An updated development application has been submitted on 25 Mary Street by KS Property for a 71-storey residential tower designed by Koichi Takada architects.
The 265m high tower which is almost at Brisbane’s maximum height limit replaces a previous BVN-designed approved development application for a 46-storey commercial tower, which led to the demolition of the existing on-site buildings.
KS Property is headed by James and John Kaias, with James being the director of Melbourne-based family-owned Abcor Engineering.
The project has been designed by Koichi Takada architects who state that the building will be like experiencing nature in the sky with breathable balconies and distinct vantages of the greater Brisbane landscape which hasn’t been done to date for towers of this height in Brisbane.
Organic, landscaped recreation levels, break up the vertical height, and offer natural environments from which to enjoy the picturesque Brisbane views.
Koichi Takada Architects
The architecture is designed around four very distinct vantages as the building extends into the sky – expansive sky view, scenic mountain views, serene Brisbane river views and lush botanical garden views.
Koichi Takada Architects
The tower also boasts a similar design to Australia 108 in Melbourne whereby the recreation levels jut out of the building and are more pronounced.
These curved, undulating soffits of the recreation levels are said to become feature elements of the building, to be clad with custom art pieces and lit up at night.
These feature elements are distributed vertically throughout the building and will be visible from across the city, ensuring a significant visual contribution to the skyline.
Koichi Takada Architects
The proposal features over 7,000m2 of communal space distributed over five distinct recreation levels including:
- Level 5: A proposed recreation terrace to annex building with BBQ and grill, long tables, timber seating, bee boxes, and table tennis table.
- Level 6 (Wellness level): A Yoga terrace or similar enveloped in lush planting. Wellness area with infrared saunas, float rooms, steam room and treatment rooms. Proposed external hot and cold spa treatment pools within a garden terrace setting. A pet exercise area with pet spa.
- Level 7 (Fitness level): The largest pool of the development at 25m in length which includes spas at either end of the pool. Sun beds are proposed along with bbq areas and a bookable dining room. A gym with cardio and weights zone are planned as well as half a basketball court which would include a rock climbing wall.
- Level 23 (Recreation level): Communal terraces including an open air picnic lawn, communal lounge rooms including bookable dining rooms, golf simulator, MPR room as well as a large business centre.
- Level 39 (Recreation level): A swimming pool with spa, communal terraces and casual lounges, bbq table lounges, a library, private personal training studio and dining room.
- Level 66 (Recreation level): Plans for this level show a ‘Sky Wellness Hub’ with lap pool and spa, additional indoor spas are planned as well as a private dining room, library, multi-purpose room and private personal training room.
Project rundown
| Development Parameter | Proposed Development |
|---|---|
| Development Type: | Residential |
| Site Area: | 2,736m2 |
| Height: | 71 storeys / 254.18m (264.98m AHD) |
| Apartments: | 527 apartments total – 187 one bedroom apartments – 154 two bedroom apartments – 168 three bedroom apartments – 18 four bedroom apartments |
| Elevators: | x8 elevators (lift-to-unit ratio of 1:66) |
| Communal Space: | – Indoor recreation areas: 2,094m2 – Outdoor recreation areas: 2052m2 – Total area: 4,146m2 – 3,153m2 of landscaped areas |
| Retail: | A small 63m2 retail tenancy is provided at ground floor next to the lobby entry |
| Car Parking: | 470 spaces across eight basement carparks and five podium level parking levels, comprising: – 437 residential spaces – 2 resident EV parking bays – 3 service Van bays – 27 visitor car parks |
| Bike Parking: | – 447 resident bicycle parks – 61 visitor bicycle parks |
| Developer: | KS Property |
| Architect: | Koichi Takada |
| Landscape Design: | LatStuidos |
| Town Planner: | Urbis |
| Sustainability: | The building has a great level of sustainability initiatives and is targeting a 5 star Green Star Buildings rating. – Dual recycling waste chutes provided – Deep planting and elevated gardens throughout – Vertical green facade – Rooftop solar PV panels for communal power consumption – Open lawn area |
| Date Submitted: | 02/02/2024 |
According to planners Urbis, the proposal is reflective of the ongoing changes to the CBD and emergence of more contemporary architectural character dotting the city centre, with notable nearby developments such as Queens Wharf, Brisbane Skytower and 140 Alice Street.
Of note, the proposal incorporates innovative design solutions for breathable, wind protected balconies for the high-rise and skyrise apartments. The design is also noted to integrate shading to each level of development, with slab projections on each floor providing shading and further protecting all internal areas within the tower.
Urbis
A new hall would be built for the neighbouring synagogue for their exclusive use as an annex building to the residential tower which include one level for a hall, level 2 partitionable conference space, six apartments and a rooftop terrace on level 5 podium.
A podium level green wall is proposed on Mary Street which would cover up some of the car park levels.
The previously approved cross-block link is not provided as part of the proposed residential tower with planners Urbis stating that the applicant is of the view that its former approved location is no longer beneficial in supporting a cross-block link between Mary and Margaret Streets, as it does not achieve the network alignment envisaged by Council under the City Centre Neighbourhood Plan.
Development application link
Tell us what you think about this development below in the comment box. The development application for this project, available to view on Brisbane City Council’s Developmenti online platform is:
I think there’s probably too many car parking spaces on a site that will be 2 minute’s walk from the Albert Street train station. But why only 2 EV car parking bays out of over 400? Surely residents will need more EV charging in the future?
Wow this looks great
Looks great in the upper levels, but the street level is a bit boring, and once again the podium is car parking rather than being wrapped with an active frontage. Great architectural design, poor urban design.
2bdr and 3 bdr with balcony. prices please….
When and where can I get off the plan pricing?
Only 2 EV parking spaces?
Nice to see residential. That is the trend for future generations unable to afford land. I like the dot art… It nicely projects grandeur upon the wheel less we carry. I advise never to buy off plan.