Architecture
Atlassian Central
Anchoring the new Tech Precinct
BVN together with SHoP Architects, is designing the new Sydney headquarters for Atlassian in the NSW Government’s much anticipated new tech precinct, Tech Central.
Atlassian will be the anchor tenant, and the new commercial and hostel building will be home to thousands of technology workers when complete in 2025. BVN and Shop were selected after an extensive global search and design competition.
At approximately 40 storeys high, Atlassian Central will be the world’s tallest hybrid timber building with a glass and steel façade. It’s designed for 50% less embodied carbon and 100% renewables. With a mix of outdoor and indoor spaces, we’ll use an energy-efficient approach that features natural ventilation and large planted terraces giving access to nature.
The lower five storeys of the building will become the new YHA Central, a 500-bed hotel that supports the digital nomad, and curious traveler. The integration of the YHA and commercial space is a multi-use building format that retains a rich mix of uses that encourage a lively and dynamic atmosphere.
The structural scheme for the proposed design for a 140m tall office building is broken down into 3 story timber-framed “neighborhoods” supported by a steel-framed story approximately every 4 stories. Mass timber, sometimes
called CLT (cross-laminated timber), presents profound advantages
over conventional construction in both its ability to be variably demised post-construction and in its proactive environmental qualities. This is paired with our system of strategic use of passive design strategies, including natural ventilation, vegetation-assisted air quality regulation, to create significant reductions in energy use, as well.
360 VIEWS
Prioritize views out to the district and city.
DISTRIBUTED LANDSCAPE
Distributed landscape level per each program stack of the
tower identified as “habitat“.
Located at Central Station, the new wider precinct will benefit from unbeatable access to multiple modes of public transport, cycle paths and pedestrian access. This high level of multimodal accessibility is a key factor to the success of any tech precinct.
The Atlassian development sits at the critical intersection of the Devonshire Tunnel, new Metro linkages and Central’s Third Square. The project team has worked extensively with Transport for NSW, adjacent landowners, the City of Sydney, Heritage NSW and the NSW Dept Planning, Industry & Environment to ensure all aspects of the precinct are considered in the design and public realm.
NEIGHBOURHOODS
The neighborhoods program are contained within an adaptable mass timber structure that provides thermal comfort for employees while contributing to our ecological footprint.
The Atlassian project sits within a heritage rich context and requires a balance of heritage and new elements to form the public realm. In addition to the new and innovative design, the building incorporates the existing heritage Parcels Shed at its base, serving as a connection point, both physical and visual, to the precinct’s rich history. All heritage elements will be re-used within the site.
BVN’s first Indigenous Principal Kevin O’Brien is leading the Designing with Country strategy for this project. The design seeks to reset the balance between indigenous, colonial and migrant histories. And bring a unique First Nations perspective to sustainable design.
The Parcels Shed will be carefully dismantled, refurbished and re-instated in its existing position around the new works. All existing detailing will be retained and further enhanced, and the team is working closely with James Ginter from Traditional Restoration Company to ensure the shed is done successfully.
Construction on Atlassian Central begins in 2022.
Credits
BVN
Consultants
CCG Architects Pty Ltd, Daniele Hromek, Polygenic Pty Ltd, SHoP 123 Pty Ltd
Consultants
CCG Architects Pty Ltd, Daniele Hromek, Polygenic Pty Ltd, SHoP 123 Pty Ltd
Awards
2021 WAF Future Projects - Office winner
Holcim Awards Bronze prize 2020 for Asia Pacific
