Dezeen Magazine

Zaha Hadid proposes a pair of tapered towers for Australia's Gold Coast

Zaha Hadid has designed her second set of skyscrapers for Australia – a pair of sinuous towers that will be constructed beside the harbour in Gold Coast, Queensland.

The London-based architect has been appointed by Australian developer Sunland Group to create the pair of towers as part of the redevelopment of Mariner's Cove, best known as the home of the Sea World resort.

The two 44-storey structures will accommodate 370 apartments in total as well as a boutique hotel with 69 suites.

Both are designed by Hadid to feature sculptural curved glass forms, reminiscent of muscle sinews, and will be raised up over a curved podium.

Mariner's Cove towers by Zaha Hadid

"Each residential tower is designed as if it were an organic, living form, with sinuous lines interlacing upwards from the tapered base, creating a sense of flow and movement," said Sunland managing director Sahba Abedian.

"This vibrancy is further brought to life by the reflection and interaction of the glass facade with its stunning setting."

Described by the developer as "the city's first privately-owned cultural precinct dedicated to the arts", the complex will also include an art gallery, a museum and several sculpture gardens, as well as shops, restaurants and an underground aquarium.

Mariner's Cove towers by Zaha Hadid

The AU$600 million (£300 million) project is Hadid's second commission from Sunland Group, following a trio of towers the architect proposed last year for nearby Brisbane, which also feature tapered profiles.

The team has submitted a planning application to Gold Coast City Council for the Mariner's Cove scheme, while the Brisbane project – entitled Grace on Coronation – has been recommended for approval by the city's planning assessment committee.

Hadid is also currently progressing her plans for a 215-metre-high tower in Miami, and recently completed a trio of pebble-shaped towers in Beijing.