Australian National Maritime Museum

Incorporating Form and Function

An architectural statement, inspired by the techniques and geometrical rigor of boat building.

The project brief was for a building that made an architectural statement, yet did not overpower the vessels adjacent and integral to the Pavilion. The form was inspired by the techniques and geometrical rigour of boat building while the conceptual approach closely referenced the wake of a boat as it passes though the water. 

Almost an art installation, the use of Kingspan Evolution insulated panels enabled architects Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp (fjmtstudio) to design a unique statement building which delivered outstanding thermal performance and the ability to withstand a corrosive marine environment. Kingspan Evolution panels unite high aesthetic values with high performance. The technical excellence of our science led research and development facilities allow us to offer industry leading guarantees.

“The panels had not previously been used in this way which provided an opportunity to rethink how the product could be adapted to suit the technical challenges, while still maintaining the very strong design intent.”
John Perry - Senior Associate

Sector: Community & Heritage

Location: Sydney, Australia

Completion Date: January 2016

Architect: FJMT Studio

Products:

• Evolution Panelised Facade

Colourfast in the harsh marine environment of Darling Harbour, along with the integration of panels with a glass oculus were just some of the challenges in the design brief for this project. Kingspan’s technical team worked closely with the contractor to overcome these unique installation challenges. After some considerable hard work and perseverance, the panels were seamlessly integrated with the glass oculus and some complex geometry was created. Whilst the project spans a large distance, there are no unsightly joints. Furthermore, whilst a slim design was chosen which maximised useable internal space, Kingspan’s technical team ensured there was no loss of thermal resistance values.

Evolution panels provided a single façade component in which foam insulation lay at the heart of a finished internal lining and an external face. Kingspan delivered a series of complex geometrical rotations of 1 m wide panels that tackled the complex design whilst delivering a watertight external skin. The Kingspan Technical team worked closely with fjmtstudio and specialist subcontractors JML Engineered Facades (NSW) to develop a complex design with custom vertical joint details.