News
2023 - 11 - 24
The Local Project - Issue No. 13 • Online Article
“Inspired by the Elements – 272 Hedges Avenue Pedestal by Contreras Earl Architecture" online article or in the latest Issue No. 13 print publication.
“Contreras Earl Architecture has long maintained distinction as a company that invests in technological evolution. With an architectural ethos deeply informed by nature, its projects are noted for honouring and inspiring connection with the landscape they inhabit. The firm’s latest undertaking, a stainless-steel pedestal base for a 44-storey beachside tower in Queensland, extends this tradition of architectural excellence while highlighting the wonders of nature.”
View Online Article here
2023 - 11 - 22
The Local Project - Issue No. 13 • Video Feature
Out now - Issue No. 13 Feature • Video Feature • "Inspired by the surrounds, Contreras Earl Architecture has designed the pedestal for 272 Hedges Avenue to appear as if it has been formed by the wind and ocean. With its natural-appearing curves, wealth of light and proximity to Mermaid Beach, Queensland, 272 Hedges Avenue pedestal continues Contreras Earl Architecture’s longstanding commitment to pushing the envelope of architectural possibilities."
Watch the full video below or read Inspired by the Elements – 272 Hedges Avenue Pedestal by Contreras Earl Architecture in the latest Issue No. 13 print publication.
View Video here
2023 - 11 - 21
The Urban Developer - Contreras Earl Townhouse Block Unveiled for St Lucia
“Inspired by the Elements – 272 Hedges Avenue Pedestal by Contreras Earl Architecture" online article or in the latest Issue No. 13 print publication.
“The duo from Gold Coast-based Contreras Earl Architecture has undertaken a dramatic redesign of a previously approved townhouse site at St Lucia, one of the city’s oldest and most established suburbs. Looking like a modernist row of luxury multi-level urban caves, the reworked proposal features a free-form curved and arch-filled facade designed to integrate with the surrounding landscape’’
View Online Article here
2023 - 11 - 20
The Local Project - Issue No. 13 - The Commercial Project • Article
Out now - Issue No. 13 • 272 Hedges Pedestal article featured in the latest Issue No. 13 print publication.
“The sculptural quality of the architecture parlays into the interior details, as evidenced in the stainless-steel concierge desk in the foyer and the lift lobby with its larger-than-life arched leitmotifs. Other spaces that Contreras Earl Architecture was tasked with designing in a similar vein include the luxurious resident lounge, boardroom, function room, gym, sauna, hammam steam room and various treatment rooms. Both the 15-metre swimming pool and the spa – overarched by a vaulted ceiling and flanked by a terrace garden – were designated to the first floor as the crowning glory of the interior scheme. Throughout, the design approach was pointed at creating minimalist, tactile and soothing spaces that are reminiscent of a sensorial sanctuary.
View Online Article here
2023 - 10 - 02
Herald Sun - Yarra River ‘vertiport’ plans for flying taxis unveiled
Electric air taxis would land at a “vertiport” on the north bank of the Yarra River under new plans being revealed on Monday.
The design concepts are for a e-mobility hub at Batman Park opposite Crown casino and are being proposed as part of the Greenline project along the river.
The plans, by Melbourne-based Skyportz, will be unveiled at a world air taxi congress in San Francisco.
To view full article click here
2023 - 09 - 01
The Urban Developer - New Vertiport Design Revealed at Urbanity
Evolution, nature … and vertiports. The future of city design appears clear in the mind of architect Rafael Contreras.
Contreras co-founded Contreras Earl Architecture with Monica Earl to “design original, inventive, ground-breaking buildings that contribute to the evolution of architecture and towards a better future for our communities and cities”.
To view full article click here
2023 - 07 - 21
Mercedes Benz - Contreras Earl Architecture takes over with Australia’s first vertiport
Rafael Contreras and Monica Earl have revolutionised Australian architecture with their ground-breaking projects. Now, they are designing the country’s first ever vertiport – a project that will pave the way toward more sustainable and efficient air travel.
