Heathrow Terminal 4 refurbishment
Heathrow Airport, London, UK · Implemented 2009 (major refurbishment); ongoing (skylight renovation) · £60 million (2009 prices)
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchThe refurbishment focused on improving passenger experience and operational efficiency by modernizing key areas. - The use of advanced materials like ETFE and Kalwall for roofing demonstrates a commitment to sustainable and aesthetically pleasing design. - Ongoing renovation projects highlight the continuous need for upgrades in aging airport infrastructure.
Key engineering challenges
Carrying out significant structural and architectural modifications within an active terminal without disrupting operations. - Integrating new lightweight roofing systems (ETFE, Kalwall) to improve natural light and energy efficiency. - Extending column-free spaces to enhance passenger flow and flexibility.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- Heathrow Airport Holdings
- Lead contractor
- —
- Lead designers
- Buro Happold (structural engineering for check-in area transformation)
- Project type
- refurbishment
- Scale
- Transformed check-in area, extended column-free hall, ETFE roof installation, 1750 meters of Kalwall skylight replacement.
- Disciplines
- civil; structural; architectural; mechanical; electrical
- Standards & frameworks
- —
Sources: Buro Happold: Heathrow Terminal 4 (https://www.burohappold.com/projects/heathrow-terminal-4/) - Kalwall: Heathrow Airport Terminal 4 (https://www.kalwall.com/heathrow-airport-terminal-4-2/) - Structura-uk.com: Kalwall Lets in Light to Heathrow Terminal 4 (https://www.structura-uk.com/kallwall-heathrow-t4/) - Coroflot: Heathrow Terminal 4 Refurbishment (https://www.coroflot.com/robatkinuk/Transport-Heathrow-Terminal-4-Refurbishment)