Sabi Property and Graya launch new boutique projects on Brisbane’s river edge

Brisbane development duos Graya and Sabi Property have each launched boutique riverfront projects as a new wave of low-set living takes hold.

A new wave of high-end boutique projects has begun to populate the edges of Brisbane’s curving river, but developers are finding bigger isn’t always better.

Brisbane’s top end of the market has appeared to defy broader price trends as cashed-up buyers reveal a preference for more living space and higher amenity.

Kiome Residences at Highgate Hill, on the city’s southside, is leveraging its biophilic design - which focuses on improving upon a resident’s relationship with nature - and sustainability credentials to stand out in the increasingly crowded marketplace.

Each of the seven apartments has a Japanese name, in a bid to reflect the relationship of design to nature.

The project is being developed by Sabi Property Group, led by local duo Riye Arai-Coupe and Claire O’Rourke, who agree the site needed to be used to its full potential.

Riye Arai-Coupe and Claire O’Rourke are the co-founders Sabi Property Group. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen

“If you wanted a luxury apartment, there’s a multitude of options within Brisbane,” Ms Arai-Coupe said. “But in order to get something to the same level of quality and sustainability, Kiome is pretty special.”

The half-floor apartments on the three lower levels offer three-bedrooms across 211 sqm of living, and access to a suite of resident amenities. Both ground-floor apartments will have their own pools.

The four-bedroom penthouse, called Ki – meaning tree – captures sweeping river views and has its own private rooftop retreat.

Sustainability is a core pillar of Kiome.

Place New Farm principal Sarah Hackett has been appointed to market the property. Prices start from $4.65m.

Sustainability is at the heart of Kiome. Sabi has worked closely with architect Ellivo to ensure the energy-efficient design is not just superficial, and has used recycled concrete throughout. EV charging can be added upon request.

“It was one of our core pillars,” Ms Arai-Coupe said.

“To be able to combine something that we thought would really also resonate with the local demographic and that had sustainability and design integrity was a really beautiful marriage.”

An artist's impression of the view from one of the apartments in “Moray House”.

Meanwhile, Spyre Group had success within its Moray House at New Farm project in January, when the crowning jewel of the luxury tower of six units sold for $15.75m. The two-storey property captures vistas of the Story Bridge and has a spacious 800 sqm floor plan.

New Farm is also the site of local luxury developer Graya’s next project.

Announced this week, three-storey “Chalk” will offer two and three-bedroom apartments, designed to appeal to downsizers, right-sizers and professionals looking to be close to the river.

An artist impressions of Chalk – Graya's new riverside development in Brisbane's New Farm.

Positioned on Moray St, the short-statured tower of 10 units will be in proximity to Graya’s multi-award-winning Maison development, completed in 2021.

Graya directors, sibling team Rob and Andrew Gray, said the building’s visionary design is the creation of Graya’s own in-house design team, with Chalk deliberately considered to meet the increasing demand for “large, liveable” apartments in Brisbane’s inner-city.

“New Farm is one of Brisbane’s most affluent and tightly held suburbs, so opportunities like Chalk are rare and require a distinctive architectural response,” Rob Gray said.

“Chalk fills a gap in the inner-city market for high-end apartments where people can transition from the traditional family home and still enjoy large, liveable spaces and amenities.”

Artist impressions of the rooftop of Chalk – Graya's new riverside development.

Early works have commenced on site, with completion expected in mid-2024.

The availability of builders has been at the forefront of both local developers’ decisions. While Graya benefits from being a builder in their own right, Sabi worked closely with Infinitec Group from the conception of the project to ensure the project went ahead.

“You can’t be going out there and doing the hard tender right now,” Ms Arai-Coupe said.

“It’s been like that for a little while, but you have to embed those builders in right upfront … working with them throughout that duration of design development.”