Project Overview

LAVA’s design for Heinemann at Sydney International Airport draws inspiration from Sydney Harbour bays, beaches and headlands. The design, consisting of ten retail stands, captures the topography of the harbour inlets as seen from the air. Just as the harbour foreshore is different in every spot, so too the curved timber display stands are each unique in shape, height and size.

Project Commissioner

LAVA Laboratory for Visionary Architecture

Project Creator

Heinemann Australia

Project Brief

LAVA’s design for Heinemann at Sydney International Airport draws inspiration from Sydney Harbour bays, beaches and headlands. The design, consisting of ten retail stands, captures the topography of the harbour inlets as seen from the air. Just as the harbour foreshore is different in every spot, so too the curved timber display stands are each unique in shape, height and size.
Ten stands vary from small low inlets to steep escarpments, from deeply eroded caves to shallow beaches. On top of each display tuffs of living Australian plants cascade over, reference the green flora on top of the cliffs of the harbour.
The layering of Australian hardwoods represents the layering of Sydney’s topographic sandstone formations.
The 250 linear metres of shelves are made of recyclable, eco-friendly plywood, with edges exposed. The rich and varied hues of the variegated layers of sandstone are reflected in the colours of plywood.
The design has generated an immersive retail experience that is both efficient and beautiful. The organic curves and fluid geometry captures the beauty of Sydney and brings Sydney’s signature natural elements indoors.

Project Innovation/Need

The Heinemann Duty Free retail installation by LAVA beautifully captures Sydney’s signature natural elements and translates it into a highly functional and versatile design piece. The spatial experience of the ten nature-inspired stands is immersive and transcending. The fluid circulation created by the display stands naturally draws people into the space, creating a shopping experience unlike any other. The design is an iconic representation of some of Sydney’s most famous and beautiful features – the Sydney harbour bays, beach shorelines, sandstone and headlands.

Design Challenge

The design had many challenges. To meet the design brief, the retail display stands must be able to accommodate the required amount of merchandise - at the same time function as an architectural artwork that would draw consumers into the space. The nature-inspired concept meant a lot of organic and curved lines – this posed as an issue to go from conceptual to construction. Many negotiations and discussions were made between designer and builder, in order to find the perfect balance of design that met with the budget, time frame and design brief, all at the same time without overly sacrificing the design aesthetic.

Sustainability

The 250 linear metres of shelves are made of recyclable, ecofriendly plywood, with edges exposed. The rich and varied hues of the variegated layers of sandstone are reflected in the colours of the birch veneer. The wide range of colours meant that multiple birch species in varying colours could be picked while still retaining the same distinct grain of wood. The clever layering of different types and finishes of timber veneer to achieve the aesthetic of sandstone layers is innovative, cost effective and supportive of local materials as it was locally sourced and manufactured.
The entire ten display stand is primarily constructed out of recyclable timber.