Queenstown Intl Airport

For thousands of tourists, Queenstown airport is the gateway to New Zealand’s preeminent tourist destination, and one of the most inspiring landscapes in the world. People come to the area for the natural beauty, the famous adventure experiences, and well established tourism destinations and events. This project focused on creating a threshold to the area which enhances the visitor experience. Set in a valley beside Lake Wakatipu, the terminal affords 360 degree panoramic views incorporating the Remarkables mountain range and Coronet Peak. it was important that the building sat comfortably in the context and against the industrial scale of the adjacent airport infrastructure. The airport buildings are conceived as a crisp clear counterpoint to the majesty of the surrounding landscape. The palette of external materials included expressed steel, sheet metal and schist to reflect the local vernacular and reinforce a sense of place. Generous air-side glazing offers views of the runway with the dramatic backdrop of the mountain ranges behind. Planning of the airport anticipated future expansion, which CCM is currently undertaking.