Rarotonga Airport Expansion & Redevelopment

The Rarotonga Airport project was initially a response to new civil aviation requirements to separate arriving and departing passenger as well as the need to shelter the departure area which was an open grassed patch. The brief developed further to incorporate new retail facilities, VIP lounges, and a much needed upgrade to the arrivals facilities.

The airport has been designed to utilize natural airflow to cool the interior through open timber louvres at both roof level and at a lower level allowing cross ventilation to occur naturally.

Timber and concrete have been used throughout the building, eliminating steelwork due to the high corrosion levels of the coastal site. For this reason the roof has been constructed from a torched on shingle which is also in keeping with the local building designs.

Local artists were commissioned for artwork throughout the new terminal with designs reflected in the column impressions, glazing, wall features as well as sennett lashings to the roof trusses.

“Stephenson&Turner were commissioned because they had experience with the design of several other airports. We’d had a close relationship with the Auckland Airport Authority across many of our aviation disciplines and they strongly recommended Stephenson&Turner.” - Des Eggelton, Cook Islands Airport Authority

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