272 Hedges Avenue Pedestal Architecture by Rafael Contreras and Monica Earl

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DESIGN DETAILS
DESIGN NAME:
272 Hedges Avenue Pedestal

PRIMARY FUNCTION:
Architecture

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.

UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
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.

OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION:
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.

PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION:
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.

FITS BEST INTO CATEGORY:
Architecture, Building and Structure Design

PRODUCTION / REALIZATION 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.

SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES:
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

RESEARCH ABSTRACT:
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.

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.

ADDED DATE:
2023-02-17 04:11:15

TEAM MEMBERS (2) :
Rafael Contreras - Director / Lead Architect and 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


Visit the following page to learn more: http://bit.ly/3kyRbR9


CLIENT/STUDIO/BRAND DETAILS
NAME:
Contreras Earl Architecture

PROFILE:
Contreras Earl Architecture is an architecture and urbanism office providing high-end design solutions.



NOMINATION DETAILS

272 Hedges Avenue Pedestal Architecture by Rafael Contreras and Monica Earl is a Nominee in Architecture, Building and Structure Design Category.

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AWARD DETAILS

272 Hedges Avenue Pedestal Architecture by Rafael Contreras and Monica Earl is Winner in Architecture, Building and Structure Design Category, 2022 - 2023.



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COMMENTS
Giulia Esposito Comment #95932 on June 20, 2023, 10:50 pm
I'm so excited to see this amazing work of art win the A' Design Award! The 272 Hedges Avenue Pedestal is a stunning piece of architecture, featuring a delicate balance between organic and geometric forms. This structure is a perfect example of how an architectural design can be both aesthetically pleasing and functional. The combination of the materials used and the intricate details of the design make it a truly remarkable piece of art. I am in awe of the creativity and skill that went into creating this work, and I am thrilled that it has been recognized with an A' Design Award. Congratulations to Rafael Contreras and Monica Earl on their success!
Paul Phillips Comment #96932 on June 21, 2023, 4:23 am
I'm absolutely amazed by the ingenuity of 272 Hedges Avenue Pedestal. It's so inspiring to see how the designers have blended the built and natural environments, creating a contextual connection with the surroundings. The pedestal provides a human scale to the residential tower, and it's incredible how advanced design techniques and products were used to create a biologically informed and digitally engineered design. This unique and site-specific solution is really beneficial to the inhabitants and the environment, and it's simply amazing to see how architecture and urban development can evolve in such a positive way. Kudos to the designers for this amazing work of art!
Walter Graham Comment #97118 on June 21, 2023, 5:25 am
Rafael Contreras and Monica Earl's work, 272 Hedges Avenue Pedestal, is incredibly impressive. Their work is a perfect example of how design can be used to create a contextual connection between the built and natural environments, and I am so glad to see their success recognized with a Platinum A' Design Award. Not only has their work improved the area and community, but it also brings a human scale to the residential tower. This award-winning work is a testament to their skill and innovation, as the contoured design seamlessly blends the wind and ocean to create a unique and site-specific solution. I am truly in awe of Rafael Contreras and Monica Earl's work, and I congratulate them on their accomplishment!
Patricia Miller Comment #99718 on June 21, 2023, 7:53 pm
This award-winning work is an outstanding example of how advanced design techniques and products can create a biologically informed and digitally engineered design, while merging the built and natural environments to improve the area and community.
Anna Ivanova Comment #99766 on June 21, 2023, 8:09 pm
I am immensely impressed with Rafael Contreras and Monica Earl's work titled "272 Hedges Avenue Pedestal" which has been awarded the prestigious A' Design Award. The project is a testament to their incredible design skills and dedication to excellence in architecture, building and structure design. My heartfelt admiration goes out to them.

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