Aria revive plans for "one of the world's greenest buildings" in South Brisbane
Brisbane developer ARIA Property Group is reviving its green South Brisbane apartment development, pitched as an Urban Forest when initially drafted nearly four years ago.
The Koichi Takada-designed building at 23-25 Glenelg Street was approved at 20 levels a few years ago, after council made Aria cut 10 levels from their original 30-level proposal.
Aria argued that the new 20-level height limit made the project economically unviable.
After back and forth, with the Brisbane Council approaching the State Government to implement a Temporary Local Planning Instrument for the Kurilpa area, the tower is now back in planning at its original 30 levels.
The Town Planning Report by Urbis said the project will be one of the world's greenest buildings, with a green plot ratio of 200 per cent. A green plot ratio provides a quantitative assessment of the amount of vegetation and open spaces in relation to built-up areas.
"Aria’s ‘Urban Forest’ comprises a truly iconic and world-class residential building, one which links Musgrave Park and South Bank Parklands," Urbis noted in their report.
"With a one-of-a-kind building offering dramatic views, significant community benefits, housing diversity and design excellence through lush subtropical greenery to the building."
Urbis said the project landscape architects, LatStudios, have analysed the world’s most recognisable and acclaimed green buildings to confirm that the proposal does indeed provide the most landscaping for any residential building in the world.
The ground plane has been dedicated as a considered open space at a more intimate scale than the nearby large and medium scale public green spaces with a variety of seating, open space, lighting, art, water features, high volume, sculptural green columns.
"The proposal goes above and beyond the usual offering for a residential building with a level of community and public benefit that is unprecedented for any development of this scale in Brisbane – a true landmark for the city and a new benchmark for innovative subtropical design in Australia," Urbis added.
The 30-level tower would home 321 apartments, down from 383 apartments in the original 30-level design. There will be a variety of configurations, from one-bedroom to five-bedroom apartments.
Recreational space will be on the communal rooftop, where there will be a 50-metre infinity pool and a number of spas, cabanas and day beds, yoga spaces, meditation pods, and barbecue and alfresco areas.
"The permeable and sculptural collection of rooftop forms interspersed with lush vegetation give the skyline a unique subtropical crown that will be lit like a cluster of lanterns punctuating the South Brisbane silhouette," Urbis said.
"The crown also provides a practical function in shading the external open space and amenities for all residents to enjoy. The outdoor space allow residents the opportunity to celebrate and embrace Brisbane’s mild climate with a multitude of options for communal recreation with spectacular views in all directions."
ARIA has a strong track record of delivering sculptural rooftops across Brisbane. Their recently completed Upper House by Aria, also in South Brisbane, features a double-storey rooftop with golden ribbons crowning the 32-level building.