Tube Ceiling & External Feature by Di Emme

Anodised Aluminium Architectural Features at Sanctuary at Wentworth Point

Sanctuary at Wentworth Point is a new precinct comprising apartments, townhouses, and communal space on the Parramatta River on the western shore of Homebush Bay. Developers, Sekisui House wanted the project to be at "one with nature." Turner architects wrapped the buildings in terracotta like the clay of the site and designed facades that gently curve like the bend in the river. Turf Design Studio added landscaping that connects the architecture with the environs, with several water features including in the main entry lobby.

Turner reached out to Di Emme to complete an architectural feature which would carry through from the exterior of the building to the lobby. The installation is a series of gold anodised aluminium tubes measuring 80mm in diameter with a thickness of 4mm. The installed feature echoes the vertical pattern in the lobby and on the building's exterior.

Engineering a solution

Fabricating the ceiling fixtures for suspending the tubes in the lobby was relatively simple, however the external feature required engineering to withstand wind loads and pedestrian interaction. Di Emme worked closely with Parkview Constructions and their engineers to design a suitable solution. The lower fixing points were incorporated into the base build, keeping the fixing points as discrete as possible to allow the anodised aluminium tubes to float in the space.

Di Emme was involved in the design, fabrication, and installation of the anodised aluminium tube feature.