“From an existing ad-hoc provincial airport terminal to a fully modernised, gateway building."

Site, context, presence

The design brief required the total re-organisation and extension of the existing terminal to cope with current security requirements, passenger and retail needs. The redeveloped terminal building is necessarily orientated to the apron and runway, and the resulting linear form allows for future expansion on either end of the building. Part of the project involved doubling the area of sealed car parks, as well as creating dedicated car parks for taxis, shuttles, buses, and disabled persons vehicles.

Relationship between concept, form, structure

The concept design team comprised MSM Architects in association with Moller Architects, who together integrated the design needs of airline operators, airport management, and the various border control agencies. An added challenge was to design the new facilities in a sequence that allowed uninterrupted operation of the airport throughout construction.

Structure, construction, materials, detail

The building shell comprises honed concrete block, zincalume roofing and cladding, and large areas of glazing in aluminium frames. These same materials are carried into the building interior also, supplemented by a timber ceiling of pine-faced plywood in order to create a warmer, softer interior.

Environmental

The transformation has been achieved through various environmentally sustainable design decisions, including re-using the existing building roof structure, portals, floor slabs, and lifts; environmentally friendly carpet with recycled backing; a high level of natural daylighting through solar control glazing; high ventilation rates and carbon filtering for a healthy interior environment; full fresh air capability when outside ambient air temperature permits; ozone-friendly refrigerant in new plant; energy-efficient electronic lighting ballasts throughout; an integrated building management system including peak energy demand control and energy monitoring.

User satisfaction

Prior to the commencement of this project, user surveys highlighted terminal facilities as the number one issue in passenger dissatisfaction; but post-project surveys have shown a very high level of satisfaction. Winning a Property Council of New Zealand 2008 award, the project has achieved recognition for excellence in functionality, design and project procurement – all reflecting well on the airport stakeholders and management team.

Contribution/spirit

The finished product provides a simple, and supremely functional building. A high degree of transparency and openness assists in making this a particularly user-friendly facility, with a simple yet powerful aesthetic befitting the gateway function.