Rarotonga International Airport
The Rarotonga International Airport project was initially a response to new civil aviation requirements to separate arriving and departing passengers as well as the need to shelter the departure area, which is currently an open, grassed patch.
The brief developed further to incorporate new retail facilities, VIP lounges, and a much-needed upgrade to the arrival facilities.
The airport has been designed to utilise natural airflow to cool the interior through open timber louvres at both roof level and a lower level, allowing cross-ventilation to occur naturally.
Timber and concrete have been used throughout the building, eliminating steelwork owing 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 have been commissioned for artwork throughout the new terminal, with designs reflected in the column impressions, glazing and wall features as well as sennett lashings to the roof trusse.
