How Katunga Fresh Grew a Cleaner, Smarter Facility with Natural Ventilation

Who is Katunga Fresh?

Katunga Fresh is one of Victoria’s largest hydroponic tomato producers, known for its high-quality produce grown in state-of-the-art glasshouses. As demand grew, the team expanded operations with a new processing facility in Katunga, built by Steelcorp. 

The goal was to create a modern, efficient building that would protect both people and produce,  while keeping energy use low and meeting strict fire and smoke-venting standards. 

The Challenge

The new facility needed to achieve more than just airflow.
It had to: 

• Comply with AS 1668 – Natural Smoke Venting, requiring openings equal to 1.5 % of the floor area 

• Provide consistent natural ventilation for workers and equipment 

• Integrate seamlessly with the building design , without relying on complex mechanical systems 

In short, the system had to meet fire safety codes and maintain a comfortable, well-ventilated workspace every day, all while staying cost-effective and low maintenance. 

The Solution 

Working alongside Steelcorp’s design and construction team, we supplied and installed the 1 Series natural ventilation system, a purpose-designed solution that delivers both everyday airflow and smoke exhaust during fire events. 

Here’s how it worked: 

• Ventilation + smoke control combined – The 1 Series vents were strategically positioned to provide continuous airflow during normal operation and act as natural smoke outlets during emergencies. 

• Code-compliant design – The total vent area was calculated to meet the 1.5 % of floor area requirement under AS 1668, ensuring the building remained fully compliant without over-engineering. 

• Passive performance – With no reliance on power or filters, the system operates quietly and efficiently, using natural buoyancy and wind effects to move air. 

• Durable, low-maintenance construction – Designed for longevity in agricultural environments, with minimal upkeep and no mechanical failure points. 

The result was a ventilation strategy that worked with the building, not against it, using natural airflow and heat movement to maintain safe and stable conditions. 

Talk to an Engineer

If you’re planning a new build or upgrade, our team can show you how natural ventilation can improve comfort, compliance, and cost-efficiency — without the complexity of mechanical systems.

Speak to an Airocle engineer for a site-specific design tailored to your building and airflow needs.