Auckland's New SeaLink Terminal Showcases Innovative Design and Māori Storytelling

This project reflects maritime context and Māori storytelling. The ground floor features a textured concrete facade that mirrors the appearance of a concrete block seawall, while the upper levels are enveloped in a folded metal screen inspired by the design of seawall sheet piling.

The design of these panels was crafted by talented artist Maaka Potini, who explained how the pattern is called “Unaunahi”, meaning scales of the fish. The design is intended to represent the incoming and outgoing tides.

Given that the panels are visible from both the interior and exterior, aesthetic considerations led to the decision to conceal strengthening and stiffening mechanisms in areas such as the railings, rather than displaying them on the panels themselves.

Additionally, the panels feature a hooking system for quick installation.
Due to their proximity to the coast, the panels had to withstand significant wind loads and salt spray, which were critical factors for both structural integrity and durability.

Sun cast simulations were conducted by the architect, Architectus Auckland. While structural performance simulations were carried out by Babbage's External Envelope engineers.