Sydney’s most-watched construction site hit a milestone on Wednesday, with the 39-storey Atlassian Central tower reaching its full 180-metre height beside Central Station. Atlassian co-CEO Mike Cannon-Brookes joined the construction crew for a traditional “topping out” ceremony on the rooftop.

The $1.4 billion project, reported by ABC News, broke ground in 2022 and is co-owned by Atlassian and commercial property firm Dexus. When it opens in 2027, it will be the world’s tallest hybrid timber structure.

The hybrid timber design is the headline act for the construction industry. Rather than a conventional concrete-and-steel frame throughout, the tower uses mass timber elements that cut the volume of carbon-intensive concrete and steel required. That approach has drawn attention from architects and builders globally, and the Sydney project is now the benchmark for how far the method can be pushed on a high-rise.

Cannon-Brookes described the finished building as “the most technologically advanced building in Australia”, saying it would integrate structural engineering, environmental systems, and smart building controls into a single platform. The project targets a six Green Star rating, the top tier under the Green Building Council of Australia framework.

Atlassian cut close to 500 Australian jobs in March to redirect investment into artificial intelligence and enterprise sales. Cannon-Brookes addressed the obvious question at the ceremony: AI wasn’t reducing the company’s need for floor space. “I don’t think AI stops the need for people coming together to work,” he said. “We’re going to have even more collaboration spaces, meeting spaces.”

For tradies on the tools, the project signals that mass timber construction is moving from boutique to mainstream. The lower five floors will operate as a 500-bed YHA co-living hostel, adding to the mixed-use complexity of the build. NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey called it an “engineering marvel” and flagged it as a centrepiece of the government’s planned Tech Central precinct across the Haymarket-Redfern corridor.

Carpenters and builders tracking the hybrid timber space will want to watch how the completed building performs when Atlassian moves in next year.

Frequently asked questions

What is hybrid timber construction?

Hybrid timber construction uses mass timber elements alongside concrete and steel, rather than relying on a conventional concrete-and-steel frame throughout. The approach reduces the volume of carbon-intensive materials required.

When will Atlassian Central open?

The building is scheduled to open in 2027. Atlassian is expected to move in at that point.

What else will the building contain besides Atlassian offices?

The lower five floors will operate as a 500-bed YHA co-living hostel, making it a mixed-use development.

Sourced from ABC News. Original article.