Natural elevation

Designed by Koichi Takada Architects

From the architects:

Upper House is a 33-storey multi-residential project by Koichi Takada Architects. 

The South Brisbane building has been celebrated for its conscious choices, introduction of natural materials, biodiverse plantings, respect for people and planet, as well as its shapely form.

Architect Koichi Takada says that the highrise lifestyle has become detached and disconnected – from the community, from nature, from one another.

"With Upper House, we are looking to challenge that and establish a new model for vertical living that is about connection,” says Takada.

Upper House is the first completed collaboration between Aria Property Group and Koichi Takada Architects and the architecture is designed to celebrate Brisbane’s natural beauty, relaxed urban lifestyle and mild sub-tropical climate. 

Punctuating the city skyline with a timber pergola and tropical rooftop oasis, Upper House has 1000m² of progressive wellbeing amenities that bring residents together.

Distinctive design 

Easily identified by the architectural 'roots' of the façade and natural timber pergola, the building’s form references the buttress root system of the native Moreton Bay Fig (Ficus macrophylla).

The curvaceous lines of the architecture exist in harmony with the façade artwork that draws directly from the site’s history. 

Bloodlines Weaving String and Water, 2023, by renowned Waanyi artist Judy Watson is expressed on perforated metal, folded and backlit in order to bring to life indigenous history and traditional narrative.

“Lines of light criss-cross the river and the land; local routes follow Aboriginal walking tracks – they are the bloodlines that pull us to Country and culture,” artist Judy Watson says.

This prominent expression of indigenous history lays the foundation of respect, fosters a sense of inclusion among residents, and opens a dialogue about Australia’s significant past. 

Aria Property Group’s commitment to art continues inside the Hope Street lobby, which is a public gallery space to showcase emerging artists, aligning with their mission of the nearby Fish Lane Arts Precinct.

Holistic wellness & wellbeing

Upper House caters to the collective and individual wellbeing needs of its residents, offering respite from busy city life. 

There is a strong emphasis on the importance of nature for wellbeing, and a focus on holistic wellness.

Alongside its 188 luxury apartments, the multi-residential tower incorporates a double-storey Wellness Club and resident hospitality spaces called Upper Club that are located on two premium rooftop floors. 

The world-class amenities are designed to foster interaction, and notably to build a sense of community and enhance wellbeing. 

Amenities include infinity pool, spa, saunas, a fitness club and yoga studio in and amongst mature tropical landscaping, as well as a boardroom, work from home facilities, a lounge bar, a cinema, bookable private dining, and a collective wine cellar for hosting events on site.

Sustainability, biodiversity, and optimisation

All Upper House apartments enjoy outdoor balcony space and are strategically oriented to provide privacy, or open out towards views of the Brisbane CBD to the east or a mountainous green landscape to the west. 

The staggered balcony protrusions also balance natural light and shade to accommodate an exceptional quality of life in the sub-tropical climate.

Responsible design decisions throughout see Upper House built and operating in accordance with the firm’s ESD principles. 

Energy-efficient systems and adoption of recycled and renewable materials and resources minimise the building's impact and contribute to positive environmental outcomes.

• Achieved 5-Star Green Star Rating (Green Building Council of Australia)
• 40kL rainwater tank irrigates all plants
• 30kW solar system
• Extensive landscaping provides insulation and reduces heat-island effect
• Building is designed with 20% reduction in water consumption
• Sustainable building materials used in construction (third party verified)
• 100% renewable energy procured for building’s electricity consumption
• 242 bicycle spaces and 60 Electric Vehicle charging spaces
• Achieved an 8.4 Stars through the NatHERS energy rating scheme

Importantly, 3,544 plantings – a combination of native and tropical species – were carefully selected for their ability to thrive in the local climate, ensuring a resilient landscape and mini ecosystem that adds vitality to the rooftop setting and shows a great commitment to sustainability. 

The layers of trees and foliage serve as a natural insulator, reducing reliance on artificial heating and cooling. 

Rainwater harvesting in a 40kL rainwater tank provides irrigation to all plantings.

High-density living, in this manner, optimises the use of land and promotes the efficient use of resources. 

Upper House’s residents put resource sharing into practice through an electric vehicle carshare fleet, and the building is equipped with e-vehicle charging stations – with the ability to integrate them throughout 100% of car parking spaces.

Story by: Trendsideas