Explore by topic

The Sydney office building implementing circular design on a mammoth scale

Last updated: Feb 5, 2021

Summary

In collaboration with Danish architecture firm 3XN/GXN, Arup engineers and Multiplex builders, AMP Capital has undertaken one of the biggest building upcycling projects ever attempted. The project applies the circular design principle of reuse on a massive scale. Due to be delivered in early 2022, the 49-story building will be comprised of open-plan offices, flexible spaces and a retail precinct designed to provide exceptional amenity to building occupants.

By re-using resources from the existing structure and retaining much of its internal core, the project has saved over 7,500 tonnes of CO2. That saving is equivalent to the carbon that would be produced over two and a half years of operating the building.

Problem

85% of the buildings that will exist in developed nations in 2050 have already been built.

Solution

With the majority of CBDs around the world already built out, Quay Quarter Tower offers a world-first blueprint for the circular redesign of our cities. The new build retained 66% of the building’s existing columns, beams and slabs and 95% of its internal walls. 50% of the existing building’s resources were also reused in the project.

Outcome

By re-using resources from the existing structure and retaining much of its internal core, Quay Tower saved over 7,500 tonnes of CO2 and an estimated $130 million. The carbon saving is equivalent to the emissions that would be produced in two and a half years of operating the building. In addition to these environmental and financial savings, the project proves that circular design can be implemented at scale.