Aria Property Group and Koichi Takada Architects have resubmitted their Urban Forest project in South Brisbane for development approval. First submitted in 2020, the developer’s initial application for a 30-storey tower was subsequently reduced to 20 storeys to gain council approval, however the downsized scheme was unable to be realised at the time due to increased construction costs and market conditions.
In order to meet recent housing demand, local council and state government recently implemented a Temporary Local Planning Instrument in the Kulrilpa area, reducing the site’s previous limitations around building height and carparking. The mechanism has enabled Aria to submit the new 30-storey design for the site at 23–25 Glenelg Street.
By countering the urban heat island effect with a lush urban landscape, the reimagined project hopes to set a new standard for environmental sustainability in Australia. Koichi Takada, principal of Koichi Takada Architects, commented, “When designing Urban Forest, it was our ambition to make it one of the greenest residential projects in the world. We want to inspire a competitive shift from the tallest buildings to the greenest.”
According to a statement from the developer, the proposal responds to nearby Musgrave Park by incorporating 827 trees and 27,000 plants to “create a thriving urban forest.” The building’s landscaping footprint covers 200 percent of the site area with 251 plant species.
The proposal also features a public park under the building, echoing Aria’s nearby Fish Lane development. Spanning 1,350 square metres of area, this park will include a stage, outdoor classrooms, amphitheatre and event space. At its centre, a privately-managed information centre will provide education on the biodiversity, design and maintenance of the building and its landscape.
According to Aria design manager Simon Maurice, the team’s approach has been “to celebrate Brisbane’s subtropical climate and bring the traditional backyard experience into each apartment.” By oversizing balconies and ensuring cross-ventilation to apartments, the proposal hopes to set a new benchmark for Brisbane City Council’s Buildings that Breathe guidelines.
Aria development director Michael Hurley expressed his enthusiasm about contributing to Brisbane’s housing supply while also setting a precedent for sustainable architecture worldwide.
“As we lead towards the 2032 Olympics, Brisbane should be embracing more green and sustainable towers that will put our city on an international standing,” Hurley said. “In time, we want Brisbane to be mentioned in the same breath as Singapore as a global leader in green buildings and sustainability.”
Source: Architecture - architectureau
