Design prestige in Brisbane: The residences to watch

As more people from around the world turn their attention to Queensland’s capital, Brisbane’s standing on the world stage is rising, and so, too, is the calibre of its residential developments.

Brisbane’s appeal as a world-class destination is growing, with major projects like the newly opened Queen’s Wharf precinct, Howard Smith Wharves, and the city’s revitalisation for the 2032 Olympics reshaping its identity.

It’s no wonder that The New York Times and Frommer’s named Brisbane a must-visit destination in 2024.

As the city continues to gain global attention, its real estate offerings are rising to match.

Three off-the-plan apartment developments stand out. Each residence, crafted by renowned architects and developed by local industry leaders, epitomises form, functionality, and a sense of place – a showcase of design prestige tailored just for Brisbane.

From New Farm to Kangaroo Point and Toowong, these apartment developments offer not only luxurious living but also a deep connection to the city’s unique character and lifestyle.

Let’s delve into them…

Della Rosa: Live the slow life in New Farm

Located in the leafy and historic suburb of New Farm, Della Rosa embodies a philosophy of mindful, slow living.

Developed by Frank Developments and Signature Property Partners, with design by BYculprit, Della Rosa is inspired by the architectural language of classic Queenslander homes, marrying elements of local heritage with a fresh, contemporary aesthetic, featuring design elements that elevate the development beyond typical apartment offerings.

Comprising 12 residences, buyers will be presented with an innovative design approach in their homes, including a charming breakfast nook – the perfect space to start the day with the family. The seamless integration of indoor and outdoor living areas enhances the connection to Brisbane’s idyllic sub-tropical climate. Additionally, a rare private plunge pool is offered in select ground-floor residences.

Further connecting indoor and outdoor spaces, expansive curved glass elements allow generous light and airflow in, while deep overhangs enhance privacy.

Overall, these homes create a space where residents can escape the rush of modern life and appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds them.

Thoughtfully curated amenities, including outdoor dining and BBQ zones, a sauna, and a serene pool area, foster a community feel and encourage relaxation.

Positioned close to New Farm’s vibrant shopping and dining scene, the development offers residents tranquillity and proximity to some of Brisbane’s best cultural and recreational offerings. Its coveted location, less than four kilometres from the city centre, appeals to local and international buyers alike, promising a well-rounded lifestyle that effortlessly blends the vibrancy of inner-city living with the tranquillity of a sanctuary.

Construction is progressing well on Della Rosa, built by Signature Property Partners, led by Joe Licastro – cousin of Frank Developments’ managing director Frank Licastro.

“Currently, we are in the basement phase, with bulk earthworks complete and the basement slab scheduled to be poured in the coming weeks,” said Frank Licastro.

“We’re on track to reach Level 1 by Christmas, with project completion anticipated by the end of August 2025.”

With limited luxury residences remaining, don’t miss this opportunity to own your piece of a New Farm haven, ready for you to move in next year.

Three-bedders are priced from $3.85 million at Della Rosa.

Skye by Pikos: Above it all in Kangaroo Point

Locals know the Kangaroo Point peninsula as an ideal location to live. Its proximity to everything is a massive pull, close to the CBD, Southbank, Howard Smith Wharves, and James Street. With a wealth of amenities within the suburb itself, Kangaroo Point fosters a great village atmosphere right by the river, and with the imminent opening of the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge, connectivity in the riverside suburb is about to get even better.

Situated high above Kangaroo Point’s iconic cliffs, Skye by Pikos offers an elevated lifestyle quite literally and metaphorically.

Developed by Brisbane-based developer Pikos Group with architecture by one of Queensland’s earliest architectural firms Conrad Gargett, Skye is set to be an iconic landmark overlooking the Brisbane River, botanic gardens, and city skyline. The design is inspired by its surroundings, taking cues from the vertical rock formations of the cliffs and the smooth, horizontal flow of the river. This vision is embodied in the building’s unique “ribbon” design, where three towers rise in a harmonious wave-like form against the cliffs.

“Its location above the cliffs translated into the sense of this new building rising up into the sky – thus the apt name Pikos chose, Skye,” explained Tony Jemmott, director of Conrad Gargett.

“We wanted Skye to provide a private escape from the ebb and flow of the city, and to provide a sense that you’re living above it all, transcending inner urban living.

“We are building an iconic building to shape the city skyline, and rather than maximising apartment numbers, we limited the site and built three towers instead of just one – to create natural breeze flows and allow better natural lighting, and to ensure the best possible privacy and greater exclusivity for residents with only two apartments per each floor.”

Each residence boasts unimpeded river and CBD views​ with expansive balconies that serve as seamless extensions of the open-plan living spaces – essentially to be another room that capitalises on the extraordinary views.

Inside, lavish materials, including hand-selected Roman Classic Travertine from Tivoli, Italy, are used throughout kitchens, bathrooms, and balconies.

Crowning the development, world-class rooftop amenities further elevate this residential offering. A heated infinity pool featuring Bisazza mosaic tiles offers spectacular 270-degree views from sunrise to sunset, while lounge areas and an outdoor kitchen make the perfect place to host meals with loved ones.

A testament to the design prestige of this development​, Pedro Pikos, founder of Pikos Group, plans to make Skye his personal residence.

Family-owned construction company Tomkins is now halfway through the vertical structure for the three towers, with the project set to complete in spring 2025.

Three-bedroom residences are selling at Skye by Pikos, priced from $3.7 million.

One Earle Lane: A wellness haven in Toowong

In Brisbane’s energetic suburb of Toowong, One Earle Lane by Azure sets a new standard for modern, design-led living.

Positioned on a north-facing site, One Earle Lane offers unobstructed views of both the Brisbane skyline and the lush greenery of its surrounding parklands​. This blank canvas, a corner site opposite a beautiful park and with 100-year-old ficus trees on-site, makes the perfect location for Azure and world-renowned architect Paul Conrad of Paul Conrad Architects to craft a prestigious development.

Comprising just 90 residences, each home was designed to ensure the best of the environment that they’re sitting in. Highlighting space as luxury, apartments include ample storage, generous work-from-home considerations, extensive 20 sqm balconies, and large floorplans perfect for families.

Ensuring residents enjoy moments of solitude in a bustling city, Azure emphasises both privacy and wellness at One Earle Lane. To do this, the building is designed with an extensive wellness experience usually only seen in a much larger development. Such an offering ensures tranquil moments across its amenities that include a rooftop sanctuary with a 25-metre heated infinity pool, 15-person jacuzzi, fully equipped gymnasium, private cinema, sauna, steam room, and magnesium-infused hot and cold plunge pools.

Located just 3 kilometres from Brisbane’s CBD and within walking distance of Toowong’s train station and riverside amenities, One Earle Lane is designed for those who desire connectivity and convenience in a serene setting.

With sales going exceptionally well, the project team has held back the penthouse series. Azure is in the process of getting these homes ready, with construction progressing well and due for completion early next year. This means that residents can move in quarter 1 of 2025.

“Seven of our staff have actually bought in the building – a testament to the quality of One Earle Lane’s offering,” revealed Trent Keirnan, director of Azure.

“This project is really very special.

“It has been a real privilege to work on this legacy.”

For more off-the-plan apartments, click here.