Concave House
A Contemporary Waterfront House on Queensland’s Gold Coast
Set within the waterfront enclave of Paradise Island, Gold Coast, the residence responds to its setting by making water, landscape, sky and skyline integral to the architectural experience. The concept combines relaxed subtropical living with Palm Springs modernism, expressed through strong geometry, horizontal forms and generous indoor and outdoor spaces. The house gradually opens from a private street arrival towards the waterfront, using landscape, walls and glazing to balance privacy and openness. Extensive glazing, deep overhangs and projecting elements connect the living spaces to terraces, pool and pontoon, creating a series of outdoor rooms for living and entertaining, while concealed lighting and water reflections extend the architecture into the night.
The design combines strong geometric forms with fluid curves, using curved walls, balconies and soffits to create movement and respond to the canal. The arrival moves from compression to release, with the curved entry, sculptural stair, timber detailing and concealed lighting guiding the transition from street to waterfront. Rendered volumes, recessed glazing and cantilevered elements create depth, shadow and transparency, while carefully framed views of planting and light gradually reveal the house.
The material palette is restrained and refined, combining white rendered surfaces with dark glazing, warm timber and stone to create contrast, warmth and depth. Timber, stone, integrated cabinetry and recessed lighting continue throughout the interiors, while the open riser timber stair acts as both a functional element and sculptural feature. Dense subtropical planting provides privacy, frames views and softens the building’s geometry, while also acting as a climate modifier and visual filter. Light is treated as an architectural material, with glazing, overhangs and concealed lighting creating changing shadows, reflections and a shift from bright tropical character by day to an intimate, cinematic atmosphere at night.
The design abstracts Palm Springs modernism through horizontal planes, strong geometry, sculptural forms, indoor and outdoor living and restrained materials, rather than directly reproducing the style. These principles are adapted to the Gold Coast context, where tropical vegetation, waterfront views, white surfaces and generous openings respond to the subtropical climate and lifestyle. The result is a contemporary interpretation of modernist glamour that is shaped by its place rather than historical imitation.
The house creates a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living, rather than treating them as separate spaces. The kitchen, dining and living areas flow into the terraces, pool deck and pontoon, with large openings allowing flexibility throughout the day. The kitchen acts as the social centre, supported by a discreet butler’s pantry that keeps service areas hidden. Outdoor spaces are clearly defined for shelter, recreation, entertaining and direct connection to the water.
The Paradise Island residence is an architecture of connection, balancing solid and void, inside and outside, landscape and structure, privacy and openness. Its design responds closely to the waterfront setting, using water, tropical light, vegetation and the Gold Coast skyline to shape the experience of the home. Rather than relying on an imposed idea of luxury, the architecture finds richness through proportion, spatial sequence, restrained materials and a strong response to place. The result is a home that is sculptural yet relaxed, where the boundary between dwelling and environment becomes deliberately blurred.
Geometry establishes order.
Landscape introduces softness.
Water provides continuity.
Light creates transformation.
Materiality provides intimacy.
Text by the architect
PROJECT GALLERY
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Architect : Evo Architects
Client : -
Area : 465 m²
Project Location : Queensland | Australia
Year : 2024 -
C&S Engineer : GZG Engineers
Contractor : Brookhaven Homes
Photography : Phil Diamonds -
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