The new Glasshouse Theatre at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), built by Lendlease, has been recognised for its sustainable design and construction, achieving a 5-Star Green Star Design & As Built rating.
Awarded by the Green Building Council of Australia, the rating represents Australian excellence and reflects the project’s focus on reducing environmental impact through every stage of design, delivery and operation. It was this focus that helped the project ultimately exceed its original 4-Star Green Star target.
Constructed with sustainability as a core ambition, the Glasshouse Theatre combines lower-emissions construction methods and thoughtfully selected materials to respond to and celebrate the subtropical Queensland environment.
During construction, renewable electricity was used across site operations, including a large battery system that powered one of the project’s tower cranes in place of a diesel generator. Renewable diesel was also used in the project’s 230-tonne mobile crane, helping reduce emissions during major lifting works.
Inside the theatre, sustainable Queensland ironbark contributes to the venue’s distinctive character while cross laminated timber helped reduce the environmental impact of construction.
Sustainability remains a feature of the completed venue through water-efficient fixtures, native and drought-tolerant landscaping, reflective roofing and low-emission finishes that help reduce environmental impact over time.
Since opening in March 2026, the Glasshouse Theatre has welcomed thousands of visitors and expanded QPAC to five venues, making it Australia’s largest performing arts centre under one roof.
The Glasshouse Theatre was built by Lendlease on behalf of the Queensland Government and QPAC.
Matt Eastman, General Manager Construction QLD/NT, Lendlease
“Achieving a 5-Star Green Star rating is a significant milestone for Lendlease and our project partners, recognising the shared focus on sustainability that guided the Glasshouse Theatre from design through to completion.
“From lower-emissions construction methods to thoughtfully selected materials, the project was designed to reduce environmental impact while creating a venue that will serve Queensland audiences for generations to come.”
Honourable John-Paul Langbroek MP, Minister for Education and the Arts:
“The iconic Glasshouse Theatre is a world class venue that provides an exceptional audience experience though superior acoustics and sightlines, which make it a major drawcard for tourists, performers and productions.
“The 5-star Green Star rating recognises the commitment to sustainability that has been carefully considered throughout the theatre’s design, construction and its ongoing operations.”
Rachel Healy, Chief Executive, QPAC
“Even though the Glasshouse Theatre has been open for less than a year, it has already attracted legions of fans in the design world and broader cultural sector, quickly establishing itself as one of Queensland’s iconic cultural buildings.
“To receive a 5-Star Green Star rating is further recognition of the building’s remarkable design and construction led by Department of Housing and Public Works with architects Blight Rayner + Snøhetta and managing contractor Lendlease.
“It’s particularly significant that one of the heroes of the design, the stunning curved Ironbark that wraps around the auditorium, doesn’t just serve an acoustic and visual purpose, but is also one of the most visible sustainable design choices that contributed to the rating. The Glasshouse Theatre certainly wears its sustainable heart on its sleeve.”
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