1 Elizabeth

The project aimed for the transformation of a constrained city block into an integrated major transport interchange and global headquarters, while enhancing public amenity. Challenges included integrating the metro station and its infrastructure with the tower, maximising public space in a compact context, preserving sunlight to Martin Place and wind comfort at street level, and responding to a highly significant heritage context. Additional complexity arose from stakeholder requirements across government, transport, heritage, and culture, and the need to deliver the project within a fixed metro station time frame.

The design elevates the tower 15 metres above ground, unlocking a generous, light filled civic plaza and enabling natural ventilation and daylight to reach the metro station below. A side-core configuration allows continuous atria that connect public, transport and workplace environments while supporting large, flexible floorplates. The tower’s sculptural form responds to site constraints and heritage context, while landscaped terraces, public art and Indigenous storytelling culturally enrich the precinct. Technical solutions, including exposed steel structures and a glazed lift shaft, resolved complex spatial and structural interfaces. The result is a cohesive, high-performing development that exceeds functional, cultural and sustainability ambitions.

1 Elizabeth has transformed a once restricted site into an accessible and vibrant civic hub that seamlessly unites infrastructure, culture, and workplace. It delivers a distinctive architectural solution while aiming to create a place for everyone: an open, art-filled plaza, culturally inclusive connections across Gadigal land, and a place for gathering, movement, and reflection. For Macquarie, it provides a dynamic, connected headquarters. For the city, a sustainable, future-ready model of urban renewal. 1 Elizabeth is a catalyst for how cities can evolve with vision, inclusivity, and lasting impact.

Public Realm & Permeability: Four corner entries connect surrounding streets and squares, establishing a new city civic heart. The tower is lifted 15 metres above ground on a steel colonnade, creating a light-filled, open civic plaza with an elevated commercial lobby overlooking metro access below. Integrated Transport Hub: Seamless integration with the station, with visual and physical links from plaza to platform six levels below and station services hosted within the first six floors of the tower. Glazed Side Core & Atria: Innovative glazed structural side-core enables full-height atria, bringing daylight deep into the tower, providing a buffer against western thermal loads and animating the floorplate and the facade with 18 lifts. Cultural Storytelling: First Nations principles are embodied in the precinct to also include a permanent Acknowledgement of Country, native planting and public First Nations art. Salvaged artworks from the former P&O building, including restored sculptures, are incorporated to celebrate the site's rich cultural history. Future-Focused Workplace: Macquarie headquarters include large, flexible floorplates, landscaped terraces, and central staircases to foster well-being and collaboration. Sustainability Leadership: Embodied carbon reduction through efficient structures without transfers, reduction in materials and use of recycled materials. 6 Star-Green Star Design rating also through all-electric systems.