Are you envisioning a breathtaking biophilic retreat within your high-end development? Discover how Advance Plants delivered an award-winning interior plant installation at Queen’s Wharf Precinct, The Star Brisbane.
The Client: Queen’s Wharf Brisbane, The Star Entertainment Group
Queen’s Wharf, a venture led by The Star Entertainment Group, is an iconic $3.6B development in Brisbane’s CBD. It includes four luxury hotels, 2,000 apartments, 50+ hospitality venues, a 1,500-seat ballroom, and a world-class casino. This landmark destination is designed to redefine urban luxury and is anticipated to welcome approximately 1.4 million visitors each year.
The Brief: World-Class Biophilic Design
In December 2023, Queensland owned Advance Plants won the interior landscaping tender of this prestigious precinct. Our challenge was to create a lush, immersive oasis. The design had to enhance the aesthetic appeal of diverse spaces—from grand entrances to intimate dining areas. It also needed to offer functional benefits, such as natural separations. For example, it distinguishes the hotel lobby from an adjacent Japanese restaurant Sokyo.
Overcoming Installation Challenges with Expertise
Every project comes with its set of challenges, and Queen’s Wharf was no exception. The site presented a variety of environmental and logistical hurdles that demanded creative and flexible solutions:
- Environmental Resilience:
The Porte Cochère, for example, regularly experiences winds in excess of 50 km/hr. To ensure durability without sacrificing aesthetics, we installed wind-tolerant species such as Trachelospermum Jasminoides. In low-light zones, we selected species such as Philodendron Congo and Spathiphyllum. This ensured every corner of the development remained vibrant and inviting. - Bespoke Container and Mulch Selections:
We sourced decorative pots that were both visually stunning and durable. They withstand high traffic and demanding conditions in a luxury destination. In total, 50 different types of containers from five suppliers were incorporated into our design. We used black polished pebbles in high-end casino areas. Pine bark mulch evoked a natural aesthetic. Every detail was curated to perfection. - Logistical Ingenuity:
Limited site access and unpredictable timelines challenged our team. A high union presence and a shared loading zone compounded these obstacles. Our team had to remain nimble and adaptive. Through careful planning and on-the-fly problem solving, we ensured that the project was completed on time and on budget.
The Result: An Award-Winning Lush Oasis
Our innovative design incorporated 1,614 live plants and 595 bespoke pots to transform the interiors into a vibrant tropical retreat reflective of Queensland’s natural essence. Key highlights include:
- Striking Entrance Installation:
We used 569 plants to create a natural partition between the hotel lobby and the Japanese restaurant. This design achieved both visual impact and functional separation. - Custom Containers & Bespoke Detailing:
Our design features a curated mix of decorative pots. This includes bespoke hand-pressed concrete planters by Luke Mansini from RELIK Designs. They enhance aesthetics and ensure durability in high-traffic zones.
A Rigorous, Hands-On Maintenance Regime
The beauty of a plantscape lies in its longevity, and that’s why our commitment doesn’t end at installation. Our maintenance program is designed to ensure that every element of the design continues to thrive long after the initial installation:
- Dedicated Technician Teams:
Our highly trained maintenance crews work three days a week. They cover 17 floors on a rotation tailored to the specific needs of each area, whether weekly or fortnightly. This ensures that the plants remain healthy and vibrant without disrupting the day-to-day activities of Queen’s Wharf. - Sustainable Plant Care:
We prioritise organic pest and disease management. We use pre-installation treatments with eco-friendly white and eco oils to safeguard tropical species. Where traditional sub-irrigation isn’t feasible, our custom-designed wicking system efficiently manages water. Regular pruning and trimming keep the display immaculate.
Every measure we take safeguards the integrity of the lush indoor environment. Our indoor plant hire Brisbane service is both sustainable and beautiful.
The Lasting Impact of an Award-Winning Biophilic Transformation
Our interior plantscape at Queen’s Wharf received the 2025 International Plantscape Awards GOLD AWARD. The accolade was presented at the Tropical Plant International Expo Gala in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This prestigious accolade underscores our commitment to excellence in indoor plant hire in Brisbane. Judges celebrated our team’s ability to overcome significant logistical challenges, with the installation exemplifying innovative design and expert execution.
At Advance Plants, every project is a unique masterpiece. Whether you need award-winning interior plant installation in Brisbane for a luxury development or corporate office, our expertise ensures every space becomes a living work of art.
About Advance Plants
Advance Plants is the largest, independently owned indoor plant hire company headquartered in South-East Queensland. With over 30,000 plants maintained across more than 300 locations, our legacy spans over 40 years—from our establishment in 1982 to our thriving operations in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast. Our team of over 40 dedicated professionals is passionate about delivering high-quality service, competitive pricing, and locally responsive solutions.
Clients choose us because we:
- Deliver exceptional service at competitive prices.
- Are 100% locally based in South-East Queensland, ensuring rapid response times.
- Possess extensive experience working with large corporate and government entities.
- Prioritise local sourcing, support local charities, and foster a diverse workforce.
If you’re in search of premier interior plant installation that transform spaces into vibrant, living environments, explore our offerings today and discover how Advance Plants can bring a touch of nature to your next project.
