The Outrigger Resort and Residences on Palmer Street provides resort facilities, private residential apartments and a dining destination for tourists and locals. Located in the heart of Townsville the Outrigger Resort and Residences offers magnificent views across the marina to the ocean and Magnetic Island and also to the hinterland.

The resort includes 120 one and two bedroom dual units over 8 levels with views across the marina and a number of units overlooking the landscaped resort pool towards the hinterland. The resort facilities include a landscaped pool and sun lounge area, a gymnasium and a breakfast/conference room. Located at street level is a dedicated zone for retail, café and restaurant tenancies. The retail and restaurant space extends outdoors with alfresco dining with views across the landscaped footpath to the Maritime Museum and Marina.

A combination of two and three bedroom residential apartments are located on the top four floors of the tower. The height of the apartments offer stunning views of the hinterland, ocean and Magnetic Island. Gated parking, a separate entry and private lift offer residents a separate identity and address.

Architecturally, the Outrigger Resort and Residences has been designed to maximise the views while at the same time providing visual statement. Balconies are framed and a range of balustrades define sections of the building and create interest. Extensive use of glass balustrades to the residential apartments provide a point of difference in the architecture between the resort levels and apartments levels but also softens the height of the building. The planning of the apartments allows for a step in the street facade on the top levels which combined with a large section of cantilevered roof creates a dramatic focal point.

A layering of architectural elements, such as walls, blades, roofs and materials also creates interest in and reduces the bulk of elevations. Natural stone and timber battening are expressed on the horizontal to balance strong vertical elements of rendered walls and columns. This interplay of horizontal and vertical elements creates a visually stimulating and exciting architectural design. The architecture of the home reflects the desire to create a strong connection between exterior and interior. Water is a key element of the location, which has been incorporated into the design of the residence, through the use of water features that extend from the entry through the formal living areas out to the pool. A continuation of the modern tropical theme, natural materials are to be used throughout the interior, along with extensive windows and expansive doors to provide a visual and physical connection to the exterior and surrounding environment.

Landscaping is key in helping to soften the impact of the ‘built form’ of the residence. The landscaping character is modern tropical and plants have been carefully chosen to enhance the architecture of the resident and the environment. Colour and texture are also important, and seasonal colour will be achieved through various exotic and flowering trees and plants. Natural stone, pebble mulch and timber decks introduce texture to the landscaping and provide a strong connection with the architecture and interiors.

It is located on the north-western boundary of the $1 billion Salt development and has a wide creek frontage. The precinct has been designed for residents and visitors to Salt, with the developer the Ray Group dedicating 50 percent of the facility to Tweed Shire Council for community use. The dedication includes a 900sqm parcel of land, which is valued as a $500,000 ‘gift’ to the community. This portion of the project includes an 180sqm community pavilion with barbeque facilities, a public toilet block and bench seating.