The editor of this newsletter made a site visit to the latest Lendlease/Tzannes masterpiece at Barangaroo, Sydney – Damaru House. Sitting next to its sister building International House, Sydney, the pair of buildings add glamour to this precinct that is dominated by tall concrete skyscrapers.

Although similar in looks to its sister, International House Sydney; Damaru House has a distinct development in the technology. Lendlease now onto their four timber office building and second for Tzannes, there is a subtle change, the most obvious is the grid spacing, now 9.0 m x 9.0 m from 9.0 x 6.0 m. This is facilitated by the change in the direction of the primary beams from running across the short width of the building in International House, Sydney to running along the long length of the building in Damaru House. The change in direction has reduced the need for many beam penetrations for HVAC.

Also interesting is how Lendlease solved the opening to the lower storey of the building. The opening caused the removed of a column, creating a span of 18.0 m. International House, Sydney had a similar issue and used a large steel beam, but in Damaru House, the K bracing located above the opening has a dual purpose, proving lateral resistance and truss action over the opening.

WoodSolutions is holding a seminar on the April 10 in Sydney where Jonathan Evans of Tzannes will be speaking about this building. See Events Calendar or register here.