Revisiting last year’s Best of Best, T3 Collingwood by JCB

Located in Collingwood, Victoria, T3 Collingwood stands as a 15-storey commercial building that harmoniously integrates with its industrial surroundings. 

The structure features a mass-timber construction, comprising two basement levels, five concrete podium levels, and ten levels of exposed glulam post-and-beam framework with cross-laminated timber (CLT) floor panels. 

This design not only pays homage to the area's architectural heritage but also sets a new standard for sustainable office buildings. 

The building's façade draws inspiration from nearby warehouse typologies, presenting a rhythmic brick design at the ground and podium levels. 

Large, punched window openings with metal surrounds provide solar shading, enhancing energy efficiency. 

Internally, the use of mass timber creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, offering occupants extensive access to natural light and views. 

T3 Collingwood's environmental performance is noteworthy, targeting a 5.5 Star NABERS rating and achieving a 6-Star Green Star (Design and As-Built) certification. 

Its mass-timber construction results in 34% less embodied carbon compared to an equivalent concrete structure, highlighting its significant contribution to reducing the building's carbon footprint. 

The project has garnered multiple accolades, including the Harry Seidler Award for Commercial Architecture at the 2024 National Architecture Awards and recognition in the Commercial Architecture (Large) category at the Sustainability Awards. 

T3 Collingwood exemplifies how innovative design and sustainable practices can converge to create a landmark that benefits both its occupants and the broader community.

This category is sponsored by Autex. Entries are open for the Sustainability Awards 2025, brought to you by Architecture & Design. Enter now.
 

Image: T3 Collingwood by JCB / Photography by Tom Blachford, John Gollings