Elegant Design and Impeccable Green Credentials
The International House of Sydney is the first modern engineered timber building of its size in Australia. Built almost entirely of certified cross laminated timber (CLT) and recycled hardwood, the graceful seven-story structure features a unique colonnade form evocative of a forest. The building has a clear glass façade that reveals its internal timber structure to the public.
The site of the International House is an urban renewal area of Sydney which had supported a large port facility made of solid timber since the late 1800s.
According to Jonathan Evans, the International House project director, Australia has a long history of constructing buildings and infrastructure from solid timber elements. "The main driver in converting the new precinct-defining buildings from concrete to timber was to establish a new paradigm for high quality, low carbon commercial buildings," he said.
"We were seeking to design a unique and desirable workplace where the overt timber expression aids the health and well-being of the users through biophilic design – responding to our innate connection with nature and natural settings."
A number of factors contribute to the International House's drastically reduced carbon footprint. Replacing the concrete frame with one of timber reduced greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere due to sequestration of carbon in the timber and also eliminated the GHG emissions associated with the manufacture of concrete – a double win towards lowering CO2.
A photovoltaic array on the roof generates renewable energy for the building, and is further complemented by a growing roof meadow which absorbs rainwater, supports natural life in the city,
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Frequently asked questions
What is the International House of Sydney built from?+
The International House of Sydney is built almost entirely of certified cross laminated timber (CLT) and recycled hardwood. It is the first modern engineered timber building of its size in Australia.
How many stories is the International House of Sydney?+
It is a seven-story structure featuring a unique colonnade form evocative of a forest, with a clear glass façade that reveals its internal timber structure to the public.
Why was timber chosen over concrete for the International House of Sydney?+
According to project director Jonathan Evans, the main driver was to establish a new paradigm for high quality, low carbon commercial buildings. The team also sought to create a unique workplace where timber expression aids user health and well-being through biophilic design.
How does using timber instead of concrete reduce the building's carbon footprint?+
Replacing the concrete frame with timber reduces greenhouse gases through carbon sequestration in the wood, while also eliminating the GHG emissions associated with concrete manufacturing. This provides a double benefit toward lowering CO2.
What renewable energy features are included in the International House of Sydney?+
A photovoltaic array on the roof generates renewable energy for the building. It is complemented by a growing roof meadow that absorbs rainwater and supports natural life in the city.
What is the history of the International House of Sydney site?+
The site is located in an urban renewal area of Sydney that had supported a large port facility made of solid timber since the late 1800s. Australia has a long history of constructing buildings and infrastructure from solid timber elements.