World's tallest timber office tower for Brisbane

The project is one of the most significant for timber – the use of which in office buildings, apartments towers and other facilities is gaining ground across the country.

At a height of almost 45 metres, 5 King Street can also lay claim to be the tallest office timber building in the world (the tallest is a student residence in Vancouver).

The tower’s anchor tenant, engineering firm Aurecon, also has a strong connection to the project as its lead engineer.

Artist’s impression of the timber tower that has been designed by Bates Smart.

Aurecon has committed to 6500 square metres on a 10-year lease negotiated by JLL’s Michael Greene, Adam Barrett and Sam Barr.

Designed by architects Bates Smart, the tower will be built from cross-laminated timber (CLT), and glue laminated timber, or glulam. The innovative materials have the structural strength of traditional methods using concrete and steel.

The timber materials and methodology bring the potential of faster and more cost-efficient construction.

Using imported CLT, pre-fabricated panels for the tower will be among the first produced at a start-up manufacturing business that Lendlease has established in expectation of the demand from the emerging timber construction market.

In total, almost 15,000 square metres of space will be available over 10 levels of the building.

“The property at 5 King is the latest example of high-performance workplaces setting new benchmarks in environmentally sustainable building practices,” said Lendlease’s chief executive for property Kylie Rampa.

Melbourne-based fund manager Impact Investment will buy out the tower on a 6.5 per cent yield through a fund-through style deal.

It is the second deal Impact has struck with Lendlease in the $2.9 billion Brisbane Showgrounds redevelopment, after buying K1 office tower for $130 million two years ago.

Buildings made from engineered timber have a significantly lower carbon footprint than other buildings during construction and subsequent operation.

Aurecon’s Queensland regional director Neil Barr said: “Not only do we take pride in the structural, ESD and building services engineering design, but the building will house some 600 Brisbane staff.”

The new tower is targeting a 6 Green Star Design & As Built rating, with sustainably sourced, engineered timber classes, energy efficient LED lighting, occupancy sensors, optimised airconditioning and rooftop rainwater harvesting.