The GPT Group has unveiled the design for the Melbourne CBD’s largest premium timber office tower

Comprising 19,400 square metres across 10 levels, Frame will sit atop Melbourne Central amid a new curated retail precinct and rooftop. 

The ARM Architecture-designed structure at 300 Lonsdale Street will be the first large-scale timber office building in the CBD and is set to become as distinctive as the retail centre’s famous shot tower thanks to its transparent geometric design that heroes its timber structure. 

GPT’s Head of Office & Logistics, Matthew Faddy, described Frame as "ground-breaking".

“Frame will deliver a superior level of amenity to any workplace in Australia. It provides a fully integrated office, retail and cultural environment that offers more than just deskspace,” he said. 

“Frame will feature abundant natural light and a warehouse style environment, with the design of the building aimed to improve the sense of well-being of its occupants,” he said. 

A leasing campaign led by Colliers International has kicked off to secure tenants for the building, which is targeting a 5 Star NABERS energy and water rating, 5 Star Green Star, and WELL Gold Standard and is expected to commence construction later this year. 

Frame takes some cues from creative coworking space The Commons in its design, including a number of design interventions to celebrate and foster connectivity among the workforce and external guests. 

This is first visible at the hotel-inspired skylobby on level five, which is accessed from a unique new ground floor lobby experience, accessible via entries on Lonsdale Street and Drewery Place. 

ARM Architecture Principal Ian McDougall said Frame’s forward-thinking design aimed to address the needs of the new, socially conscious generation of worker, promoting wellness and encouraging positive social exchange through green open spaces and dedicated wellbeing retail offerings. 

“The new rooftop retail precinct is a unique concept where city dwellers and visitors gather to learn, interact, have fun and be inspired. It is a meeting place between workers and the rest of the city,” he said. 

Frame is centrally and accessibly located above Melbourne’s third busiest rail station, and adjacent to two tram stops within the free tram zone. 

Colliers International expressions of interest for Frame are already underway with construction set to commence in early 2020 and the project scheduled for completion in late 2021.

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