Sunshine Coast building heights: Beachfront 16m tall designer home proposed

Homeowners have hit pause to review their epic beachfront mansion plans for a 16m tall designer home at a Sunshine Coast beachside suburb. Check out the features proposed.

A luxurious 16m tall family home has been proposed for a beachfront Buddina property amid ongoing debate about building heights in the suburb.

Owners of the Pacific Blvd home bought it two years ago but their consultants say the growing family required something bigger to suit their needs.

A code-assessable development application has been lodged with Sunshine Coast Council for a six-bedroom, 16m tall home with a rooftop terrace.

Building heights have become a hot topic in the area since Pacific Diamond 88 gained approval in 2019 for the 73-unit The Beachfront development across six blocks.

In June, 2022, the council proposed to the state government a building height reduction from 21m to 12m, in response to a community petition.

Adapt Town Planning lodged the latest application on behalf of the owners on June 1, 2022, for a Gerard Smith Design home, before the council started its process with the state government.

“The applicant intends to replace the existing family home to meet the growing needs of their family, with a new family home,” it said.

“The proposal promotes a high level of residential amenity, safety and design quality and is set within attractive landscaped grounds.

“The proposal is less than the allowable height limit of 21m and is not considered to adversely affect the amenity of surrounding premises.”

Property records show the home was sold for $2.4m in December 2020 – the first time it had sold in 32 years.

The stunning property was designed by Gerard Smith Design.

The new build would feature an internal lift to access all floors including the rooftop terrace which will have ocean views, a bar, spa and powder room.

In April, 2022, divisional councillor Joe Natoli called for planning scheme amendments for the height limit reductions at the northern end of the Buddina Urban Village at Iluka Ave, Pacific Bvd and Talinga St.

“It’s a very relaxed lifestyle and the intensification of development goes against what people want in that area,” Mr Natoli said at the time.

Earlier this month Adapt Town Planning requested the council pause its decision making process until August 30, 2022, to allow for a design review.

The Pacific Blvd home application would not be open to public comment because it was code assessable.