Boral is proud to be part of the team that built this internationally acclaimed building at Circular Quay. Quay Quarter Tower (QQT), named World Building of the Year at the World Architecture Festival, is a new 50-story building that was completed in April 2022 and used innovative design and construction materials to minimise its carbon footprint.
Known as the world's first "upcycled" skyscraper, one of the key objectives was to reuse as much of the existing AMP building as possible. The AMP building was state-of-the-art when it was built in 1970, but by 2017 it was due for a facelift and an extension.
Around two-thirds of the original building's core was retained, saving 12,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions compared to demolishing and rebuilding the entire structure. This resulted in achieving a 6 Star Green Star Rating, representing best practice in sustainable design and construction.
This significant engineering achievement was achieved in part due to the use of Boral's high-performance Aspire® concrete, and further reductions in greenhouse gas emissions were achieved by using Boral's high-performance ENVISIA® concrete.
Project Challenge
The main goal of the Quay Quarter Tower project was to transform the Circular Quay area into a vibrant destination that supports Sydney’s future as a green, global, and connected city. The project aimed to reuse as much of the existing AMP building as possible to minimise environmental impact and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This required innovative construction materials and techniques to meet the high standards of sustainability and performance.
“Mid and late 20th century towers are reaching the end of their usable lifespans," said Kim Herforth Nielsen, Founder and Creative Director at 3XN Architects. "We know that we can no longer demolish and build the way we have in the past – that we must instead extend the life and potential of the buildings we already have. This is the most essential definition of sustainability in architecture – and the driving force behind Quay Quarter Tower."
Boral Solution
Through our concrete placing subsidiary, De Martin & Gasparini (DMG), Boral provided 28,861 m³ of high-performance concrete products that were integral to the success of the Quay Quarter Tower project.
The use of ENVISIA® concrete enabled the project to meet high one-day strength constructability requirements and achieve improved sustainability performance with significantly lower embodied carbon. 5,498m³ of ENVISIA® concrete contributed to the project's overall saving of 12,000 tonnes of embodied carbon, making it a key component in the world’s first “upcycled” skyscraper.
Additionally, 3,265m³ of Boral's Aspire® concrete was used for its low shrinkage and high modulus of elasticity, further enhancing the building's structural integrity and sustainability.
Team Engagement
Boral's team worked closely with Multiplex, BVN, and BG&E to ensure the successful completion of the Quay Quarter Tower project. The collaboration involved regular communication, problem-solving, and a shared commitment to sustainability and innovation.
De Martin and Gasparini delivered, pumped and placed concrete on-site, while Boral's experts provided technical support and guidance throughout the project, ensuring that the concrete products met the required specifications and performance standards.
Project Outcomes
Quay Quarter Tower was a resounding success, achieving its goals of sustainability, innovation, and performance, and was awarded a prestigious 6 Star Green Star rating by the Green Building Council of Australia. This rating represents ‘World Leadership’ in sustainable design and construction.
The building retained 65% of the original AMP tower structure and 95% of the original core, significantly reducing its environmental impact. The use of Boral's ENVISIA® and Aspire® concrete products contributed to the project's success by providing high-performance, sustainable solutions.
"We are proud to see our lower carbon concrete solutions and technical expertise contribute to the landmark Quay Quarter Tower, now an iconic part of Sydney's skyline and a global pioneer in sustainable construction," said Ben Gow, Head of Technical Services at Boral.
The project received numerous national and international accolades, including the Concrete Institute of Australia's Award for Excellence in Concrete and the American Concrete Institute's Award for Excellence in 2023. Quay Quarter Tower was named World Building of the Year at the 2022 World Architecture Festival, highlighting its global impact and recognition.
Conclusion
Quay Quarter Tower exemplifies Boral's commitment to building a sustainable future through innovative construction materials and solutions. The successful collaboration with Multiplex, BVN, and BG&E resulted in a world-class building that sets new standards for sustainability and performance.
Boral is proud to have been part of this transformative project and looks forward to future opportunities to build something great.
