Nelson Airport’s new terminal - overview of the design of a large-span engineered timber specialist building

Authors: Evzen Novak, Samantha Zondag, Sarah Berry, Simon Hardy
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 2018, Issue N.Z.J.For. 63(3) 2018, pp 11-17, Nov 2018
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

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Abstract: The Nelson Airport Terminal is a new large-span building that replaces the existing terminal building at the airport. The structure and interior of the building relies on engineered timber (LVL and plywood) to achieve the open spans required and create a unique airport environment. This paper serves to outline a significant end use for engineered timber and sets out, from a designer’s perspective, the journey from initial idea to end result. The designer’s perspective is clearly not the same as the producer’s. In general, the designer’s perspective more closely reflects the needs of the end users of the building. In providing this viewpoint, the authors hope that it facilitates a raised producer awareness of the issues facing the incorporation of engineered timber into any building and, more fundamentally, an increase in the use of engineered timber in the building stock New Zealand produces each year. Beginning with the brief and a short description of the building, the paper goes on to discuss the design drivers for the building and how the selected drivers supported the use of engineered timber, one very major element of the design strategy. An overview of the design and construction processes, particularly dealing with innovations such as the use of resilient slip friction joints (RSFJs) and pre-fabrication, is provided along with some preliminary learnings.

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