Cloud Surfer by Decus

In Broadbeach on the Gold Coast, Decus transforms a high-rise apartment into a sanctuary with a rich, tailored narrative.

High-rise apartments on the Gold Coast abound, yet many exhibit a similar interior design. That was the challenge facing interior designer Alexandra Donohoe Church of Decus when a Singapore-based couple asked her to transform an off-the-plan apartment – one that would become their Queensland base and, ultimately, their permanent residence – into a space that better reflected who they are and what they value.

“We embraced the colours of the endless horizon in front and mountains behind and wove a new narrative of undulating tones and hues, quiet and calm, deep and sensual, depending on the space and use.”

Donohoe Church began by ignoring the basic fit-out – including fixtures, joinery and lighting – and stripping it back. “Essentially, we treated it as a totally blank shell, as though we were starting from scratch and set to work layering, layering, layering,” she says. “The key was to use natural, textural materials instead of the often homogenised, faux, replica materials that frequently monopolise developments of this type and scale.

“We purposely ran in the opposite direction of ‘apartment package’. We embraced the colours of the endless horizon in front and mountains behind and wove a new narrative of undulating tones and hues, quiet and calm, deep and sensual, depending on the space and use. By integrating vibrant natural stones, textured wall finishes and custom furniture, we created moments that add nuance and personality. Organic forms and custom pieces softened the architecture, making the space feel inviting and unique.”

A focus on organic materiality and texture is helpful in creating an intimate atmosphere.

On the 36th floor, Cloud Surfer features breathtaking panoramas of the Pacific Ocean. “The calming views and occasional whale-spotting almost make it feel like you’re on a boat,” says Donohoe Church. However, combined with the open layout, wraparound verandahs and wall-to-wall glazing, countering those volumes with a sense of intimacy was key to making the space feel like a home. “It was essential that it be comfortably scaled for two occupants, with the flexibility to host larger gatherings of family and friends on occasion.”

A focus on organic materiality and texture is helpful in creating an intimate atmosphere. Custom pebble- and pond-shaped silk rugs, velvet sofas, sculpted stone side tables, ochre-toned upholstery and an extensive suite of finely crafted, bespoke timber furniture pieces all play their part – the latter taking centrestage. “In my view, the only way to counter the watered-down aesthetic of off-the-plan apartments is to establish a dialogue of texture and pattern play. Via gouging, carving, scribing and sandblasting elements of the custom furniture pieces, we gradually turned up the layering volume.”

The clients gave Donohoe Church free rein to select art she thought would blend perfectly with the apartment’s aesthetics.

The clients gave Donohoe Church free rein to select art she thought would blend perfectly with the apartment’s aesthetics. “It was such a joy and a privilege to be given freedom to find works … and by curating complementary pieces and placing them strategically, we ensured each artwork could shine. This approach honours the clients’ tastes and creates a cohesive, personalised space.” Particularly outstanding is an oversized Clemens Krauss impasto painting in the open-plan living area, which features an impressive 65 kilograms of paint. “The work is a true hero of the space, its rugged appearance sitting in playful dialogue with the apartment’s richly veined stone plinth and curved, polished-plaster fireplace.”

That plinth – custom made by Decus using Artedomus’s Lauriana honed stone – is emblematic of the stunning material and decorative furniture choices that bring a sense of character and sophistication to the apartment – a “series of dramatic moments that pull in texture, softness and warmth,” as Donohoe Church puts it.

Throughout Cloud Surfer, views of the ocean remain the focal point, with Decus’s skilful composition of interior elements, furniture, art, lighting and decor elevating the penthouse’s sense of intimacy and intrigue.

Throughout Cloud Surfer, views of the ocean remain the focal point, with Decus’s skilful composition of interior elements, furniture, art, lighting and decor elevating the penthouse’s sense of intimacy and intrigue. “The couple vested great trust in us to design and execute the new interiors with minimal intervention, using decorative elements to bring the ‘blank canvas’ to life,” reflects Donohoe Church. The result is a gentle and harmonious home with a global feel – an inviting refuge reflecting the homeowners’ worldly spirit.

Interior design by Decus. Joinery by Agia Projects. Artwork by Slim Aarons, Narelle Autio, Tamara Dean, Clemens Krauss, Dylan Jones, Traianos Pakioufakis, Regina Pilawuk Wilson, Kat Shapiro Wood and Nettie Sumner.