ALUMINUM GROTTO BY PACIFIC PIPE, THE WINNER OF THE THEMATIC PAVILION OF THE YEAR 2024 AWARD IS THE CONSTRUCTION OF POSSIBILITY
TEXT: NATHANICH CHAIDEE
PHOTO: PHUBETH THARATHRONCHANAKUL EXCEPT AS NOTED
(For Thai, press here)
The annual Architect Expo is always a captivating affair, offering a platform for brands to transform their products into creative architectural marvels. These Thematic Pavilions do more than just exhibit aesthetic beauty; they are a testament to the innovative application of materials. This year, at Architect Expo’ 24, the coveted Thematic Pavilion of the Year 2024 award was given to KIN and S-ONE for their visionary design by HAS design and research. Integral to bringing this imaginative concept to life was Pacific Pipe, whose robust structural solutions made the envisioned ideas a reality.
When Pacific Pipe, or PAP, is mentioned, ‘steel pipes’ often come to mind. Renowned for their strength and reliability, these pipes are essential for both structural and system works, making them a vital element in steel construction. Pacific Pipe is dedicated to developing steel pipe products specifically tailored for construction and architectural applications. By leveraging advanced engineering expertise, they have been able to comprehensively meet the industry’s diverse functional demands.
This collaboration between a material supplier and an architecture team exemplifies a remarkable synergy, expanding the boundaries of possibility by harnessing the full potential of materials in design. The result is not only impressive but also inspiring for those who have a chance to experience it.
Thematic Pavilion of the Year 2024 Award and Structural Excellence by Pacific Pipe
Before our eyes stands an extraordinary pavilion crafted from aluminum slats, unlike any we’ve encountered before. These slats curve and layer upwards, creating a grotto-like effect that envelops visitors in a sense of lightness and relaxation.
The ‘Aluminum Grotto,’ inspired by the natural formations of stalactites and stalagmites found in caves, has been reimagined to foster a closer connection with its audience. This design not only showcases the versatility of aluminum but also relies on a robust steel pipe structure to support the slats, which collectively weigh 11.5 tons. One of the primary challenges in installing such a pavilion in a temporary exhibition space is ensuring it can be quickly assembled and disassembled while remaining sturdy throughout the six-day event. The engineering team at Pacific Pipe addressed this challenge by employing a truss structure, which efficiently distributes weight and spans wide distances without the need for central support columns. This approach guarantees both durability and safety, making it an ideal solution for exhibition spaces.
Starting with the internal structure, Pacific Pipe played a crucial role by supplying its TMZ brand steel pipes, specifically SS400 grade. This included 100x100x3.2 mm box steel, 50x50x3.2 mm box steel, and 75x45x15x2.3 mm C-shaped steel. Each component was meticulously fabricated in the factory before being assembled on-site into a complete structure. To support the exterior aluminum slats, pre-formed aluminum sheets were attached to a sub-frame that acted as secondary beams, efficiently transferring the load to the main structure. Remarkably, the entire installation process was completed in just 3-4 days, effectively meeting the project’s tight timeline.
ASA Platform Selected Materials 2024 Award for Innovative Construction Materials
Beyond its role in the Thematic Pavilion of the Year 2024, Pacific Pipe also garnered the ASA Platform Selected Materials 2024 award in the Raw Material category for its latest innovation, PAP+ premium-grade steel pipes made from SS490. This prestigious award highlights materials that have showcased exceptional innovation, potential, and excellence over the past year.
Photo: Worapas Dusadeewijai
Over its 52-year journey, Pacific Pipe Public Company Limited has evolved into one of Thailand’s premier steel pipe brands, consistently innovating to meet the diverse needs of engineers, designers, and end customers. Their products excel in both functionality and aesthetics, supporting a broad spectrum of applications from residential projects to large-scale structural endeavors. Notably, Pacific Pipe is the sole company in Thailand capable of producing steel pipes with a 16-inch diameter. They have also enhanced their galvanized steel pipes with special properties to resist moisture and rust, ensuring long-lasting durability.
Steel pipes play critical roles in construction and structural work, internal systems, architectural projects, and engineering applications. The key to Pacific Pipe’s enduring success lies in their relentless innovation in production technology, keen understanding of customer needs, and effective marketing communication. This multifaceted approach allows them to develop products that swiftly and precisely meet market demands.
“As a material manufacturer, we want to communicate to young architects the capabilities of structural steel pipes,” said Thitakorn Ussayaporn, Chief Commercial Officer at Pacific Pipe Public Co., Ltd., at Architect Expo’ 24.
The pavilion offers architects an opportunity to explore endless possibilities of steel structures. It challenges designers to create innovative works using a variety of steel pipe products and engineering technologies, transforming their conceptual sketches into tangible reality.