Situated in the social hub of South Brisbane, Upper House is a 5 Star Green Star rated multi‑residential tower that is inviting a new way of inhabiting cities.
By the Green Building Council of Australia.
From its dramatic architecture, inspired by the Moreton Bay fig tree, to its dancing balconies, Upper House embodies a modern design ethos – harmonising nature, wellbeing and environmental excellence in sustainable vertical living.
Designed by Koichi Takada Architects, the 32-storey building houses 188 apartments and features a five-storey artwork by Australian artist Judy Watson. Titled Bloodlines weaving string and water, 2023, the perforated metal, folded and backlit piece offers a cultural narrative, acknowledging the Turrbal people as the traditional custodians of the land. With its striking exterior – evoking Moreton Bay fig tree roots framing the building and a canopy curling around the roof – it celebrates the natural world while treading lightly on it.
Davina Rooney, CEO of the Green Building Council of Australia, 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,” says Rooney. “They represent a future where apartment living is climate-resilient and comfortable, without sacrificing performance or architectural design.”
Urban high-rise living can sometimes feel disconnected from community and nature – a far cry from the classic suburban lifestyle so often associated with Australia. But according to architect Koichi Takada, this 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,” says Takada.
“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.”
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What makes Upper House sustainable
For Aria’s development manager, Michael Hurley, pursuing 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 for which they 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,” says Hurley.
“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. Its Brisbane Green Building Incentive Policy assisted in offsetting the substantial investment in capital to achieve Green Star.”
The team behind Upper House designed and built with best practice sustainability in mind, focusing on key areas such as water, emissions, energy, transport, land use and ecology, materials, and indoor environment quality.
The building is designed to achieve more than an 11 per cent reduction in potable water consumption compared to a standard build, while a 40-kilolitre rainwater harvesting tank is used for irrigation, collecting an average of 170 kilolitres annually – reducing the demand for irrigation water, particularly during increasing periods of extreme heat.
Upper House was designed and constructed with a focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions at every stage of the project. Natural ventilation is enhanced by openable glazing for improved comfort, green power agreements ensure the homes are powered by renewable energy, and 30-kilowatt solar panels offset common area power consumption.
Residents have access to two shared electric cars, reducing reliance on private vehicles, along with 60 electric vehicle charging stations and 194 bicycle parking spaces for tenants. A rooftop designed for living, working and leisure further reduces the need for external travel.
Upper House, once an entirely hardstand site, has been transformed to maximise green space and environmental sustainability, with native plants and indigenous landscaping enhancing its ecological value. The site’s ecological value has increased 100-fold, with landscaping, shading and water elements now covering 75 per cent of the area, helping mitigate the urban heat island effect.
The materials chosen impact the environment at every stage of a building’s lifecycle. For this reason, responsible material selection and waste management are key strategies for reducing carbon emissions and addressing the high percentage of waste generated by construction and demolition, which accounts for 40 per cent of all waste in Australia.
All building materials went through an assessment for environmental impact throughout their lifespan, ensuring sustainability. During construction and demolition, 93.4 per cent of waste was diverted from landfill, with 2,141,882kg recycled. The team conducted monthly waste reporting during construction to ensure the implementation of waste initiatives.
The team behind Upper House worked to reduce CO2 emissions and achieved improvements compared to reference projects. With the aid of solar panels, CO2 emissions dropped by 21 per cent, and fossil fuel consumption decreased by 19 per cent.
The building was also constructed using responsible and sustainable materials, all verified by third-party certifications. Green concrete was used, along with recycled water and aggregate. Fly ash, a by-product of coal combustion in power stations, served as a binding agent, supplementing 30 per cent of the concrete used in this project.
When it comes to sustainable buildings, the indoor environment quality – including thermal comfort, indoor air quality and indoor pollutants – comes into play. Harmful pollutants were minimised at Upper House through the selection of low-VOC paints, adhesives, sealants and carpets. This approach reduced volatile organic compound emissions by 95 per cent, improving indoor air quality and occupant wellbeing.
The apartments feature acoustic insulation, including windows, walls, ceilings and floors, minimising both internal and external noise disturbances for the comfort of residents and neighbours.
Along with thermal comfort, the apartments offer energy efficiency, with an average NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme) rating of 8.4 stars, surpassing best practice standards. The 3-metre-high ceilings and double-glazed glass optimise natural light and reduce the need for air conditioning.
For Hurley, the certification is a result of staying aligned with sustainability goals and not cutting corners – achieved through clear reporting and communication with the team, from subcontractors to consultants. The project also reflects a dedication to pushing boundaries, incorporating organic, living elements rarely seen in high-rise buildings.
“The journey of Upper House, 5 Star Green Star took more than 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,” says Hurley.
“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.”
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.