Setting a New Global Benchmark in Sustainable Workplace Architecture

The corporate banking headquarters at 1 Shelley Street, King Street Wharf, stands as one of the most technologically advanced and environmentally progressive commercial structures in Sydney. Designed by Fitzpatrick + Partners (Base Building) and Woods Bagot (Interior Fitout), the project was envisioned from the ground up to challenge traditional office layouts and establish a world’s best practice environment for sustainability and workplace functionality.

To achieve this ambitious mandate, builder Brookfield Multiplex partnered with SUPAWOOD to engineer a highly customized suite of acoustic and decorative lining systems. The core challenge lay in integrating the building’s high-efficiency passive chilled-beam cooling system with internal linings that could satisfy strict acoustic attenuation, structural aesthetics, and fire certification.

Compliance & Sustainability Update: May 2026

While 1 Shelley Street remains a pinnacle of commercial sustainable design, building code frameworks for corporate office paths have evolved. Our SUPACOUSTIC Custom screening and ceiling assemblies are fully verified against NCC 2022 and the NCC 2025 Preview frameworks. This ensures your project effortlessly targets maximum Green Star credits alongside certified Group 1, 2, or 3 fire hazard safety.

Engineering the Metallic Chill-Beam Screens & Spotted Gum Ceilings

The defining engineering feat of this corporate fitout was the seamless integration of the passive cooling architecture. SUPAWOOD manufactured bespoke SUPACOUSTIC CUSTOM chill-beam screen panels and bulkheads finished in a sleek, industrial metallic silver finish.

These metallic systems were engineered to perform multiple roles simultaneously:

• Thermodynamic Flow: Utilizing a custom, highly geometric diamond/aerofoil perforation cutout pattern, the bulkheads and screens allow cooled air from the overhead chilled-beam units to drop naturally into the workspace below without air restriction or layout impedance, blending perfectly with the mechanical HVAC services.

• Acoustic Absorption: Integrated precision perforations provide superior noise attenuation across the public atrium, security gates, and elevator cores, successfully mitigating vocal echoes and securing critical Green Star credits for Indoor Environment Quality (IEQ).

To contrast the clean, industrial aesthetic of the metallic ventilation screens and inject vital biophilic warmth into the corporate hub, the surrounding floating SUPACOUSTIC CUSTOM ceiling features were finished in rich, natural SUPAVENEER Spotted Gum Natural Timber Venner.

These distinctive timber ceilings feature a custom varied circular/bubble perforation pattern completely outlined with solid timber perimeter margins. Systematically positioned directly above the open meeting lounges, they soften speech echoes and create comfortable, functional interior zones within the expansive, sunlit atrium floor plates.

Certified Chain of Custody and Low-VOC Manufacturing

Securing a world-leading 6 Green Star Office Design rating required absolute accountability for every material delivered to the site. All SUPAWOOD panels manufactured for this project utilized low-formaldehyde E1 MDF substrates sourced exclusively from certified, plantation-grown timber.

The factory-applied finishes—both the natural Spotted Gum veneer and the metallic silver coatings—were engineered to emit minimal volatile organic compounds (VOCs), protecting the building’s immediate indoor air quality. Reflecting our strict environmental stewardship, the entire lining package was supplied with full FSC® or PEFC Chain of Custody certification (FSC® C009780), providing complete regulatory transparency from forest to fitout.

The successful execution of this intricate lining matrix contributed directly to the project winning the prestigious Engineering Excellence Award for “Buildings and Structures,” alongside the AIB National Professional Excellence in Building Award for Commercial projects over $100m.

Awards:

• 2009 – Green Building Council of Australia – 6 Star Green Star (Design & As-Built)
• 2009 – AIB National Professional Excellence Awards – Commercial Construction Over $100M – Winner
• 2009 – AIB (NSW) Professional Excellence Awards – Commercial Construction Over $100M – Winner
• 2009 – MBA NSW Excellence in Construction Awards – Best Use of Steel – Winner
• 2009 – Engineers Australia – Engineering Excellence Award (Buildings and Structures) – Winner
• 2010 – Property Council of Australia Innovation & Excellence Awards – National Overall Winner

Additional Project information:

Products:

• SUPACOUSTIC CUSTOM chill-beam timber screen panels
• SUPACOUSTIC CUSTOM slotted ceiling, bulkhead & wall panels

Features:

• Spotted Gum veneer aand Metallic Silver Finishes
• Certified to BCA Fire Retardant Group 1, 2 or 3
• Low volatile organic compounds
• Low formaldehyde E1 MDF