SYDNEY’S landmark Quay Quarter Tower is declared “an extraordinary combination of upcycling and densification”, winning the International High-Rise Award (IHA) 2022/23.
The 3XN-designed tower’s innovative decision to integrate a large portion of the existing 1970s high-rise structure swayed the jury, offering a sustainable building solution in a time of heightened environmental concerns.
“Quay Quarter Tower is the most important transformation project ever completed by 3XN – one that would not have been possible without an ambitious client and a great team,” said Kim Herforth Nielsen, founder and creative director at 3XN.
“It transforms an existing tower in central Sydney that no longer worked for its users, giving it new form and character, and extending its lifespan far into the future.”
Located near Circular Quay at 50 Bridge Street, the reimagining of the old 45-floor AMP Tower was completed in April this year and offers 89,000sqm of office accommodation and around 4,000sqm of retail space.
While commercial tenants include Deloitte, Corrs Chambers Westgarth, AMP and others, as well as a flexible workspace managed in partnership with The Work Project,
“Mid and late 20th century towers are reaching the end of their usable lives, and we know we cannot demolish and build the way we have in the past,” added Herforth Nielsen.
The IHA jury praised the 3XN for creating a design that expands the GFA in the same footprint, while also utilising materials from the existing structure such as beams, slabs and cores.
Not only is the a cost efficient innovation, but crucially represents an embodied carbon saving of more than 12,000 metric tonnes.
“Quay Quarter Tower in Sydney is four floors higher than its predecessor, adding space on the same footprint. At the same time, it maximizes carbon savings. A win-win situation,” said Peter Cachola Schmal, director of Deutsches Architekturmuseum.
Cachola Schmal emphasised the growing importance of building densification as the world’s population grows, with Quay Quarter Tower representing a future norm of redevelopment.
“Particularly impressive is the innovative concept of largely retaining the structure of the existing building and thus significantly reducing the carbon footprint. This makes Quay Quarter Tower forward-looking and a pioneer for more sustainable and resource-efficient architecture,” added Matthias Danne, deputy chairman of the executive board of DekaBank.
The design also emphasises sustainability through optimising heat loads and reducing energy input while ensuring ample daylight.
And boasts a 5.5 Star NABERS Energy Rating, and a 6 Star Green Star Design & As Built rating from the Green Building Council of Australia.
Jointly owned by AMP Capital Wholesale Office Fund (AWOF), Dexus Wholesale Property Fund (DWPF) and Rest Super, the building comprises five stacked volumes around a central axis.
The development of Quay Quarter Tower also saw the creation of public space at its base, with the high-rise connected to its surrounding on all sides through various points of entry.
Beyond the three-levels of retail space, the property includes publicly accessible green gardens and a rooftop café.
Winning the award includes a EUR50,000 prize and a statuette created by internationally renowned artist Thomas Demand.
“Quay Quarter Tower is proof that transformation in architecture is possible at a large scale,” concluded Herforth Nielsen.
“We are so thrilled it has been recognized by this award – it recognizes this milestone for architecture, the bold and visionary work of so many, and emphasizes the importance of daring to reimagine how we approach the future of the built environment.”
