Katunga Fresh

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 a complete natural ventilation system using A Series Wall Louvres and 1 Series Roof Vents, a purpose-designed combination that delivers both everyday airflow and smoke exhaust during fire events.

Here’s how it worked:

• Ventilation + smoke control combined – The 1 Series Roof Vents were strategically positioned to provide continuous airflow during normal operation and act as natural smoke outlets during emergencies, while the A Series Louvres supplied consistent crossflow ventilation at wall level to promote even air distribution throughout the facility.

• Code-compliant design – The total vent and louvre 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, both systems operate quietly and efficiently, using natural buoyancy and wind effects to move air through the space.

• Durable, low-maintenance construction – Designed for longevity in agricultural environments, both the A and 1 Series products feature corrosion-resistant materials and minimal upkeep requirements, making them ideal for high-moisture and dust-prone facilities.

The result was a balanced ventilation strategy that worked with the building, not against it, using natural airflow from wall to roof to maintain safe, comfortable, and stable conditions year-round.

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, all without the complexity of mechanical systems.

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