MakMax Australia and LAVA transform Sydney Customs House into a Green Void.
3D Photographer: Peter Murphy
NEWS RELEASE
Sydney Customs House has rolled out the green carpet to unveil a unique addition to its architectural history. It has been given an ultra-modern edge with the a futuristic yet organic 3D structure known as the “Green Void", the latest collaboration between MakMax and Chris Bosse of LAVA.
The lightweight Lycra sculpture hovers within the Customs House atrium, taking in Cafe Sydney's top floor position stretching to the model of Sydney encased in the glass floor at ground level. The translucent fabric allows ample amounts of sunlight through from the atrium some 5 floors above creating a surreal experience as the surroundings take on a lime green glow. At night the structure is illuminated to take on the look of lava bubbling up from a volcano.
MakMax and Chris Bosse have previously worked on projects such as the Moet and Chandon Marquee and POL Oxygen stand but nothing could compare to this most recent collaboration. Being a heritage listed building many challenges were faced in the design process. We had to create a surface floating in space, supported by a heritage listed facade which we were not allowed to permanently anchor to, as well as support a fixed fabric edge that was not excessively heavy. The end result is a credit to the engineering design, patterning and fabrication process.
The project shows a new way of digital workflow, generating space out of lightweight material in an extremely short time. The computer-model feeds directly into the finite element software for generation of true fabric form which marries with the manufacturing process.
Lycra has been given new life with applications such as custom designed fabrics that stretch the possibilities of modern architecture. The fabric is a standard 80% Nylon/20% Lycra which is sourced from a manufacturer traditionally to dealing with dance wear manufacturers.
With sustainability being at the forefront of every architect's design concept MakMax has been leading the way with bespoke tensile membrane structures and use of minimal materials. The total fabric weighs a mere 45 kilograms and is stretched over 12% past its original size to create its final shape. The use of such fabric allows it to be folded and fit inside a sports bag, yet has enough elasticity to fill a volume of 160 cubic meters. The total surface area is 233 square meters. Minimal amounts of Aluminum and hardware were a necessity to enhance the fabrics' natural curvature. “The fabric is supported by only five rings; intricate patterns limited by the 1.5metre fabric roll width create the structures form. The complete structure including the Aluminum edges weighs 210 Kilograms.
The form was taken from an architectural model developed by LAVA. Utilizing force density shaping and elastic analysis the final shape was found to complement ring supports. Cutting patterns were developed through scribing geodesics through the structure at strategic locations and flattening using an energy method more able to handle the highly curved surface.
This towering structure oozes charisma and was embraced by the public at its launch Wednesday night. The Green Void will remain on display until 10th June 2009.
[Green Void]
| Location: |
Sydney Custom House / 31 Alfred Street, Circular Quay, NSW 2000 |
| Client: |
City of Sydney |
| Architect: |
Chris Bosse (LAVA) |
| Design & Fabrication: |
MakMax Australia |
[Green Void]
The ground floor is a friendly open meeting place, a 'city lounge' with a newspaper and magazine salon, TV wall, Internet access and information desk as well as excellent food and drink venues Young Alfred and the Quay Bar. An impressive full-scale model of the Sydney CBD is embedded beneath a glass floor.
The upper floors feature an exhibition area, private function spaces for hire, and a stunning library reading room overlooking Circular Quay. Located on the roof top the distinguished restaurant Cafe Sydney offers fresh haute cuisine while commanding spectacular harbor views.
Situated on Circular Quay next to trains, buses and ferries, Customs House is easily accessible and open till late seven days a week.
[MakMax Australia]
| Location: |
133 Lavarack Ave. Eagle Farm QLD 4009 Australia |
| Established: |
2003 |
| Managing Director: |
Gary Tuner |
| Web site: |
http://www.makmax.com.au |
