Brisbane’s Teneriffe precinct, renowned for its heritage woolstores and quintessential Queenslanders, welcomes a striking new architectural addition with Five on Florence. Designed by Plus Architecture in collaboration with Whitecasa Developments, this boutique residential project seamlessly integrates contemporary design with the rich historical fabric of its surroundings.
Comprising five full-floor, three-bedroom residences, Five on Florence is an exemplar of modern contextual architecture—enhancing the established streetscape while paying homage to Teneriffe’s distinctive past. Thoughtful materiality and innovative form drive the project’s design, forging a dialogue between history and modernity.
A Contemporary Response to a Storied Streetscape
Positioned at the intersection of Teneriffe’s industrial heritage and residential charm, Five on Florence embodies a refined architectural expression. At street level, a façade of textured brickwork echoes the sturdy materiality of the area’s heritage-listed woolstores, fostering an intimate connection with pedestrians. Meanwhile, reflective fluted glazing on the upper levels reinterprets Brisbane’s iconic corrugated roofing, subtly dissolving into the sky while preserving the dominance of the woolstore buildings.
The design embraces Brisbane’s subtropical climate, with each residence oriented to the north-east to maximise natural ventilation and light. Expansive balconies and integrated planters enhance indoor-outdoor living, while fluted concrete balustrades continue the vertical expression, reinforcing the project’s harmonious integration with its environment.
Illuminating the Streetscape with Architectural Elegance
For Plus Architecture, the vision for Five on Florence was to craft a building that not only responded to its heritage surroundings but also introduced a new architectural presence—one that interacts with light and form in a poetic way.
“We envisioned the building as a chandelier in the streetscape, crystallising and refracting light while reflecting the architectural language of Teneriffe’s established cottages,” says Plus Architecture Director Danny Juric. “In certain moments, you catch glimpses of these historic homes reflected in the contemporary glass – creating this beautiful dialogue between past and present.”
Juric further explains how the façade was meticulously designed to capture and refract light, creating a dynamic interplay of reflections throughout the day. “Each facade element is designed to capture and fracture light, creating an ever-changing play of reflections throughout the day. The composed form creates private sanctuaries with exceptional city aspects, while maintaining a dynamic street presence.”
A Testament to Thoughtful Design and Market Demand
The architectural ambition of Five on Florence is complemented by strong market interest, with four of the five residences already secured by owner-occupiers. In particular, the ground-floor residence, featuring a coveted dual-street frontage, has garnered notable attention.
Whitecasa Development Director Tom White credits Plus Architecture’s vision as a driving force behind the project’s success. “Plus Architecture’s innovative concept design set the foundation for this remarkable project. Their vision has been brilliantly realised through exceptional interior architecture and delivery expertise.”
Setting a Benchmark for Contextual Architecture in Brisbane
Beyond market response, Five on Florence has also received recognition from Brisbane City Council for its considered architectural approach. The project exemplifies how contemporary design can coexist with and even amplify a precinct’s built history—offering a new benchmark for contextual architecture in Brisbane’s evolving urban landscape.
By weaving modernity with history, light with texture, and innovation with legacy, Plus Architecture and Whitecasa Developments have crafted more than just a residential address—they have contributed a refined and resonant chapter to Teneriffe’s architectural narrative.
