Chevron Island and Sunset Residence in Surfers Paradise, we knew they could help us achieve something truly exceptional here. The result speaks for itself – Cirrus will be an iconic addition to Palm Beach's skyline and sets new standards for sophisticated beachfront living on the Gold Coast."

Skaf also acknowledged the Gold Coast City Council Officers for their engagement during the assessment process. He thanked the Planning & Regulation Committee and the Full Council for their support of the development. He noted that their vision and support were crucial in bringing Cirrus to life.

The location is a key feature. Residents will have protected views of Andy Frizzel Park and the Palm Beach Surf Club. The area's lively cafes and restaurants are also nearby.

Each residence offers the privacy of a luxury home combined with the amenities of a boutique development. Cirrus is expected to be central to Palm Beach's growth.

Construction is set to begin in the second quarter of 2025. Sales will launch after the structure is mostly complete. This reflects Macquarie York's confidence in the premium apartment market and the project's unique position in Palm Beach.

This development is Plus Studio's most recent contribution to the transformation of Palm Beach. With three completed projects, five more approved and in design, and several others planned, the practice is a key player in shaping the area’s architectural character