Cbus Property propose sustainable, Rothelowman-designed Brisbane apartment development

Seven years after securing a development site in Brisbane's Spring Hill, national property developer Cbus Property has revealed it's plans for the site.

Cbus Property, who are set to complete their other Brisbane apartment tower 433 Queen Street next year, have proposed a 30-level tower at 185 Wharf Street, Spring Hill, one of Brisbane's most popular inner-city suburbs.

Rothelowman have designed the striking building which will have 125 apartments. They are targeting a 5 Star Green Star rating for the project, and a NatHERS rating of 7.5 Stars. There are a number of sustainable features in the project, which will be 100 per cent electric. There will be EV charging, PV panels, and rainwater harvesting which will help create a more sustainable way of living.

Rothelowman noted in their submission to the Brisbane City Council that 185 Wharf Street embodies the empirical learnings from the rapid evolution of multiple dwelling architecture in SEQ and responds to the market demand from prospective residents for quality, sustainability and the integration of technology.

"It is proposed that an increasingly global awareness for the importance of environmental and social sustainability is closely aligned with the elevated expectations of people seeking quality higher density housing typologies in Australian urban centres," the report read.

"This enlightened longer-term focus is considered necessary to successfully respond to the increasing urbanisation of our cities and at the same time capture the opportunity to positively enhance urban living environments.

"The realisation of these core objectives will assist in promoting physical and mental wellness of individuals, create a meaningful sense of community and serve to leverage the utility of existing infrastructure to control the urban footprint."

Cbus Property are committed to the owner-occupier market, with not a single one-bed apartment on offer. They've pitched for 60 two-bedroom units, 45 three-bedroom apartments, and 20 four-bedders. There will be 233 resident parking spaces across the four basement levels of parking, and 32 bicycle spaces. 

The apartments hav been designed to have a large balcony that is well connected to the living space.

"The tower has a front yard and backyard conceptual overlay which allows each unit to feel like a bespoke home," Rothelowman's report continued.

"The balconies align up the tower as the mix changes to ensure architectural integrity is maintained."

There are a number of sky terraces which occupy the top of the southern tower form. They feature expansive backyards with trees and private pools.

The resident amenity will be located on the second level and is designed as a "natural Queensland escape". Dubbed "The Conservatory", residents will have access to a jungle gym, lap pool, kids play baths, magnesium baths, a sunbathing area, numerous alfresco areas, a gym with sauna, and a private dining room.

"The resident recreation amenity is considered an extension of the new subtropical Queensland apartment and offers prospective residents a sophisticated level of luxury only previously found in the single detached dwelling," Rothelowman added.

"185 Wharf Street will establish the Spring Hill Neighbourhood precinct as a re-imagined subtropical inner-city residential enclave at the doorstep of Australia’s New World City – Brisbane."

Cbus secured the 1,835 sqm site in 2015, paying $14.6 million for the block. At the time it had approval for 141 apartments across 15 levels. 

Project Snapshot

• 30-level tower
• 125 units
• 60 x two-bed, 45 x three-bed, 20 x four-bed apartments
• 233 resident parking spaces
• 32 resident bicycle spaces
• Level two amenity with jungle gym, lap pool, kids play baths, magnesium baths, a sunbathing area, numerous alfresco areas, a gym with sauna, and a private dining room.
• EV charging
• Rainwater harvesting
• PV panels