Harbour Lights

Cairns, Australia
Honeycombes Property Group
Project 2003 – 2007

A contemporary landmark residential development on the Cairns waterfront including 200 apartments, managed apartments, swimming pools, restaurant, retail and café facilities.

The 12-storey apartment building reflects a far north Queensland imagery, without resorting to cliched stereotypes.  The building consists of a three level podium with nine levels set back above it.  The tower is arranged in a triangular configuration, with open corners surrounding a large central open-air atrium.

The unique design responds to the climate by integrating the ESD principles fundamental in the tropics.  These include outdoor living terraces, deeply shaded windows, adjustable sun screens and natural cross ventilation to all apartments.

Glass and slatted panels express a lightweight, almost delicate appearance which belies the building’s scale and volume.  With its shaded façade, it forms an impressive yet subtle background to the white yachts and powerboats of the harbour.  It sits as a recessive calm form on the waterfront.