Quay Quarter Tower began with an inspiring brief. AMP Capital’s vision from the outset was to retain the original building and adapt it for contemporary Sydney. This was just one of 60 sustainability targets. QQT had high ambitions from the outset and is a blueprint for environmentally responsible architecture: 6-star Green Star, 5.5 Star NABERS energy rating and WELL Gold certified.

Retaining the original building represents an embodied carbon saving of 7.3million kg compared to a conventional construction project of this scale: equivalent to two years of operational emissions from basic building systems like air conditioning and elevators.

BVN worked on this extraordinary project for almost a decade. First we completed the masterplan for AMP Capital, and identified the tower as the centrepiece for the precinct. Danish architects, 3XN were the winners of an international design competition with a design to augment the existing tower and create a “vertical village”.

3XN and BVN developed the project in detail, resolving the many complex challenges of transforming the original building, and completing tender documentation. When Multiplex was appointed to build QQT in 2018, BVN as the Executive Architect was novated to the builder. coordinating construction through to conclusion in 2022.

3XN’s concept was for a twisting tower, comprising five distinct workplace hubs each connected with their own central atrium. At the base sits a mixed-use commercial podium including (edible!) public gardens. And at its core: an existing concrete tower and a new steel and concrete structure, united and seamless.

Delivering this vision required a complex sequence comprising three phases of demolishing, remodelling and new construction. The process took many months to develop.

Fifty years of settlement and wind pressure distortion demanded a complex structural solution that could overcome the legacy of the existing building, connect and align it with the new and provide long term stability.

A seamless and unified façade wraps the old and new buildings. Thermal properties create cooling effects that reduce reliance on air conditioning. Sunshades atop the tower reduce solar gain and avoid the need for blinds. The staggered repetitive façade framing reduces visual impact and prevents reflections annoying drivers on the Harbour Bridge.

The façade comprises over 5000 façade panels, weighing 1.3tonnes, and each unique, creating the distinctive form.

The podium comprises 30 premium shops, eateries and fitness spaces, plus the entry to the Office Lobby. It’s a vast and dynamic space complete with Tom Dixon-designed furniture and fixtures. Just outside, a striking sculpture accentuates a 4,000sqm leisure space that features event spaces and edible gardens.

The building is designed to play host to 10,000 people a day. “Experience mapping” was used to develop key design moves: the best place for the front doors, the design and width of stairs, and the position of escalators, all leading to the office core.

Four lift banks cater for occupant numbers at the start of each work day. Existing lift shafts were re-used where possible and new shafts created to accommodate the additional people now housed in the tower.

At 50 floors above podium, the harbour views from inside QQT are unrivalled. Multi-storey atriums with 35 connecting spiral staircases make it a spectacular world-class workplace. It’s also one of the most flexible: fully modular, with a de-constructable floor system enabling contemporary organisations to create their ideal workplaces. This adaptability ensures the tower has great leasing flexibility and will keep pace with changing needs of business tenants.

AMP had a vision for an upcycled Quay Quarter Tower that would be sustainable, inspirational and adaptable. The result sets a new standard for workplace buildings, and how we continue to evolve our cities.