To view full article click here
2023 - 06 - 17
2023 National Australian Institute of Architects Award - Commendation for Interior Architecture
Thrilled to have our project 272 Hedges Pedestal receive a Regional Commendation on Saturday night at the Gold Coast and Northern Rivers Regional Architecture Awards. The project now progresses on to the Institute of Architects state awards!
“This work of architectural couture is at once striking and poetic. 272 Hedges Avenue Pedestal presents over 40 storeys that seamlessly extend from the exterior veil it offers. Curvaceous stainless steel glides over the ground floor entry, dismissing any intrusion by engineering or services. The cavernous interiors of the podium use fluid forms and tactile materials to gracefully guide visitors through the complex program. The architects have executed their concept masterfully, capturing in their formalism the ethereal qualities of sand, wind, and sea. The beauty of the building feels effortless” - Jury Citation
To view official AIA Statement, click here
2023 - 05 - 20 to 2023 - 11 -26
Time Space Existence - Venice Biennale 2023
The European Cultural Centre (ECC) has curated the 2023 edition of the Venice Biennale's “Time Space Existence’’, which focuses on important issues such as the environment, urban landscape, innovation, reuse, and community. In response to the grave concerns of climate change, our projects on display investigate innovative technologies, construction processes, and materials that prioritise energy conservation and sustainable practises.
Contreras Earl Architecture is responding to the theme and showcasing various of projects in the form of physical models, posters, and additional digital media that correspond to the investigation of innovative technologies and construction processes that align with the company ethos of pushing the boundaries of architecture. The exhibition features projects such as: 272 Hedges Avenue Pedestal, The Living Coral Biobank, The Lanes Residences & Jefferson Lane Residences.
Exhibition Space: Palazzo Mora, Level 3, Space 3D1
Exhibition Duration: May 20th, 2023 to November 26th, 2023
To see the official participation information from ECC, click here
2023 - 06 - 01
Daily Telegraph - The minds behind Australia's most extraordinary new city skylines
The longer you stare at the work of architects Rafael Contreras and Monica Earl, the more it makes sense. The pair designed the two-storey base for 272 Hedges Avenue, at Mermaid Beach on the Gold Coast, with sculptural curves, sweeping voids, and illuminated arches. It's unusual and captivating…
To view full article click here
2023 - 05 - 01
272 Hedges Pedestal just got a Special Mention on the Architizer A+ Awards
The Architizer A+Awards is the largest awards program focused on promoting and celebrating the year’s best architecture. Its mission is to nurture the appreciation of meaningful design in the world and champion its potential for a positive impact on everyday life. We share the world’s best architecture with a global audience of 400+ million.
To view full article click here
2023 - 04 - 11
We are Gold Coast - Contreras Earl Architecture creating designs with an eye on the future
Since establishing the business in 2016…have developed a reputation for creating some of Australia’s most innovative building designs.
To view full article click here
2023 - 02 - 02
Archdaily - Finalist of the Archdaily 2023 Building of the Year Awards
272 Hedges Avenue Pedestal has been named one of the 75 finalists of the Archdaily 2023 Building of the Year Awards.
After two weeks of voting in the 14th edition of the Building of the Year Awards, readers have narrowed down over 4,500 projects to just 75 finalists across 15 categories, casting over 100,000 votes. This year's awards celebrate the very best in design, innovation, and sustainability from around the globe, with the shortlist featuring an exceptional range of projects
To view full article click here
2023 - 02 - 02
Archdaily - The Archdaily 2023 Building of the Year Awards
Two of our recently completed buildings have been nominated for the Archdaily 2023 Building of the Year Awards
The 14th edition of the ArchDaily Building of the Year Awards is here and once again we reach out to you, our community, to evaluate the projects and select the winners.
This year, we have over 4,500 projects nominated across 15 different categories. From Residential, to Commercial or Public, each category showcases the very best in innovation, sustainability, design and functionality. The projects curated by our team have made a significant impact on the built environment and deserve recognition for their excellence.
