Daramu House: Redefining Commercial Sustainability with Mass Timber
Located in Sydney’s Barangaroo precinct, Daramu House is a pioneering 7-storey commercial building designed by Tzannes and delivered by Lendlease. It stands as a benchmark in sustainable design, achieving a 6 Star Green Star rating, exceeding the 5 Star NABERS target by 30%, and aiming for WELL v2 certification. Built primarily from mass timber, Daramu House integrates passive cooling, renewable energy, and a biodiversity-supporting green roof. In this Q&A, we explore the architectural, environmental, and community-driven strategies that shaped this groundbreaking project.
What was the design vision for Daramu House and how did it reflect environmental responsibility?
The core vision was to demonstrate that low-carbon alternatives to traditional commercial construction can be both commercially viable and aesthetically beautiful. Daramu House was designed with material efficiency and sustainability at the forefront—minimising both embodied and operational carbon, and supporting biodiversity. Through the use of mass timber, passive design strategies, prefabrication, and on-site solar power, the building achieves an impressive environmental performance, setting a new standard for commercial sustainability.
How does Daramu House integrate mass timber structurally and architecturally?
Mass timber forms the primary structural material, reducing the building’s embodied carbon. The structural grid spans 9×9 metres—pushing the current limits of timber construction—and uses CLT and glulam elements sourced sustainably from Australia and Europe. Exposed timber defines the architecture, with no wall or ceiling linings needed internally. The result is both structural expression and biophilic benefit—enhancing wellbeing, reducing VOCs, and creating a warm, natural interior environment.
What role does the green roof play in performance, biodiversity, and research?
The integrated green roof is a key innovation, combining native and select exotic vegetation with a 143kW photovoltaic array. This dual system reduces the urban heat island effect, supports pollination and biodiversity, and improves solar panel efficiency by 3–15%. Research from the University of Technology Sydney confirmed reductions in stormwater pollutants, water flow rates, and significant biodiversity support. It’s the largest integrated green roof and PV array in the southern hemisphere at the time of construction.
How does the project reflect First Nations culture and connection to Country?
The building’s name, Daramu, is derived from the Dharug word for tree, honouring the Indigenous heritage of the site. A smoking ceremony marked the topping out, and a 13-metre CLT artwork in the lobby traces the evolving coastline of Barangaroo, reflecting First Nations, colonial, and post-colonial histories. All external timber elements are made from native Australian hardwoods, connecting the materiality of the building to Country and its cultural significance.
How does Daramu House support occupant wellbeing and achieve WELL Building goals?
Designed to achieve WELL v2 Core Certification, the building prioritises human health and wellbeing. Strategies include ample daylight, biophilic materials, passive thermal comfort, and fresh air systems that deliver a 50% increase in ventilation. Stairs are highlighted with glazed doors to promote active movement. End-of-trip facilities support cycling and sport participation. Together, these features foster a healthy and productive work environment aligned with WELL Health-Safety Rating standards.
What are the key lessons from Daramu House for the future of commercial building?
Daramu House proves that mass timber and sustainability can go hand-in-hand with commercial success. Its prefabricated elements, modular access floors, and reusable timber structure provide flexibility for future re-use and adaptation. With a 48.3% reduction in global warming potential and major savings across water stress, fossil fuel use, and air pollution, Daramu House serves as a model for regenerative urban design. It highlights how smart material choices, cultural respect, and ecological integration can redefine what’s possible in commercial architecture.
