Koichi Takada Architects has shared details of the design for its new Upper House apartment building in South Brisbane, Australia.

Featuring a five-story perforated metal screen facade mural made by Indigenous artist Judy Watson, the design credits the root system of an endemic Moreton Bay Fig tree as its inspiration. A metaphor for the development of dwellings from the ancient past to the vertically-oriented future unites all 188 units across 33 floors, starting with the dramatic mural base and ending in an oasis-like rooftop amenities level covered by a curved natural timber pergola.

In the words of Takada, "I see Upper House as a chance to encourage dialogue about the past and to reflect on the present. I believe respect – for people and planet – should be the building blocks of our future. [The] High rise lifestyle has become so 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, at its foundation about connection."

In keeping with this, his design team made the lobby of the building into a community space to be used for the exhibition of emerging artists. A focus on holistic wellness is thereafter elicited throughout every portion of the nature-infused design. 

A two-story rooftop Upper Club capping the building includes an infinity pool, spas, saunas, a yoga studio, and a fitness center. Other features critical to achieving the target 5-Star Green Star Rating credential include a 40kL rainwater storage tank that can irrigate the selection of 3,544 native plants installed to combat the effects of the urban heat island phenomenon.

A 30kW solar array and parking spaces for 242 bicycles (plus another 60 spots reserved for EV charging) helped to earn its 8.4 Star NatHERS energy rating. The building operates on 100% renewable energy and achieved a 20% reduction in water consumption when compared to similar designs.

The firm expects a similar 30-story Urban Forest design for the same client, Aria Property Group, to have gained the city council's approval and be finished in time for the 2032 Summer Olympics.