First timber arrives for the world’s largest and tallest engineered timber office building
The first delivery of cross laminated timber columns, beams and floor panels have arrived at Brisbane Showgrounds for what’s set to be the world’s largest and tallest engineered timber office building.
The Bates Smart-designed tower, dubbed 25 King, stands at almost 45 metres across nine storeys and is being developed by Lendlease with a late 2018 completion date slated.
A world first in sustainable architecture, 25 King is targeting a 6-star Green Star Design and As Built rating which will use 67 per cent less electricity and 55 per cent less potable water and is targeting a WELL Core and Shell rating.
Tony Orazio, Lendlease Building general manager, said construction was well underway and the installation of the first pre-assembled modules are 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,” said Mr 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.”
The innovative building, owned by Impact Investment Group, will be the future home of global engineering firm Aurecon, whose services are being provided in the construction. They have committed to lease four of the nine office floors.
There is still around 7,900 sqm of office space remaining to be leased.
25 King is 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.
Lendlease is a partner in The Future Timber Hub, Australia’s leading timber research collaboration committed to challenging the barrier of timber construction by pursuing research-based strategies and innovation technologies to boost the timber industry.
Today Lendlease announced their half year 2018 results ending December 31 2017, with an after tax profit of over $425 million, up eight percent.
The results cited strong residential completions in apartments and land lots.
Group CEO and Managing Director Steve McCann said Lendlease delivered resilient earnings for the period with a strong performance from the Development and Investments segments outweighing the underperformance in the Construction segment.
“The strong performance of our Development segment was underpinned by the residential sector, with a 48 per cent increase in residential development completions and the launch of a residential for rent investment partnership with CPPIB4 in London.”
“Recurring earnings and growth in underlying asset values drove a strong result in our Investments segment.”