Elevating Coastal Living – Dune Main Beach by Andrews Projects and Rothelowman
Situated along the Gold Coast’s esteemed Main Beach, Dune Main Beach sees Andrews Projects and Rothelowman unite in a singular vision to create a luxury residential building with a positive contribution to the public realm. The project is inherently inspired by a sense of place – not only is its name derived from the dune on which it sits but the entire concept is a response to the surrounding landscape.
Peel back the layers of what is a deeply considered and highly specified building, and it is clear that this sentiment has been central from the very beginning. Of course, designing a building that offers an unrivalled, premium experience for its residents was paramount, but much of the success of this design lies in its relationship to – and acknowledgment of – the existing coastal environment and enviable lifestyle of the area.
Dune Main Beach is a refreshing response to multi-residential living, one that encourages a reconsideration of how residential towers can contribute positively to the streetscape while simultaneously offering a preeminent lifestyle for residents.
A true collaboration between developer and architect, Dune Main Beach is a refreshing response to multi-residential living, one that encourages a reconsideration of how residential towers can contribute positively to the streetscape while simultaneously offering a preeminent lifestyle for residents. A short stroll from popular Tedder Avenue, it is another exemplar of Andrews Projects’ commitment to delivering quality projects in premium locations and appreciation for design-led development.
“The team at Andrews Projects were very clear on their vision – as were we – so we collaborated really well and came through with a design we’re both really pleased with,” explains Associate Principle of Rothelowman Lawson Royes.
Rothelowman has designed the structure to sit gently on the dune. “We began by looking at how we could create a better interface and connection between the parade and the beach,” Lawson explains. The solution was to “elevate the object” by raising the ground floor, creating a sense of space beneath the building as well as “deliberate, obvious entry points to the site which aren’t about being defensive, they’re about embracing.”
As a result, when you enter the building from the street, you are essentially “ascending the dune” with views to the ocean beyond. While it is a private space only accessible to residents, it has a wonderful connection to the street and an openness for passers-by to enjoy.
Thresholds reveal themselves in a stream of surprising and continuous ways throughout the tall, narrow structure – initally, from the street, then as you traverse the communal spaces on the ground floor, and finally within the 12 whole and double floor luxury abodes.
Each apartment has been designed to take full advantage of the coastal location, with house-like proportions, premium finishes and fixtures throughout and generous ocean views from most rooms. And there is immediate impact on arrival, says Lawson. “Once you step through the door, you have this strong axial alignment through the building. To your right you can immediately see the ocean, and down the corridor to your left you get a real sense of the depth of the apartment, with more views beyond.”
At the front, a large open plan living area provides effortless flow between indoor and outdoor, and panoramic views. There is an abundance of natural light and a sumptuous, warm palette of materials including travertine and timber. There is plenty of texture too; neutral linens and plush rugs soften and elevate the interiors, emulating the sandy dune.
The layout of each apartment is cleverly designed as a series of pods, filling out the generous floor space. The articulated façade down either side of the building allows for Juliet balconies off each bedroom, wider view corridors and cross ventilation. “We put a lot of rigour into the way we create a space and there’s a curatorial way in which you experience it,” Lawson says. “The thresholds are not just doors, they’re recessed. We’ve really amplified those spaces, creating a beautiful environment in which to have an experience.”
The house-like proportions and connection to landscape create unrivalled apartment living, and world-class amenities complete the offering. The ground floor houses a fully equipped gym complete with an outdoor yoga space surrounded by lush landscaping, and there is an infinity pool with ocean views.
A location so rich in its natural offering holds a great deal of merit and should only require a light touch to enhance the human experience. Andrews Projects and Rothelowman’s belief that the built form must “pay homage to the land it sits on” prevails here; Dune Main Beach is a stunning realisation of luxury coastal living, one that interacts with the existing landscape with beauty and ease.
