‘Subtropical’ Brisbane office tower on its way

Designed by John Wardle Architects, the spaces of this office tower “aspire to be both fundamental and common to the future workplace.”

A John Wardle Architects designed 15-storey office tower in central Brisbane that harnesses “the qualities of a subtropical environment” has been approved by Brisbane City Council.

In the development application, the architects wrote that the design of the tower, to be located at 895 Ann Street, would accommodate the changing nature of office work, with many different occupants imagined over time.

895 Ann Street by John Wardle Architects.

895 Ann Street by John Wardle Architects.

Image: John Wardle Architects

“The speculative nature of this building type means that it will host many different tenants over its life span. As a result, the spaces proposed here aspire to be both fundamental and common to the future workplace.

“Acknowledging the changing nature of work, this building accommodates and encourages the diverse conditions required to make an engaging and attractive working environment.”

A key design feature is an “outdoor room” at the top of the podium, which will be exposed to the elements and populated with greenery.

“This break in the overall mass sets the stage for a highly social space. Featuring large overhangs and living planting, the outdoor room is both open to, and protected from, the external environment.” The podium façade will also be densely planted.

895 Ann Street by John Wardle Architects.

895 Ann Street by John Wardle Architects.

Image: John Wardle Architects

Another feature is the design’s “expanded ground floor,” which will see the lobby expanded below and above ground level. “Substantial voids provide visual connectivity and an active front parlour that is visible immediately upon arrival,” the design statement reads.

This area is intended to be more of a “campus, rather than a traditional office environment,” in keeping with the intended flexibility of the building’s use.

More industry news

See all
The proposed Gurrowa Place designed by NH Architecture, Kerstin Thompson Architects, 3XN Australia, and Searle × Waldron Architecture. Queen Victoria Market towers approved

The Victorian Department of Transport and Planning has approved a $1.7 billion project to create three towers adjacent to Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Market.

The building’s design incorporates elements to reference both Vietnamese and Australian culture. ‘Nationally significant’ cultural museum on its way

Brimbank City Council in Melbourne’s north west has agreed to sell a parcel of land to the Vietnamese Museum of Australia, paving the way for …

Most read

Latest on site

LATEST PRODUCTS