Australia’s commercial architecture is entering a new era. Built in collaboration with Obayashi and Dexus, Atlassian Central at 8–10 Lee Street, Sydney, is set to become the world’s tallest hybrid timber commercial building. Anchoring the Tech Central precinct, this 42-storey tower redefines sustainability, smart workplace design, and urban integration.

From its striking timber, glass, and steel exoskeleton façade to operable high-rise habitats laced with natural light, ventilation, and native plant life, Atlassian Central exemplifies how forward-thinking projects can transform the workplace.

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Key Points

1. Atlassian Central will span 75,000 sqm of Gross Floor Area, including retail spaces and a 137-room YHA hotel at its base.
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2. The building will house over 5,000 workers and 450 hotel guests across 42 storeys.
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3. Sustainability targets include a 50% reduction in embodied carbon during construction, 100% renewable energy, a 5.5-star NABERS Energy Commitment, and a 6-star Green Star goal.
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4. Innovative design features include mass timber construction, an electricity-generating façade with self-shading, and interconnected “habitats” replacing traditional floor plates.
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5. Positioned at Central Station, the precinct maximises multimodal access to public transport, cycle paths, and pedestrian routes.
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6. Completion is expected in late 2026, with Atlassian moving in by 2028.

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Project Significance

Atlassian Central represents a benchmark for sustainable and flexible commercial workplaces. More than an office tower, it is a blueprint for future work environments – combining environmental responsibility, employee well-being, and integration with urban infrastructure. The development replaces conventional office layouts with clustered timber “habitats” stacked within a steel exoskeleton, creating naturally ventilated internal parks and abundant daylight.

This project demonstrates how complex, large-scale construction can meet ambitious sustainability goals while delivering next-generation workplaces. The operable façade system and energy-efficient mass timber design highlight how high-rise commercial buildings can significantly reduce carbon footprints and operational energy use.

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Further Details: A Blueprint for the Future of Work

The Atlassian tower is designed for the digital era, blending office, hospitality, and public realm spaces to encourage community, collaboration, and creativity. Its lower floors house the new YHA Central hostel, retail amenities, and public spaces that engage commuters and visitors, while the upper habitats are designed for flexible tech work environments and rooftop event spaces.

Working closely with Transport for NSW, Heritage NSW, and other agencies, the project seamlessly integrates with Sydney’s Central Station precinct and surrounding infrastructure, creating a tech hub reminiscent of Silicon Valley. European spruce, native plants, and automated glass louvres all contribute to operational efficiency, thermal comfort, and a healthy workplace environment.

From green concrete and timber to smart façades and high-performance atriums, Atlassian Central shows how sustainable design and human-centric workplaces can converge on a grand scale. This landmark project sets a new global benchmark for hybrid timber high-rises, combining environmental stewardship, urban connectivity, and cutting-edge workplace design.