The Bond, Norwest | Australia
The Bond is a highly modern 6-storey office building made from wood located in an industrial area some 30 kilometres outside of Sydney. It houses 10,500 m2 of industrial office space, medical counselling and treatment rooms, a daycare centre and retail space. The building was erected using binderholz CLT BBS, binderholz glulam and binderholz solid wood panels.
FACTS
Project New office building including medical services
Location Norwest,New South Wales, Australia
Completion 2023
Client Mulpha Norwest, Image Property Developments
Architecture fitzpatrick & partners
Execution Buildcorp
Structural Engineer TTW
Material use 1,312 m³ of binderholz CLT BBS, 1,572 m³ of binderholz glulam, 300m2 of binderholz 3-layer solid wood panels
Blending nature and innovation
The office building is one of Australia’s first healthcare facilities built specifically from solid wood, and it supports the neighboring Norwest Private Hospital with its medical and specialist services.
The ceilings, walls, and staircases were constructed using binderholz cross-laminated timber (BBS), while the columns and beams of the wood-frame structure are made of binderholz glued-laminated timber. The approximately 13,000 m² solid wood structure sits on a concrete podium with two levels housing a mix of retail and childcare facilities, as well as a three-story underground parking garage. The innovative, sustainable building is complemented by floor-to-ceiling high-performance glass facades that optimize natural light and provide views. The minimal concrete elements of the lateral bracing core and the base are clad with recycled bricks.
Made in Austria - constructed in Australia
All prefabrication of the timber construction elements took place off-site at the binderholz plants. All fastening and connection details were installed during the timber manufacturing process. Our b_project team also provided support with the structural analysis and assembly.
The timber elements were subsequently delivered to an external storage yard in the immediate vicinity of the construction site. This approach made it possible to store the timber protected from the elements. Detailed delivery schedules were developed to ensure that the components delivered to the construction site could be assembled on the same day. The beams and columns, featuring simple connections, ensured a swift construction process.
Insights into production
The future of office design
The project's main objective was to demonstrate the viability of sustainable work structures in suburban environments and to present a reduced carbon footprint for such building types. The Bond proves that sustainable building is not only desirable but also realistic. Visible wood improves well-being and promotes the focus and productivity of the people who work in this new building.
Photos: © Aran Anderson Photography © binderholz
Renderings: © Mulpha © binderholz
Video: © binderholz
