REX

205 North Quay asserts its commercial value not by willful form, but by shrink-wrapping a slender, highly efficient structure in an equally resourceful, state-of-the-art enclosure tailored to Brisbane’s subtropical climate. To enable the façade’s high glazing ratio and VLT, and excellent interior lighting and color rendition, the building’s long northwest and southeast faces are veiled by a copper-anodized, rolled-aluminum sunscreen composed of large ovals, geometrically tailored to their orientation. The ovals’ rolled shading surface leverages geometric rigidity to use less material than conventional fins and overhangs while also blocking more solar heat gain. The shorter southwest and northeast elevations are adorned with copper-anodized, extruded aluminum fins. Combined with a vertical zipper of office balconies harboring native Queensland trees, the enclosure situates the tower squarely in its South East Queensland context.

At grade, the tower forms a protected plaza, a cocoon flanked by inward-facing retail on both sides. The plaza—featuring bold, in-ground planting—is designed to accommodate a variety of activities, from markets to exhibitions to performances. The northeastern bank of retail continues through the building along the lane, reinforcing the pedestrian connection to the Roma Street Station. A civically scaled 210-seat auditorium supports public forums and cultural events, while a 25-meter pool and gym support work-life balance for tenants and the wider community.

Evolving workplace needs are addressed through adaptable, flexible floorplates, made column-free through the heart of the building for maximum utility. Flexible ‘soft spots’ in the structural floor slab are located at each level, permitting floor-to-floor interconnectivity and fostering collaboration and movement for tenants, while the generous outdoor terraces provide meeting spaces, respite, and outdoor work. The health and wellness floor, featuring a 25-meter pool and gym, supports work-life balance for tenants and the wider community.