Arup Principal and WA Leader, Lewis Macdonald, said the move into one of Australia’s lowest carbon buildings aligned with the company’s commitment to sustainable development.
“By using timber as a building material we have been able to deliver a lower carbon building, while extending the tower to 12 storeys – higher than the three storeys achievable with a conventional concrete structure. The solution avoided the demolition of the existing building ensuring a reduction of embodied carbon emissions and setting a new benchmark for sustainable buildings in WA,” Mr Macdonald said.
“Having collaborated with GDI on the innovative design, it made perfect sense to relocate our expanding Perth based operations into the new WS2 tower. We look forward to moving into our new home within this vibrant Westralia Square precinct later this year and creating a new collaborative workspace for our people from which we can continue to contribute to shaping this great city and state through our projects and partnerships with clients.”
GDI Head of Development David Ockenden welcomed the continued relationship with Arup.
“WS2 is a game changer for the way office towers and other buildings are planned and constructed in Western Australia and for tenants who are serious about environmental, social and governance (ESG) targets and obligations,” Mr Ockenden said.
“Reducing embodied carbon, as well as operational carbon emissions, will grow as a key factor for the industry and tenants into the future, given company and governmental emission reduction targets.
“Arup is to be commended for its ability and foresight in choosing to establish itself at Peth’s first timber-hybrid office tower.
“With WS2, GDI has shown that timber hybrid construction is not only feasible in WA, but also has significant benefits. It is a methodology we will continue to explore, refine and consider for our future projects in Perth and the east coast.”
The tenancy was brokered by Propertysolve acting on behalf of Arup.