To view full article click here
2022 - 11 - 30
The Urban Developer - Architectural Coral Ark Nabs Honours
A Contreras Earl Architecture designed Coral Biobank has been awarded an Energy Globe Award as a national leader in sustainable design.
The mushroom coral-inspired building, aimed for completion in 2026 in Port Douglas, would house up to 800 species of hard corals, which are under threat of bleaching. The concept design features undulating concrete fins clustered closely at ground level to offer protection from adverse tropical conditions, including the threat of flooding. The building will operate as an education and research facility with capacity for hosting events, according to Contreras Earl Architecture’s director Monica Earl who spoke with The Urban Developer about this project earlier this year.
To view full article click here
2022 - 11 - 24
Energy Globe National Award
The Coral Biobank, a ‘living ark’ planned to be built in Queensland’s Port Douglas to preserve more than 800 species of hard corals, was today recognised as a world-leading sustainability solution in the Energy Globe Awards. Drawing participation from more than 180 countries, the awards honour the most innovative solutions for protecting the natural world.
More information about the event click here
2022 - 10 - 15
Gold Coast Open House - 272 Hedges Pedestal
Contreras Earl Architecture directors Rafael and Monica led tours of the two storey pedestal base of the newly completed 44 storey tower at 272 Hedges Avenue at Gold Coast Open House last weekend.
More information about the event click here
2022 - 08 - 30
AAM Summit 2022 - Advanced Air Mobility
‘Skyportz Caribbean Park’ was presented by Rafael at the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Summit in Melbourne. Organised by the Australian Association for Unscrewed Systems (AAUS). Advanced air mobility (AAM) is a transformative airborne technology aimed at the transportation of people and goods in new, community-friendly, and cost-effective aircraft in both rural and urban environments. The summit will focus on developing our collective understanding of the challenges facing this emerging industry and the activities required to address them and promote a safe and thriving AAM sector in Australia.
Contreras Earl Architecture has collaborated with Clem Newton-Brown of Skyportz to design Australia’s first vertiport—a sculptural, ground-breaking terminal that contributes to the evolution of architecture and to the future of our communities and cities. The first modular vertiport collaboration bought together a team of expert consultants including To70 Aviation, ARUP and helicopter service provider Microflite together with Skyportz and Caribbean Park.
More information about the summit click here
Media Coverage of the Vertiport on the following publications:
Australian Financial Review / The Urban Developer / Transport Up / eVTOL Insights / Aviation Week / DroneLife / Future Flight / Business News Australia
2022 - 08 - 30
Australian Financial Review - Rich Listers’ land to host Australia’s first ‘vertiport’
‘Skyportz Caribbean Park’ was featured on The Australian Financial Review
“The Spooner family’s vast Caribbean Park business estate at Scoresby in Melbourne’s south-east will be one of the first in the country to offer air taxi services in the coming years after striking a deal with aviation start-up Skyportz to develop a “vertiport”.
The agreement grants Skyportz – founded and led by former Victorian state MP Clem Newton-Brown – an option on a parcel of land next to the estate’s lake to build the first of many mini-airports where electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOLs) can transport people around the city to avoid the traffic congestion below.
The fastest growing business park in Melbourne – home to a large industrial estate, six office buildings and a Hyatt hotel – Caribbean Park will also provide the vertiport with an immediate user catchment once commercial air taxi travel becomes established.
The first modular vertiport has been designed by Contreras Earl Architecture, To70 Aviation, ARUP and helicopter service provider Microflite together with Skyportz and Caribbean Park.”
To view full article click here
2022 - 08 - 30
The Urban Developer - Skyportz unveiled
‘Skyportz Caribbean Park’ was featured on The Urban Developer
“Melbourne will be home to Australia’s first vertiport for the emerging electric air taxi industry. Skyportz unveiled the Contreras Earl Architects-designed vertiport, which was slated for Caribbean Park in Melbourne’s east. Skyportz chief executive Clem Newton-Brown said they had teamed with Contreras Earl Architects, To70 Aviation, Arup and Microflite to create a modular design for a vertical takeoff and landing [VTOL] airport. “With the development of a vertiport in a business park we are breaking the nexus between aviation and airports,” he said.
