Cirrus
CLIENT | macquarie york
TYPE | Architecture, interior design, Documentation
SECTOR | REsidential
STATUS | design development
LOCATION | Palm Beach, QLD
HEIGHT | 42.4 m, 13 Storeys
SCALE | GFA: 2,679 sqm, Site 490 sqm, 10 apartments
COST | confidential
Presenting Palm beach with a new, bold sculptural presence
Cirrus is a sculptural 13-storey residential tower in Palm Beach, developed in collaboration with Macquarie York. Recognised with a 50% height bonus for design excellence, this project has received approval from the City of Gold Coast Council and sets a new standard for the area’s architectural landscape on a compact 488-square-metre site.
The building’s distinctive form features a sweeping curved façade with fluted concrete detailing, inspired by organic shell patterns. The structure is articulated into a two-part composition, beginning with a grounded podium of textured stone paving and warm concrete tones, transitioning into a lighter tower with cool-toned concrete and expansive glazing. A vertical green spine runs through the centre, naturally integrating the building into its environment and anchoring it to the site.
As Director Danny Juric describes, “We approached this project as an opportunity to demonstrate how design excellence can transform a site into an architectural landmark. Our collaborative process with Council, often involving real-time design refinements sketched during meetings, helped us create a building that not only maximises resident amenity but makes a genuine contribution to Palm Beach’s urban fabric.”
The tower is designed with deliberate setbacks to optimise views, while its street-level presence strengthens Palm Beach’s evolving village character. With 15 metres of ocean frontage—more than double the typical beachfront apartment width—Cirrus offers expansive coastal views and an elevated residential experience.
The development includes ten full-floor, three-bedroom residences and a two-level, four-bedroom penthouse, each combining the privacy of a luxury home with the amenities of a boutique development. Elevated above ground level, the recreation deck on level one includes an infinity-edge pool with ocean views, while layered landscaping cascades down the podium, enhancing the pedestrian connection to the beach.
Macquarie York’s Managing Director, Roy Skaf, notes, “Having experienced Plus Architecture's design excellence capabilities on Nina Chevron Island and Sunset Residence in Surfers Paradise, we knew they could help us achieve something truly exceptional here. The result speaks for itself – Cirrus will be an iconic addition to Palm Beach's skyline and sets new standards for sophisticated beachfront living on the Gold Coast.”
The Gold Coast City Council Officers played a vital role throughout the assessment process, and the support from the Planning & Regulation Committee and Full Council was instrumental in bringing Cirrus to life.
With protected views over Andy Frizzell Park and the Palm Beach Surf Club, Cirrus is ideally positioned near the area’s vibrant café and restaurant scene. Each residence offers the exclusivity of a private home paired with the social amenities of a boutique development, creating a distinct blend of luxury and community within Palm Beach’s evolving landscape.
