Skyportz drives waterfront vertiport concept with aluminium monocoque structure

Skyportz, Contreras Earl Architecture, and Pascall+Watson Architects are set to release a concept for an innovative e-mobility hub on the Australian waterfront.

The proposal involves the transformation of an existing heliport situated along the Yarra River in Melbourne into a state-of-the-art vertiport, purpose-built to facilitate the integration of clean, quiet electric air taxis.

CEO Clem Newton-Brown, Skyportz, emphasises the safety and practicality of waterfront locations for electric air taxi operations, citing the advantage of clear approach and departure paths as per aviation requirements.

In addition to serving as a hub for electric air taxis, this project envisions a multimodal transport centre for electric scooters, bicycles, ferries, and rental boats. A waterfront cafe will also offer spectators a place to enjoy the hub's activities.

Clem Newton-Brown further expounds on the significance of waterfront sites, emphasising their scarcity and suitability for accommodating terminals, with the possibility of floating landing pads.

The vertiport's design considers various critical factors, including sustainability, contextual integration, climate resilience, community engagement, and user experience. Notably, the vertiport's high-performance roof is engineered for structural strength, lightness, and sustainability, employing an aluminium monocoque structure similar to that used in the automotive and aviation industries.

Newton-Brown underscores the importance of breaking the traditional aviation-airport paradigm by establishing a network of new vertiport locations, with waterfront sites emerging as the most promising option to unlock the industry's full potential.