4-6 York Street

A new 13-storey building in Sydney’s CBD is set to become one of the country’s tallest commercial fully mass timber buildings once completed, following its Development Application approval. Located at 4-6 York Street, the building is in a prime location opposite Wynyard Park and adjacent to the heritage-listed 341 George Street, the former Bank of New South Wales.

The project, designed by architecture and urban design practice Tzannes for NGI Investments, represents the third pioneering application of timber construction on a commercial building by the design firm. Tzannes’ previous International House Sydney and Daramu House projects set global benchmarks for sustainable construction, with International House Sydney being Australia’s first engineered timber commercial building.

The building’s structure delivers a significant reduction in the carbon footprint, including construction and whole of life assessment, when compared to a conventional concrete structure.

The architecture was designed to sit precisely and lightly over subterranean railway tunnels. This led to the architects’ adoption of timber as the preferred construction material. Tzannes’ solution transfers the load from the building’s western side to a central core using a hybrid concrete and steel structure. This innovative system supports 12 timber commercial floors, with 11 levels rising above the load transfer structure and one suspended below. All timber and steel elements are crafted for future disassembly and reuse, highlighting the project’s focus on long-term sustainability.

Tzannes’ design respects and responds to the architectural language of the neighbouring 341 George Street built in 1932, with a cohesive composition that complements its material palette and facade dimensions. A concrete facade on the lower levels echoes the heritage-listed bank’s granite base, while a double-height terrace creates a visual connection between the adjacent double height, upper-floor fenestration and new structures. While 341 George Street features a neoclassical stone facade typical of its era, 4-6 York Street is distinguished by its use of ceramic tiles, glass and timber.

The dramatic structure within the double height ground level is visible from street level and reflects the tree forms within Wynyard Park opposite.

Positioned at the intersection of Martin Place and Wynyard Park, the building offers unique views of Wynyard Park’s tree canopy, creating a one-of-a-kind workplace experience. The building’s northern orientation and prominent location provide sweeping vistas, while its design plays a key role in framing these significant public spaces. The site is currently mostly vacant and serves as car parking to the George Street building.

The project joins other significant new buildings in the broader historic Martin Place precinct, including 39 Martin Place, also designed by Tzannes.