Luxury tower at Budds Beach hits key milestone
Elements Budds Beach completes 18 hour raft slab pour as 27 level tower prepares to rise in Surfers Paradise.
What’s happening?
McNab Group’s $175 million luxury residential tower, Elements Budds Beach, has reached a major construction milestone with the completion of its basement raft slab.
The milestone marks the end of a year-long excavation program and the final foundation pour for the project at 21 Oak Ave, Surfers Paradise.
The raft slab forms the structural base of the four-level basement carpark and sets the stage for the 27-level tower to rise above ground.
The operation was completed in a single continuous 18-hour pour.
McNab invited members of the Budds Beach community to witness the scale of the operation.
were also invited on site, descending 15 metres below ground to stand on the freshly completed foundation of their future homes.
McNab Founder and Executive Chairman Michael McNab said the moment was significant for both the community and buyers.
“For the past year, we have been working 15 metres below ground level, meticulously preparing this site. Completing this raft slab in a single day allows it to cure as a seamless unified structure, providing an incredibly strong foundation for the 27 levels of residences along with the rooftop pool above,” Mr McNab said.
“In today’s market, certainty in quality is just as much a luxury as the amenities and finishes. We wanted our buyers to see the engineering for themselves, to stand on the slab and understand the scale and substance of what is being built before the building goes vertical.”
Why it matters
The raft slab is a critical structural element. Pouring it in one continuous process allows it to cure as a unified structure.
That approach strengthens the base that will support 27 levels of residences and rooftop amenities.
The project is being delivered by McNab in partnership with Mitsubishi Estate Asia and Ray White Capital.
Lead agent Carly Cottam from Motiv said the milestone represents a turning point for buyers.
“The response to the project reflects strong confidence in both the calibre of the product and the strength of the delivery team,” Ms Cottam said.
“We’re continuing to see solid demand from buyers who recognise Budds Beach as one of the Gold Coast’s most tightly held lifestyle pockets.
Over the past five years, median apartment prices in Surfers Paradise ‒ which includes Budds Beach ‒ have risen by 81 per cent.[1] With Elements setting a new benchmark for residential living in this picturesque enclave, buyers are not only securing their own piece of paradise, they’re also investing in a location that has consistently delivered strong capital growth.”
Local impact
Budds Beach is regarded as one of the Gold Coast’s best kept secrets, known for its quiet village atmosphere while sitting within walking distance of Surfers Paradise.
Elements is set to become a defining feature on the skyline when completed within the next two years.
Remaining residences are priced from $1.32 million.
By the numbers
200 concrete trucks delivered material to site during the continuous pour, highlighting the logistical scale of the operation.
1,424 cubic metres of concrete were placed in a single day, an amount equal to more than 20,000 wheelbarrows.
87 residences in total, with more than 75 per cent sold and 22 remaining, showing strong market uptake ahead of vertical construction.
Zoom in
Excavation reached 15 metres below ground during the foundation works.
At 13 metres below the surface, the team uncovered a collection of ancient shells, offering insight into the coastline’s evolution over tens of thousands of years.
“Seeing those shells 13 metres down was a reminder of the timeless nature of this location,” Mr McNab said.
“We have carefully preserved these finds and will incorporate them into the lobby design so the building tells a story that extends far beyond the tower itself.”
Elements buyer Harry Chen said McNab’s dual role as both builder and developer provided confidence.
“Knowing McNab is behind both the development and construction gives me real peace of mind that the project will be delivered to a very high standard,” Mr Chen said.
“I’m really looking forward to moving into Elements. It offers the best of both worlds; breathtaking ocean views on one side, and peaceful river views on the other. The rooftop amenities are exceptional, and with only a small number of residences per level, it will feel private, secure and truly like home.”
Zoom out
Comprising 87 premium two, three and four-bedroom residences, the tower has been designed by award-winning architects Cottee Parker.
Plans include an exclusive rooftop retreat with sweeping 360-degree views across the Broadwater, hinterland, Pacific Ocean and Gold Coast skyline.
Amenities will include a rooftop pool, private dining areas, alfresco spaces, sauna and a fully equipped gym.
The 1,012 square metre site will deliver approximately 9,962 square metres of total floor area across 27 residential levels, four basement floors and top floor amenities.
Sod was turned in April 2025, with completion expected in late 2027.
What to look for next?
With the raft slab now complete, construction will move above ground as the 27-level tower begins to take shape ahead of its expected late 2027 completion.