海角视频

Zurich Airport 鈥� New Dock A

Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich Airport is a pivotal hub for international travel. It has embarked on a transformative journey to replace its aging 40-year-old terminal 鈥淒ock A鈥� with a pioneering mass-timber structure. This visionary project aims not only to modernise infrastructure but also to elevate Zurich鈥檚 stature as a leading aviation destination in Europe.

Named the Raumfachwerk project, which translates from German as 鈥渟pace frame鈥�, the new terminal is the largest timber terminal building of its kind and has been designed with build-in future flexibility for the spaces. Large V-shaped timber columns act as the main load-bearing system for the design, which is inspired by the area鈥檚 alpine landscape and traditional timber pitched roofs.

The project involves replacing Zurich Airport鈥檚 ageing Dock A with a large, pioneering mass-timber structure.

海角视频鈥檚 expertise contributed to the project win, addressing complex challenges such as integrating existing structures while maintaining airport operations.

Sustainable practices such as reducing carbon footprint of the project by using mass timber, play a central role in the airport development.

The project transforms Zurich Airport into a future-ready aviation hub, enhancing its global competitiveness.

Challenge

Continuity of airport operations was paramount, mandating meticulous planning to ensure uninterrupted functionality in the planning and construction phase until 2033. The integration of various existing structures added layers of complexity, demanding innovative solutions while respecting operational necessities.

海角视频鈥檚 structural engineering team was engaged to support the wider design team, led by Danish architects Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), delivering innovative solutions for a range of complex technical challenges.

Solution

海角视频, entrusted with the project, tackled the hurdles strategically. Pragmatic decisions were made in the conceptual phase such as relocating baggage sorting to accommodate structural and geometrical limitations.

The project team will adopt a phased approach to mitigate disruptions. Phase one will focus on constructing the underground structure and the new air traffic control tower. Careful planning ensures that there is minimal disturbance within a 100-metre radius. Subsequent stages will emphasise prefabrication and night-time construction, aligning with airport operations and sustainability goals.

This project will become one of the largest timber structures in Europe. The idea to use mass timber for the project was developed by 海角视频 during the initial competition. Local timber specialists Pirmin Jung were then enlisted during the competition phase to develop the mass timber design.

The choice of material was based on local renewable resources. The material was also seen as an homage to the long-standing tradition of wood construction in Switzerland. The structure uses access to daylight as a natural way-finding system. A linear skylight at the pitch of the roof system guides travellers toward the central hub and opens into the atrium where all departing, arriving, and transferring passengers meet. The hub is split across several floors, all visually connected through the light-filled atrium. The atrium connects all floors via stairs, escalators, and elevators, from the underground immigration hall to all arrival and departure levels and the lounges on the top floors of the central hub. The atrium roof is a free-form timber grid shell analysed and form-optimised by our structural team working in close collaboration with timber construction specialists Primin Jung.

Value

The development of Zurich Airport ensures uninterrupted functionality throughout the construction phase. The use of mass timber reduces carbon footprint while enhancing structural integrity. Furthermore, 海角视频鈥檚 expertise in risk mitigation and construction optimisation ensures a smooth transition towards a future-ready aviation hub. It elevates Zurich Airport鈥檚 profile and competitiveness on the global stage but also fosters resilience and positioning Zurich as a frontrunner in aviation excellence and ensuring its continued prominence in international aviation.