When entering the newly inaugurated Barangaroo Metro Station via the northern entry canopy, the immediate impression is one of modern sophistication, thoughtfully balanced with a sense of natural warmth. Central to this experience is the station’s entrance ceiling, where 100×12mm timber-look aluminium planks finished in Covet Ever Art Wood® Oku, manufactured in Japan, introduce texture, rhythm, and material clarity to a highly controlled civic environment.

Barangaroo Metro Station forms part of Sydney’s major metro infrastructure program and sits within the broader Barangaroo Precinct. Delivered as a government-funded public transport project, the station was conceived as both a functional transit hub and a considered architectural space within one of Australia’s most significant urban redevelopments.

Barangaroo Station is a landmark new underground railway station for Sydney, designed by Foster + Partners, with Architectus serving as the executive architect on the project.

Situated at the northern edge of Barangaroo, the station forms part of the Sydney Metro network, providing a vital connection to the emerging harbourside precinct. The growing precinct incorporates residential, commercial, and entertainment areas, as well as a new ferry hub.

This collaborative model allowed the station to move beyond pure utility, resulting in an environment that functions efficiently while also making a strong architectural statement.

Covet was engaged during the early design phase, following an initial request for samples from Foster + Partners several years prior to construction. As the project progressed, Covet presented the timber-look aluminium system to the central delivery group responsible for multiple new Sydney metro stations, including Barangaroo and Victoria Cross. This group comprised representatives from Foster + Partners, Architectus, and government stakeholders overseeing the metro rollout.

In selecting materials for Barangaroo Metro Station, the design team faced a clear challenge: achieving the warmth and visual authenticity of timber while meeting the stringent fire, durability, and maintenance requirements of a busy underground rail environment. The solution was Covet Ever Art Wood® timber-look aluminium, an exterior-grade system frequently specified for interior applications where performance is critical.

The selected planks offer an appearance closely resembling natural timber, with fine grain detail achieved through advanced Japanese manufacturing techniques. At the same time, the aluminium system is fire-rated, dimensionally stable, and low maintenance, addressing the operational demands of a high-traffic public space.

Beyond performance, the material choice aligns with contemporary sustainability principles. Aluminium extrusions provide long-term durability in environments subject to constant use, while reducing reliance on natural timber resources traditionally associated with harvesting and transport impacts.

Architectus worked closely with Covet during the documentation phase to resolve ceiling detailing, including discreet access solutions for services above the finished ceiling plane. Integrated access panels were developed by modifying selected planks, allowing maintenance access without compromising the visual continuity of the ceiling.

The station was constructed by BESIX Watpac, a contractor experienced in delivering complex infrastructure projects. Installation of the Art Wood planks progressed efficiently, with the system performing as intended. Minor adjustments during construction, including additional material supply following an initial under-order, were resolved without impacting the final outcome.

The completed Barangaroo Metro Station delivers a refined civic interior where material selection plays a critical role in shaping the user experience. The timber-look aluminium ceiling softens the station’s contemporary architectural lines, introducing warmth and human scale within a robust transport environment.

More than a transit point, Barangaroo Metro Station stands as an example of how cutting-edge design, advanced material technology, and collaborative delivery can converge to create a public space that is both highly functional and architecturally considered. Every detail—from the ceiling planks to the integrated access solutions—has been thoughtfully resolved to enhance the experience of all who pass through the station.

Cladding Range

Ever Art Wood® timber look aluminium battens

Cladding Profile

Kabebari 100x12mm battens

Colour

Ever Art Wood® Oku

Fire rating test results

Performs well when tested to AS/NZ 1530.3 (spread of flame / index 0), and ASTM E84-20 (Surface burning characteristics /Class A) and AS/NZ 3837-1998 (result / Group 1).

Fade Resistance

Exterior Grade: minimal fade after 10-12 years outdoor exposure

Cladding Reflectivity

Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Wood Oku