- Architecture & development
Some residential living complexes push boundaries. Norfolk Burleigh Heads from Koichi Takada Architects is one of those, because the extraordinary facades were obviously inspired by the presence of nature. This impressive piece of architecture deserves to be inspected more carefully, considering that it is a place where futuristic lines and the laid-back feel of the sea wind cross over.
The Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia offers you magnificent views, and has obtained another asset with this innovative project. This location specifically had not been altered for nearly three decades, but Koichi Takada changed this in a respectful way. The building contains ten floors and has room for 15 appealing apartments, as well as two penthouses with private rooftop swimming pools. Moreover, the residents share a fitness, outdoor pool, and sauna. Even though the interior is an experience on its own, it was mainly the outside of the building that caught our attention. At the first sight you would not think that such organic shapes indeed contain residential units, but the reality can be positively surprising sometimes. 
Futuristic lines and the laid-back feel of the sea wind cross over.
The striking appearance of Norfolk Burleigh Heads was mainly inspired by the nearby pines. The sculptural façade mimics their structure, and not only regarding their look. Similar to pinecones that protect their seeds from bad weather, the architecture is supposed to shield the residents from the elements. For example, the terraces offer shade to the apartments underneath and the experimental shapes have interesting consequences for the entering light. At the same time, the organic lines create a special privacy experience. An additional point of focus was incorporating the sea. The panoramic view was deployed as part of the interior, and the materials and colours were coordinated with this as well. Other important influences were the sky and the sand.
Norfolk Burleigh Heads is a complex that interacts with nature. The wavy architecture is a clear reference to the nearby pines and an exciting preview of what else Koichi Takada Architects may present in the future. In any case, we are going to remember the beautiful façade as a high-quality piece of design genius. 
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Photography by Scott Burrows