Studio Workshop was founded 10 years ago as of 2024, and in this time we’ve undertaken a range of project scales in the residential domain. But rather uniquely, this project on Riviera Road presented an opportunity to challenge “business as usual” approaches to multi-residential development.

Similar to 08 Albatross Ave (2015-2018), we took this as an opportunity to emphasise the importance of the street. We feel Riviera is an important act of city-making that promotes pedestrian engagement. Unlike much of the Gold Coast’s predominant urban fabric, the Riviera Townhouses subvert the presence of the car in favor of human-centered design that reinforces a sense of place.

The brief for this north-facing, mid-block site called for a “minimum” of 7 dwellings. Typically, the site geometry would yield a central driveway with blocks of apartments to either side, generating zero pedestrian connection, a dominating driveway apron, and mute unrelatable end-run facades.

While it took thorough testing and iteration, we are delighted our client opted for only six dwellings, but with a much higher degree of amenity and urban presence. With the Pacific Ocean just a block and a half away, the resulting scheme provides access to north light and cross ventilation for all dwellings, and panoramic views to both the ocean and hinterland from inhabitable roof terraces.

A restrained external palette of brick, expressed in-situ concrete, and fine screening allows subtle curving geometry to provide the expressed rhythm and subdivision of units and breaking down of scale. Internally, timber joinery and simple finishes maintain an understated backdrop for coastal inhabitation.

We thank the client, builder, consultants and SWAA design team for the satisfying and we hope, inspiring contribution to the City’s urban maturation.