Virgin Atlantic LAX Clubhouse

Designer: SLADE Architecture

Client: Virgin Atlantic

2015

LG Hi Macs, Baltic Birch Ply, Copper, LDF, Plyboo

SITU fabricated the entire curvilinear Corian solid surface feature wall that begins at the airline’s reception desk and transforms seamlessly into the bar. A copper backsplash complements the solid surface material and culminates in the bar's feature wall.  SITU fabricated a 24' solid bamboo table, whose curves pay homage to California's surfing culture, as well as seven custom-upholstered sofas distributed throughout the lounge. SITU 3D modeled and engineered the various components that comprise the project. I assisted in design engineering and 3D model breakdown for CNC machining of the curvilinear Corian surface substructures and the custom sofa frames. I programmed CNC machining operations in AlphaCAM and RhinoCAM for all elements of the project, including Corian surface substructures, sofa frames, and the bamboo table. I oversaw the hiring and training of a CNC operator, and managed all scheduling of the CNC to keep fabricators working on each individual aspect of the overall project. Once Corian surface substructures were assembled, sheets of Corian were laid over the substructure to create the curvilinear surface. These large pieces were placed, in whole, back on the CNC machine and referenced to trim the Corian overage to exact specifications. A number of Corian parts were much larger than the CNC bed and had to be programmed to avoid collisions. They were trimmed part way, rotated, re-referenced, and trimmed the rest of the way.