Gubbi Gubbi
Queensland
Sunshine Coast
Tallow Residences marks the final stage of the Settler’s Cove masterplanned precinct, completing the development with a refined coastal apartment building of distinctive architectural character. Located alongside Noosa’s estuarine wetlands, the design responds directly to its setting through sculpted massing, faceted façades and deep window reveals that enhance passive shading, natural ventilation and visual connection to the landscape.
A restrained palette of natural concrete, timber and copper defines the architectural language, balancing durability with warmth and tactility. Curved concrete elements establish depth and solidity, while timber cladding softens the massing and mediates between built form and natural context. Subtly articulated entries support clear wayfinding, with materials selected to age gracefully in the coastal environment.
At ground level, tactile finishes and landscaped edges reinforce human scale and encourage informal social interaction. Tallow Residences delivers a confident, site-responsive and enduring architectural outcome grounded in environmental performance and material longevity.
As apartments become a dominant housing type in Australia, cross-ventilation is critical to occupant comfort and health. Tallow Residences responds through a climate-driven design that integrates car parking into the topography, allowing a lighter building footprint. Boarded off-form concrete elements break down mass and anchor the building to its reserve-fronting site, while a generous outdoor common area supports resident interaction. The project reflects a strong client–architect collaboration, resulting in a resolved and enduring outcome.
Commendation for Residential Architecture - Multiple Housing
As apartments become a dominant housing type in Australia, cross-ventilation is critical to occupant comfort and health. Tallow Residences responds through a climate-driven design that integrates car parking into the topography, allowing a lighter building footprint. Boarded off-form concrete elements break down mass and anchor the building to its reserve-fronting site, while a generous outdoor common area supports resident interaction. The project reflects a strong client–architect collaboration, resulting in a resolved and enduring outcome.
As the final stage of Settler’s Cove, we were determined to create a building that would leave a lasting architectural legacy. Blackburne Jackson embraced this challenge, delivering an exceptional, highly resolved design that stands confidently apart from the six preceding buildings while responding sensitively to its bushland context. The sculptural form combines articulated angular walls with softer, organic elements and varied materiality, creating a façade that continually changes with light and shadow. Internally, generous light-filled apartments demonstrate strong passive design, excellent cross-ventilation, high ceilings, and seamless indoor/outdoor connections. We commend Blackburne Jackson for the quality, clarity and enduring architectural outcome.
Rohan Jackson, Design Architect
Neville Kurth, Project Architect
Katie Dix, Interior Designer
Anna Parry, Interior Designer
ALTA, Structural Engineer
ALTA, Civil Consultant
Place Design Group, Landscape Consultant
Martoo Consulting, Town Planner
BRW Hydraulics, Hydraulic Consultant
P2C Engineering, Electrical Consultant
TTM, Acoustic Consultant
NRG Efficient Homes, ESD Consultant
Gowdie Management Group Pty Ltd, Superintendant
Indesign Acess, Access Consultant
Arctic Cold Refridgeration, Mechanical Consultant
Orbe Fire Safety Engineering, Fire Consultant