A splendid relaxation area in the sunlight where you can relax and wait for your flight. This is the terrace inaugurated last April at Terminal 1 of Frankfurt Airport, Germany's largest, by Fraport AG. Called the 'Open Air Deck', it offers a wonderful panoramic view of the aircraft apron and is embellished with HI-MACS® furnishings that make the environment unique.
A 138-square-metre terrace with furnishings designed by the prestigious Studio 3deluxe, an interdisciplinary team known for its recognisable organic style and the fluid forms of its designs.
Exactly the same features are reproduced in the Open Air Deck: the voluminous, flowing HI-MACS® Alpine White bench, positioned along the glass balustrade, is a clear example.
For the 20 linear metres, the designers' choice fell on HI-MACS®, a solid surface that is resistant not only to UV rays, but also to weathering and temperature changes, and thus able to preserve itself over time. But this is not the only prerogative that distinguishes this material: in fact, it is the only product that can be processed in such a way as to eliminate the visible signs of joints, to develop complements that look as if they have been obtained from a single block of material: continuous, fluid, homogeneous and clean.
The furniture was produced by Georg Ackermann GmbH, in their Wiesenbronn factory, a Bavarian company that completed the work in just four weeks. The result was elements curved to form two planks with very small radii, which were then assembled and finished directly at the airport, with work being carried out overnight over a two-week period to allow the cranes to transport the products and then hoist them onto the roof without disrupting daily airport operations.
The design of Ackermann Gmbh was inspired by typical workmanship from the world of shipbuilding and aeronautical engineering: in fact, a frame was used for the construction of the furniture, to which solid surface elements were applied, reducing their weight.
After realisation on a PC in three dimensions, the stainless steel structure was made, using a CO2 laser cutting machine, to define the individual parts of different sizes.
The structure of the seats, on the other hand, is made of heat-treated ash wood, creating a nice contrast to the HI-MACS® surfaces. Finally, a display, also made of HI-MACS®, allows visitors to obtain interesting information about the ongoing operations in the aircraft parking area.
The relaxation area is characterised by a large, horseshoe-shaped lounge platform with a solid HI-MACS® base, the ends of which can be transformed into small tables and shelves, which can be concealed within the sofa, of different shapes and heights. The lounge area is completed by two central tables, also made of HI-MACS®.
The light grey waterproof surface of HI-MACS® almost frames the surrounding elements in different shades of blue. In this way, the furniture looks beautiful but discreet, without distracting attention from the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
In addition, a 150 cm long kitchen station made of HI-MACS® was installed, capable of accommodating meals and snacks. A space equipped with all comforts that can be hidden from view thanks to a reclinable top made of weatherproof HI-MACS®.
