When you are talking about an airport, everything is in big numbers. And the Gold Coast Airport terminal expansion is no exception.
The landmark project has doubled the footprint of the existing terminal, which will open later this year, adding 30,000 square metres. It includes a new departure lounge, aerobridges, additional retail space, and baggage handling and border control facilities. The project is seen as critical to growing local tourism on the Gold Coast and northern New South Wales regions.
Construction of the new three-level terminal, designed by Hassell and constructed by Lendlease, presented its fair share of challenges, including scale and noise minimization.
Jaime Genn, Project Manager of Havendeen Roofing, explained how a double layer of Ecoply plywood was used for acoustics under the roofing and how it helped speed up construction by reducing exclusion zones before the roof was installed. “The double layer of 25 mm and 21 mm Ecoply plywood was installed over the entire roof to meet the acoustic rating. Some 14,000 square metres of it. The added benefit was that workers then had free reign to work under it while insulation and roofing sheets were installed on top.”
This reduced the need for scissor lifts and exclusion zones, and is becoming a more common practice. Havendeen Roofing have used the same method in four other Tier 1 projects recently.
Structural Ecoply plywood provides durability, strength and design flexibility. It is certified by the Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia (EWPAA) as compliant with AS/NZS 2269, and it meets Fire Hazard properties AS1530.3.
Building during a global pandemic added to the logistical challenges of this project. Like many construction materials, plywood was in short supply. Fortunately, Ecoply is manufactured locally in Myrtleford, Victoria and could be brought directly to site in 13 semi-trailer loads.
Now travel is coming back and the cooler weather is approaching, it’s clear that the Gold Coast Airport team will need every square metre of the new space to accommodate keen travellers again.
