How Do You Design A Luxury Residence? The Architectural Thinking Behind Nundah’s Newest Address
design matters
By Victoria Lewis | 29th April 2026These days, Brisbane’s residential appetite is for homes that do it all, and look good doing it. Modern developments are more than just dwellings, but spaces that join luxury with liveability, the high life with community. But what does it actually take to design such a luxury address?
In one of Brisbane’s fastest-growing suburbs, it was only a matter of time before a striking development brought design-led living to Nundah. We chat to the design team behind the region’s most visually led new development, Danby Lane, to get insight into how a new-age residential address comes to life, using design to combine luxury lifestyle, community, and wellness into one interconnected space.
What was the initial approach to designing a high-rise residential space like Danby Lane?
Our approach was to create a modern interpretation of the grand urban residence. The concept is a beautiful dialogue between Nundah’s rich Art Deco legacy and contemporary sophistication. Externally, the building is a landmark; we’ve designed a podium that welcomes the village with striking arched openings and fine detailing, while the tower steps upward to create those incredible private rooftop retreats.
Inside, it’s all about timeless luxury. We knew we wanted to offer two distinct palettes for residents to choose from, each as elegant as the other. The softer look, Champagne, features warm whites, gold accents, and natural stone for a light, airy elegance, and the bolder, Truffle, combines forest-inspired woodgrains and black accents for a confident, modern edge.
How do you design a luxury address that still embodies an interconnected community feel?
The unique thing about Danby Lane is that the ground floor features vibrant retail spaces that, quite literally, invite the community in. While the architecture itself – with its lush landscaping and street-level podium – ensures the building feels like a warm neighbour rather than just a structure. It’s about moving away from the commuter grind and into a lifestyle where your barista, your gym, and your sanctuary are all within a few metres of each other. That’s the beauty of this modern-day development.
How do you combine luxury, community, and wellness in a residential space?
In short, we see these three pillars as a single ecosystem. Luxury is found in the superior finishes and the sheer rarity of the space. Community is forged in our shared spaces, like the function room and the rooftop dining areas. Wellness is built into the daily rhythm – whether it’s a sunrise swim in our first-floor lap pool or a workout in the gym overlooking the water.
Nundah has this incredible 95/100 walkability score, and we wanted Danby Lane to feel like an extension of that pedestrian-friendly pulse. We aren’t walling ourselves off; we are changing lanes from the frantic pace of the CBD to a more intentional, village-centric way of living.
Even Gardner Vaughan Group (GVG) is moving its head office here. That, to us, is the ultimate vote of confidence; we aren’t just selling this lifestyle, we are living it alongside our residents.
What is the most unexpected design feature of the development?
I’d say it’s the sculptural integration of the arches in the podium. In a world of glass boxes, Danby Lane uses curves and masonry details to pay homage to the Art Deco era. It’s unexpected because it feels established and historic despite being a brand-new, 12-storey landmark. It gives the building a soul.
Walk me through the penthouse layout and design features.
This is the crown jewel. We have a rare collection of just two 4-bedroom penthouses (and with only one remaining, the exclusivity is palpable!). These are “private havens” designed with a house-like scale.
They feature sweeping, panoramic views of the Brisbane CBD and Mt Coot-tha. The layouts are designed to draw light deep within the home, blurring the lines between the expansive terrace and the refined interior. It’s not just a penthouse; it’s a life above the village that offers total privacy without losing that connection to the horizon.
And what about the communal amenities? What role does design have to play here?
We’ve designed a dual-layered amenity experience: The Podium (Level 1) is the active heart. We have a beautifully landscaped outdoor lap pool and a state-of-the-art gym. They both overlook the pool deck, creating a resort-style wellness hub in inner-city Brisbane.
Then we have the Rooftop Recreation Deck: this is for the sunset soirees. It features outdoor dining and 360-degree views stretching from the city skyline to the bay to the nature in the west. It’s about having a “backyard in the sky” that beats any traditional suburban lawn.
How does colour and lighting shape the design story?
Lighting is our silent architect. The building is designed to capture the golden hour, whether it’s the sun reflecting off the Champagne palette in the morning or the city lights twinkling against the Truffle accents at night. We’ve used light to define the rhythm of the day, ensuring the transitions from the energetic retail levels to the serene, private residences feel natural and uplifting.
Three words to describe the overall aesthetic of Danby Lane?
Iconic. Articulate. Transformative. If you want to live in the heart of it all, a limited collection of design-focused two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartments is now selling, with limited availability remaining.
The Danby Lane sales office at 1192 Sandgate Rd, Nundah, is open for private appointments. For more information, contact Simon on 0434 640 944 or danbylane@eleverpropertygroup.com.
Imagery: Supplied (Danby Lane Artist Expression)
