The architectural landscape and demographic of Airlie Beach is shifting with an already booming construction industry receiving plans for far more lavish homes than the region has previously been accustomed to.
According to local builders, this change to residential design has coincided with the growing popularity of the region which has been experiencing exponential growth since the pandemic.
Owner of Abel Morris Builders, Abel Morris, a Master Builders award winner who has been building in Airlie Beach for 20 years, says he’s noticed a definite shift in the style of homes being built in the area.
“Builders around the likes of Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast have been building luxurious, architectural masterpieces for years and it’s exciting to finally get the opportunity,” Morris says.
According to Morris, Airlie Beach has become the new go-to spot for individuals seeking a quiet haven and a slower lifestyle.
“People used to head to Noosa but prices there have skyrocketed and it’s much busier than it used to be. What I can gather from my clients is that Airlie is being noticed not only as a tropical paradise but also as the pinnacle of contemporary relaxed luxury living.”
Morris referenced a stunning new architecturally designed home known as ‘Ancora’ that he’s been commissioned to build.
Morris says Ancora is a ground-breaking project that embodies modern luxury and matches it with cutting-edge architectural design perfectly suited to its unique location.
“The home features 3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, 2 car spaces and an internal courtyard,” he said.
“It boasts an abundance of natural light, an open floor plan and 270 degree views across the Coral Sea to the Whitsundays.
“It’s got soaring ceilings with clerestory glazing, concrete floors, and expansive windows showcasing meticulously curated living spaces. It really is an architectural masterpiece.”
Ancora is nestled within Airlie Summit, a boutique 87 lot subdivision development on an elevated site overlooking the Coral Sea.
Sitting some 200 metres above sea level and occupying the highest remaining zoned land in Airlie Beach, Airlie Summit provides a sensational canvas for showstopping architectural design.
“There aren’t many blocks of land left in Airlie, particularly ones with such incredible views as all of the blocks at Airlie Summit offer,” Morris says.
“I think Airlie Summit is largely responsible for inspiring this architectural and demographic shift we are seeing. With a landscape like this to set the scene, the possibilities truly are endless.”
Greg Tupicoff, general manager of Alder Developments, the South East Queensland company behind the $60+ million development, says architects are drawing on the aspect of the blocks in their initial Lookout Release to create one-of-a-kind architectural designs.
“The size and shape of each block has been carefully considered to make the most of its natural attributes with each offering expansive island, bay and ocean views,” says Tupicoff.
“The design of houses like Ancora engage with the surrounds and the views out over the Whitsunday Ocean to create a deliberate balance of scale and transparency, with intimate gestures carefully orchestrated throughout.”
Ancora is the first home in the latest stage to receive design approval, Tupicoff says the development team are excited to see this incredible vision brought to life over the coming months.
“It’s one spectacular example of what the aspect here at Airlie Summit is inspiring in architectural design. It is the epitome of aspiration living and we can’t wait to see what else might flow from here.”
