Aesthetic Excellence: Aerofoil Workspace
KingZip Standing Seam demonstrates its architectural capability and curved application on a unique, aeroplane-inspired workspace at Novotel, Melbourne Airport.
Aerofoil Workspace
Aerofoil, by definition, is ‘a structure with curved surfaces designed to give the most favourable ratio of lift to drag in flight’. The Aerofoil Workspace lives up to its namesake with its impressive, curved silhouette, built to resemble an aeroplane’s fuselage. Finished in bronze, the building is an aesthetic masterpiece that leaves a lasting impression. With the building being a convenient 5-minute walk from Melbourne Airport and forming part of the Novotel hotel, it's considerate of its airport surroundings, evoking the feelings of the luxury, modern hotel next door.
The structural deck was the most innovative feature of the building as it was installed perpendicular to the direction of the roof, helping it to naturally curve around the building and accentuate the unique architecture of the structure. FK Architects had to account for the façade’s curve when plotting the building’s internal layout. To utilise the building’s unusual shape, the architects incorporated breakout spaces and meeting rooms tucked into the curved corners, with collaborative and desk-based spaces in the larger, more open plan areas. To contrast with the sleek, technical exterior of Aerofoil, natural materials like timber, leather and seagrass were used for the interior, creating a cosy, organic core within the ultra-modern fuselage.
"We installed about 2500m², 65-400 of KingZip on the Aerofoil building. Having worked with KingZip many times, its standout features are its flexibility and its ability to close out building envelopes in complex shapes - a whole range of great designs can be achieved with KingZip. It looks magnificent and I’m not sure many other products could have achieved the same result."
Sam Curnow, Managing Director of Signal & Hobbs roofing contractors
KingZip Standing Seam and Structural Deck RD100/825
KingZip Standing Seam and Structural Deck RD100/825 was specified for this project due to its architectural adaptability and suitability for curved applications. The built-up standing seam system can create angular, convex, concave and tapered structures as demonstrated on the aerofoil building. KingZip smooth curved rolled sheets are fully customisable and can be curved to 5m for convex and 8m for concave applications.
Being a workspace that is so close to the airport, the project had high acoustic requirements to allow for concentration and a refuge from the busy environment. By using KingZip Standing Seam with structural deck RD100/825 as a system, the building benefits from outstanding acoustic performance, excellent thermal performance and contributes to the controlled climate within the inviting workspace.
Project Details:
Sector: Commercial & Offices
Location: Melbourne Airport, Victoria
Architect: FK Architects
Products: KingZip Standing Seam
Watch the Testimonial
Hear Sam Curnow from Signal & Hobbs provide his overview of the project and the highlights of the building itself and how Kingspan and KingZip shaped this vision.