Atlassian Central

Over 39 storeys high, Atlassian’s proposed Australian headquarters, to be funded and developed by one of Australia’s leaders in property Dexus, will soar above the new innovation and technology precinct, Tech Central, located above Central Station as Sydney’s tallest hybrid-timber commercial tower, and the tallest of its kind in the world. The complex design will not only push physical limits but will also set a new benchmark in sustainable design and future-proofing. Atlassian and Dexus have been working with the NSW Government, undertaking a thorough planning process and international design competition to determine the amazing design for the Atlassian building, and various commercial and technical agreements to enable development on the YHA site. The hybrid-timber design will predominantly house commercial offices, with retail and accommodation facilities that are adaptable for the changing needs and expectations of Sydney’s tech community.

Holmes is proud to be contributing to the fire engineering and structural fire engineering design of this signature building. Our experienced engineers have been working closely with the design team and approval authorities to inform the building’s design and fire safety strategy, with careful consideration of the development’s connection with surrounding existing and future developments. Advanced thermal and structural fire analysis will be utilised to support and verify the design of the primary exoskeleton and the mass timber habitats. Our team is looking forward to continuing to work on this project for the next few years and contributing to an iconic development that is sure to be considered a significant milestone in Sydney’s built history.

Atlassian Central, co-owned by Dexus and Atlassian, is generating a wave of interest and accolade for its high sustainability targets which have been a focus since the start of the design. The project is targeting:

• 50% reduction in embodied carbon emissions during construction compared to a conventional construction project (A1-A3, structure and façade)
• 100% fossil fuel free and powered by renewable energy
• 5.5-star NABERS Energy Commitment Agreement and 6-star Green Star Design and As-Built v1.3 rating.
• 50% improvement in energy consumption compared to a traditionally operated development

In response to these targets, Holmes has supported the design team to enable timber structures within the habitats, reducing some unnecessary fireproofing for the mega floors, reducing some fireproofing / intumescent paint on the crown of the structure, and also establishing a fire strategy to support the use of natural ventilation on each habitat (across 3 storeys), confirming the removal for the use of a mechanical smoke exhaust in these scenarios.