Melbourne to Get Tallest Residential Mass Timber Building

If approved, the build-to-rent tower will accommodate 200 dwellings

Designs for a new 17-storey, build-to-rent tower in Abbotsford have been released, with the project targeting the title of Melbourne’s tallest residential mass timber building. Build-to-rent group Model released the designs for the proposed $120 million high-rise, which would be sited adjacent to the Victoria Park Railway Station at 276 Johnston Street. If approved, the building would accommodate 200 dwellings – 10 percent of which would be allocated to affordable housing – across a ground floor area of 13,000 square metres.

Innovative Design

• A proposed 17-storey tower aims to become Melbourne's tallest residential mass timber building, emphasising sustainable construction and design
• The project involves a diverse team of professionals focused on achieving significant reductions in embodied carbon, aiming for net-zero emissions and multiple sustainability certifications
• The development includes a commitment to allocate 10 percent of its 200 dwellings for affordable housing, addressing housing needs in the area while promoting community engagement

The project required collaboration from a diverse team of partners, including architects Fraser and Partners, sustainability consultants Hip V. Hype, structural and timber engineers BG&E, urban planners from Urbis, as well as quantity surveyors and carbon planners from Slattery. Feasibility testing was undertaken by Model and its partners over a period of six months before designs were released.

According to Model, the design approach was driven by “decarbonisation at scale,” with the project aiming to achieve a 50 percent reduction in embodied carbon compared to standard developments of a similar scale. Additionally, it aims to be entirely powered by renewable energy and to operate at net-zero emissions. The project is targeting Passive House certification, a 6 Star Green Star rating and a NatHERS rating of 9 stars.

The proposal has been submitted for planning approval via the state government’s Development Facilitation Pathway rather than through the City of Yarra.