Green Star rating
5 Star Green Star – Design & As Built v1.3
Location
Jagera and Turrbal land
Queensland
Completion
2024
Type
Residential
5 Star Green Star – Design & As Built v1.3
Situated in the social hub of South Brisbane and designed by internationally acclaimed Koichi Takada Architects, Upper House is a 5 Star Green Star rated multi-residential tower that is inviting a new way of inhabiting cities.
From its dramatic architectural design inspired by the towering Queensland Moreton Bay fig tree to its dancing balconies, Upper House is a beacon of modern design ethos – a place where a connection to nature, wellbeing and environmental excellence aligns symbiotically to the sustainable vertical living design.
The 33-storey building is home to 188 apartments and punctuated by a five-story tall body of art by Australian artist Judy Watson. Titled Bloodlines weaving string and water, 2023, the external artwork serves as a cultural narrative through its perforated metal, folded and backlit artwork. It acknowledges the Turrbal people as the traditional custodians of the land on which the project is built. With its striking exterior that can be interpreted as the Moreton Bay tree roots framing the building, and extensive canopy curling around the roof, it’s a building that celebrates the natural world, while treading lightly on it.
Davina Rooney, CEO of the Green Building Council, says the design and sustainable features of the 5 Star Green Star rated residential tower, along with the commitment to deliver homes designed for energy efficiency and resiliency, should be applauded.
“Upper House represents Australian excellence in sustainable design – a vision of sustainable urban living with high quality apartments designed for efficiency, healthy living, and low emissions. They represent a future where apartment living is climate-resilient and comfortable, without sacrificing performance or architectural design,”
Urban, high-rise living can sometimes have a feeling of disconnect from community and nature – a far cry from the classic suburban living design so often associated with Australia.
But according to architect Koichi Takada, the space was designed to bring people together.
“High-rise living can sometimes feel isolating, but we’ve designed spaces to bring people together and foster community. For example, on the rooftop, we created inviting amenities where residents can meet, relax, and socialise. It’s like a shelter in the sky—a place where you’re encouraged to interact with your neighbours. When people love a space, they’ll not only enjoy it today but pass it on to future generations. That’s true sustainability,” explains Takada.
What makes Upper House sustainable?
For Aria’s Development Manager, Michael Hurley, the decision to go for the Green Building Council of Australia’s Green Star certification, Australia’s only national, voluntary holistic rating system for buildings and communities, was about creating something we could be proud of.
“Our guiding principle is to create residential and retail spaces that we’ll be proud to walk past with our families in 20 years.
“We also want to be proud of the decisions we’ve made during the construction, ensuring they consider our future generations.
“Upper House is fortunate to be developed within Brisbane City Council which supports well-designed, green and energy efficient buildings. Their ‘Brisbane Green Building Incentive Policy’ assisted in offsetting the substantial investment in capital to achieve Green Star”, says Hurley.
The team behind Upper House designed and built with best practise sustainability in mind, and in doing so focused on a series of key areas, including water, emissions, energy, transport, land use & ecology, materials, and indoor environment quality (IEQ).
Green Star credits achieved
For Hurley, the certification is a result of staying aligned to sustainability goals and not cutting corners – ultimately achieved through clear reporting and communication with the entire team involved from subcontractors to consultants. It was also a project made with a dedication to pushing boundaries, embracing organic, living elements that you don’t typically find in high-rise buildings.
“The journey of Upper House, 5 Star Green Star took over three years of dedication, perseverance, and a substantial investment in capital. When we finally received the 5 Star Green Star Design and As Built rating, it was a huge relief and a moment of immense pride.
Furthermore, knowing the residents of Upper House will experience the long-term benefits of the decisions we made as a collective team is incredibly rewarding,” says Hurley.
Green Star certification not only delivers environmental excellence but also creates healthier, more connected, and resilient communities. We invite developers, architects, and policymakers to follow Upper House’s lead and join us in shaping a sustainable future for urban living. Together, we can create a legacy of buildings that inspire, endure, and tread lightly on the planet.
Standout sustainability features
Energy and water efficiency
- 30kW solar panels offset common area power.
- Green power agreements ensure renewable energy use.
- Average NatHERS rating of 8.4 stars.
- 11% reduction in potable water use.
- 40kL rainwater tank saves 170kL annually.
Nature and biodiversity
- Site transformed with native plants and landscaping covering 75% of the area.
- Mitigates urban heat-island effect and enhances biodiversity.
Materials and indoor environment
- Green concrete with 30% fly ash.
- 93.4% of construction waste recycled.
- 95% reduction in VOC emissions.
- Double-glazed windows and high ceilings optimise light and thermal comfort.
Sustainable transport
- 60 EV charging stations and 4 shared electric cars.
- 94 tenant bicycle spaces reduce reliance on cars.