Article first appeared in FM Magazine
The Brisbane Showgrounds is set to house the world’s largest and tallest engineered timber building at 25 King Street. The first delivery of cross laminated timber (CLT) columns, beams and floor panels arrived at the grounds in February 2018 for construction.
General manager for Lendlease Building, Tony Orazio says construction of 25 King was well underway with the installation of the first pre-assembled modules taking place.
“As the world’s largest and tallest engineered timber office building, 25 King will be one of the most exciting additions ever made to Brisbane’s skyline. A key element of 25 King’s structure is the use of prefabricated modules for each floor. These modules are pre-assembled at ground height and then lifted into place to form what looks like a wooden lego structure,” says Orazio.
“The fascinating thing about building with timber is that its strength is akin to concrete and steel, it can be produced economically in a factory environment and most importantly boasts a plethora of sustainability benefits.”
A world first in sustainable architecture, 25 King is targeting a 6-star Green Star Design and As Built rating which will use 67 percent less electricity and 55 percent less potable water (than industry standard benchmarks) and is targeting a WELL Core and Shell rating.
At a height of almost 45 metres, the ground plus nine-storey Bates Smart-designed tower includes services provided by global engineering firm Aurecon as well as three bespoke retail tenancies. Owned by Impact Investment Group the innovative building will also be the future home of Aurecon, with the company committing to lease four of the nine office floors.
25 King is due for completion in late 2018, with Lendlease developing and building the asset, and will the organisation’s fifth engineered timber building in Australia, joining International House Sydney, Forte Apartments and Library at The Dock in Melbourne, and Jordan Springs Community Hub in Western Sydney.