Technē completes anchor hospitality venues of landmark Stage 1 development, Kirra Point Precinct
Designed by Technē Architecture + Interior Design as two distinct yet complimentary hospitality venues, Kirra Beach Hotel and Kirra Beach House have recently opened, drawing locals and visitors to this premier surf break spot in Southern Gold Coast. Encompassing a sold-out residential tower, alongside new architecture and extensive interior refurbishments to both hospitality venues, the Stage 1 completion of Kirra Point Precinct sets the foundation for the client’s vision of a highly considered mixed-use development that preserves the character of Kirra’s coastal lifestyle, builds and reinforces community, while driving economic growth.
According to the latest Regional Movers Index report, two LGAs in Queensland experienced the largest net inflows from capital cities by annual growth, with the Gold Coast cementing its second-place position with a 9.5% share followed by Sunshine Coast at 13.4%. Well-designed food and beverage dining spaces can have a profound impact on fostering a sense of community and driving economic growth. These venues serve as third spaces for gathering, social interaction, cultural exchange and shared experiences, and where community bonds are strengthened. Technē’s co-founding director, Justin Northrop, says the delivery of Kirra Beach Hotel and Kirra Beach House joins the practice’s understanding of food and beverage design with the needs of the development and its clientele.
“When we invest in considered F&B design that delivers on functionality, efficiency and human connection, these venues can have a great impact on placemaking and fuel economic development holistically throughout a region,” says Northrop.
“While the two venues stand as separate offerings, our approach focused on bridging both properties through the creation of context-specific design solutions and touchpoints that complement the broader narrative and speak authentically to the unique community mix.”
Holding the ground floor, corner position on Marine Parade and Miles Street, the new 1300 sqm Kirra Beach Hotel is a vibrant family-friendly bistro with a storied legacy as the centrepiece of the Kirra Point community for its relaxed and friendly hospitality.
Technē associate Bianca Baldi says, “At Kirra Beach Hotel, these characteristics are reflected in the surf culture-related stylings, the colour palette mirroring the transition of landscape — from ocean waters to the sandy beach and hinterland — as well as in the layered materiality, which inspires a nostalgic yet welcoming and comfortable atmosphere.” The space has been tailored to the generous laidback beach lifestyle with soaring five-metre ceilings and wide-open windows paired with layers of tiling, timber and greenery. A colour palette of blues, greens and accents of yellow is also reminiscent of the Hotel’s breezy coastal-casual context. Aided by a warm tonal palette, Technē’s design creates a customer experience that is well-rounded and welcoming.
Offering multiple zones within the venue including a kids area, public bar, sports bar and a boutique bottle shop, interior spaces also open up on all sides to maximise connection to external areas like the beer garden and terrace. With views over Australia’s most popular point break, Technē’s design pays homage to the surf culture that defines Kirra, with iconic surfing memorabilia adorning the walls and signed boards taking pride of place above the main bar. “The celebration of Kirra’s local community spirit continues at Kirra Beach House, with design choices anchored by the sprawling scenic views and a desire to extrapolate the beachside culture into one of casual decadence,” says Baldi.
Kirra Beach House sits directly above the Hotel on the second level as an elevated offering for timeless and playful sophistication. The 1200sqm space at Beach House features a mix of indoor and outdoor spaces, wine and cocktail bars, and thoughtfully designed event spaces catering to various group sizes and occasions. An expansive terrace wraps around the whole venue, hosting three 20-person beach-style cabanas, designated lounge areas for DJs and live music, and a range of high and low seating. The western terrace has a green outlook onto the Norfolk pines and cascading foliage, and can be broken into 4 bookable spaces, including an Asado BBQ, kitchen and bar.
Creating opportunities for different experiences with each visit, the light-filled spaces are strategically designed to frame unobstructed views of Kirra Beach and beyond to the Broadbeach city skyline and Surfers Paradise. These views are complemented by a refined palette of deep forest greens, yellows and neutral tones that also drive the venue’s contemporary yet sophisticated ambience.
“Double glazed doors and windows along the façade also open up completely to the terrace — opening up the space for people, and the surrounding environment, to free flow between them,” says Baldi.
“Functionally, we have also anchored the main bar in the middle to serve both sides, which assists staff operationally when moving across serving zones, while helping to influence the flow and connection of diners to the space and scenes.”
Due to its beachside location, the functionality and maintenance of both venues is considered throughout the designs, with solutions that feature most prominently in the practice’s careful balance of hard materials like tiles and laminate surfaces, with soft furnishings and upholstery.
Jeremy Holmes KTQ Group’s Development Director says "Thoughtful hospitality design is crucial when creating a vibrant, cohesive community within a development like Kirra Point Precinct. We decided to work with Technē on this project as they understand how food and beverage spaces can foster social connection, cultural exchange, and a sense of place that drives broader economic growth for the region.”
“Their expertise in designing hospitality venues that are both functional and intrinsically tied to the local context helped bring our vision for Kirra Beach Hotel and Kirra Beach House to life. The end result beautifully celebrates the coastal lifestyle and community spirit that defines Kirra, while delivering elevated dining and social experiences that will be a draw for both residents and visitors alike." Holmes added.
Deeply inspired by the location of the two venues and the meaning it holds for the local community, the integrated design practice’s completion of Kirra Beach House and Hotel pays homage to its coastal locale, laidback beachside lifestyle and robust character through the creation of enriching and multi-functional spaces.
Team:
Architect: Technē Architecture + Interior Design
Photography: Christopher Frederick Jones