Contreras Earl Architects director Rafael Contreras said he believed architecture and technology should evolve together. "We are proud to have designed Australia’s first vertiport—a beautiful, sculptural, ground-breaking terminal that contributes to the evolution of architecture and to the future of our communities and cities,” he said.”
To view full article click here
2022 - 08 - 16
Archdaily - 272 Hedges Avenue Pedestal
‘272 Hedges Avenue Pedestal’ was featured on Archdaily
“Inspired by patterns of wind and water on rocks and sand, the exquisite design brings a human scale to the ground plane of the tower and creates an engaging, sculptural connection with the streetscape and parklands. It marks the transition between the coast and urban edge, and the seamless progression from outside to inside offers a unique spatial experience for residents and visitors”
To view full article click here
2022 - 08 - 04
Urbanity-22 Conference
Urbanity-22 Conference on the Gold Coast this August. “The whole culture revolves around our physical relationship with Country. Which means that everything we do is about the care and health of Country … designing with Country has sustainable aspects, it has climate resilience ramifications and as a designer, it’s also an opportunity to design in a different way.” - Theresa Bower Bower, Artist and Designer from Burrundi Design Studio in conversation with Cottee Parker Architects ’ Principal Angelo Di Marco, and Monica Earl at Urbanity.
More info on the conversation can be read here,
2022 - 08 - 04
Urbanity-22 Conference
Monica joined Theresa Bower, artist and designer from Burrundi Design Studio and Angelo Di Marco from Cottee Parker Architects on the panel at the The Urban Developer Urbanity-22 Conference on the Gold Coast. A thought-provoking conversation on the topic of Creativity and Connection with some great insight into the importance of place and culture and designing with country, moderated by Tim Ross.
Full conference info here, and interview with Monica here
2022 - 07 - 08
Architecture&Design - The Lanes Residences
‘The Lanes Residences’ was featured on Architecture&Design
“Located on a prominent Gold Coast intersection, Contreras Earl Architecture’s The Lanes Residences sits on a prime site along the glitter strip’s coastline. Comprising a grouping of four residential towers, the precinct intersects both urban and landscape within the design, with the facade mimicking the topography and local flora.”
To view full article click here
2022 - 07 - 04
Archdaily - The Lanes Residences
Our recently completed project ‘The Lanes Residences’ was featured today on Archdaily
“The building structure is expressed in its façade, with an exoskeleton of mitred vertical limbs in glass-reinforced concrete, rising to cradle each of the four towers and partially shading their faceted glass walls. Two 10-storey towers include ground-floor retail and commercial spaces (that will link to a future retail village), and two 12-storey towers host resident amenities, including a swimming pool and terrace, sauna, spa and gymnasium, a games lounge, and meeting room.”
To view full article click here, and on Archdaily China click here
2022 - 02 - 12
272 Hedges Avenue- Pedestal - Stainless Steel Monocoque Facade installed
The stainless-steel sculptural pedestal at 272 Hedges Avenue has been unveiled. The first of its kind in Australia, weighing 70 tonnes and comprising a surface area of 900 square metres across 60 individual panels. Manufactured in the Netherlands over a 12 month period, the installation is now complete after approximately three months on site at Mermaid Beach. A milestone for the $250 million sold out 272 Hedges Avenue tower.
More project info can be read here
2021 - 12 - 15
The Lanes Residences- photographed by John Gollings
The Lanes Residences has been photographed by the legendary John Gollings. We are honoured to have John on site and to experience the project through his talented eyes. Watch this space for more of his photographs of The Lanes coming soon.
2021 - 11 - 20
Jefferson Lane, Palm Beach - DA Approved
Our luxury multi-residential project at Palm Beach has received Planning Approval from Gold Coast City Council.
