A Station Like No Other: Gadigal’s Bespoke Metal Ceilings Brought to Life

In the heart of Sydney, beneath one of the busiest intersections in the CBD, lies a new icon of modern transport infrastructure — Gadigal Station. As part of the Sydney Metro City & Southwest project, this underground marvel is not only a feat of engineering and urban design but also a cultural and architectural landmark. Formerly known as Pitt Street Station, it has been renamed to honour the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, reflecting a powerful commitment to truth-telling and Indigenous recognition.

But beyond its cultural importance and transport function, Gadigal Station is also a design masterpiece — particularly in the stunning, bespoke metal ceilings that grace its interiors. Developed through an extraordinary collaboration between durlum, Foxville Projects, and Network Architectural, the ceiling system is one of the most complex and ambitious durlum has ever undertaken. It’s a testament to design innovation, flexibility, and the tireless service behind the scenes.

Delivered by CPB Contractors, Gadigal Station is part of an Integrated Station Development (ISD) running between Park and Bathurst Streets. The platforms sit approximately 17 to 20 metres below ground, making it the shallowest station on the City & Southwest line. With over 10,000 workers contributing to its construction, and 9,000 commuters expected to pass through each morning peak, the scale and impact of Gadigal Station are immense.

The project was led by Foster + Partners as the design lead in collaboration with Cox Architecture, with significant contributions from Sydney Metro’s internal teams and design consultants. Their shared vision focused on creating an experience that was as inspiring as it was functional, incorporating Indigenous heritage, world-class infrastructure, and modern aesthetics.

A Metal Ceiling Design Without Limits

Within this extraordinary build, the bespoke ceiling system stands out as both a structural and artistic achievement. Developed and delivered by Network Architectural using durlum metal ceilings, the solution spanned more than 5,000 square metres — covering the platform tunnels and pedestrian adits with intricate architectural detail.

“This was one of the most complex projects we’ve ever worked on,” said Paul Sheehan, Ceilings Division Manager at Network Architectural. “It wasn’t just about supplying a ceiling — it was about co-creating a solution in real-time with the installer and design team, piece by piece, to ensure every millimetre delivered on the vision.”

Foxville Projects, one of Australia’s premier ceiling installers, led the installation. Their collaboration with Network Architectural began after successful work on Victoria Cross Station. In early 2021, Foxville invited Network Architectural to “take a look” at the Pitt Street build. What followed was nearly three years of design refinement, prototyping, and hands-on support — a level of service Network Architectural is known for. 

Bringing Gadigal Metro Station Bespoke Ceiling to Life

At the heart of the ceiling design was a commitment to customisation and precision. The project was divided into three major design elements:

1. The PSD Elements: These included the walls, custom louvre, bulkheads and bullnoses, and integrated lighting panels — with every fourth panel designed as an access point for maintenance. Above the platform screen doors, curved bronze bulkheads raked down to the floor, providing both visual continuity and functional form.
2. The Signature durlum Tubes: Running the full length of the interior space, these 63mm metal tubes were meticulously aligned with the GRC wall panels, both vertically and horizontally. The backing panels featured perforation for acoustic ceiling performance, while also maintaining accessibility. “We ensured every join in the tubes aligned precisely with the joins in the GRC panels — the attention to detail was second to none,” Paul explained.
3. The Boom Panels: These ceiling panels in the adits (walkways) concealed essential services such as lighting, ventilation, and fire systems. Featuring three-dimensional curves — not only upwards but also outwards — these panels required advanced manufacturing to meet the design complexity. Their seamless finish masked the underlying infrastructure while contributing to the station’s unique visual rhythm.

Design flexibility was key throughout the project. Network Architectural’s in-house design team worked in lockstep with Foxville’s Design team, iterating via 3D drawings and physical prototypes. “This project was being designed on the go. Some areas took weeks to finalise due to the complexity of the radius curves and the integration with concrete walls. But the end result speaks for itself,” Paul noted.

The station is also a canvas for Indigenous storytelling. The name “Gadigal” is not just symbolic; it signifies a powerful truth-telling initiative. Councillor Yvonne Weldon of the City of Sydney described it best: “The first step of that truth telling is making sure that we are heard, we are seen, and we are recognised — and that’s what we have in Gadigal station.”

Art installations, including massive 12.5-metre murals titled The Underneath by Callum Morton, enhance the immersive design. Inspired by historic tunnels and local waterways, they echo both the natural and industrial history of the site. More than 10,000 handmade porcelain enamel tiles were used in the entrance areas, reinforcing the tactile, human scale of the design.

World-Class Design, World-Class Collaboration

For Network Architectural and durlum, delivering this project wasn’t just about fulfilling a brief — it was about enabling vision at scale. By embedding their team into the design and installation process, they ensured that the ceilings not only matched the architectural intent but elevated the entire experience.

“This was a massive undertaking, and the project would not have succeeded without true collaboration between the installer, the design team, and our internal design manager,” said Paul. “We were constantly adjusting, solving challenges, and ensuring every detail came together.”

With over 5000 sqm of bespoke metal ceilings, countless design hours, and dozens of prototypes, the finished ceiling is a testament of what’s possible when flexibility, craftsmanship, and service come together.

As commuters descend into Gadigal Station, they are met not just with a world-class transport hub, but with an architectural experience that tells stories — of the city, of culture, of design excellence. The bespoke metal ceiling plays a central role in creating this identity.

From sweeping bulkheads to three-dimensional curves, every element was purpose-built to contribute to the beauty, functionality, and durability of this space. It is a station built for generations — a landmark not only of infrastructure but of what thoughtful design and expert execution can achieve.

Network Architectural & Bespoke Metal Ceilings

Whether the project is large-scale and complex or smaller in scope, bespoke metal ceiling solutions demand collaboration and precision. Network Architectural’s in-house architectural team partners with designers, builders, and installers from concept through to completion — ensuring every metal ceiling system is expertly tailored and flawlessly executed. To see how our team has brought other standout projects to life, explore our projects — and if you’re planning a project of your own, get in touch with us today to start the conversation.