272 Hedges Avenue Pedestal Arhitektura by Rafael Contreras and Monica Earl is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2023 Platinska nagrada A' Design Award in Dizajn Arhitekture, Zgrada i Konstrukcija Competition Category.
PlatinaArhitektura· 2023
272 Hedges Avenue Pedestal Arhitektura
by Rafael Contreras and Monica Earl
Client: Contreras Earl Architecture
Platinska nagrada A' Design Award Winner in Arhitektura Category
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- Verified Award Winner
- Verify Award Status for #148558
The Design
About 272 Hedges Avenue Pedestal Arhitektura
Dvokatno postolje na 272 Hedges Avenue u Gold Coastu, Australija, donosi ljudsku ljestvicu stambenom tornju i stvara kontekstualnu vezu s okolinom. Kako urbanizacija raste, ona odvaja ljude od prirode. Postolje spaja izgrađeno i prirodno okruženje, poboljšavajući područje i zajednicu. Contreras Earl Architecture upotrijebio je napredne tehnike dizajna i proizvode za stvaranje biološki informiranog i digitalno projektiranog dizajna. Postolje je jedinstveno rješenje specifično za pojedino mjesto koje pridonosi evoluciji arhitekture i urbanog razvoja, što donosi korist stanovnicima i okolišu.
The Recognition
About the Platinska nagrada A' Design Award
272 Hedges Avenue Pedestal Arhitektura je pobjednik Platinske nagrade A' Design Award, iznimno prestižnog priznanja koje se dodjeljuje uistinu izuzetnim, elegantnim i veličanstvenim dizajnima. Platinski pobjednici čudesa su stvaranja, svjedočanstva granica intelektualne kreativnosti te pokazuju nenadmašan profesionalizam i genij svojih dizajnera. Očekuje se da ovi dizajni budu najpoznatiji radovi koji određuju estetiku jednog doba, doprinose dobrobiti društva i pomiču granice umjetnosti, znanosti, dizajna i tehnologije. 272 Hedges Avenue Pedestal Arhitektura pokazuje uzvišenu razinu izvrsnosti i nedvojbeno čini svijet boljim mjestom svojim korisnim i vrijednim karakteristikama. 272 Hedges Avenue Pedestal Arhitektura je rad koji je osvojio Platinsku nagradu A' Design Award i koji budi želje, nadahnjuje, oduševljava i pali veliku radost.
Behind the Design
Press Kit
Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.
- Unique Properties
- The two-story pedestal base of 272 Hedges Avenue in Gold Coast, Australia, brings a human scale to the residential tower and creates a contextual connection with the surroundings. As urbanization grows, it separates humans from nature. The pedestal merges the built and natural environments, improving the area and community. Advanced design techniques and products were used by Contreras Earl Architecture to create a biologically informed and digitally engineered design. The pedestal is a unique and site-specific solution that contributes to the evolution of architecture and urban development, benefiting inhabitants and the environment.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- The Pedestal, comprising the ground floor and the first level, offers an exceptional range of residential facilities, including a dedicated concierge service, a resident lounge, a boardroom, a function room, a 15-meter heated swimming pool, a spa, a gym, a sauna, a hammam steam room, and treatment rooms. The external facade was designed to be transportable, utilizing 40-foot and 20-foot shipping containers that were transported from the Netherlands to Australia and assembled on-site.
- Tags
- monocoque, stainless steel, erosion, sand patterns, innovation, unique
- Production Technology
- The podium envelope is a 6-millimetre stainless-steel monocoque that supports the loads and enables the structure to be a singular, stand-alone sculpture. We tendered the production of the pedestal to stainless steel fabricators in Australia. They did not have the capability to manufacture the monocoque structure in stainless steel. We consequently tendered the production to CIG Architecture in The Netherlands, an expert in complex 3D-formed steel constructions. CIG used our 3D model to prefabricate the 120 panels at full scale, and pre-assembled them in its workshop in The Netherlands. Once received in Australia, the structure was fully assembled on-site. The originality and complexity of this design and execution will encourage local contractors to develop their skills, raising the level of stainless-steel fabrication in Australia.
- Design Challenge
- Our objective was to construct a podium that would serve as a link or intermediary between a towering edifice and the pedestrians. We devised a distinctive work of art that would serve as a warm greeting to visitors and provide a delightful user experience. The neighbourhood and general public have been exceedingly receptive to the concept, with individuals frequently stopping to admire the pedestal and appreciate the true impact of architectural design. The spectacle is indeed mesmerizing, leaving onlookers captivated by its sheer beauty.
- Research
- We hold the view that it was imperative to employ a distinctive material that would enable us to produce an intriguing reflection of the environment, characterized by a specific dynamism such as the presence of vegetation and high pedestrian traffic. The utilization of Stainless steel presented a considerable challenge, given that builders and clients typically adhere to conventional materials and customary fabrication techniques. Nevertheless, the endeavour was deemed worthwhile. The monocoque panels underwent manufacturing and pre-assembly in the Netherlands' factory and were subsequently transported to Australia. The on-site assembly was completed swiftly as all quality control measures had already been executed at the factory.
- Inspiration
- Biologically informed and digitally engineered, the contoured design acknowledges nature’s extraordinary sculptors: the wind and ocean. The facade is a stainless-steel monocoque structure that is original and complex in its conception, design and execution. The subtle curvatures resemble the crests and erosion of wind on sand, while the interior alludes to a rock cave naturally eroded by the ocean. The innovative and advanced architecture is imbued with warmth, soul and artistry.
- Project Duration
- In 2018, Contreras Earl Architecture was commissioned to design the interior and communal areas of the two-story pedestal base for the 272 Hedges Avenue tower in Mermaid Beach, Gold Coast, Australia. The project reached completion in 2022. Situated in an exceptional location, 272 Hedges Avenue offers an unparalleled experience of architectural sophistication and luxury amenities. Soaring 44 stories above the beach, this residential tower represents a pivotal point in the region's urban landscape, serving as the southern demarcation of the high-density zone. Drawing inspiration from the organic patterns created by wind and water on rocks and sand, the Pedestal design imbues a human scale to the project and establishes a stunning sculptural connection with the surrounding streetscape and parklands.
- Operation Flow
- Our design approach emphasizes the connection between architecture and nature. Nature provides solutions to many design challenges and inspires us to study biology and natural systems for new ideas. We use advanced techniques like computational parametric modeling, cutting-edge technology, and inventive fabrication to create novel designs. The organic design of the pedestal benefits pedestrians and the beachside area, connecting the natural and built environments. The stainless-steel skin can be touched and appreciated for its intricate details. The façade's subtle curvatures resemble wind patterns on sand and the interior evokes a naturally eroded rock cave. The pedestal's human scale and artistic design enhances the tower's beauty as a work of art. This type of contextual and sensitive architecture can improve people's lives and the future development of urban areas.
- Team Members
- Rafael Contreras - Director / Lead Architect
Monica Earl - Director / Lead Archtiect - Image Credits
- IMAGE #1: Photographer: Peter Sexty, 2022
IMAGE #2: Photographer: Peter Sexty, 2022
IMAGE #3: Photographer: Peter Sexty, 2022
IMAGE #4: Photographer: Peter Sexty, 2022
IMAGE #5: Photographer: Peter Sexty, 2022
Video Credits:
Video: Filmed by - Hutchinson Builders, 2022
Editor: Dwayne Liu, 2022
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