''The allocation of extra large balconies in each apartment supports flexible living patterns and enables semi-outdoor living all-year round in the sub-tropical climate. The building design (interior and exterior) responds to multiple site parameters such as orientation, context, environment and public realm integration. The directionality and openness of the building towards the ocean was of primary importance, driving the design process''
2021 - 07 - 06
World Architecture Festival - Finalist
The Living Coral Biobank has been selected as a finalist in the World Architecture Festival 2021!
We are very grateful for this recognition in the @worldarchfest Future Experimental category along with 8 other shortlisted projects. Looking forward to presenting at the WAF Awards to be hosted in Lisbon in December.
The Living Coral Biobank aims to secure the long-term future and biodiversity of corals worldwide which are under severe threat due to climate change, in the world’s first dedicated coral conservation facility. The project was developed in collaboration with The Great Barrier Reef Legacy and with engineering consultants ARUP and Werner Sobek.
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The WAF awards shortlist can be read in full here.
2021 - 03 - 05
Melbourne Design Week 2021
We are looking forward to participating in this year's Melbourne Design Week 2021 - an initiative of the Victorian Government in collaboration with the National Gallery of Victoria.
Join the team overseeing the world’s first dedicated coral conservation facility, the Living Coral Biobank, for a live conversation on designing for humanity. The Living Coral Biobank aims to secure the long-term future and biodiversity of corals worldwide which are under severe threat due to climate change. Designed by Australian architects Contreras Earl Architecture, with leading engineering and sustainability consultants Arup and Werner Sobek for the Great Barrier Reef Legacy, the primary goal of the facility is to keep alive and nurture over 800 species of the world’s hard corals.
For more information click here
2020 - 10 - 30
Dezeen - The Living Coral Biobank
Our latest project ‘The Living Coral Biobank’ was featured today on Dezeen
“Australian studio Contreras Earl Architecture has revealed its design for the Living Coral Biobank, which will have a sculptural concrete facade informed by coral. Located at the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef in Port Douglas, Australia, the facility will be dedicated to conserving coral around the world…”
To view full article click here
2020 - 10 - 30
Architecture AU - The Living Coral Biobank
Our latest project ‘The Living Coral Biobank’ was featured today on Architecture AU
“Living Coral Biobank, designed by Contreras Earl Architecture, will be a ‘‘living ark,’’ conserving 800 species of hard coral in order to secure the biodiversity and long term future of the organisms worldwide.
To view full article click here
2020 - 10 - 17
Gold Coast Open House 2020 - The Lanes Residences
The Lanes Residences at Gold Coast Open House. Film by Ravens at odds
To view Full video click here
2020 - 07 - 29
Living Coral Biobank - Port Douglas, Queensland
We are excited to announce that we have been commissioned to design the first Living Coral Biobank on the planet, with the aim of saving our precious coral reefs and the biodiversity of marine life. The project has been commissioned by The Great Barrier Reef Legacy that will develop the state-of-the-art holding facility in Port Douglas, Far North Queensland. CEA is collaborating with engineering consultants ARUP and facade engineers Werner Sobek.
More info coming soon
2020 - 05 - 16
Construction Progress - 272 Hedges Pedestal
Recent drone footage captures 272 Hedges Pedestal fast emerging out of the ground at the exclusive Mermaid Beach location. The Pedestal concept is designed to bring a human scale to the 44-storey tower, contributing to the popular beachside promenade through the creation of a public space with exquisite sculptural connection with the surrounding streetscape and parklands.
For full project details click here
2020 - 04 - 02
Construction Progress - The Lanes Residences
Recent drone footage of the first two towers taking shape on site at The Lanes Residences in Mermaid Waters.
For full project details click here
2020 - 03 - 25
Domain - The Lanes Residences
“The project’s prominent position at the intersection of Hooker Boulevard and Bermuda Street presented an opportunity for the design team to create mid-rise buildings that would act as a transition between the high-rise coastal developments of Broadbeach and the mostly low-rise inland suburbs.
