6 Charles Street (C6) is a 51-storey residential development proposed for South Perth. The project consists of 237 apartments on the banks of the Swan River in Perth. Designed to stand at 188 m, C6 will be the tallest hybrid, carbon-negative timber structure in the world on completion.
NDY’s role as the specialist high-rise structural engineering consultant showcases the importance of expertise in delivering innovative and sustainable solutions. By leveraging their experience in tall slender towers, NDY has not only contributed to reducing the overall cost of the project but has also allowed for more extensive structural elements. This optimisation has enabled the architect to design larger apartments and communal spaces, promoting a more comfortable and appealing living environment.
The construction of tall structures like C6 in densely populated urban areas reflects the global trend of densification, primarily driven by the growing global population, migration to urban centres and the need to optimise land use. Densification can pose several challenges for cities, including increased demand for resources, strain on infrastructure and environmental concerns with high rise construction resulting in high embodied carbon associated with traditional construction materials like concrete and steel.
The move towards timber construction for the C6 project is crucial in addressing the issue of embodied carbon. Additionally, all the timber used in C6 will be regrown within 2.5 hours of the project site, a move to keep the project’s footprint as local as possible.
The inclusion of features like a rooftop edible garden, dining and entertainment spaces, as well as communal wellness amenities, further provides sustainable and community-oriented amenity.
C6 is positioned to become a trailblazing case study, demonstrating that tall structures can be both commercially viable and environmentally sustainable. As a landmark project, it has the potential to influence and inspire future construction practices in Australia, serving as a model for large volume construction that prioritises sustainability. The success of C6 could act as a catalyst for a broader shift in the construction industry, encouraging the adoption of timber and other low-carbon and sustainability-sourced materials in the pursuit of more environmentally responsible urban development.
Project Details
Services:
Structure & Civil
Market Sector:
Residential, Hotels & Mixed-Use
Client: Grange Development
Architect: Elenberg Fraser
