Gibraltar International Airport takes off

Buro Happold

07/06/2012 1 comment

The construction of a new international airport terminal on behalf of the Government of Gibraltar is now complete.  A phased opening of the new facility began with arrivals late in 2011 and departures will follow as the existing terminal is decommissioned.

The new 20000sqm terminal building has upgraded the airport to international standards, significantly increasing its daily flight capacity and providing an impressive entrance to those visiting Gibraltar. The two storey structure, with full height curved glazed facades to much of the elevation, houses all security, check-in, departure and arrival facilities. An entrance to the border with Spain is provided in addition to the entrance directly into Gibraltar. This makes the project relatively unique as the terminal has increased passenger segregation issues due to border controls between the two countries. In addition to the new terminal, Buro Happold has providing a new multi-storey car park and an airside facilities building adjacent to the terminal.

Buro Happold worked closely with the architects to develop a complex curved plan geometry to the terminal building whilst also maintaining a flexible structural design appropriate to the functional requirements of an airport building. The steel roof provided a particular challenge, as it cantilevers 8m from the building facade to provide shading to the full height glazing below. For the duration of the project Buro Happold provided a permanent resident engineer on site to ensure that the original scheme design intent was achieved, appropriate standards were met and to monitor quality of finish. This site presence was bolstered on a regular basis by other specialist disciplines and as a team Buro Happold worked with the contractor and client to produce the impressive final results.

To enhance the airport’s sustainability credentials Buro Happold developed a building services design aimed at minimising energy use whilst providing a comfortable experience for passengers. Rainwater recycling was also implemented to provide irrigation water for the airport forecourt. The team also worked with special systems experts to deliver a state of the art terminal building that provides an excellent end user experience.

Key project information

Client: Government of Gibraltar

Architect: bblur Architecture and 3D Reid Architecture

Services provided by Buro Happold: Building services, structural, geotechnical, facade and acoustic engineering, fire safety and security consultancy services.