Sydney is on the verge of claiming a significant architectural milestone. Atlassian Central, a 39-floor hybrid timber tower currently nearing completion, is set to become the world’s tallest building of its kind, surpassing the existing record holder by a considerable margin.

Designed by BVN and SHoP Architects as part of a larger development in Sydney, Australia, the tower will top out at 183 m (600 ft). That makes it more than twice the height of Milwaukee’s Ascent, which currently holds the title of world’s tallest hybrid timber skyscraper at 86.6 m (284 ft). According to the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH), the premier authority on building heights, Atlassian Central will claim the record upon completion, ahead of any proposals not yet approved.

Designer: BVN & SHoP Architects

The structure relies on a hybrid system of concrete, steel, and engineered wood, a combination that sets it apart from purely timber towers like Norway’s Mjøstårnet. The use of concrete and steel allows the building to reach heights that timber alone could not sustain, while glued-laminated timber columns and cross-laminated timber slabs, sourced from Europe, are incorporated throughout. In total, roughly 10,000 cubic meters (353,000 cubic ft) of engineered wood will be used in the build.

Sustainability is woven into the design beyond the choice of materials. The facade integrates solar panels alongside an automation system developed by specialist EBSA, which is expected to significantly reduce the building’s mechanical cooling requirements. SHoP Architects describe the commercial floors as being organized into seven stacked four-story “habitat” modules, each framed by the hybrid timber structure and designed to maximize natural ventilation, provide access to landscaped terraces, and support workplace well-being through a connection to natural environments.

The tower’s program is varied. The lower floors will house a hostel, and the project will incorporate an existing building on the site, which is being restored and folded into the lobby. The majority of the remaining floors are dedicated to office space, interspersed with multiple open garden areas that reinforce the building’s emphasis on greenery and natural light.

An exact completion date has not been confirmed, but Atlassian Central is expected to be finished in late 2026 or sometime in 2027. When it opens, it will represent not just a new height record for hybrid timber construction, but a meaningful step forward in demonstrating what sustainable high-rise architecture can look like at scale.

The post The World’s Tallest Timber Skyscraper Is in Sydney, and It Rises 600 Feet Into the Sky first appeared on Yanko Design.

Overlooking the lovely coastline of Vagator, Goa, sits something India has never seen before. Architecture Discipline’s Timber Residence breaks new ground as the country’s first mass timber home, proving that environmental responsibility and stunning design can work hand in hand. Architect Akshat Bhatt wanted to create more than just another luxury residence. The 8,650 square foot structure challenges everything we think we know about Indian construction.

The secret lies in eleven glulam portal frames, each one carefully crafted in New Delhi before making the journey to Goa. These aren’t your typical building materials. Glued laminated timber represents a completely different construction approach, where pieces get stronger when combined rather than weakened. The entire house operates like sophisticated building blocks that can actually be taken apart and moved elsewhere decades from now.

Designer: Architecture Discipline

From the outside, charred-wood cladding gives the home its stunning weathered appearance while protecting it from monsoon rains and coastal salt air. The linear design captures sweeping views of both the Arabian Sea and Chapora River, turning the house into a front-row seat for nature’s daily show. Inside, exposed timber beams steal the spotlight, their raw authenticity warming rooms finished with black granite floors and deliberately bare white walls.

The lower level houses something special: a glass-enclosed wood workshop bathed in natural light from clerestory windows above. This creative space opens onto a timber deck that feels more like an outdoor room than a traditional balcony. Instead of walls or railings, planters define the deck’s edges, keeping the connection to the surrounding landscape completely uninterrupted. The workshop becomes a bridge between indoor creativity and outdoor inspiration.

Building on a cliff in Goa means preparing for nature’s worst moods. Bhatt worked with engineers to ensure the structure could handle fifty years of typhoons and torrential rains without flinching. The glulam construction method does something remarkable: it removes carbon from the atmosphere during production. While concrete construction takes from the environment, this timber approach gives back, making each beam part of the solution rather than the problem.

International architecture publications have taken notice, recognizing this project as a catalyst for change across India’s building industry. The residence is proof that sustainable construction doesn’t mean compromising on quality or beauty. With India’s population demanding smarter housing solutions, this Goa home shows a path forward where environmental consciousness and architectural excellence aren’t just compatible but essential partners in creating the future of responsible design.

FAQs

1. What makes the Timber Residence unique in India?

This home is a real first for India, it’s the country’s debut mass timber house, built using glulam frames instead of the usual concrete or steel. What sets it apart is how it was designed: almost like a giant set of building blocks that can be taken apart and moved if needed. The focus on sustainability, adaptability, and a much lighter environmental footprint makes it a standout in Indian residential architecture.

2. Why use glulam (glued laminated timber) instead of concrete or steel?

Glulam is a bit of a game-changer. It’s incredibly strong, but much lighter than concrete or steel, and it can be prefabricated, which means less mess and faster building on site. The real bonus is that timber stores carbon, so using glulam helps the environment rather than hurting it. You get all the strength you need for a modern home, but with a much smaller carbon footprint.

3. How does the Timber Residence handle Goa’s harsh coastal weather?

Goa’s weather can be tough, think heavy rains, salty air, and the occasional typhoon. The Timber Residence was built with all that in mind. Its charred-wood exterior helps protect it from moisture and decay, and the engineered timber frames are made to last. Every detail, from the materials to the structure itself, was chosen to make sure the house stays comfortable and resilient, no matter what the weather throws at it.

The post India’s First Mass Timber Home In Goa Raises The Bar For Sustainable Living first appeared on Yanko Design.