Norfolk Burleigh Heads,
design: Koichi Takada Architects
A 2021 residential building designed by local office Koichi Takada Architects in the Gold Coast suburb of Queensland, Australia. Takada's designs, along with his studio, aim to connect people with nature, drawing inspiration from organic forms and local contexts. The form of the building at Burleigh Heads was designed to blend harmoniously into the coastal landscape, echoing the distinctive elements of the studio's previous projects. The name "Norfolk" comes from the architects' inspiration for the towering araucaria (from Norfolk pine), a local pine species.
Norfolk residential building in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia - the name "Norfolk" comes from the architects' inspiration from the towering araucaria (from Norfolk pine), a local pine species
Photo by Scott Burrows © Koichi Takada Architects
Preserving context and modernity
in the heart of Burleigh Heads
The building is located in a prestigious location at the southern end of Burleigh Heads beach, in an area that has remained undisturbed for nearly three decades. As such, the design had to consider both maintaining respect for the existing context and incorporating modern solutions in a responsible and sustainable manner. The building was designed to take full advantage of the potential of a 1012-square-meter plot of land located on the Australian coast. The building, which is ten stories high, houses 15 apartments and two duplexes, with private rooftop pools. There are wellness spaces on the first floor, including a gym, outdoor pool and sauna.
Norfolk apartment building in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia - the building is in a prestigious location at the southern end of Burleigh Heads beach
photo by Scott Burrows © Koichi Takada Architects
gentle curves in architecture
- function and aesthetics
The building's vertical form is offset by horizontal corrugated balcony panels that overlap to create shadows on the lower floors. The white edges of these panels, which taper at the center of the facade, extend beyond the glazed balustrades. The centerpiece of this facade are horizontal laths with gentle curves, acting as a sunshade in the warmer months. Due to their design, the laths provide privacy while not restricting views of the ocean. Other elevations feature sliding louvered panels at the balconies to adjust the level of privacy.
Norfolk residential building in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia - the centerpiece of the facade is horizontal laths with gentle curves, acting as a sunshade in the warmer months
Photo by Scott Burrows © Koichi Takada Architects
The facades of the Norfolk building are inspired by the internal structure of the Norfolk pines, which are a distinctive part of the Gold Coast landscape. Like the cones of these trees, which protect the seeds from inclement weather and open when the conditions are right, the Norfolk design provides shelter for residents from the elements while maximizing the 300 days of subtropical sunshine and spectacular natural surroundings.
- Koichi Takada Architects explain.
The Norfolk residential building in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia - just as cones protect seeds, the Norfolk project provides shelter for residents from the elements
Photo by Scott Burrows © Koichi Takada Architects
spaciousness and comfort through passive solutions
The layout of the apartments has been designed with passive solutions that provide adequate light conditions and comfortable interiors. Open floor plans and large glazing allow maximum use of natural light and offer panoramic views, enhancing the feeling of spaciousness.
Norfolk residential building in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia - panoramic ocean views are becoming an integral part of living spaces
Photo: Tom Ferguson © Koichi Takada Architects
The apartments, located on the north side, provide views of the coast, and their layout promotes natural ventilation and efficient lighting. Spacious living rooms are connected to balconies equipped with full-length sliding doors and adjustable screens. The two top-floor apartments have private rooftop terraces designed as recreational areas that include dining spaces, swimming pools and lounge areas surrounded by vegetation.
The Norfolk apartment building in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.
Photo by Scott Burrows © Koichi Takada Architects
harmony with nature: materials and colors
inspired by the Australian landscape
The design uses materials that relate to the local landscape, allowing the building to subtly blend into the coastal environment. A color scheme in shades of white and beige promotes the building's integration with the natural environment. Wooden floors in the apartments create a cohesive connection between the interior spaces and the surrounding nature.
Norfolk apartment building in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia - the layout of the apartments was designed with passive solutions in mind
Photo: Tom Ferguson © Koichi Takada Architects
Norfolk's adaptive architecture was designed with the changing climate and dynamically evolving coastal environment in mind. Through the use of sliding wooden screens, the design emphasizes the building's subtle form while enhancing the functionality of each apartment. The building references the surrounding nature and focuses on creating a space that is conducive to living in close proximity to the beach
- Koichi Takada says.
Norfolk apartment building in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia - the building's rooftop features private pools
Photo by Scott Burrows © Koichi Takada Architects
The building's curves overlap, giving the massing an organic character, while implementing passive design principles that affect the building's functionality and relationship with its surroundings. The design focuses on making the most of panoramic ocean views, which become an integral part of the living spaces. The simple form and the use of natural materials, referring to the features of Australia's east coast, allow the building to be subtly integrated into the landscape, creating a harmonious relationship with the surrounding nature.
Elaborated: Anastazja Dżupina
Illustrations provided courtesy of Koichi Takada Architects.