SUPASLAT Aluminium Ceiling Achieve Dramatic Contemporary Look in Hotel Reception Lounge

Bates Smart’s slatted aluminium ceiling in award-winning hotel reception

SUPAWOOD’s aluminium slatted panels achieve a dramatic contemporary effect in the reception lounge of the award-winning Adina Apartments at Bondi Beach.

The designers, Bates Smart, wanted a non-combustible slatted ceiling product which could be installed across a large area to compliment the bold natural materials being used throughout the space below. They also needed to allow for access to the cavity above and the integration of utilities such as lighting, sprinklers and air conditioning.

As timber was not a good choice due to the project’s BCA Fire Group 1 compliance requirements, SUPASLAT Aluminium was an ideal alternative suited for both the interior and harsh exterior hotel environment.

The Adina Apartments form part of the mixed use Boheme building in the heart of Bondi Beach’s retail hub. The long narrow reception and lounge area is entered via a shopfront and extends from the entry on Hall Street through a rear exit, which opens into a light filled courtyard and pool area.

In addition to BCA fire requirements, the longevity of materials used in the building had to be considered as it is only a couple of blocks up from the beach and the open sea. SUPASLAT Aluminium is not only Fire Group 1 rated but also moisture resistant and therefore ideal for both interior and harsh exterior environments.

In this application, slatted panels with a clip-up system have been used. This simple concealed fixing system means installing the pre-fabricated slatted panels is quick and easy with no onsite cutting involved. An anodised finish in Satin Sandstone provides durability and matches the interior elements.

The use of SUPASLAT Aluminium on the ceiling perfectly complements the timber panelling on the reception side and the stone wall on the other side. A clever illusion has been achieved by placing a narrow strip of mirrors between the ceiling and the top of the stone wall. This extends the length of the stone wall making it look as if the ceiling extends into a room beyond the wall.

This project has won an international Services Apartments award for Best Architecture/External Design and was also shortlisted for Best Interior Design.