High performing non-combustible insulated panels from ASKIN Performance Panels were specified for the upgrade project at Sydney Airport’s Domestic Terminal 2 (T2) to meet the architects’ out-of-the-box design thinking.
Sydney Airport recently unveiled their new lifestyle precinct at T2, featuring new brands, food and drink concepts hand-picked to create a fresh, relaxing pre- and post-flight experience. A new loading bay was also completed in addition to the retail precinct as part of the airport’s approach to sustainability.
Designed by DesignINC, the first stage of the T2 upgrades was inspired by European thinking, which favours the use of pre-made insulated panels.
According to senior associate architect Voytek Trzebiatowski, the DesignINC team did not want to design something typically Australian – they sought to think outside the box. The loading bay area was the first stage, and although designed as a temporary building, it could be used for more than ten years; it was, therefore, required to perform, be simple, and meet stringent requirements in aviation.
Choosing ASKIN Performance Panels was ‘a no brainer’, said Trzebiatowski, given that ASKIN was able to provide performance certificates, particularly a non-combustibility certificate that DesignINC required, and which competing brands were unable to give ‘in the timeframe they needed’.
“The team at ASKIN were responsive and helpful with supplying performance certificates and design solutions. The performance of the ASKIN panel product stood out compared to other products on the market and looked good. For us, it was a no brainer.”
ASKIN panels were used extensively in the loading dock, pretty much covering the entire building except for the roof, and a small area on the wall.
The retail precinct was the next part of the T2 upgrade project. Planned for travelling passengers, the expansion was driven by an interior design company who created the look and feel for Sydney Airport. The design included a mezzanine floor, rotunda and a round skylight, with the retail precinct located around this. The shape of the precinct threw up several challenges for the architects, which were all overcome.
“The difficulty of the shape was challenging as it was round, and initially we thought we would make those panels curved to some extent. We ended up with that wall being fully faceted, and the steelwork was slightly tweaked to allow for the curved looking shapes. I think it was a success,” Trzebiatowski said.
To meet building code compliance requirements, ASKIN panels were used to create an external temporary wall that was non-combustible and had thermal performance to meet Section J. Although not part of the initial scope of works, ASKIN panel was used as an exterior partition/ hoarding during the construction phase.
The architects sought a building product that had strong thermal and fire performing qualities for the external walls and roofing of the terminal. ASKIN Volcore was selected as the best solution due to its non-combustible properties, thermal performance and ability to meet relevant building codes and aesthetic requirements. Volcore panels featuring a flat profile in COLORBOND Metallic Citi colour were installed at the T2.
ASKIN Interiors featuring an XFLAM core was selected for the retail shop walls within the terminal due to its fire performance, ease of installation and contemporary look. XFLAM panels in COLORBOND Permagard Surfmist colour were installed for the retail expansion.
ASKIN’s installation team delivered a quality build, completing the loading dock, roofing, retail walls and storage facilities on time and on budget. The team managed everything from design and drafting, specification and engineering to manufacturing, logistics and installation.
Being easy to install, ASKIN panels reduced a substantial amount of secondary steel that would otherwise have been required for traditional built-up systems.
Sydney Airport’s new T2 has a new, contemporary layout delivering a warm and relaxing environment with increased seating capacity to cater for the millions of passengers who travel through the airport each year.
