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“Beyond pure functionality”: Tilt’s façade innovation at Sydney logistics hub

Tilt Industrial Design’s work on this Western Sydney logistics hub with Mirvac and SBA Architects stands out for its blending of function and aesthetics.

“Beyond pure functionality”: Tilt’s façade innovation at Sydney logistics hub

Tilt Industrial Design, a Sydney-based design practice and regular partner of the INDE.Awards, has partnered with property group Mirvac and SBA Architects to deliver cutting-edge façade designs for Aspect Industrial Estate in Kemps Creek, Western Sydney. The project is part of the State Significant Development of the Mamre Road precinct, which includes a $220 million upgrade to Mamre Road itself. The estate will provide 247,000 square metres of premium warehouse and office space.

The design of the façade is an abstract interpretation of tree canopies. The faceted triangular steel frames have been complemented with aluminum infill panels, developed from industrial grating. It’s all part of an approach to design outcomes that seeks to balance structural design, efficiency in material use and management of multiple suppliers to achieve a cohesive outcome. Tilt’s knowledge and manufacturing capabilities have facilitated the development of the geometric form of each structure, which were robotically profiled to achieve the complex faceted angular aesthetic.

Located in a key strategic location, this major project is geared towards redefining the aesthetics and functionality of industrial facilities — with Tilt’s involvement showcasing the practice’s expertise in bridging the gap between ambitious architectural vision and practical implementation.

Tim Phillips, Managing and Creative Director at Tilt, comments: “Our early involvement has been key to realising Mirvac’s strong creative vision for the façade, creating a presence and level of quality rarely seen in the industrial sector. This focus on aesthetic impact has been underscored by our ability to refine the geometry to ensure not just visual appeal, but also efficient fabrication and installation.”

Related: More from Tim Phillips

Two distinct façade types are being rolled out across the estate. The first two completed warehouses for CEVA Logistics and Winning Group both feature the more detailed Type A design. These are Mirvac’s first targeted carbon-neutral warehouses, both aiming for a 6-Star Green Star rating.

Alex Backler, Design Manager and project lead at Tilt, explains the execution process: “From refining the original design concept to devising modularised manufacturing and assembling processes, we’ve ensured the project’s design ambitions and timelines have been achieved. Working closely with Mirvac Design on the façade concept design, and the builder Qanstruct on site, the structure for the most recent warehouse for Winning Group structure was erected in just one day, showcasing our capabilities in design for manufacturing and installation efficiency.”

Turning to major tenants, Harry Boileau, General Manager at Winning Group, comments: “At 66,610 square metres and with 76 loading docks, the Winning Group’s Kemps Creek Distribution Centre is the largest in our company’s history. Priding ourselves on creating innovative experiences for our teams, our customers and our partners, Tilt has been an ideal collaborator. Their designs are transforming warehouses from purely functional spaces into engaging environments that can be enjoyed by everyone who encounters them.”

To date, Tilt has completed facades for Lot 1 (CEVA Logistics), Lot 9 (Winning Group) and Lot 3, with at least two more in development, and slated for completion in 2025. Attracting high-value tenants, Aspect is creating jobs in this strategic location, connected as it is to key transport hubs including the new Western Sydney Airport.

Richard Prince, Senior Associate at SBA Architects, concludes: “Aspect demonstrates how innovative collaborations between architects, specialist designers and developers can create industrial developments that go beyond pure functionality. Through solutions like Tilt’s modular facade system, Aspect shows how specialised design expertise can enhance the overall architectural outcome, setting new standards for industrial developments across the country.”

Tilt Industrial Design
tilt-industrialdesign.com

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