‘Not Sydney or Singapore’: Plant-covered Brisbane high-rise named Australia’s best

A Brisbane developer has beaten some of the nation’s best for the second year running, with an apartment tower wrapped in more than 4000 plants taking out a prestigious national property award. ARIA Property Group’s Trellis project has been named Australia’s Best Residential Development at the 2026 Property Council of Australia/Rider Levett Bucknall Innovation & Excellence Awards — just a year after its Upper House project claimed the same title. Trellis by Aria Property Group has won a prestigious property award. Trellis by Aria Property Group in South Brisbane. Image supplied. The rare back-to-back wins, achieved with two separate apartment developments, put Brisbane’s evolving approach to high-density living in the national spotlight. Trellis was recognised for its approach to subtropical apartment design, incorporating extensive landscaping, natural ventilation and architectural features inspired by traditional Queenslander homes. More than 4000 plants cover the building’s façade, while a garden conservatory replaces a conventional podium. The rooftop pool atop Trellis by Aria Property Group. Image supplied. Apartments have also been designed to encourage cross-flow ventila...