Australian National Maritime Museum, Warships Pavilion

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.

Incorporating Form and Function

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.

Meeting the Challenges of Design 

• Long lasting colour in the harsh marine environment of Darling Harbour.
• Slim design maximised useable internal space with no loss of thermal resistance values.
• Provided an external and internal face.
• Spans large distance with no unsightly joints.
• Seamlessly integrated with a glass oculus creating unique installation challenges and complex joint geometry.

Strong Design Intent 

The 891m² of 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 1m wide panels that tackled the complex design whilst delivering a watertight external skin.

“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.” James Perry, Senior Associate at fjmtstudio.

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.