Coburg Station, Melbourne, Australia

A new urban landmark

A new railway station has been constructed in Melbourne, which not only meets functional requirements but also makes a strong architectural statement. The most distinctive feature of the building is its diamond-patterned architectural concrete façade, which gives the structure depth and produces dynamic light and shadow effects throughout the day, contributing significantly to the quality of the surrounding public space.

Designed by the renowned architecture firm Wood Marsh, the station features circular windows and openings integrated into the design. A white cement concrete mix was used for the façade to create a bright and welcoming atmosphere. The precast concrete elements were produced using a custom-designed Formliner and supplied and installed by Advanced Precast.

We provided the project-specific Formliner used in the production of the façade panels. Tailored precisely to match the intended relief, the Formliner served as a key tool for the consistent and efficient manufacturing of the architectural concrete panels. The use of our Formliner enabled the architect to fully realize the design vision and made a notable contribution to enhancing the surrounding urban space.

Precast expertise meets Architectural Design

The complex façade was produced by Australian precast specialist Advanced Precast, which focuses on architecturally ambitious concrete solutions. A precast construction system was selected to meet requirements for dimensional accuracy, repeatability, and surface quality—while also reducing overall construction time.

A critical element in achieving the sharply defined geometric surface was the use of individually manufactured Formliners. These allowed for the precise and repeatable formation of the striking diamond pattern across numerous production cycles while maintaining consistently high quality.

The design impresses with its strong geometry and thoughtful detailing:

• Generous window openings on the east and west façades, inspired by Melbourne landmarks such as Flinders Street Station, bring natural light into the interior spaces.
• The two-story volume of the building enhances comfort and usability for commuters and visitors alike.
• The entire structure is fully accessible, with elevators, ramps, and step-free entrances throughout.
• The space beneath the elevated tracks has been repurposed as usable public space, now functioning as open areas for recreation and community interaction.