Artist’s render of the exterior of the new Nelson Airport building.
Nelson Airport’s new $32 million terminal redevelopment will highlight the capability of engineered wood products, says Jeff Parker, technical manager of the Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association.
“This stunning building will showcase wood in its construction and once complete will be a showpiece, both for the Nelson region and the wider timber industry.”
LVL from Nelson Pine Industries is integral to the structure, which will incorporate around 440 cubic metres of locally sourced timber.
“A lateral bracing system to be provided by cantilevered portal legs will allow for wide open internal spaces in the terminal building.”
A dampening system is being incorporated into 24 columns that can absorb large seismic loads. The roof is a lightweight engineered panel that acts as a ceiling diaphragm.
Nelson Airport’s futuristic new terminal building will utilise local timber materials and technologies.
Nelson Airport chief executive Rob Evans says Studio Pacific Architecture presented the airport company with the ‘courageous’ proposal for the new terminal around a year ago.
“They wanted to create a timber building that represented the region, reflected the scenery and utilised locally grown and processed materials. We realised it was a magnificent opportunity.”
Nelson Airport consulted with airlines to ensure the floorplan of the new terminal was functional and worked in an operational capacity before the architects and engineers got to work designing the structure, along with the roof and columns to support it.
Rob says after months of planning behind closed doors it has been great to release the designs to the public, which has been overwhelmingly positive in its support.
“It’s amazing the amount of great feedback and support we’ve had from the highest levels, to the local community and customers coming through the airport. It’s hard to knock a project using a local, environmentally friendly resource, that showcases what the region can do when it comes to timber production and processing.”
Construction will begin on the new terminal building in around April next year once some car parking and services work is completed, and Airways builds a new control tower at the airport.
“We look forward to opening this exciting new terminal building in late 2018.”
