[SDA2012]

2012 Sydney Design Awards

Key Dates

Sydney Domestic T2 Retail Precinct

 
Image Credit : Katherine Lu

Website

Winner 

Project Overview

The project establishes a new interrelated bar and cafe precinct consisting of three premium outlets. The new area is delineated by a flowing wall of natural timber battens thereby linking the three tenancies in a 'precinct'.

The brief required each tenancy to have its own discernible identity; the challenge was to avoid a basic compartmentalisation but to create an interconnected zone that still respected the need for difference.

Project Commissioner

Airport Retail Enterprises

Project Creator

Noxon Giffen

Team

Darren Giffen - Director
Justin Noxon - Director

Aliza Teo

Project Brief

A fluid geometry responds to the meandering of passengers around the adjacent food court. A dynamic play of bulkhead and service counter elements wind through the 'precinct' creating a spatial variety whilst a subtle mix of timber, furniture and lighting elements establishes independent identities for each tenancy.

A timber spine wall meanders through the spaces and defines the three tenancies in a series of interlinked servery and alcove seating areas. Starting adjacent to the Bar, a wall of Blackbutt timber dowels form the service area and then open up to filter views to the aircraft apron beyond. As it continues through the space, the timber wall defines the Bakery and its adjacent seating area, the timber dowels reflecting the ebb and flow of the geometry. The wall flows seamlessly into the third tenancy, the dowels giving way to solid vertical Spotted Gum boards that merge with the established geometry.

A consistent palette of raw durable materials including timber, stone and steel are used throughout to create a rich and inviting environment; a respite for travellers and a quiet intimate alternative to the bustle of the expansive adjacent food court.

Project Innovation / Need

Food and beverage outlets at airports have evolved significantly in recent years. Customers now expect that the retail experience at airports to be both diverse and of a high quality. This project was designed to be a clear departure from the standard in-line tenancies that are common in Food Courts. It incorporates its own dedicated seating, creating a mood of intimacy that is not present in large common seating areas.

The outlets also introduce two established brands within the airport, providing offers that are both recognisable and of known quality. It was important then that the seating spaces served by those tenancies were of a similar nature and ambiance, further differentiating them form the general areas in the food court area.

Design Challenge

The location of the tenancy, directly over the baggage system, and limits on the locations of services required intensive coordination with both the consultant team and the airport owner. This collaborative approach allowed the kitchen to be extended along the rear wall, with the activity within made visible, reinforcing the fresh made-to-order nature of the outlets.

Sustainability

The precinct has been designed using materials that are both responsibly sourced and durable. Certified Recycled timber is used extensively throughout the project in both dowel and board form, lending the precinct a durable warmth and richness.

Timber for this project was sourced exclusively post consumer recycled timber sourced from Energex redundant power poles under supply agreement PA120. The recycled timber underwent Kennedys Wood Pole Processing MSR009 and graded to the interim Industry Standards for recycled timber RFG1 grade.

The redundant power poles are sourced from South East Queensland and transported using backload Energex pole trucks. Approx average distance travelled is 55 kilometres. Based on the scientific audit the average yield of the poles into finished processed timber was 48.6%.

The timber supplied will retain its installed value and based on historical evidence will increase in value over time. The installed timber has a design life of 40 years and is suitable for re-use into another application when/if the fit out is changed/altered in the future.




This award recognises building interiors, with consideration given to space creation and planning, furnishings, finishes and aesthetic presentation. Consideration given to space allocation, traffic flow, building services, lighting, fixtures, flooring, colours, furnishings and surface finishes.
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