A major 35-storey timber tower by developer Erben has received development approval from the City of Perth’s Metro Inner Development Panel, marking a significant milestone for sustainable architecture in Australia and placing Perth at the forefront of global timber construction and design.
Designed by Rothelowman with planning and landscape architecture by Urbis, the project at 108 Stirling Street will become one of the world’s tallest hybrid timber towers, delivering 351 build-to-rent apartments — including studios, one- and two-bedroom units — and 64 short-stay accommodation suites.
The development introduces a new residential model to Perth, aiming to foster a strong sense of community and set a new standard for high-quality rental living.
Communal spaces and thoughtfully crafted apartments are central to the design, which encourages interaction and a vibrant lifestyle.
108 Stirling Street will utilise a hybrid cross-laminated timber (CLT) construction, reinforced by a concrete core and mass timber columns.
This innovative approach is designed to minimise the building’s carbon footprint, enhance structural efficiency, and bring natural warmth and character to interior spaces.
The project’s design considers the entire lifecycle of materials — from production to transportation and modular assembly — to maximise sustainability.
A standout feature is the generous ground-level urban bushland, with native trees and landscaped pedestrian linkages promoting walkability and vibrancy in the precinct.
The scheme also preserves mature street trees along Stirling and Aberdeen Streets, enhancing Perth’s urban canopy and creating a cooler, more inviting public realm.
Kylee Schoonens, Principal at Rothelowman, emphasised the importance of green space in the project, stating: “At 108 Stirling Street, accessible green space isn’t just a feature — it’s fundamental.
“It’s our way of stitching this precinct into the fabric of the city, creating a natural pause point that invites people in, encourages movement, and supports a more connected, walkable Perth.”
She added: “We’re proud to be partnering with Erben on this landmark project. It’s a meaningful contribution to Perth’s Urban Greening Strategy — expanding inner-city bushland and using low-impact materials to ensure the project treads lightly while giving back to the city.”
At street level, the tower’s Urban Room forecourt is designed to foster community interaction and create a harmonious interface between nature and the city.
Rooftop and podium gardens will be physically and visually connected, ensuring residents experience a sense of connectivity from street level to the skyline.
The project is committed to achieving a Five-Star Green Star sustainability rating, integrating rooftop solar panels, landscaping to combat the urban heat island effect, and smart access to public transport, walkways, and bike paths to encourage eco-friendly mobility.
Erben Managing Director Luke Reinecke welcomed the approval, stating: “This is as an exciting project for us and will offer the Perth market something unique through its innovative and sustainable design, extensive use of timber, and strong community focused offering – expanding the range of housing options available. It comes at an important time for Perth, when increasing housing supply is of utmost focus.”
Expected to complete in 2028, 108 Stirling Street will deliver 3,000 square metres of communal amenities, 900 square metres of resident storage, and 35 new trees — furthering Perth’s urban regeneration and setting a new benchmark for sustainable residential design.
