Inside Fortis's debut Brisbane apartment development, River House at Kangaroo Point
Sydney-based developer Fortis has launched its maiden Brisbane riverfront apartment development, River House, in the affluent inner-city suburb Kangaroo Point.
The $100-million development at 44 O'Connell Street will comprise 14 whole-floor three-bedroom apartments across 15 levels, including a penthouse with a private rooftop terrace and pool. The development will "hover" over an 1197 sqm site, replacing a 1960s six-storey block of 13 units.
Designed by Plus Architecture, River House pays homage to the natural beauty and earthy tones of the Kangaroo Point Cliffs. The concrete and glass facade creating an interplay between light and shadow.
In collaboration with Mim Design, River House introduces the first northeast-facing aspect to Kangaroo Point in over a decade.
The spacious apartments are meticulously designed to showcase sunrise views over the Brisbane River and the Howard Smith Wharves in the distance through 45 linear metres of floor-to-ceiling glazing.
The living and dining areas and the main bedroom overlook glimpses of the iconic Story Bridge over the river, as do full-width outdoor balconies.
Entertainment spaces hug the waterfront, taking full advantage of the ideal northeastern orientation, while quieter retreats reside at the apartment’s rear.
The apartments will also have operable windows and balcony doors to ensure ventilation and privacy, with slab protections on the northern facade and vertical blades for solar protection.
"The simple architectural form [of River House] comprises of horizontal eaves to provide shading on the north, east and western facades, precast panels are introduced strategically to block the unwanted sun, and vertical fins are proposed to provide shading and screening to apartment living areas," Plus Architecture's Director Danny Juric said.
As the apartments are full-floor, each unit is designed to embrace natural elements and reduce reliance on artificial energy sources.
Beyond the lavish interiors, a tiered communal recreation area with indoor and outdoor resort-style amenities, including a riverfront infinity-edge pool, leisure deck, wellness facilities with a sauna, steam room, and gym, and landscaped pockets for entertaining, is planned for the tower’s base.
Shaded gardens designed by Lat Studios, a communal lawn descending to the river’s edge, and a private pontoon aim to maximise the site’s waterfront offering.
Three basement levels will provide 46 car parking spaces, with access via a 50m single-lane driveway featuring a proposed "signalised system" to facilitate safe and efficient vehicle movement.
River House is just a short drive to the Pacific Motorway, an hour from the Gold Coast, whilst the proximity to the Clem7 tunnel means a 15-minute drive to the airport through just one set of traffic lights or a leisurely 80 minutes to Mooloolaba.
River House's construction is set to commence in mid-2024, with completion expected in the fourth quarter of 2025.
