Transformative Ribbon complex

Steel is playing an important role in the early stages of the landmark Ribbon redevelopment in the heart of Darling Harbour.

Construction is underway on the central structure of The Ribbon building, which will transform Sydney’s Darling Harbour once complete. The $700 million complex will make an eye-catching addition to the cityscape thanks to its distinctive undulating form.

Incorporating a 25-storey 5-star serviced apartment and hotel development (with over 400 rooms) called The Ribbon Hotel and Residences, plus 1799sqm of retail space, The Ribbon will rise between two elevated roadways in Darling Harbour. Included in the redevelopment will be premises for a new IMAX cinema and significant upgrades to surrounding public areas.

The new complex, designed by HASSELL architects, will provide impressive sightlines over Darling Harbour and integrate with pedestrian links across Cockle Bay and from the Harbour through to Darling Quarter. Construction group Grocon is managing the build.

Central structure underway

Construction work on the new precinct commenced in the third quarter of 2017 after preliminary demolition and civil construction works were carried out by Delta Group. These works included removal of the existing IMAX cinema complex, excavation work allowing for the laying of reinforced concrete foundations, slab preparation and recycling of construction waste materials.

Approximately 1800 tonnes of structural steel has been supplied by InfraBuild Steel Centre (formerly LIBERTY OneSteel Metalcentre) in Port Adelaide to steel fabricator Samaras Group. Tubular product supplied by InfraBuild Steel Centre came from Austube Mills.

Ashleigh Williams of InfraBuild Steel Centre stated: “We have utilised our supply chain flexibility to ensure the right product is flowing through at the right time to support both InfraBuild Steel Centre’s and Samaras’ project deadlines.”

Construction work is currently continuing to the east lift core, the ground slab and the west lift core. Steel is also in the process of being erected to form the building’s central structure, as well as the new IMAX cinema.

A vision of modernity

The Ribbon will have north-facing Darling Harbour frontage of approximately 100 metres and contain an array of green technology for the benefit of occupants and visitors.

It will feature large floor plates up to 3500sqm that will provide collaborative spaces connected by stairs encompassing large void spaces. Natural light will be a feature of the new complex, with up to 90 per cent of the office space in the complex within 12 metres of a window.

The building will use tri-generation green technology to provide low-carbon electricity, heating and cooling foroccupants. Solar panels integrated into the curved ribbon roof will bolster on-site electricity, while the building’s triple-glazed façade will contain integrated computer-controlled venetian blinds to control glare.

A 12-storey vertical garden on the east and west of the building will act as a ‘green lung’ by helping filter outside air before it enters the building. An outdoor garden will also be a feature of the building’s top floor, which will incorporate a naturally ventilated two-level sunroom. Rainwater will be collected, stored and used for on-site garden irrigation.

The building is currently registered for 5 star Green Star Design and As-Built environmental ratings.

Work on The Ribbon and the surrounding public realm is expected to complete in mid-2022.

Images courtesy of Grocon