The Evolution of the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast has long been one of the world’s most desirable holiday destinations, with travellers arriving in waves to experience the region’s outstanding natural and lifestyle offerings.

Over 40 years of growth and development, the Gold Coast is Australia’s largest non-capital city. With this came a natural evolution of the city’s residential landscape, from once humble beach shacks to record-breaking luxury property sales.

Here we take a moment to look back at the Gold Coast’s architectural evolution from the quintessential style of old to modern-day ultra-luxury.

Prequel: All shacked up

The classic beach shacks of the 1940s hold a special place in Gold Coast history and identity. These very simple, small detached homes of a few rooms were located near the beach, often single storey and usually constructed of fibrous cement sheeting, or “fibro”. 

They provide insight into a time when houses were built on a relatively cheap block of land as a weekender when the pace of life on the Gold Coast was much quieter than it is now. Just one look at them today, and you feel an instant sense of nostalgia. You can still see wonderful examples of these distinct homes along the coastal strip, from Southport to Surfers Paradise, Mermaid Beach, Palm Beach to Coolangatta.  

History: The Walk-up

During the mid-’60s, the government introduced strata-titling, which saw an explosion in small-scale ‘3-storey walk-up’ apartment buildings. The ‘walk-up’ was generally constructed of face brickwork and flat metal roofs and designed in the austere modernist style popular at the time.

History: The birth of the high-rise

The 70s saw the introduction of high rises to the Gold Coast skyline for the first time, coinciding with an explosion in tourism brought on by airline travel popularity. Architectural form and style were mixed, heavily influenced by international design trends and emulating other famous sunny holiday havens worldwide.

History: An explosion in luxury

With international tourism exploding on the Gold Coast, so too did the demand for luxury living, and nowhere more so than on iconic Hedges Avenue in Mermaid Beach.

From the 1980s to the present, Mermaid Beach’s easy access, central location, and residential amenities have seen it become one of the most desirable suburbs on the coast. It has maintained a scale that readily distinguishes it from other areas. Now more commonly referred to as ‘Millionaire’s Row’, Hedges Avenue is one of the most well known and expensive strips of property in the country.

The Present: Lifestyle meets luxury

As the Gold Coast continues to evolve, so does its identity. We are so proud to be part of this, having now released four luxury addresses to the region since 2019 alone. We are honoured to have the opportunity to contribute to its legacy through a beautiful design that will stand the test of time.

Beyond beautiful architecture, though, these days, lifestyle plays a significant role in design. The idea of effortless living, where everything you could want is at your fingertips, in and around your home, is driving a greater emphasis on amenity offerings in apartment developments.

Bela by Mosaic, our first Gold Coast release, meshes nostalgic Mermaid Beach architecture with an unsurpassed residential amenity experience that focuses on health and well being. Not only do residents enjoy an oversized, immaculately appointed vertically stacked beach home just off Hedges Avenue, they also have access to a vast array of offerings to enhance their day to day living experience, including:

Ground Level
Surf entry with outdoor shower
Surfboard storage
Pet wash
Lobby and concierge desk

Level 2
Residents’ Deck
Executive Lounge
Secure Bike Storage

Level 3
Resort pool set in lush subtropical landscaping with in-water lounges and spa
Sun deck and lounges
Yoga and pilates zone
Commercial-size gymnasium with sauna, steam room, showers, and lockers

Level 25 – Private Resident’s Club
Wine Cellar
Private Dining
Kitchen
Residents’ Lounge
Library
Media Room
Bathroom Amenities

Along with 25 years of post-competition management and caretaking of the building.

Our latest release and Bela’s spectacular near-neighbour, Dawn by Mosaic, is also located in Mermaid Beach. Respectful of local character while boasting its own distinct, timeless identity, Dawn’s architecture mimics its natural surrounds. The building’s form is minimal and timeless, with a material and colour palette that reflects the pristine, natural beauty of the Gold Coast.

Like Bela, Dawn is designed to elevate the living experience. Amenity spans three levels, including:

Ground Level
Surf Store
Showers
Car wash bay
Concierge
Pet washing station

Level One
BBQ areas with seating
Lounges
Sun deck with day beds, tables and seating
Pool with in-water lounges
Spa
Outdoor shower
Firepit with seating
Gymnasium
Sauna

Level Nine
Recreation lounge
Private dining room with kitchen
Teppanyaki bar
Outdoor terrace with tables and seating
Private wine tasting room with wine cellar

Along with 25 years of post-competition management and caretaking of the building.

It’s hard to imagine a more idyllic destination, with breathtaking ocean shores on one side and a vibrant lifestyle on the other. Don’t delay. Make this spectacular architectural masterpiece and future legacy of the Gold Coast your new home today. Enquire now.