Needs + challenges
Simon Hackett describes himself as “a keen pilot who also wants to be a keen farmer”. So, when he bought The Vale – a rural property with a runway – he knew he’d need to rework the runway and build a “fabulous new hangar” to house his large aircraft assets. Working with Sydney-based Neeson Murcutt Architects, the team all started on a design to meet the “pretty substantial requirements” involved.

• Large and tall enough to accommodate specific aircraft – including a Pilatus PC12 (single-engine aircraft) and a 23-metre wingspan glider.
  Completely sealed against vermin and birds when closed.
• An easy-open door wide enough for wing spans. As Simon says: “we wanted
  something that, as we get older, we weren’t going to be pushing an enormous
  door around!”.
• Strong and secure to protect the valuable assets inside.

Success made simple
Simon says he “couldn’t be happier” with the remarkable building. As well as fitting the site and aircraft requirements, several “nifty features” take the structure to a new level. Bison sourced the perfect door from a specialty company in the United States: a massive, 20m-wide hydraulic door that was imported, then assembled and installed onsite. It is the perfect solution for large aircraft access, awning protection, effortless operation, and an undeniable “wow” factor. When shut and with pins dropped, it is completely sealed for ultimate protection even in the face of wild storms. A window on the hangar’s back wall
showcases the beautiful Mount Roland, connecting you to the outside and acting as a “moving picture”.