It’s not the first time Sunland Group has collaborated with emerging Sydney-based practice Contreras Earl Architecture, whose co-founders Rafael Contreras and Monica Earl have worked for two of the world’s leading architecture studios, Zaha Hadid Architects and Foster + Partners.”
To view full article click here
2020 - 01 - 23
The Urban Developer - Sand Broadbeach
“Gold Coast developer Andrews Projects has submitted a proposal for an 18-storey apartment building at Broadbeach. Andrews Projects said the 569sq m site located at 120 Old Burleigh Road could now be home to 15 new apartments, each taking an entire floorplate with the building's penthouse to sprawl across two levels. The proposed residential tower, dubbed Sand, has been designed by Sydney-based Contreras Earl Architecture.”
To view full article click here
2020 - 01 - 07
Architecture AU - Sand Broadbeach
“Contreras Earl Architecture has designed a new tower along Broadbeach in Queensland, Australia. Dubbed "Sand", the project is designed to be an iconic landmark for the suburb drawing from the beachside and urban context. The mid-rise development includes a total of 15 boutique beachside apartments in the 18 story tower, with each floor designed as its own unit.”
To view full article click here
2019 - 08 - 02
EMBARK Conference, University of Sydney
Monica will be speaking at the ‘Future Global’ session at the Embark Conference at The University of Sydney, School of Architecture, Design and Planning this Friday. She will present her experience followed by a panel discussion about the diverse range of ways one can engage at a global scale.
2019 - 07 - 10
Architecture AU - The Lanes Residences
Our latest project ‘The Lanes Residences’ was featured today on Architecture AU
“Contreras Earl Architecture has updated its design for four “sculptural” towers for Mermaid Waters on the Gold Coast as part of a proposed $1.3 billion masterplanned precinct. The developer behind the project, Sunland Group, has lodged a revised development application for the residential towers with the Gold Coast City Council, and is hoping to launch the project in 2020.”
To view full article click here
2019 - 06 - 19
Urban Developer - The Lanes Residences
Our latest project ‘The Lanes Residences’ which recently commenced on site was featured today on The Urban Developer.
To view full article click here
2019 - 04 - 28
The Lanes Residences - Commenced Construction
Construction has kicked off on site at our Lanes Residences project. The project is composed of four mid-rise buildings; two 10-storey and two 12-storey buildings. The program includes 300 waterfront residential apartments and commercial spaces at ground floor that will link to the future retail precinct. We’re looking forward to sharing further updates on the progress on site throughout the year.
2018 - 11 - 23
272 Hedges Avenue Pedestal - Breaks Ground
Construction has commenced on site at our Hedges Pedestal project. 272 Hedges Avenue is an important marker in the urban landscape marking the transition from the low rise residential precinct of Mermaid Beach to the high rise typologies of Broadbeach. The Hedges Pedestal brings a human scale to the project which allows the tower to respond at the scale of the pedestrian and contribute to the beachside public realm. The 44 storey residential tower marks a point of transition for the coast’s urban form, marking the southern boundary of the high density zone.
2018 - 09 - 21
Mansion Global, The Insiders - Rafael Contreras Interview
Before moving to Sydney, Australia, to start his own architectural firm, Peru-born Rafael Contreras was part of "Zaha’s cluster," as he calls it, a group of 15 or 20 people who designed closely with the late Zaha Hadid at Zaha Hadid Architects in London. There, he worked on Tokyo National Stadium and a Beijing airport that's currently under construction.
In Sydney, he co-founded Contreras Earl Architecture together with his partner, Monica Earl, in 2016. She had been working at Foster+Partners previously. The firm has designed many residential projects, including 272 Hedges Avenue, a luxury tower on Australia’s Gold Coast, in addition to three more luxury projects in the area that haven’t yet kicked off.
We caught up with Mr. Contreras to discuss his adopted country, why London real estate is hard to beat, and much more.
To view full article click: here
