Project of the Year: Multiplex’s jewel in the Gold Coast’s crown

Jewel in Gold Coast’s Crown

Multiplex takes the win for their stunning Jewel Residences, changing the coast’s stunning skyline and reinforcing its reputation as a tourism and investment hub.

The architectural and structural design of the Jewel project is unlike anything else on the Gold Coast in that its scale and unique geometric shape set it apart from its peers. Drawing inspiration from the smoky Quartz crystals that were discovered in the region, Jewel is inspired by the crystalline volcanic hook that forms the underlying structure of the coastline. Jewel towers are an example of Multiplex’s ability to exceed expectations, challenging themselves to find better ways of doing things and creating new solutions to complex problems. The three towers were constructed simultaneously and stand 41, 47 and 34 levels high respectively, each boasting a distinctive glass curtain walling system. A mezzanine basement across the site footprint accommodates 816 cars, and back of house areas. A three-level podium includes the residential lobbies for towers one, two and three, the hotel lobby, five retail tenancies, conference room, casual restaurant, landscaped gardens and swimming pools. Level two of each podium provides meeting rooms associated with the conference facilities, a day spa and associated back of house, as well as recreation facilities to the hotel, including a gym and indoor swimming pool. Level three of the podiums include the residential facilities with cinema, gym, sauna and steam rooms, function area, an outdoor beachfront swimming pool with swim up bar and integrated landscaping, the first level of hotel rooms and a restaurant. The sheer size of the 11,000 square metre site was a challenge. Being the first absolute beachfront development on the Gold Coast in more than 30 years, the project team had to work closely with local authorities taking into account traffic management in and around the area, protection of mature trees surrounding the site, as well as additional considerations due to the 2018 Commonwealth Games. It took over three million man-hours, more than 80,000 cubic metres of

concrete, 15,000 tonnes of reinforcement and 83,000 square metres of façade glazing to create each unique tower. Works also included construction of a new perimeter sea wall and beachfront dune rejuvenation for Gold Coast City Council. Multiplex successfully delivered 505 apartments in total, and the warm shell for 169 hotel rooms. Their relationship with all key stakeholders on the Jewel project was organised and professional at all times. Being a significant and iconic development, effective planning and open communication was integral to the successful delivery of the project. Multiplex handed over Jewel on time and on budget. The result is an iconic project set to rejuvenate the Gold Coast’s position as the world’s leading tourism hub.