Since its unveiling in 2020, the Sydney Fish Market is nearing completion, boasting an impressive timber roof crafted to mimic the appearance of fish scales and weighing a substantial 2,500 tons. This architectural marvel is the brainchild of the Danish studio 3XN, working in partnership with BVN, GXN Innovation, and Aspect Studios. The project forms a key component of a broader initiative aimed at revitalizing Blackwattle Bay, infusing new life and vibrancy into this part of the city.
Designer: 3Xn, BVN, GXN Innovation, & Aspect Studios
The roof stands out as the most impressive feature of the Sydney Fish Market. It spans an impressive length of 200 meters (656 feet), and its intricate structure comprises 594 glulam (glued laminated wood) roof beams. The longest of these beams extends up to 32 meters (104 feet), creating a sturdy framework topped with aluminum panels designed to resemble fish scales. Installing this architectural innovation was no easy task. Over the years, the team used three cranes, each weighing as much as 17 passenger cars, into their precise positions.
The roof incorporates integrated solar panels, significantly reducing the building’s reliance on the grid for electricity. A rainwater collection system supports irrigation needs, enhancing the building’s sustainability. The roof also features skylights that allow indirect sunlight to illuminate the interior’s upper levels, creating a naturally bright and inviting space. Multiplex, the construction company behind the project, declares it the largest roof of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, highlighting its impressive design and engineering achievements.
As the Sydney Fish Market approaches the final stages of its construction, a few tasks still need to be completed before it can open its doors to the public. The roof still needs some finishing touches, including essential waterproofing that will be completed in the upcoming weeks. The interior still needs some work to be done, and it will be filled with natural light, owing to the skylights, and the stunning transparent facade composed of aluminum and glass, complemented by glazed louvers. This combination enhances the building’s aesthetic appeal but also ensures a bright and welcoming atmosphere inside. The interior space is marked by an open and flexible layout designed to accommodate a variety of functions and activities.
On the outside, the market is surrounded by public plazas, inviting gatherings and community interactions in the adjacent areas. The project is moving towards completion and will open in the coming months, serving as a vibrant addition to the city’s architectural landscape and a bustling hub for locals and visitors. “This building will serve many functions when it is completed: a vibrant fish market, an attractive amenity for the city, a cultural destination, an urban connector, and an inspiring icon along the world-renowned Sydney Harbour,” said Kim Herforth Nielsen, Founding Partner and Creative Director, 3XN.
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