Australia is leading the world in tall mass timber buildings and the innovative construction methods being embraced to create unique, sustainable, and carbon-neutral outcomes

Engineered wood is revolutionizing the construction industry by offering a sustainable solution to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. By utilizing materials like cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glue-laminated timber (glulam), engineered wood products play a crucial role in sequestering carbon and decreasing the overall carbon footprint of buildings.

Innovative builders and developers are embracing modern methods of construction and are advancing the practice of tall mass timber buildings in Australia.

T3 Collingwood: 36 Wellington St, Melbourne

A $200 million, 14-level prefabricated timber office tower by Hines using their 'Timber Transit & Technology' (T3) strategy, replacing traditional systems with prefabricated solid wood systems.

Sustainability: Targeting 5.5-Star NABERS and 6-Star Green Star ratings, focusing on creating a 'biophilic environment' with natural Australian sustainable hardwood surfaces to enhance productivity and well-being.

An artist’s impression of T3, Melbourne's first prefabricated timber building. Photograph: Hines.

Atlassian: 8-10 Lee Street, Sydney

Designed by SHoP architects, this 40-storey hybrid timber structure will be the tallest of its kind globally, aiming for a 50% reduction in embodied carbon and energy compared to conventional construction.

Sustainability: Operating on 100% renewable energy with zero emissions, utilizing energy-efficient design elements like natural ventilation, planted terraces, and solar panels integrated into the building's facades.

An artist’s impression of Atlassian's 40-storey 100% renewable energy build, the tallest hybrid timber structure in the world. Photograph: SHoP Architects.

C6 Building: 26 Charles Street, South Perth

Proposed 50-storey hybrid timber building by Grange Developments, designed by Elenberg Fraser and engineered by Vistek Engineers using cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glue-laminated timber (GLT). ​

Sustainability: Aiming to be Australia's second carbon-negative building through an embedded power network with wind and solar power, featuring biophilic design with extensive gardens, and sequestering over 10.5 million kilograms of carbon dioxide during construction. ​

When completed the C6 building will be the world's tallest timber building standing at 191 meters. Photograph: Elenberg Fraser.

These buildings showcase the shift towards mass timber construction methods, emphasizing sustainability, carbon neutrality, and innovative design to lead the way in environmentally conscious urban development.