Projects / Farnborough Airport Terminal

Client

TAG Farnborough

Project description

We won an international design competition to create ‘Europe’s premier Business Aviation facility’ for the newly created TAG Aviation. Drawing upon a reputation for high-quality performance (through association with McLaren Racing) and design (Techniques Avant Garde), the client was explicit about the quality of design for the new facility which would not only provide a terminal and associated operational and maintenance buildings, but also become their headquarters building. TAG Aviation’s clear vision for the future presented us with a challenge: to develop an architecture that captures the romance, technology and excitement of flight. We set out to create a theatre of aviation, with aircraft as the actors. Careful planning, innovative building and engineering techniques from our partners Buro Happold and the use of a family of materials, produce a coherent, well integrated airport from three functionally diverse buildings of different scales. The building was awarded an RIBA Award in 2006.

Innovations & added value

The terminal building has a dual purpose. Half the building serves as TAG Farnborough’s HQ building and the remainder provides the passenger processing, security and lounge facilities. The plan form derives from the unique way that passengers approach and utilise executive passenger facilities. Many do not even enter the terminal, their cars driving straight onto the apron. Others expect minimal delay during passenger processing and short travel distances through the terminal. The internal spaces are focussed on a stairway leading to offices and meeting spaces on a mezzanine level, with white internal walls punctured by long panoramic windows.

Engineering consultancy

Buro Happold

Status

Completed

Awards

2006 RIBA Awards – Southern Region (Winner)
2006 Building Awards – Project of the Year (Winner)
2003 Structural Steel Design Awards – Major Scheme (Winner)