A construction veteran who has built bridges and railways across the world says the Jewel development on the Gold Coast rivals the Sydney Opera House in architectural ambition.
Kees and Pamela van Ek have made an unexpected move to Jewel Private Residences impressed by its architecture, beachfront position and residential lifestyle.
The former Tasmanian, and then Melbourne couple bought a three-bedroom residence in the Diamond Tower after walking into the completed development.
“We bought on gut feel because we simply didn’t want to miss out,” Mr van Ek said.
“We asked our children to come and have a look and they all agreed Jewel was unique.
“That gave us even more confidence that we had found somewhere very special.”
Mr van Ek, who has an engineering, construction and building background, and his wife previously ran a major construction company that employed more than 200 people and delivered bridges, railways and roads internationally.
“Having spent so much of my life in construction, I look at buildings differently,” Mr van Ek said.
“Jewel has been designed with function following form, rather than the conventional approach of form following function.
“The Sydney Opera House is an exceptional example of architecture where function follows form and, in my view, Jewel has that same quality.
“The three distinctive towers create a landmark on the Gold Coast skyline and I believe the architecture will stand the test of time.”
The move is particularly significant for the van Eks, who were among the early purchasers of a new Main Beach tower and had input into the fit-out, finishes and amenities of their apartment before it was completed.
They had intended to stay in Main Beach but increasing development surrounding their residence prompted them to reconsider the lifestyle they wanted long term.
The couple purchased their Jewel residence before selling their Main Beach apartment, something they said they would not normally have considered.
Since moving into Diamond Tower, they say say living at Jewel has exceeded their expectations.
“I feel very safe and we have everything we need on our doorstep,” he said.
“We can go downstairs and enjoy The Langham facilities and feel as though we are on holiday, then come back upstairs to our own private sanctuary.
“It is the best of both worlds and we feel we have finally found our forever home.
“We had concierge services when we lived in Melbourne, so having our own concierge at Diamond Tower was important to us.”
Vice president of AW Jewel, Yutao Li, said the van Eks’ decision to move from an established Main Beach residence demonstrated the appeal of the lifestyle offered at Jewel Private Residences.
“Jewel has been created to offer much more than an exceptional apartment,” Mr Li said.
“It combines an absolute beachfront location with distinctive architecture, privacy, security, premium residential Concierge services and the convenience of having The Langham, Gold Coast on residents’ doorstep.
Total Property Group managing director Adrian Parsons said demand for premium Gold Coast apartments remained strong, particularly for completed residences.
“Jewel Private Residences is particularly well positioned in the current market because it is completed, allowing buyers to experience the residences, views, amenities and beachfront location and understand exactly what they are purchasing,” he said.
Originally published in the Gold Coast Bulletin – read here.