Canberra Airport

The design flexibility of DuPont™ Corian^® has seen it integrated seamlessly in the new facilities at Canberra International Airport.

Designed by Guida Moseley Brown Architects (GMB), the project brief  was to create a world class new International departure lounge and arrival hall that provided the public with a high quality travel experience typically reserved for business and first class passengers.

Celebrating the beauty of aviation technology and dynamic atmosphere of contemporary travel, the new 2,750 square metre international public departure lounge and 2,400 square metre arrival hall builds upon the geometric dynamism and light-fill quality of the existing terminal’s main hall.

GMB selected Corian^® for its ability to curve and add fine detail to the geometric design aspirations developed for seating and table elements in the main waiting area. The nature of the material provided good looking high quality durable surfaces that would be easy to maintain and repair for the long-term. The versatility of Corian^® also allowed detailing of each furniture piece to be installed very close to the initial opening date with little or no repairs.

According to Rob McLachlan of GMB, the firm worked closely with Corian^® experienced fabricators to prototype elements and mock-up full size modules in consolidating the design details. “As can be seen in drawings and photographs, the outer Corian^® shell of the seating modules provides a protective shield to the internal timber surfaces, making a practical and handsome combination.

“Through this project we learnt that Corian^® can be used to construct a diverse range of built geometries; including small radius curved and faceted surfaces, with monolithic and panelised expression. Meeting and partnering with the joiner at the initial design phases to discuss possibilities of Corian^® and the manufacturing abilities enabled directed and real design development toward achieving a stunning result,” said Mr McLachlan.