Powering Australia’s Tallest Residential Tower

The Q1 Building is one of Australia’s most recognisable engineering landmarks — a 78-storey residential tower that has defined the Gold Coast skyline since its completion. Rising over 320 metres, it was once the tallest residential building in the world and remains a benchmark in complex vertical design and delivery.

Built to accommodate hundreds of apartments, public spaces, and luxury amenities, Q1 demanded sophisticated electrical and infrastructure solutions that could provide both reliability and flexibility within a constrained and high-rise environment.

Objectiv engineers were involved in this project through prior professional roles, contributing specialist design and coordination expertise to the tower’s major high-voltage (HV) and low-voltage (LV) electrical systems.

Their involvement included:
• Network planning, load modelling, and coordination of high-voltage connections to ensure adequate transformer capacity and redundancy.
• Design of main switchboards, riser distribution systems, and embedded energy metering solutions.
• Integration of backup and essential power systems, ensuring continuity for lifts, fire systems, and emergency services.
• Collaboration with architectural and structural teams to embed electrical infrastructure within the tight physical constraints of a vertical megastructure.

This work required meticulous interface management between multiple disciplines and authorities — balancing power system performance, constructability, and long-term maintainability within an iconic landmark development.

Outcome & Legacy

Two decades on, Q1’s electrical network remains a testament to thoughtful and well-coordinated engineering design. The systems developed during this period continue to deliver reliable power and operational efficiency across one of Australia’s most demanding high-rise environments.

Experience gained from this project directly informs Objectiv’s modern approach to electrical and multi-disciplinary advisory work — where clarity, consistency, and human understanding guide every decision.