SeaLink Terminal: function and aesthetics in a maritime industrial setting

Led by Architectus, the project presents a terminal that efficiently organises the flow of passengers and vehicles, while establishing a visual and symbolic dialogue with the port and the maritime landscape of the Hauraki Gulf.

SeaLink is conceived as a bridge between the city and the islands, with the ground floor dedicated to ticketing and waiting areas, while the upper levels accommodate offices and facilitate vehicle access to the ferries. Ultimately, the building combines operational clarity with architectural presence, becoming a landmark for both its users and the city.

Concrete, metal and art

The terminal is anchored on a solid, robust precast concrete base, ensuring stability against coastal conditions and the constant flow of vehicles and passengers. The upper floors are clad in folded perforated metal, serving a dual purpose: protecting the building while lending it visual lightness, allowing light to filter through and framing views to the outside.

The façade design, precisely engineered by Symonite, also incorporates an artistic and cultural dimension. The perforated patterns, created by local artists Maaka Potini and Ted Ngataki (Ngāti Tamaoho), are inspired by fish scales (Unaunahi). In this way, the structure not only meets stringent technical requirements for wind and load resistance, but also conveys the port’s maritime identity and the cultural narrative of the local community.

The result is an elegant balance of engineering and art: a robust, functional building that also reflects its surroundings and the history of the people connected to it.

AERO Bench: comfort and design at the service of travellers

In this dynamic environment, passenger terminal furniture plays an essential role. Passengers find in the AERO Bench, designed by Lievore Altherr Molina for Sellex, an ally for comfort and functionality. The terminal is equipped with benches of various dimensions, all fixed to the floor and with back-to-back spacers, ensuring order and ergonomics in the terminal’s waiting areas.

The choice of AERO as terminal seating responds to the need for furniture that combines form and function without sacrificing aesthetics. “Given the coastal location, the AERO Terminal Bench proved an ideal choice, marrying form and function with the overall vision. Of course, the exceptional design of the AERO Bench seamlessly with the space's aesthetic,” note our partners at UFL, who acted as our distributor in this project.

The design of the AERO Bench allows the furniture to integrate seamlessly with the terminal’s architecture, offering a balance between robustness and visual lightness. Its modularity and durability guarantee passenger comfort while maintaining order in high-traffic spaces.

The new SeaLink Terminal exemplifies how architecture, art and furniture can work together to create efficient, welcoming spaces. The AERO Bench accompanies the rhythm of the terminal, easing passengers’ wait while remaining in harmony with the visual presence of the building and the cultural narrative of its surroundings.