Construction starts on world’s tallest engineered timber office building in Brisbane
Work on the tallest engineered timber office building in the world, in Brisbane, was launched with much fanfare with the Acting Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Jackie Trad joining the show.
Listed property group Lendlease’s first engineered timber office building in Queensland, 25 King (earlier 5 King), was acquired by Impact Investment Group (IIG) earlier this year, its second commercial building acquisition in the $2.9 billion Brisbane Showgrounds redevelopment.
The nearly 45 metre tower will have ground floor retail plus nine storeys, and has been designed by architect Bates Smart. It will become the future home of engineering firm Aurecon.
It is being built using a revolutionary building timber technology called cross laminated timber (CLT) and glulum (glue laminated timber) which has a structural strength akin to traditional concrete and steel.
CLT has a much lower carbon footprint than other building materials, the production process produces zero waste, and timbers are sourced from certified sustainably managed forests, according to a media release.
The tower, when completed in late 2018, will have controlled lighting, heating and cooling from a single interface, and large glass areas will maximise natural daylight.
Lendlease is building the asset and will work with its partners to lease the nearly 7,900 sqm of remaining office space.
Lendlease managing director, Urban Regeneration, Mark Menhinnitt said the company was focused on delivering the next generation of sustainable workplaces with state-of-the-art technology in Queensland.
“25 King is set to become the tallest and largest engineered timber office building in the world which is a wonderful achievement for the Brisbane Showgrounds precinct.
It will be Lendlease’s fifth engineered timber building in Australia and joins International House Sydney, Forte Apartments and Library at The Dock in Melbourne, and Jordan Springs Community Hub in Western Sydney.
Acting Premier Jackie Trad said 25 King was breaking new ground in its use of structural timber in a building of its type and size.
“This is a great example of the type of development we’ll be seeing more of in the future, and it puts Queensland at forefront of cutting edge sustainable construction practices,” she said.
The tower will larget a 6 Star Green Star Design and As Built v1.1 and a NABERS Energy 5 Star rating.
Chris Lock, CEO, Impact Investment Group said 25 King is a great demonstration of how IIG invests in property.
“We look for property investments with excellent potential for environmental sustainability; where we can fund best-in-class construction, or actively manage existing properties to drive energy efficiency and very positive social outcomes.”
