Upper House,
designed by Koichi Takada Architects
In the suburbs of Brisbane, the capital of the state of Queensland, Australia, a new high-rise building has been built that stands out for its organic form and biophilic design. The building was designed by Australian studio Koichi Takada Architects, founded in 2008 by Koichi Takada, one of the representatives of a new generation of architects who aim to bring nature back into urban space.
The Upper House skyscraper in Brisbane, Australia.
Photo by Scott Burrows © Koichi Takada Architects
balance between nature
and lifestyle
Upper House in South Brisbane is a 33-story residential building that offers 188 luxury apartments, and with them innovative solutions to foster sustainability, such as energy-efficient systems, solar panels and rainwater tanks.
The Upper House skyscraper in Brisbane, Australia - the lower part of the building features an installation by Judy Watson
Photo: Tom Ferguson © Koichi Takada Architects
The facade at the base of the building has been covered with a work of art, referring to Upper House's location on the traditional lands of the Turrbal tribe. It is a metal installation illuminated from behind that represents the traces of Aboriginal footpaths and local watercourses. The artwork was created by multimedia artist Judy Watson of the Waanyi tribe, who pays tribute to the Turrbal people, the traditional owners and caretakers of the land on which the project was created.
Upper House skyscraper in Brisbane, Australia - the lower part of the building houses Judy Watson's installation
Photo by Mark Nilon © Koichi Takada Architects
nature inspiration:
ribbons referring to the big-leaf fig tree
In the central part of the facade, the tower is decorated with three winding wooden ribbons. The apartments' balconies are designed to follow these slats, which connect at the top of the building, wrapping around the roof and creating a pergola that acts as a sunshade.
The Upper House skyscraper in Brisbane, Australia.
Photo by Mark Nilon © Koichi Takada Architects
The organically shaped ribbons mimic the buttress roots of the native big-leaf fig tree. The inspiration of this plant is symbolic - the fig tree, known as the "ghost tree," begins its life as an epiphyte, growing in the crown of another tree, and then sprouts roots that, reaching the ground, become the basis of an independently standing plant. Upper House's architects carried this metaphor into the design, creating a mass that grows out of the urban landscape, symbolizing harmony with nature and the evolution of urban life.
Living in tall buildings often cuts us off from nature, communities and each other. Upper House aims to change this attitude by proposing a new model of vertical living that emphasizes relationships
- Koichi Takada says.
Upper House skyscraper in Brisbane, Australia - wooden slats connect at the top of the building, wrapping the roof and creating a pergola that acts as a sunshade
Photo by Mark Nilon © Koichi Takada Architects
The building contains numerous common spaces, including a tropical rooftop garden and a two-story fitness club, including a swimming pool, spa, saunas, and a yoga studio among the greenery. The whole is complemented by thoughtful details such as numerous tropical plants, creating a green oasis in the heart of the city. At the top of the skyscraper is a wooden pergola and recreational spaces.
Upper House skyscraper in Brisbane, Australia - wooden slats connect at the top of the building, wrapping the roof and creating a pergola that acts as a sunshade
Photo by Mark Nilon © Koichi Takada Architects
sustainable development
and environmental responsibility
The architects introduced a number of sustainable solutions, such as energy-efficient systems and the use of renewable materials. The building is equipped with a 40,000-liter rainwater tank to provide irrigation for the plants, and a solar panel system. In addition, care was taken to reduce water consumption by 20%, and more than 3,500 plants, adapted to the local climate, were planted to create a sustainable ecosystem. The Australian Institute of Architects stressed that the Upper House project is a large-scale example of sustainable development. The building was designed in accordance with the Climate Adaptation Plan, achieving significant results in reducing construction waste, preparing for heat waves, and integrating art and social functions.
Compiled by Anastazja Dżupina
Illustrations provided courtesy of Koichi Takada Architects.
