THE MARINA REIMAGINED
01 Feb 2018
Plans for a $200-million redevelopment of Port Douglas marina have been revealed by design firm SJB that feature a “pedestrianised and walkable environment” to be enjoyed by the public.
In a bid to reinvigorate and revitalise the Port Douglas waterfront, plans for the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina will include restaurants, villas, luxury accommodation, retail and a series of landscaped gardens. Creating a thriving new residential and entertainment precinct, the 5-star development will offer a host of options for both local and international visitors.
Taking their cues from the reef’s ecosystem, the design language of Crystalbrook will incorporate key elements of the surrounding ecology and reflect the tropical nature of the environment. “The designs for Superyacht Marina are inspired by the reef’s ecosystem” says Tristan Wong, director at SJB.
“The ecological language permeates the architecture throughout the residential, retail, hospitality and amenity buildings and the dynamic, layered terracing creates an internationally recognisable architectural landmark.”
Acting as a gateway to the scheme, food and beverage offerings will be readily available to all visitors to the site. A cocktail bar will become a centrepiece for tourists and locals to take in the stunning natural beauty for which Port Douglas is well known.
Reimagined as a car-free ground plant, all existing parking for the scheme will be placed underground to allow for a pedestrianised and walkable environment with extensive gardens, boardwalks and tree-lined paths in and around the marina, hotel and villas.
Reflecting the philosophy of ‘responsible luxury’, Crystalbrook will be constructed to the highest environmental standards and ecological performance, including locally sourced materials. Such considerations will make the development instantly identifiable and clearly distinctive, as well as aesthetically connected to the immediate environment.
“This philosophy affects everything from the performance of the building to energy efficiency, the sourcing of materials, and even the dining experience within the signature restaurant,” says Wong.
Images courtesy of SJB