Inside the Ultimate Penthouse Designed for Urban Wellness (Penthouse Tour)

Addressing the issue of connection deficit in vertical living, Upper House fosters a sense of community among residents. Crafted by Koichi Takada Architects on behalf of developer Aria, the ultimate penthouse and spacious apartment building proposes a new, healthier way of inhabiting a city.

Set in South Brisbane, known widely as a social and cultural hub, Upper House sits close to art galleries, theatres, bars and cafes. The project takes cues from the suburb, inviting people to come together: while the building offers 1000 square metres of communal amenities, it also embodies a work of art and features the ultimate penthouse. Michael Hurley, development director at Aria, describes the design as “a series of dancing balconies” with timber ribbon running up the facade and a triple-height timber rooftop. “[The design] just screamed out and said ‘world-class, never-been-done-before’. It was curvy, it was organic, it was unique, and it was Aria” he says.

At the base of Upper House, a large podium displays work by Indigenous artist Judy Watson. The piece recognises the Turrbal people as the traditional owners and custodians of the land on which the project is built. Beyond the podium, the facade is inspired by Moreton Bay fig trees – what can be viewed as ribbons are timber ‘roots’ framing the main structure and the ultimate penthouse. Curling around the edges of the roof, the bold details form a pergola and shading device that protect the open wellness retreat. “[With this design] we can bring people together to challenge and address what we call ‘connection deficit,’ but also reconnect with this garden space that appears on top of the building and celebrate biodiversity,” says Koichi Takada, principal at Koichi Takada Architects. "When you come out to the residential amenity, the wellness retreat, you're coming out to this infinity pool and it's really breathtaking.” If residents fix their gaze on the pool as well as the city panorama in the background, the amenity appears to float serenely in the air. With its allusions to roots and tree canopies, the space also celebrates the subtropical climate of South Brisbane.

“The interiors are neutral and timeless,” says Georgia Wilson, director at Koichi Takada Architects, “and they really slow you down from the fast-paced environment that we're used to living in.” A rational floor plan of the ultimate penthouse includes high ceilings, full-height windows and skylights to create a tranquil and light-filled environment. In addition, a restrained decorative palette of natural materials allows residents to personalise each space. “The timber flooring and joinery are consistent in colour to really bring in the ambience of the outside,” says Wilson. “It's a building that breathes and allows you to slow down and breathe with it.”

With city views, organic forms and natural materials, the ultimate penthouse and apartment building enables effortless appreciation of the South Brisbane context. Balancing a sense of the urban and organic, Koichi Takada Architects and Aria created healthy living spaces in which residents can easily connect to one another.

00:00 - Introduction to the Ultimate Penthouse
01:22 - Including the Surrounding Culture
02:07 - The Facade Inspiration
02:48 - The Calm Interiors and Layout
03:59 - A Neutral Material Palette
04:35 - The World Class Design
05:37 - A Walkthrough of the Wellness Retreat
06:17 - Creating a Connective Space

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Photography by Scott Burrows.
Architecture by Koichi Takada Architects.
Build by Minicon.
Development by Aria Property Group.
Filmed and edited by HN Media.
Production by The Local Production.

Location: South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

The Local Project acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners of the land in Australia. We recognise the importance of Indigenous peoples in the identity of our country and continuing connections to Country and community. We pay our respect to Elders, past and present and extend that respect to all Indigenous people of these lands.

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