Obsidian
Obsidian showcases 5Point’s builder-led approach, translating complex sculptural architecture into an award-winning boutique apartment building in Brisbane’s historic Teneriffe.
Located in the sought-after Brisbane suburb of Teneriffe, Obsidian is a luxury boutique apartment development delivered by 5Point. Designed by HAL Architects for Visie Properties, the building’s architecture responds to the historically rich riverside setting with a bold, submarine-inspired form that references the area’s maritime past. “Obsidian is a one-of-a-kind contemporary punctuation to Teneriffe’s streetscape, respecting its heritage context,” says Damian Dove, 5Point’s managing director.
Obsidian makes a strong architectural statement while also prioritising comfort and liveability. The five-level development comprises 13 residences, each with generous floor plans and abundant natural light. On the upper level, penthouses feature expansive terraces, loft spaces, volumetric ceilings and private wine cellars. Despite its boutique scale, the project received recognition in the residential building categories of the Master Builders Queensland Brisbane Housing & Construction Awards 2021 and the Queensland Housing & Construction Awards 2021.
From the outset, 5Point’s builder-led approach shaped the project well before construction began. The team, known for their integrated, end-to-end approach, collaborated with HAL Architects and Visie Properties during feasibility and design development. They tested sequencing and resolved technical challenges to ensure the ambitious architectural vision remained both achievable and uncompromised.
The building features complex geometry, with custom precast concrete panels and carefully sequenced formwork creating a cylindrical exoskeleton that subtly tapers at each end. Softening the concrete structure, copper and zinc detailing add warmth and a patina that will continue to evolve. Acting as custodian of the architectural intent, 5Point translated this intricate design into a buildable form, collaborating early to safeguard every curve, structural detail and material choice, and ensuring the final result remained true to the original vision.
“Obsidian is the kind of project we love to build – ambitious, bold and technically challenging,” Dove says. “From day one, we worked closely with the architect and client to turn a sculptural design into a building that not only stands out but performs beautifully in every detail. It’s a project we’re very proud to have delivered.”
Innovation drove the construction strategy. The 5Point team installed mechanised car stackers to maximise parking on the flood-affected site and used precast concrete to deliver complex forms with excellent watertightness and structural strength. During the basement excavation, advanced retention systems and vibration monitoring were implemented to protect neighbouring buildings.
As with all 5Point projects, active and passive sustainability strategies were incorporated. Acoustic and thermal treatments improve performance and residents’ comfort, while energy-efficient lighting and water-saving fixtures minimise consumption.
Rather than relying on scale, Obsidian stands out for its conviction. It challenges conventional residential typologies, honours Teneriffe’s history through material and form, and demonstrates the value of early, collaborative decision-making, a hallmark of every 5Point project.
