Takada’s ‘Gum Tree’ Tower Replaces BtR in South Brisbane

Brisbane’s push to deliver 210,800 new homes by 2046 continues as plans by internationally renowned architect Koichi Takada are filed for a 290-apartment tower inspired by Australian gum trees. A development application is now before the Brisbane City Council for the site at 37-41 Peel Street, South Brisbane. The sculptural building, dubbed Peel Street Residences, draws inspiration from twisted trunks of gum trees, with the “form subtly rotating as it ascends to reveal views across the Brisbane River, city skyline and surrounding parklands”. Principal architect Koichi Takada said the “building is a celebration of Brisbane’s natural and cultural identity”. “The tower doesn’t impose itself—it listens to its surroundings,” Takada said. “We’ve sculpted the form to reflect the resilience of nature and the rhythm of the city, creating a place where architecture becomes part of the landscape.” According to the design report, real trees and cascading vegetation would be “embedded into balconies, terraces, and facades, creating shade, cooling the building, and filtering light into residences”. “This vertical integration of landscape not only enhances resident wellbeing but also strengthens ecological performance, improving urban biodiversity and contributing to Brisbane’s subtropical identity,” the report said. According to the design report, the development features 1534sq m of total landscaped area and 155sq m of deep planting. The proposed tower would comprise 10 one-bedroom apartments, 170 two-bedroom apartments, 90 three-bedroom apartments and 20 four-bedroom apartments across 37 levels. Apartments would include sculpted balconies designed to optimise natural light and airflow. The scheme incorporates 3456sq m of private open space and 1126sq m of communal open space across three rooftop levels. ▲ The facade incorporates cascading planters that twist upward from the podium to rooftop wellness facilities. The rooftop has been “conceived as a sanctuary in the sky, where architecture and landscape converge to create an elevated lifestyle experience”, the architects said. Rooftop amenities include a wellness centre, city-facing pool, communal dining areas and fitness spaces, with the design capitalising on panoramic views across Brisbane’s cultural precinct. About 350 carparks and 308 bicycle parks would be provided for residents, alongside 72 visitor bicycle spaces. The site is within walking distance of the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Gallery of Modern Art, Queensland Museum and State Library. The Cultural Precinct, Riverside Lands Park and South Bank Parklands are also nearby. Brisbane-based development advisory firm Finegrain Group has managed the development application submission. Finegrain director Simon White said the scheme had been modified from a previous build-to-rent proposal to better reflect local market conditions and housing needs. “The building reflects the evolving nature of developments in the Kurilpa Precinct, a focus on sub-tropical design elements, liveable apartments and a building that lives and breathes with the city, offering both intimacy and openness to its residents,” White said. ▲ A rendering of the previously approved 30-storey, 358-apartment build-to-rent tower designed by Nettletontribe from 2022. That earlier proposal was filed by the Electrical Trades Union Queensland and would have comprised studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments atop a four-storey podium with rooftop communal facilities. According to an agent who wished to remain anonymous, the site is currently being sold off-market. Agents contacted for comment did not respond to enquiries. The proposed tower continues Takada’s involvement in Brisbane’s residential market and follows the approval of a 71-storey tower at 25 Mary Street as well as the completion of Upper House, also in South Brisbane. White also provided development consultancy on the 25 Mary Street project and said at the time it would transform the way Brisbane highrise apartment balconies were designed.

Takada’s ‘Gum Tree’ Tower Replaces BtR in South Brisbane

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