Details

Country

Australia

Architect

Ashleigh Halliday Architects

Photographer

Sam Noonan

Category

Public buildings

Get Inspired

Exterior, Public buildings, Interior, Lobby

Consistent with ‘Brand Kangaroo Island’s’ message and core values, Ashley Halliday created a strong, authentic and charismatic identity for the new terminal by foregrounding and enhancing the terminals relationship with its unique natural setting and making the terminal a popular destination and brand ambassador in its own right.

The Kangaroo Island Air Terminal is more than a regional air transport hub, it is a unique world-class cultural venue. More than a landmark, image or icon, it is the product and instigator of dialogue – interaction and exchange between people, with the terminal and its breathtaking natural setting. The new air terminal at Kingscote introduces regional ‘citi-flyer’-type aircraft to service Kangaroo Island creating a paradigm shift and uplift in visitation and freight movement – measures that are critical to the island’s future prosperity as a national tourism icon and quality producer.

When lighting Kangaroo Island Airport's main building, it was important to take into consideration the abundance of natural light and not over-light the spaces. The wonderfully large floor to ceiling windows that wrap around the majority of the airport allow natural light to flood into the building. The beautiful timber paneling in the alfresco waiting space is continued outdoors through the stunning timber deck. On warmer days the operable windows can be fully opened, seamlessly connecting the two spaces while drawing the unique natural setting of the island into the building. General lighting was kept to a minimum, with powerful, architectural pendants installed on the sloped ceiling, keeping it clean and allowing the natural light to reflect.