The tallest hybrid timber skyscraper on the planet has officially reached its full height in Sydney. Atlassian Central rises an astonishing 180 meters, more than doubling the height of the previous record holder and showcasing a pioneering approach to eco-friendly high-rise construction.
- Tallest hybrid timber skyscraper at 180 meters
- Uses engineered timber with steel and concrete for strength
- Targets 50% less carbon and improved energy efficiency
What happened
Atlassian Central, a 180-meter hybrid timber tower in Sydney, Australia, has officially topped out, becoming the tallest building of its kind worldwide. Designed collaboratively by SHoP Architects and BVN Architecture, the skyscraper incorporates a concrete core, steel exoskeleton, and approximately 10,000 cubic meters of engineered timber elements such as glued-laminated and cross-laminated timber. This combination supports the building’s enormous height while allowing faster construction.
The tower more than doubles the previous timber building height record set by Milwaukee's Ascent, which stands at 86.6 meters. With 39 floors that include office spaces, a four-story collaborative area, a hostel, and multiple garden terraces, the building embodies a new chapter in sustainable urban development. Work continues on high-tech features like solar panel-integrated facade and automated cooling systems, with completion expected before the end of the year.
Why it feels good
Atlassian Central highlights a major shift toward eco-conscious construction methods by aiming to reduce its upfront embodied carbon footprint by 50% compared to traditional commercial towers. Its hybrid timber structure supports sustainability through prefabrication, dry construction, and lightweight vertical assembly, speeding progress and minimizing environmental impact.
Beyond carbon footprint reduction, the building seeks to enhance operational energy performance by another 50%, integrating renewables in innovative ways previously thought impossible in high-rise architecture. As a pioneering mass timber tower, it signals a hopeful future for greener, smarter urban spaces that combine durability with environmental stewardship.
What to enjoy or watch next
Now that the structural frame is complete, attention will turn to the finishing touches that make Atlassian Central a beacon of sustainable innovation. This includes the installation of its solar-panelled facade and an intelligent cooling system designed to optimize energy use. The integration of an existing heritage building into the lobby further enriches the project’s architectural and cultural appeal.
In the coming months, eyes worldwide will follow this tower’s completion and early performance. Atlassian Central sets a global benchmark for future mass timber skyscrapers, inspiring architects, engineers, and developers to explore hybrid timber construction as a scalable solution for sustainable, high-density urban growth.