The 38-storey 205 North Quay commercial tower in Brisbane was envisioned as a climate-responsive workplace that prioritises wellbeing, adaptability and connection to its subtropical environment. Designed by Hassell, Richards & Spence in collaboration with REX, the building responds to its riverside setting through natural ventilation, shading and integrated greenery, creating a calm and breathable workplace experience.
Drawing on the principles of a Queenslander home and a traditional shade house, the design introduces layered, open spaces that are “naturally ventilated, heavily shaded, cool and calming,” as described by Hassell Principal Liam Short. The result is a contemporary commercial building that balances environmental performance with human-centred design, while achieving a 6 Star Green Star Design & As Built rating and targeting a 5.5-Star NABERS Energy rating.
A key design ambition for 205 North Quay was to create a cohesive material palette that extended seamlessly from the open, civic ground plane through to the tower structure. This required materials that could perform in exposed and semi-exposed environments, while maintaining a consistent and refined visual language across different substrates.
The permeable podium—designed as a shaded, open-air public realm—introduced additional challenges. Materials needed to withstand long-term exposure to moisture, humidity and wear, while still delivering a warm and approachable finish. As Liam Short explains, “Because we approached this architectural typology differently… we were very conscious of ensuring the ground plane was incredibly robust.”
To support both durability and design continuity, Cemintel fibre cement solutions were implemented in key areas of the project.
Cemintel SoffitLine® was specified for the soffit above the Level 1 swimming pool, an environment exposed to moisture and demanding long-term performance. The system provided a durable, stable and low-maintenance solution suited to the semi-external conditions, while enabling the design team to maintain a consistent architectural expression.
Reflecting on the importance of material selection, Liam Short noted, “Cemintel was important because it allowed us to maintain our desired aesthetic across the exposed sections of the building.” The fibre cement substrate provided a reliable base that could align visually with adjacent structural elements.
To achieve this continuity, the soffit was finished with a penetrating stain applied across both concrete and Cemintel surfaces. While fibre cement and high-strength concrete absorb finishes differently, the coating was carefully refined to balance these variations. Rather than conceal these differences, the design embraced them—creating a natural, textured patina that enhances the building’s tactile quality.
The result is a cohesive architectural expression where material performance and visual intent work together. Cemintel solutions enabled the project to achieve durability in challenging conditions while contributing to a warm, unified design language across the building.
205 North Quay ultimately delivers a high-performance commercial environment that responds to Brisbane’s climate and supports occupant wellbeing, demonstrating how carefully selected fibre cement systems can help bring complex architectural visions to life with long-term confidence.
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