At Hamilton Island’s Reef View Hotel, a sculptural wall made of Corian, designed by Poco Designs, brings abstract form and fluid elegance to the lobby…
In the heart of the Whitsundays, a dramatic sculptural installation now anchors the lobby of the Reef View Hotel on Hamilton Island – a flowing, ethereal feature wall that blurs the line between architecture and art. Designed by Poco Designs and brought to life by Inform Tops, the 10.76-metre high structure reimagines the possibilities of solid surface material, transforming Corian into something almost weightless: a curtain of white, rippling across the wall like fabric caught mid-motion.
The brief was deceptively simple – a feature wall with curvature, something abstract and bold. But executing that vision on such a large scale, and in a hospitality setting, demanded a material that could deliver on both aesthetics and performance. The design team turned to 6mm Corian in Glacier White, a choice driven by its thermoformability, seamless finish, and ability to withstand the demands of high-traffic environments.
Image credit: Justin Blank at Hamilton Island Construction
Dubbed the ‘Curtain Wall’, the installation spans more than 11 metres in length, with its smooth, undulating surface catching and diffusing light throughout the lobby. The result is both calming and captivating – an abstract gesture that feels organic, sculptural, and resolutely modern.
Material as medium
While the creation of the wall was labour-intensive, the inherent malleability of Corian made complex curvature and joinery possible. The fabrication, handled by Inform Tops, involved detailed thermoforming and precise installation – a testament to both the material and the craftsmanship behind it.
The benefits of Corian go beyond looks. Its non-porous surface is easy to maintain, making it ideal for hospitality spaces where cleanliness and durability are essential. And its versatility doesn’t end with walls – Corian was also used to create custom reception counters, bringing a sense of continuity and cohesion to the lobby interior.
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- Image credit: Justin Blank at Hamilton Island Construction
Form, function, and the ‘wow’ factor
This project exemplifies how design ambition, paired with the right material, can redefine a space. With its sinuous lines, textured surface, and luminous quality, the Curtain Wall introduces a dynamic focal point that elevates the entire hotel experience – from the first step into the lobby.
Corian Solid Surface has long been a favourite among architects and designers for its ability to take on any shape or scale, offering both design freedom and technical reliability. In this installation, it becomes something more: a medium for storytelling, a way to shape emotion and light.
A surface that goes deeper
Corian brings elegance and a tactile sophistication to vertical surfaces – just as it does to counters, tables and bars. For projects that demand both visual impact and practical durability, it continues to prove why it’s a material of choice in high-end, high-traffic environments.
The Reef Hotel’s Curtain Wall is not just a feature – it is a statement. One that celebrates material innovation, collaboration, and the enduring power of great design.
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Main image credit: Justin Blank at Hamilton Island Construction
