T2 Heinemann Project

Heinemann Oceania transformed their retail space within Sydney Airport’s T2 and T3 domestic terminals, introducing a department store experience for domestic travellers—a first for Australian travel retail. This project aimed to blend high-end shopping with the bustling airport environment, creating an elegant and functional space for travellers.

For Terminal 2, the design was inspired by Sydney’s coastal landscape, drawing on the natural light, textures, and movement that define the city’s shoreline. The design moved away from conventional straight lines, reshaping the walkways and concourse to guide foot traffic more organically around the retail space. This process opened the central area for a mix of promotion zones, retail displays, and public seating. This created a more fluid experience, encouraging customers to explore the space at their own pace, engage with the displays, and interact with the merchandise.

A central feature of the retail zone is the custom display cabinets, crafted using Corian® Carrara Crema. Greater Group selected Corian® for its ability to be thermoformed into seamless organic shapes, which aligned with the project’s design ethos. The Carrara Crema finish was specifically chosen for its subtle movement and light, warm tones, evoking the soft, natural textures of shorelines and sea foam. The durability and non-porous nature of Corian® made it a practical choice for high-traffic public areas, ensuring the displays would withstand constant use while remaining easy to clean and maintain.

One of the key challenges faced during the project was the thermoforming of hundreds of individual Corian® sections to create the display fixtures’ reniform shapes. Each section had to be crafted and grafted together with meticulous attention to detail, particularly in matching the grain patterns. The seamless final product was the result of this painstaking process, which showcased S+A Simpson Commercial’s commitment to precision and craftsmanship.

The project has significantly modernised the T2 terminal, bringing a fresh look and feel to an ageing space. The inclusion of premium brands such as Chanel and Dior, alongside fashion, cosmetics, and liquor offerings, has elevated the retail environment to a new level. The combination of luxury products with the sleek, organic design of the space has created a unique shopping experience for domestic travellers.

The successful completion of the project exceeded expectations in both design and functionality. The custom Corian® displays have become a focal point within the retail area, drawing customers in and enhancing product visibility. Feedback from both Heinemann and airport customers has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the project’s success.

Greater Group and S+A Simpson Commercial’s ability to navigate complex design challenges and deliver a high-quality result is a testament to their innovative approach and attention to detail. This project not only showcases their capabilities but also sets a new benchmark for travel retail design in Australia.