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World’s Tallest Hybrid Timber Structure to Come up in Sydney - Scale Architectural and Design Magazine

World’s Tallest Hybrid Timber Structure to Come up in Sydney

Atlassian to build the world’s tallest hybrid timber building for its new headquarters at Sydney in the tech precinct at Central Station with New York-based architects SHoP, and Australian practice BVN as the design team.

World’s Tallest Hybrid Timber Structure to Come up in Sydney - Scale Architectural and Design MagazineStriving for the skies at approx. 180 metre /590 feet high – this hybrid timber structure will be the tallest commercial hybrid timber building in the world, according to Atlassian.

The new building will be home to thousands of technology workers when complete in 2025. After an extensive global search, Atlassian chose New York-based architects SHoP, and Australian practice BVN as the design team.Their groundbreaking design of timber, with a glass and steel facade will include a mix of outdoor and indoor spaces and will use an energy-efficient approach that features natural ventilation and large planted terraces giving access to nature. The building will be approximately 40 storeys high.

World’s Tallest Hybrid Timber Structure to Come up in Sydney - Scale Architectural and Design MagazineIn line with Atlassian’s commitment to operate on 100% renewable energy and reach net zero emissions. The project will target50% less embodied carbon in construction compared to a conventional building, 50% less energy consumption compared with a new conventionally operated building and solar panels in the vertical facades, to generate green power on-site. The building will operate on 100% renewable energy from day one and include solar panels built into the façade.

It will completely regenerate Central Station as part of the NSW Government’s plan to build a new tech precinct attracting 25 000 workers.

Construction of the Atlassian headquarters will generate 2500 additional jobs and add almost one billion dollars a year to the Australian economy, according to Atlassian. Once complete, 4000 Atlassian staff will use the building. The existing YHA at the site will be revitalized and incorporated into the lower levels of the new building. The existing heritage parcel shed will also be incorporated into the development.

World’s Tallest Hybrid Timber Structure to Come up in Sydney - Scale Architectural and Design Magazine“Our collective work around the world focuses on elevating the experience of the public realm in urban environments, so we really welcome this opportunity to work with such wonderful partners to create a high-performance landmark for Sydney’s new tech district, at ground level and in the skyline,” said Bill Sharples, Founding Principal at SHoP.

Coren Sharples, SHoP Founding Principal, said, ’Atlassian brought together an amazing team of global leaders in innovation to develop the criteria for this project, and we SHoP and BVN are thrilled to be able to play a part in contributing the iconic architecture that will complete that vision.’

The building is leading edge in its application of Mass Timber Construction (MTC). MTC is one of the most hopeful technologies in moving the construction industry toward real solutions to the global climate crisis. The novel hybrid timber structure is significantly lower in embodied carbon and offers a substantial reduction in the building’s carbon footprint. This is assisting Atlassian’s goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

In addition, the timber provides a warm and inviting environment for the visitors.

SHoP/BVN found an elegant way to tie a structural element of the building to one of the building’s most aesthetic attributes – the façade. The tower includes a steel exoskeleton that supports the mega floors between neighbourhoods. The current design also incorporates an electricity-generating facade system with self-shade capabilities to reduce direct heat gain internally. Combined with the use of mass timber, the innovative facade enables the project to leverage Sydney’s temperate climate to help reduce carbon emissions and generate on site energy.

World’s Tallest Hybrid Timber Structure to Come up in Sydney - Scale Architectural and Design MagazinePark spaces have been integral in the design of this workplace, creating a staggered outdoor garden in this high rise tower. Level 1 communal activities are located at the first of the elevated parks of the tower, providing protected outdoor spaces that will be comfortable all year round. Combined with the novel use of mass timber, the innovative facade enables the project to leverage Sydney’s temperate climate to reduce carbon emissions by 50% over a ten years period.

Photos/Video of Design Credits:

Video and content produced by SHoP/BVN Architects

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