WA's first mass timber office building set for Freemantle

A new commercial development in Fremantle is set to be the first mass timber-framed office development in Western Australia.

Located on the corner of Josephson and High Streets, 'hArbour' by Yolk will be developed by Yolk Property Group in partnership with Harris Jenkins Architects and Josh Byrne and Associates.

The six story project will comprise 1895 sqm of office space and 150sqm for a café/bar/retail offering.

It will feature a vertical garden across more than half of the building’s exterior.

Yolk Property Group Director Pete Adams said “studies have shown workplaces that utilise natural materials like wood, incorporate plant life and allow for natural light, result in happier and more productive employees” 

“Our aim with this this project is not just to develop a highly sustainable building but to create an environment that has a positive impact on those within it." he said.

City of Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettitt said “This project is an example of a development using sustainability and innovation to create positive outcomes for the community." 

Situated in the heart of Fremantle, it is just 100 metres from the new King Square development.

The development will take 18 months to build, with completion expected mid-2020.

Strata spaces at hArbour by Yolk range from 57 sqm to full floors of 380 sqm and are available to purchase from $347,500, with leasing opportunities also available. 

Additional sustainability features that will be incorporated include solar usage and storage system; storm and grey water collection, distribution and recycling; and a new commercial greywater system using filtration and ozone disinfection to recycle shower and hand basin water to the planters in the green façade.