First look: Two-tower apartment development pitched for Palm Beach

Two new apartment buildings have been proposed for a rare development site with frontages to both the Gold Coast Highway and The Esplanade at the northern end of Palm Beach.

The unusually shaped 1,362 sqm site combines 1499 and 1501 Gold Coast Highway, with the latter extending through to the beachfront Esplanade, creating a dual-frontage landholding just south of Tallebudgera Creek.

The plans, lodged by local developer Brent Freeman, would see the site redeveloped into a 23-apartment project known as Amor.

Designed by Plus Studio, the code-assessable proposal comprises two distinct buildings, both sitting below the precinct's permitted 29-metre height limit. A larger tower fronting the Gold Coast Highway would accommodate 14 two-bedroom apartments, while a second building addressing The Esplanade would contain nine larger residences, including one three-bedroom apartment and eight four-bedroom apartments.

The beachfront building has been designed with full-floor residences, while the western building would feature two apartments per floor.

Plus Studio says Amor has been shaped by principles of "relaxed coastal luxury, honest materiality, and contextual design", creating a development that responds to both its beachfront setting and Palm Beach's evolving urban character.

"The architectural vision for Amor is grounded in principles of relaxed coastal luxury, honest materiality, and contextual design," Plus Studio said in its design report.

"Sculpted forms, layered façade elements, and integrated landscape work together to create a contemporary identity that feels both sophisticated and connected to its natural surroundings."

At the centre of the development is a resort-style podium incorporating a swimming pool, gymnasium, landscaped recreation areas and communal resident spaces. Positioned between the two buildings, the podium is intended to create a shared community hub while maximising outlook toward the beachfront.

Planning documents describe the architecture as adopting a "refined coastal design language", characterised by generous balconies, deep façade recesses, integrated landscaping and privacy screening. Extensive planting is proposed throughout the podium and along sections of the building façades to soften the built form and enhance the public realm.

Palm Beach continues to be one of the Gold Coast's most active apartment markets. Sherpa recently launched the latest instalment of its Flourish series, Flourish Soleira, complete with a skybridge connecting the two buildings, while Chippendale Group and BPG has both launched projects in the booming precinct.