Upper House, an iconic 32-storey residential apartment building in South Brisbane was named the Rider Levett Bucknall Australian Development of the Year at the 2025 Innovation & Excellence Awards held recently in Sydney.

Designed by Koichi Takada Architects for the Aria Property Group, the apartment tower was crowned winner of the prestigious award for its innovation, design excellence and sustainability standards. The development, which stands out for its striking rooftop design, also took home the Award for Best Public Art Project and the Award for Best Residential Development.

Upper_House_Koichi_Takada_Aria_Mark_Nilon (1).jpg — *Photo: Mark Nilon*

Now in its 43rd year in partnership with Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB), the Innovation & Excellence Awards program recognises groundbreaking innovations and exceptional leadership in Australia’s property industry.

Describing the winning project as being representative of sustainable design at its best, Property Council Chief Executive Mike Zorbas says, "Upper House boldly addresses our future, prioritising efficiency and low emissions, and it further advances Australia’s leadership in sustainability.”

“As Queensland’s first residential building to achieve a 5-Star Green Star As-Built certification, it sets a new benchmark for environmentally conscious residential design.”

The development’s architecture, which is inspired by Queensland’s iconic Moreton Bay fig tree, “really captures the imagination”, he adds.

Designed to reflect a high standard of urban living, the 188-unit apartment complex features Australia’s first double-storey rooftop club, a curated art collection and Aria Living’s concierge service. The 1,250sqm rooftop retreat offers world-class amenities, from an infinity pool and private cinema to a wellness centre and executive workspaces, while the building’s twisting form illuminated LED ribbons and the world’s largest timber pergola create a striking architectural statement.

The project is a signature design for the vibrant arts and cultural precinct, observes RLB NSW Managing Director Paul Skinner.

“Rising 32 storeys above South Brisbane, Upper House is an impressive blend of high-density luxury living with sustainability and social impact.”

From a pool of 136 eligible finalists, winners were selected by a distinguished judging panel of 21 property experts, chaired by Adrian Harrington.

Upper_House_Koichi_Takada_Aria_Mark_Nilon (2).jpg — *Photo: Mark Nilon*

2025 Innovation & Excellence Awards – Winners

Category | Winner | Nominator | State

Rider Levett Bucknall Australian Development of the Year | Upper House | Aria Property Group | QLD

Award for Best Affordable Housing Development | Fernleigh Apartments - Belmont | Pacific Link Housing | NSW

Award for Best Business or Industrial Park | Gateway@Murarrie | Goodman Property Services (Aust) Pty Limited | QLD

Award for Best Heritage or Adaptive Reuse Development | Wesley Place | Charter Hall | VIC

Award for Best Master Planned Community | Ellenbrook Town Centre | Satterley | WA

Award for Best Mixed-Use Development | Burwood Brickworks | Frasers Property Australia | VIC

Award for Best Office Development | One The Esplanade, Perth | Brookfield Properties | WA

Award for Best Public Art Project | bloodlines weaving string and water | Aria Property Group | QLD

People's Choice Australia | Scientia Terrace, Monte Sant’ Angelo Mercy College | Rider Levett Bucknall | NSW

Award for Best Public Building or Social Infrastructure | Tulmur Place - Nicholas Street Precinct | Nicholas Street Precinct - Ipswich City Council | QLD

Award for Best Purpose-Built Student Accommodation Development | Iglu Mascot | Iglu Pty Limited | NSW

Award for Best Residential Development | Upper House | Aria Property Group | QLD

Award for Best Sustainable Development – Commercial | WS2 | GDI Property Group | WA

Award for Best Sustainable Development – Residential | 443 Queen St | Cbus Property | QLD

Award for Best Workplace Fitout or Design | Deloitte, Quay Quarter Tower | MPA | NSW

Award for Development Innovation | One The Esplanade, Perth | Brookfield Properties | WA

Award for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (over 250) | Knight Frank Australia | Knight Frank Australia

Award for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (under 250) | NGNU | NGNU

Award for Future Leader of the Year | Parrys Raines | Blackstone

Award for Product, Program or Service Innovation | Asseti | Asseti

Images: Supplied

Architecture News & Editorial Desk

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