heathrow new terminal 2 features an undulating roof by LVA

heathrow new terminal 2A features an undulating roof by LVA
all images courtesy of luis vidal architects

seeking to reinstate the excitement that used to be associated with international travel, the nearly completed terminal 2 at heathrow airport is designed by spanish firm luis vidal + architects (LVA) to offer passengers a hassle-free experience. traversing to and from departure gates, a modular, undulating roof maps people’s journey across the terminal into three zones: check in, security and departures, making navigation through the building easier and more instinctual, as well as programmatically supporting the terminal’s sustainable design features.

for the first time in the UK, airport passengers will have immediate access to departure gates that are located within sight of retail and catering facilities. built on the footprint of the old terminal 2, the architects designed the ocular, waving roof structure to cleverly filter natural light into the interior volume. the diffused light is reflected from north facing glazed panels with aluminum solid tubes and metallic louvres. a subtle, color-changing LED system gradually adjusts throughout the day mimicking the natural light movements outside – helping people to deal with the disorientation of international travel. vertical north facing windows provide views to the sky above, an uncommon experience in most airports, while large overhangs provide shading on the east and west facades, reducing the building’s solar gain.

the london heathrow new terminal 2 is expected to open in 2014.

the nearly completed terminal 2A at heathrow airport, designed by spanish firm luis vidal architects
image © LHR airports limited

‘by opening the roof so that it becomes so transparent, you can see the sky. and we are acknowledging its position as a hub by allowing passengers to see the planes.’ says the architect, vidal.

designed to be as energy efficient as possible (over 90 percent of the original structure’s materials were reused) the aim is to reduce the terminal’s CO2 emissions by 40 percent. photovoltaic panels are installed on the southern facade and the design incorporates rainwater collection to be used for grey water. one of the main technical features of the terminal’s design and construction, is the use of prefabricated modules that contain the mechanical and electrical equipment. easily assembled on site, the form is a simplistic but bold repetition creating a truly unique airport experience.

designed to be as energy efficient as possible, over 90 percent of the original structure’s materials were reused
image © LHR airports limited

the ocular, waving roof structure cleverly filters natural light into the interior volume
image © LHR airports limited

a main technical feature is the use of prefabricated modules that contain the mechanical and electrical equipment
image © LHR airports limited

view from the top of the building’s waving roof
image © LHR airports limited

image showing construction of the roof structure
image © LHR airports limited

for the 1st time in the UK airport passengers will have immediate access to departure gates
image © LHR airports limited

large overhangs provide shading on the east and west facades, reducing the building’s solar gain
image © LHR airports limited

project info:

place and date: london, 2008-2013
client: hetco
architects: luis vidal + architects (LVA) is the concept and lead architect for the terminal, with the collaboration of foster + partners during the project phase (stage e) and pascall + watson for most of the fit out.
area: 210.000 m2
budget: 880 m £
capacity: 20 m pax/year
team: o.t. ferrovial agroman, fhecor, CG proyectos, solventa, hoare lea consulting, davis langdon schumann smith, warrington fire research, reef associates, siemens- vanderlande, immodo, carma, euroestudios, merebrook, fractal, gleeds on site
stage: on site

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