Sydney's 600-Foot Timber Tower Doubles World Record

Sydney's skyline is about to prove that building greener doesn't mean building smaller.

Atlassian Central, a 40-story tower nearing completion in downtown Sydney, just claimed the title of world's tallest hybrid timber skyscraper. At 600 feet tall, it's more than twice the height of the previous record holder in Milwaukee, which stands at 284 feet.

The building uses 353,000 cubic feet of engineered wood imported from Europe. Cross-laminated timber slabs and glued-laminated timber columns work together with concrete and steel to create a structure stable enough to soar to unprecedented heights.

Designed by BVN and SHoP Architects, the tower takes a fresh approach to high-rise construction. Seven stacked four-story modules make up the commercial floors, each framed with the innovative hybrid timber structure. These "habitat" modules connect to landscaped terraces that bring outdoor space into the sky.

The building's facade does more than look good. Solar panels cover sections of the exterior, while an automated ventilation system dramatically reduces the need for mechanical cooling. Natural airflow moves through the building thanks to carefully designed openings that respond to weather conditions.

Inside, 39 floors will house primarily office space along with multiple open garden areas. The lower floors include a hostel, and the ground level lobby incorporates an existing building that's being restored and preserved as part of the project.

The Ripple Effect

This tower represents a major leap forward for sustainable construction in cities worldwide. Traditional skyscrapers rely almost entirely on concrete and steel, which together account for roughly 15% of global carbon emissions. Engineered wood stores carbon instead of releasing it, turning buildings into carbon sinks rather than sources.

The project proves that timber construction can scale beyond the low-rise buildings where it's typically used. As cities face pressure to reduce their environmental impact while still growing upward, Atlassian Central offers a working model for how to build both tall and green.

Other cities are already watching. Timber skyscraper proposals are in development across North America, Europe, and Asia, many inspired by projects like this one that push the boundaries of what's possible with sustainable materials.

Construction is expected to wrap up in late 2026 or early 2027, giving Sydney a landmark that points toward a future where our tallest buildings also tread most lightly on the planet.