Situated within Sydney’s Barangaroo precinct, this rooftop pavilion introduces a sculptural architectural canopy designed to enhance an elevated commercial terrace environment. Conceived as both a functional shelter and a refined architectural statement, the structure supports informal gatherings, outdoor working, and social interaction while contributing a distinctive design element to one of Australia’s most prominent waterfront developments.

Positioned on the podium level of Tower 3, the intervention transforms an otherwise exposed rooftop area into a comfortable, year-round destination for tenants. The broader landscape upgrade incorporated planting, built-in seating, and amenity spaces beneath a highly expressive canopy that provides protection from sun and weather while maintaining openness to views across the harbour precinct.

The canopy itself is defined by a fluid, free-form geometry that reads as lightweight and almost textile in character. A layered batten system filters light and airflow, producing shifting patterns of shade and shadow that evolve throughout the day. As evening approaches, integrated landscape lighting subtly illuminates the underside of the structure, reinforcing its sculptural qualities and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere within the rooftop environment.

While visually soft and organic, the pavilion is underpinned by highly engineered material solutions designed to withstand Barangaroo’s exposed coastal conditions. The combination of wind exposure, UV intensity, and proximity to salt air required materials capable of delivering long-term durability without ongoing maintenance challenges.

“When we initially contacted Covet during the design phase, we quickly realised from the samples that their product would be the perfect timber replacement, offering impressive colours and textures. Given the challenges we faced in fixing the cladding with an irregular set-out, Tilt collaborated seamlessly with the Covet team to design and test a custom extrusion for engineering purposes and develop a joiner cap to meet the aesthetic expectations of a project of this calibre. The finished results speak for themselves, and Tilt looks forward to collaborating with Covet again.”

Alex Backler, Design Manager of Tilt Industrial Design

To support both the architectural vision and performance requirements, Covet supplied a bespoke aluminium batten system finished in Covet Ever Art Wood® Weebu Mahogani. The finish was selected for its rich tonal depth and ability to replicate the warmth of timber while providing a non-combustible, stable, and low-maintenance alternative suited to a demanding waterfront setting.

Given the unique geometry of the pavilion, the project required the development of a dedicated extrusion profile tailored specifically to the structure. Working closely with the project engineers and fabricators, Covet facilitated the creation of a custom aluminium tube extrusion engineered to address wind loading requirements while maintaining a refined architectural appearance.

Specialised connection detailing was also developed to accommodate thermal movement across the long batten spans. These concealed joinery solutions allow expansion and contraction without interrupting the pavilion’s clean visual language, ensuring the installation remains stable and visually consistent over time.

Careful attention was given to finishing details, including custom end caps designed to maintain grain continuity across the timber-look battens. This refinement helps preserve the authenticity of the finish and reinforces the pavilion’s crafted architectural quality.

Manufacturing was undertaken in Japan using project-specific extrusion dies and moulds, supported by prototyping and sample testing prior to production. This process allowed installation methodology and detailing to be confirmed early, reducing risk and supporting a streamlined installation on the constrained rooftop site.

“Our collaboration with Covet as design and fabrication partner for the Carpe Diem pavilion has delivered a distinctive and compelling sculptural outcome. Through the development of custom profiles, precision connectors and bespoke end-caps, the team realised a seamless, fluid surface expressed as a singular continuous form. This carefully resolved geometry shapes a sequence of interconnected spaces, creating moments of intimacy, shelter and delight within the heart of Sydney’s newest commercial precinct.”

Huw Turner, Principal of Collins and Turner

Covet collaborated with architects Cons + Turner, fabricators Tilt Industrial Design, engineers Arup, and our Japanese manufacturing partners to translate the pavilion’s sculptural concept into a buildable aluminium system capable of meeting both aesthetic and technical expectations.

The project required extensive coordination across design, engineering, manufacturing, and logistics. Custom packaging solutions were developed to accommodate crane lifting onto the podium level, while pre-production modelling ensured efficient installation sequencing despite the complexity of the canopy geometry.

Beyond delivering material supply, Covet’s involvement included profile development, finish consultation, technical detailing, and ongoing collaboration throughout fabrication and installation. The project has since contributed to expanded custom extrusion capabilities for future architectural applications.

The Carpe Diem Pavilion represents a significant architectural and technical milestone for Covet. It demonstrates how advanced timber-look aluminium systems can support expressive architectural design while meeting the durability, compliance, and maintenance requirements of high-exposure commercial environments.

By combining sculptural form with precision engineering and refined material finishes, the pavilion enhances the tenant experience and contributes a distinctive architectural layer to the evolving Barangaroo precinct. The project reflects the value of close collaboration between architects, engineers, fabricators, and specialist material partners in delivering ambitious contemporary architecture.

Cladding Range

Cladding Profile ‎

Colour

Surface texture

Fire rating test results

Fade Resistance

Cladding Reflectivity

Ever Art Wood® timber look aluminium battens

Mizotsuki Custom 40mm Rounded Profile & Custom Rounded Moku Wood Grain End Caps

Ever Art Wood® Weebu Mahogani

Raised, wood grain texture

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).

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

Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Weebu Mahogani