Heathrow Terminal 2 (The Queen's Terminal) rebuild
Heathrow Airport, London, UK · 2010-2014 (construction) · £2.5 billion (2014 prices)
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchThe project utilized 4D BIM for virtual testing of safety issues, allowing for proactive design adjustments. - The use of prefabrication helped in managing the construction challenges within the live airport environment. - The project emphasized sustainability, aiming for a BREEAM Excellent rating. - The successful delivery highlighted the importance of strong collaboration between client, designers, and contractors.
Key engineering challenges
Constructing new infrastructure within a fully operational and busy international airport, requiring meticulous planning and coordination. - Integrating a complex baggage handling system capable of processing a high volume of luggage efficiently. - Adhering to stringent regulations and standards for resilience, security, and maintenance in an airport environment. - Managing the logistics of a large-scale demolition and excavation while minimizing disruption to existing airport operations.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- Heathrow Airport Holdings
- Lead contractor
- Multiple contractors, including Ferrovial, Balfour Beatty
- Lead designers
- Luis Vidal + Architects (LVA) for architecture; Arup, WSP for engineering design
- Project type
- new build
- Scale
- Main terminal building (T2A), satellite terminal (T2B), capacity for 20 million passengers per year, 215,280 square feet of commercial area.
- Disciplines
- civil; structural; mechanical; electrical; systems; geotechnical; fire engineering; aviation planning
- Standards & frameworks
- NEC contracts, BREEAM
Sources: Wikipedia: Heathrow Terminal 2 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heathrow_Terminal_2) - Airport Technology: London Heathrow Airport Terminal 2 Redevelopment (https://www.airport-technology.com/projects/london-heathrow-airport-terminal-2-redevelopment/) - Ferrovial: T2, One of the Largest Construction Contracts in UK History (https://www.ferrovial.com/en/business/projects/t2-one-of-the-largest-construction-contracts-in-uk-history/) - Arup: Heathrow Terminal 2 (https://www.arup.com/projects/heathrow-terminal-2/)