Australia's Tallest Engineered Timber Building to be Built in Brisbane

Australia's Tallest Engineered Timber Building to be Built in Brisbane

By David Rowlinson  February 15th, 2017

A high-performance commercial building and the tallest engineered timber building in the country is set to be built in the Brisbane Showgrounds development. The 52-metre-high tower will have the largest gross floor area (GFA) for an engineered timber office building worldwide.

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Article first appeared in Facility Management magazine

A high-performance commercial building and the tallest engineered timber building in the country is set to be built in the Brisbane Showgrounds development. The 52-metre-high tower will have the largest gross floor area (GFA) for an engineered timber office building worldwide.

Designed by Bates Smart for Lendlease, 5 King utilises cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glue-laminated timber (glulam), which combine to create the structural strength of concrete and steel with a much lower carbon footprint. “We see timber buildings as the next generation of building for a creative class looking for rich environments that enhance wellbeing and productivity,” says Bates Smart Director Philip Vivian

The building’s ‘verandah’ will help to maximise connection with the environment, while at ground level, a timber colonnade lined with cafés and restaurants will cater to the need for creative workspaces outside of the office as well as establishing a welcoming entry to the building.

The glass façade on the main south elevation maximises natural daylight into the workplace, while sunshades on the other façades reduce energy consumption, further lowering the building’s carbon footprint. Inside, exposed timber structure and services create a contemporary studio environment that balances well-being with creative collaboration space.

5 King will be targeting a Six Star Green Star Design and As Built v1.1 and a NABERS Energy Five Star rating. In addition to utilising sustainably sourced timber, the tower will integrate rainwater harvesting, energy efficient lighting and optimised air conditioning. Parking for 152 bicycles and 56 cars is planned.

The building will be the future home of global engineering firm Aurecon. Construction is set to begin in mid-2017, with completed estimates at the end of 2018.

Image courtesy of Bates Smart

Read more about the health benefits of timber here

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By David Rowlinson

Make it Wood Program Manager

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