"It’s about a series of little details and moments": How The Rochester Broadbeach apartment development was designed
When designing its debut Gold Coast apartment development, developer Polycell tried to find a way to create a point of difference in what else was on offer in Broadbeach.
Their conclusion was to bring on not one, but two of Australia's most celebrated architects to design The Rochester, a sculptural 42-level tower in the heart of the booming suburb.
BDA Architecture Director Darren greenway said The Rochester has a really strong independent character.
“BDA’s philosophy is to create enduring architecture," greenway said.
"The Rochester is different to other buildings in the Broadbeach precinct. Its unique form is more elegant and linear, with soft curves to the edges, that relate back to the more fluid parts of the beaches and the hinterland of the Gold Coast.
“Having a really simple floorplate, with elegant slight curves to the balconies, very horizontal lines, and vertical contrasting elements, makes it more timeless in the architecture. When people are moving along the esplanade, or up Surf Parade, they’ll see this clean, timeless line."
BDA Associate Patrik Pelikan said the overall experience of The Rochester has been none of trying to achieve excellence; almost like a club, that once you are part of it, it elevates you.
“Every apartment is orientated and crafted to its location within the building. We wanted to create an upmarket coastal feel, more refined and elegant through the detailing of the interior palette. So, we used high-end materials, in coastal tones – the whites, the creams, the sands, the timber. It’s about a series of little details and moments," Pelikan said.
“The entertainer’s kitchens are specifically designed for each unit, and they flow into the living room areas. The balconies have been meticulously crafted to provide beautiful views, but at the same time give you privacy.”
The Rochester, now over 80 per cent sold, has 182 two and three-bedroom apartments across a 42-level tower at 143 Surf Parade.
Construction is underway, with completion slated for late 2027.
Joel Robinson
Joel Robinson is the Editor in Chief at Apartments.com.au, where he leads the editorial team and oversees the country’s most comprehensive news coverage dedicated to the off the plan property market. With more than a decade of experience in residential real estate journalism, Joel brings deep insight into Australia’s evolving development landscape.
He holds a degree in Business Management with a major in Journalism from Leeds Beckett University in the UK, and has developed a particular expertise in off the plan apartment space. Joel’s editorial lens spans the full lifecycle of a project—from site acquisition and planning approvals through to new launches, construction completions, and final sell-out—delivering trusted, buyer-focused content that supports informed decision-making across the property journey
