At Melbourne Airport, a new workplace has opened that brings together work and travel. Aerofoil by FK is part of a mixed-use hotel and coworking precinct located next to the Terminal 4 transport hub. The development includes two Accor-managed hotels, Novotel and ibis Styles, and is the first new-build hotel project at the airport in more than 20 years. Designed for people constantly on the move, the precinct reflects the pace and flow of the airport environment while offering spaces to work, meet, and pause.

“We approached the design and spatial planning to maximise the aerofoil’s unique viewpoints over the runway, carefully positioning spaces for quiet work and meetings to make the most of these views.”
—— Sarah Hurst, FK principal

The architectural identity of the project is defined by its most recognisable element, the aerofoil. Referencing the form of an aircraft wing, this sculptural structure stretches across the site as a clear visual marker. Its curved bronze facade is punctuated with arched openings that frame views toward the runway, strengthening the building’s connection to aviation. The striking aerofoil also enhances the traveler experience, offering unique spaces with direct runway views. It houses a two-level coworking environment that feels elevated while remaining closely connected to the surrounding airport infrastructure.

Inside, the interiors are designed to deliberately contrast the building’s bold exterior. Sarah Hurst describes an approach that softens the sleek outer form through a rich, layered material palette. Natural elements such as timber, veneer, and seagrass rugs are used to create a warm, organic core within the sweeping cylindrical shell, giving the workspace a sense of comfort and calm.

*Australian Interior Design Awards, Shortlisted. Workplace Design, 2025*

The curved form of the aerofoil directly informed the spatial planning, with areas of compression created by the facade transformed into more intimate zones. These moments are expressed as meeting rooms, breakout areas, private nooks, and working lounges, where warm materials and tactile finishes soften the sense of enclosure. Framed by the L-shaped hotel buildings, the precinct also incorporates a two-level gym and wellness offering, including treatment rooms, a lap pool, and a sauna.

Together, these spaces extend the workplace experience beyond desks and meeting rooms, reflecting FK’s ambition to balance the project’s technical, aerospace-inspired exterior with warm, inviting interiors and a refined, hospitality-led atmosphere throughout.

“As the only coworking space within the airport, Aerofoil Workspace is designed to support business travellers, local business owners and airport professionals by creating a vibrant community where individuals and businesses can connect, collaborate and flourish.”

—— Krisly Rayo, Aerofoil Workspace Centre Manager

Aerofoil by FK captures the energy of travel while offering a moment of calm within it. The project brings together work, hospitality, and wellness in a setting defined by movement, light, and view. As a workplace, Aerofoil is both expressive and thoughtful, a place to focus, connect, and pause within the constant rhythm of Melbourne Airport.

Credits

Interior & Architecture: Fender Katsalidis (FK)

Builder: Built Construction

Flooring: Royal Oak Floors

Photography: Tom Ross

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