Technology giant – Atlassian – has announced plans to build the world’s tallest hybrid timber tower for its new headquarters in the tech precinct at Central Station in Sydney, Australia. The new building will be home to thousands of technology workers when complete in 2025. After an extensive global search, Atlassian has chosen 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.
In line with Atlassian’s commitment to operate on 100 percent renewable energy and reach net zero emissions, the project will target 50 percent less embodied carbon in construction compared to a conventional building and 50 percent 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 percent 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.
“Technology can turbo-charge Australia’s recovery. That’s why we’re building this precinct. We want to create jobs, ideas and innovation. This will be home to thousands of workers and the best new ideas. If you want to work in tech – this is the place you will want to be,” said Scott Farquhar, Co-Founder and Co- CEO, Atlassian. “Sydney has the potential to be one of the world’s leading technology cities and the creation of a tech precinct sends a loud signal that we’re in the race to take a slice of the world’s most valuable market. That’s an exciting place to be.”
Atlassian is the first anchor tenant to sign up to the precinct plan. Construction of the Atlassian headquarters will generate 2,500 additional jobs and add almost one billion dollars a year to the Australian economy. Once complete, 4,000 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. The 180m tall tower (590 ft) has been designed by SHoP and BVN, with engineering firm Eckersley O’Callaghanresponsible for the building’s structure and façade design.
“This building will breathe new life into this part of Sydney. It’s an amazing design. We’ve searched the world to find the best architects and engineers to put it together. We’re embarking on this project at a critical time. Projects like these will help the state and the nation bounce back from the massive impact of COVID-19. The space that we are building will be highly sustainable and highly flexible. it will be purpose-built for the future of work, for tomorrow’s world, not today’s. Even with a highly distributed workforce, we’ll need a place to come together. Now we can design this space especially for these new ways of working,” added Farquhar.