Now the tallest building in South Brisbane, Upper House is the ‘most audacious development to date’, according to the Aria Property Group team.

This 33-storey apartment complex includes 188 apartments, three-metre-high ceilings, and Australia’s first double-storey rooftop club. While it may be spectacular, it ‘certainly wasn’t a straightforward build’, explains Aria’s Development Director, Michael Hurley.

‘The Koichi Takada Architects design, which incorporates “dancing balconies”, had not one typical floorplate. This gave us some engineering and constructability headaches,’ he explains. ‘We also had to build the “Bird’s Nest” – the world’s first double-height feature timber pergola.’

This was made of more than 600 pieces of Siberian timber, all shipped in pieces and meticulously assembled onsite. This pergola wraps around Australia’s first double-storey residents’ rooftop club, which stands at 123 metres high. According to Michael, the Aria team turned to ‘rock-star consultants and builders to figure out how to do the impossible. The design is world-class and has never been done before. It’s curvy, organic and completely individual.’

From the exterior, its striking silhouette mirrors the way the Moreton Bay fig tree’s roots spread boldly above ground. This connection to nature aligns with its quality of design, resident wellbeing, and environmental sustainability.

One of the highlights of the development, working with Minicon Constructions, is its emphasis on health and wellness. ‘It’s exciting to create a space that helps owners and tenants become healthier, happier and more alive,’ says Michael. ‘Upper House really embraces this, and I think that sets it apart.’

Upper House residents enjoy 1000-square-metre amenities, including spas, an infinity pool, a fitness club and a yoga studio, all set among mature tropical landscaping. There’s also a boardroom, work-from-home facilities, lounge bar, art gallery, cinema, private dining room and wine cellar.

The HIA judges noted that meticulous planning and execution are evident in every detail, setting a high benchmark for craftsmanship and sustainable living.

The building is Queensland’s first residential 5-star Green Star As-Built building, achieving an 8.4-star NatHERS rating. More than 3500 native and tropical plants were selected for their ability to thrive in the local climate, while the foliage layers reduce reliance on artificial heating and cooling, and are watered with a 40,000L rainwater irrigation system, while a 30kW solar array powers communal spaces.

The Aria team were thrilled when they took out the 2025 HIA Australian Apartment Complex Award in May. ‘We’ve been big supporters of HIA for more than 15 years,’ says Michael. ‘We’ve always attempted to push boundaries, so entering the awards was a natural way to share what we’ve been working on.

‘It’s one thing to be proud of our work personally and collectively at Aria, but getting that recognition from others in the industry makes it feel extra special.’

First published 16 June 2025