ApartmentsPhil BartschFri 16 Oct 26
Palm Beach ‘Vertical Duplex’ Stacks Two Homes Across Six Storeys
Plans for a boutique six-storey “vertical duplex” have been pitched for the Gold Coast’s exclusive Jefferson Lane strip at Palm Beach.
The proposal is for a high-end dual occupancy featuring two luxury, three-storey homes stacked in a medium-rise format.
It is slated for a prime 546sq m site at 109 Jefferson Lane, replacing a four-bedroom beachfront mansion previously owned by former Federal Opposition leader Peter Dutton.
The development application has been filed by an entity linked to Michael Ferraro, owner of Soutport-based development and construction group NPD Property, and Melbourne lawyer Carlo Bernardi, which acquired the property in 2021 for $6 million.
Its lodgement comes on the heels of a legal stoush, which led to neighbouring builder-developer 5Point being forced to dismantle a “trespassing” 40m tower crane erected for its $60-million, 11-storey Ophira project.
The code-assessable scheme designed by BDA Architecture is split into two house-sized floorplans—one with four bedrooms and the other with five bedrooms with exclusive access to a 43sq m rooftop terrace featuring a plunge pool, fire pit and barbecue area.
Parking would be provided via a central car lift serving a six-space basement garage—delivering three car spaces per unit—plus dedicated bicycle storage.
Within a medium density residential zone, the Jefferson Lane site adjoins Andy Frizzell Park near Palm Beach Surf Life Saving Club.
“Overall, the proposed development presents a unique and innovative urban rejuvenation of the subject site,” a planning report prepared by Urban Planning Services said.
The building design features a cream brick plinth, vertical ribbed precast concrete and a white render exterior enclosed by a layered veil of white powder-coated battens that provide passive solar shading and privacy.
“The architectural vision for 109 Jefferson Lane in Palm Beach is to provide a contemporary sculptural coastal landmark that embodies the relaxed sophistication and ocean edge spirit of the site,” a submitted design statement said.
“The building’s curved geometry references the surfcraft heritage of the Palm Beach Surf Club opposite, acknowledging its 90-plus-year history and embedding a subtle cultural narrative within the architecture.
“It acts as a visual bookend to the laneway and park edge, framing the public realm whilst maintaining a refined residential scale.”
