Tuesday, January 6, 2026
Atlassian’s much-anticipated timber hybrid tower in Sydney has seen remarkable progress over the Christmas break. The 39-storey skyscraper is now visibly taller, with its distinctive timber habitats coming into view from the city’s Central Station. This hybrid tower, which blends traditional steel and concrete with advanced timber construction, is the world’s largest timber-hybrid building currently under construction.
Set to open in 2026, the $1.8 billion project, often referred to as the “plyscraper,” is positioned to revolutionise sustainable construction in urban environments. Its unique structure features more than 30,000 cubic metres of timber, sourced from European suppliers Stora Enso and Wiehag. The timber spans across 21 storeys, with seven three-level ‘timber habitats’ placed between steel and concrete mega floor plates. These habitats are positioned above a seven-storey concrete podium, giving the building a striking look and making it an architectural landmark.
The building’s timber habitats are designed by BVN, alongside New York-based architecture firm SHoP. Each habitat comprises four floors of timber space, stacked inside a steel exoskeleton that eliminates the need for internal columns. According to Tim Allen, the timber structural lead for TTW, this design decision helps optimise space and enhances the structural integrity of the building. “The timber floors are connected to the concrete floors via drag straps,” Allen explained during his presentation at Timber Construct, Australia’s premier timber construction conference in late 2024.
The timber used in the project is cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels and glulam beams, which are being installed on levels 33 and 35. These materials provide both strength and environmental benefits, making them an ideal choice for a hybrid structure of this scale. The use of timber allows for a faster construction process, with the team able to complete each five-storey section in a shorter time frame compared to traditional construction methods. Peter Morley, Dexus’ project director, highlighted this speed of construction in an October statement, noting how the hybrid timber approach has allowed them to accelerate both the building’s height and façade installation.
Morley explained that the process involves moving upwards quickly, with five levels being constructed at a time. “While we’re going up, we’re coming back and infilling with timber within each of those five-storey zones,” he stated. This innovative approach reduces the time required to complete the building and showcases the efficiency of hybrid timber in modern construction.
The collaboration between Dexus and Atlassian in the development of the building demonstrates their commitment to creating a sustainable and efficient workplace. Atlassian, the tech giant known for its commitment to environmental responsibility, is set to occupy five of the seven timber habitats once the building is fully operational in late 2028. This partnership is expected to bring cutting-edge office space to the Sydney skyline, combining advanced design with eco-friendly building techniques.
Atlassian Central is a joint venture between Dexus and Atlassian, with Built and Japanese construction firm Obayashi serving as the appointed builders. The project is progressing as planned and remains on track for completion by 2026. Despite its impressive scale, the building’s design ensures that the use of timber does not compromise safety or durability. The timber construction approach is intended to reduce the building’s environmental footprint while still providing a high level of structural integrity.
As a major player in the sustainable construction movement, Atlassian’s timber tower highlights the growing trend of hybrid timber buildings in urban environments. Timber offers numerous advantages, including reduced carbon emissions and enhanced sustainability. This building exemplifies the potential for timber to be used in large-scale urban projects, especially as cities like Sydney push towards more sustainable construction practices.
The use of timber in the construction of such a tall structure has sparked discussions about the future of building materials. Hybrid timber systems like those used in the Atlassian Central project are becoming increasingly popular for their combination of strength, sustainability, and speed. The design reflects a growing understanding of how timber can be used effectively in high-rise buildings, challenging traditional methods of construction.
As more hybrid timber projects begin to emerge around the world, the Atlassian Central tower in Sydney stands as a pioneering example of what is possible when innovative thinking meets environmental responsibility. The building’s timber habitats are not only an aesthetic and functional marvel but also represent a shift towards greener, more sustainable architecture in major cities.
This exciting development in Sydney sets a new standard for future skyscrapers, where sustainability and design are seamlessly integrated. The Atlassian timber tower is a symbol of how urban construction can evolve, creating healthier, more sustainable spaces for people to work and live in.
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