Upper House – A Landmark in Luxury Residential Design
An Architectural Vision That Integrates Natural Materials
Upper House is a high-end residential development that has set a new benchmark for luxury apartment living in Australia. Developed by ARIA Property Group and designed by Koichi Takada Architects, the project has been widely recognised for its organic design, use of natural materials, and seamless integration of architecture with the surrounding environment.
ArchDaily praised Upper House for its “biophilic design principles that bring nature into the urban setting,” while the INDE.Awards recognised it for its commitment to sustainability and innovative material use. The project’s success lies in its ability to blend cutting-edge architecture with superior finishes, and the use of high-quality timber elements plays a crucial role in achieving this vision.
Product
Click-on Battens
Materials



Enhance Warmth with Timber Elements
Koichi Takada Architects are known for their nature-inspired approach, and at Upper House, timber plays a fundamental role in shaping the building’s interiors. The Tongue & Groove Cladding, Click-on Battens, and Click-on Screens used throughout the project reinforce the fluidity and warmth that the architect envisioned.

Effortless Wall-to-Ceiling-to-Soffit Transition
Upper House has been described as a “harmonious extension of the natural world,” and the seamless timber transitions between walls, ceilings, and soffits contribute significantly to this effect. The tongue & groove cladding eliminates hard junctions, creating a continuous flow throughout living spaces. The walnut-toned finish enhances the natural grain of the timber, complementing the building’s soft curves and earthy material palette.


Specification Details – Tongue & Groove Cladding
Product | Tongue & Groove Cladding |
---|---|
Material | Timber |
Species | American Oak, FSC & Australian Ash, PEFC |
Profile | Sorrento, 138mm x 19mm |
Coating | Natural Accent Walnut 3 |


Specification Details – Click-on Battens
Product | Click-on Battens |
---|---|
Material | Timber |
Species | Australian Ash, PEFC |
Profile | Block, 30mm x 30mm |
Coating | Natural Accent Walnut 3 |
Mounting | Standard Mounting Track |

Specification Details – Click-on Screens
Product | Click-on Screens |
---|---|
Material | Timber |
Species | Australian Ash, PEFC |
Profile | Block, 30mm x 60mm |
Coating | Natural Accent Walnut 3 |
Mounting | Slimline Mounting Track & End Mount |


Material Selection for Durability and Long-Term Performance
The selection of FSC and PEFC-certified timber ensures that Upper House is built with materials that meet the highest standards of durability, environmental responsibility, and design longevity. American Oak and Australian Ash were chosen for their proven structural stability and ability to develop a rich patina over time.

A New Benchmark for Modern Residential Architecture
ARIA Property Group and Koichi Takada Architects have delivered a project that balances bold architectural gestures with fine material details, resulting in a landmark residential development that feels both contemporary and timeless. The selection of high-quality timber cladding, battens, and screens not only enhances the building’s aesthetic appeal but also contributes to its long-term durability and performance.


Sustainability and Green Building Credentials
Upper House has been designed with a strong commitment to environmental performance, energy efficiency, and long-term sustainability. The development has achieved a 5-Star Green Star certification from the Green Building Council of Australia, demonstrating its high standards in sustainable design, resource efficiency, and indoor environmental quality.
Additionally, the project aligns with Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) principles, ensuring that the apartments offer optimised thermal comfort, energy efficiency, and reduced operational costs for residents. The use of sustainably sourced, FSC and PEFC-certified timber contributes to the building’s low-carbon footprint, reinforcing its position as a leader in sustainable luxury living.


Project Summary
Developer
ARIA Property Group
Architect
Koichi Takada
Builder
Minicon
Installer
Inspired Building
Completion
2023
Sector
Residential
Photographer
Pixel Collective & Scott Burrows

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