Quay Quarter Tower

Quay Quarter Tower named the World’s Best Building

The impressive tower took out one of the biggest gongs in the architectural world when it was named the world’s best international high-rise tower at the 10th Annual World Architecture Festival (WAF) in 2022. The risks involved in upcycling an existing 1970’s office block paid off for the architects, 3XN Architecture and BVN Architecture, who were willing to push design boundaries.

Throughout the expansive interior atrium, external soffits and workspaces on various levels, Sculptform timber Click-on Battens can be found. Surrounding surfaces and bringing volumes of texture and interest, they help to elevate the masterpiece that is Quay Quarter Tower.

World’s First ‘Upcycled’ Tower Saved From Demolition

Quay Quarter Tower is a striking building with five volumes of building stacked on top of each other, while all facing different angles. With 65% of the original structure and 95% of foundations salvaged, the project is an impressive example of how a complete rejuvenation can be achieved while retaining a high percentage of a buildings existing structure.

Despite facing constraints like the solar envelope, the designers were able to add about 45,000m2 of new construction by attaching new floorplates to the existing slabs. They used concrete-filled steel tubes to optimize the structural grid span and enhance the views of the harbour. Additionally, the external sunshade hoods on the façade design help to decrease heat loads on the building, eliminating the need for internal blinds for thermal comfort.

Parametric Atrium

An explansive atrium sets the tone throughout the building, with a series of stacked atria creating a social spine with exceptional views, allowing natural daylight to seep into each floor. This is further enhanced with a stunning curved white staircase, with it twisting upwards through the many levels of the tower. When looking into the glass exterior, you can see the outline of the curving staircase, which makes a grand statement.

Click-on Battens crafted from Spotted Gum timber line the ceilings throughout the multi-levelled atrium, bringing linear textures to the design as well as loads of biophilic benefits. The tones of the Spotted Gum, which contains lots of natural variation, adds a nice contrast to the bright white interior. In a sense helping to the anchor the various spaces.

Endless Views of Sydney

The design of the tower takes advantage of its prominent Sydney location and is composed to deliver views from all angles. Composed of five stacked and shifted portions, the lower floors face the Sydney Harbour Bridge and fan out eastwards as they climb to frame panoramic views onto the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Sydney Opera House.

The cleverly positioned angles of the floors throughout the tower extend the eyes far across Sydney. You can’t help but be taken aback by how perfectly the views have been fostered.

Breathtaking million dollar views in one of the worlds best towers. Our Click-on Battens take pride of place and frame the phenomenal views across Sydney on level 49, an expanisive luxury space ideal as a workplace.

Crafted from White Oak (specifications below) the Click-on Battens are installed on angle angle to create a fanned effect along the top of the window line. The walls also take a curved form as they wrap around the surrounding room, drawing the eye along the expansive panoramic views.