THE idea of using timber in airports could be worryingly old-fashioned for some people, but times have definitely changed. In fact, the latest project by Flughafen Zurich (Zurich Airport) is setting new standards in sustainability – by using wood as its main building material. 

The new Dock A building in Switzerland’s largest airport will do wonders for passenger well-being. And it is also suitable for heralding a more environmentally friendly era in terminal construction.

Forestry Journal:

The winning competition design for the new Dock A and its adjacent buildings is both attractive and future-oriented. “Raumfachwerk” – Space Frame – was developed by a high-calibre team led by the Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), HOK and 10:8 Architekten. It also included engineers Buro Happold, timber experts from Pirmin Jung and aviation consultants NACO.

The new Dock A is expected to open in ten years. There will be Schengen and non-Schengen gates, airside retail stores, lounges and offices, plus a new air traffic control tower and an expanded immigration hall.

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Swiss timber construction specialist Pirmin Jung, who is involved in the project, said: “As regards technology and output, our modern timber industry is well able to carry out a project of this scale on schedule using mostly Swiss wood.”