Start of construction for the world’s tallest engineered timber office building.
Acting Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Jackie Trad and Impact Investment Group joined Lendlease in Brisbane on June 22 to celebrate the launch of what’s set to be the tallest engineered timber office building in the world, 25 King (formerly 5 King).
Earlier this year, 25 King was acquired by leading Australian Impact Fund Manager, Impact Investment Group (IIG), their second commercial building in the $2.9 billion Brisbane Showgrounds redevelopment.
At a height of almost 45 metres, the ground plus nine-storey tower designed by architect Bates Smart will become the future home of global engineering firm Aurecon. The tower includes three bespoke ground level retail tenancies 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.
Mark Menhinnitt, Lendlease’s Managing Director, Urban Regeneration says Lendlease is extremely proud to be 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,” he says.
“Lendlease has a proven track record of creating socially, environmentally and economically sustainable precincts around the world.”
Trad says 25 King is breaking new ground in its use of structural timber in a building of its type and size.
“These materials are sustainable, strong and light, with a structural strength akin to the traditional concrete and steel,” she says.
“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.”
Constructed with wood, CLT has a far lower carbon footprint than other building materials, the production process produces zero waste, and timbers are sourced from certified sustainably managed forests.
25 King will feature controlled lighting, heating and cooling from a single interface, and large glass areas will maximise natural daylight, while sunshades on the western and eastern facades will reduce energy consumption; further reducing the buildings carbon footprint.
Lendlease is committed to achieving sustainable solution,s with 25 King targeting a 6 Star Green Star Design and As Built v1.1 and a NABERS Energy 5 Star rating. The tower is serviced by 56 car parks over one basement level, electric vehicle charging points and has 152 bike racks, 16 showers and 158 lockers.
Chris Lock, CEO, Impact Investment Group says 25 King is a great demonstration of how IIG invests in property.
“We’re committed to helping move Australia to a low-carbon future,” he says. “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.
“We believe our approach helps drive demand for real estate that benefits the environment and the wider community, and ultimately delivers attractive returns for IIG’s investors.”
25 King is due for completion in late 2018, with Lendlease’s Building business developing and building the asset. Lendlease will continue to work with its partners to lease the approximately 7900 square metres of remaining office space.
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.
For more information about Brisbane Showgrounds, please visit workkingstreet.com
