55 SOUTHBANK

THE WORLD’S TALLEST MASS TIMBER VERTICAL EXTENSION

55 Southbank is a Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) building extension in Melbourne, Victoria.

Now completed, it is one of Australia’s tallest mass timber structures and the tallest mass timber vertical extension in the world. The structure is a 10 storey hotel that was built atop an existing 6 strorey concrete building.

The project delivered a 220 room serviced apartment building run by Adina Hotels.

Glass-fronted multistorey building

A PROJECT MADE POSSIBLE BY MASS TIMBER

The project was originally planned as just a 6 storey vertical extension using conventional structural materials. However, the use of CLT reduced the weight of the structure and enabled the extension to be pushed to 10 storeys.

The added four floors was a critical factor in the business case for the proposed accommodation asset and utilising CLT played a significant impact on the overall cost-effectiveness of the build.

CLT also proved to the ideal prefabricated system to be installed in the tight inner-city location.

NEW HORIZONS IN CONSTUCTION

CLT is not simply a substitute for conventional building approaches. CLT also has the ability to unlock value in projects that simply was not possible using concrete or steel.

The project points to an evolution in how construction can be done, and opens up new horizons in property development.

Vertical extension in CLT under construction at 55 Southbank Blvd Melbourne
Vistek on site of CLT building under construction with temporary propping visible at 55 Southbank Blvd Melbourne
IMAGE: BATES SMART

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55 SOUTHBANK

KEY PROJECT DATA

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  • Number of Serviced Apartments – 220
  • Number of CLT Panels – 1,850 approx.
  • Tonnes of CLT – 1,730 approx.
  • Cubic Metres of CLT – 3,675 approx.
  • Tonnes of CO2 Sequestered – 2,800 approx.

Want to know more? Listen to the podcast.

To hear an in-depth discussion of the project, you can tune into the TimberTalks podcast.

Join WoodSolution’s Adam Jones as he discusses the details of 55 Southbank. With Julian Anderson (Bates Smart), Nathan Benbow (Vistek), and Rob Debrincat (Atelier Projects).

S1 E13 – 10 Storey CLT Extension – Part 1

S1 E14 10 Storey CLT Extension – Part 2

You can listen to these episodes and others here: https://www.woodsolutions.com.au/podcasts/timber-talks-series-1

Logo for the Wood Solutions podcast called Timber Talks