Brief
Discover the revolutionary Quay Quarter Tower in Sydney, a pioneering project that transformed the AMP Centre into the world’s first upcycled skyscraper, setting new standards for sustainable architecture.
Insight
In 2014, Australian company AMP Capital issued an audacious and unconventional challenge to Sydney’s architectural community – to replace their skyscraper headquarters without tearing it down. Their vision was to transform the AMP Centre, once the tallest building in Sydney, into the world’s first “upcycled skyscraper.” The outcome was truly inspiring.
By grafting a second tower onto the existing core of the AMP Centre, rather than demolishing it, an impressive 12,000 tons of CO2 emissions were saved. This figure is equivalent to three years of the 49-story tower’s maximum energy consumption. These emissions would have been generated by heavy machinery usage and carbon loss through cement decomposition.
Fred Holt from 3XN commented in a video interview, “The tower was approaching the end of its viable lifespan, but the structure and the ‘bones’ can actually last much longer… Retaining the structure, which is where the majority of embodied carbon lies, helps to reduce the building’s carbon footprint.”
Initially, it was uncertain how much of the original structure would be preserved. During the project, the team discovered that the original tower was roughly 4 metres shorter than initially indicated in the drawings. Towers can shrink due to the spreading and settling of concrete. It was only when construction began in 2018 that the architects could truly assess the concrete’s strength, as well as determine where and how much additional weight could be supported.
Hundreds of sensors were installed to monitor even the slightest movements, ensuring that the integration of the new construction with the existing structure would not lead to any unexpected issues. The project was a resounding success, with the architects proudly claiming that the transition between the new and old sections of the tower is seamless.
Now known as the Quay Quarter Tower, the building was awarded the prestigious title of World Building of the Year upon its opening in late 2022. 3XN hopes this innovative project will serve as a case study, demonstrating the future potential for upcycling towers.
Highlight
- By grafting a second tower onto the existing core of the AMP Centre, rather than demolishing it, an impressive 12,000 tons of CO2 emissions were saved.
- This figure is equivalent to three years of the 49-story tower’s maximum energy consumption.
- During the project, the team discovered that the original tower was roughly 4 metres shorter than initially indicated in the drawings.
Satallite View
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Upcycling
Upcycling in construction is the practice of creatively repurposing or reusing materials and structures to enhance their value, prolong their lifespan, and minimise waste and environmental impact. This approach encourages architects, engineers, and builders to utilise existing resources, reducing the demand for new materials and promoting sustainability within the construction sector.
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