Eckersley O’Callaghan is working in close collaboration with the QIC, Henning Larsen and Architectus to develop the facade design and engineering – which balances high-performance, adaptability and efficient operation within a unique sustainable design. 

Located above a new railway station on a prime site in Brisbane’s central business district, 101 Albert Street sees the construction of a 40-storey tower yielding 45,000 square meters of next generation workplace accommodation, best-in-class retail and dining, and generous public and civic realm that can be used year-round.

Ascribing a subtropical character, the development will create a distinctive urban marker in the heart of Brisbane city. The base of the tower incorporates wellness and cultural spaces, together with dining and retail to animate and activate the development at street-level.

The tower will appear as a vertical garden, with seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces, and will integrate tropical foliage throughout the remainder of the development, including an expansive rooftop area that allows occupants to enjoy outdoor spaces.

Designed in accordance with high environmental and sustainability principles, the proposal is pursuing an Environmentally Sustainable Design, targeting a 6-Star Green Star Buildings rating (Australian Excellence), and a 5.5-Star NABERS energy rating.

The tower’s facade is realised as a unitised curtain wall with 2.4m / 8′ module widths incorporating fins of varying widths and projections according to the orientation and solar exposure. The fin layout has been parametrically modelled and optimised and reduces solar gains by 60%. This is a key measure in achieving a 5.5-Star NABERS energy rating.

Natural ventilation is incorporated through mixed mode spaces in the podium levels and there is opportunity to create winter garden zones on tenant floors. Embodied carbon studies have been carried out throughout the design stages to inform design and materiality options and have been a key driver in procurement decisions.

Location
Brisbane, Australia

Client
QIC

Architect
Henning Larsen | Architectus