seele was responsible for the design and construction of the roof to the terminal building (90,000sqm) and also the glass façades (70,000sqm) that bathe the main pier and main terminal in daylight. The architects called for an apparently “weightless” roof, and seele succeeded in turning that vision into reality. Long rooflight zones integrated into the roof surface ensure pleasant, natural illumination inside the building. Thermally insulated Kalzip standing seam roofing in the form of individual prefabricated elements was supplied and installed by seele.
In order that this huge roof structure can expand and contract as temperatures and loads fluctuate, it is joined to the structure below at two points only. The delicate façade structure, developed by seele, can also easily accommodate any movements due to thermal actions or varying loads. Only the bottom edges of the panes of glass are fixed in horizontal transverse rails; the upper edges are attached so that they can slide in the plane of the façade. This concept combines maximum transparency with the strength needed to resist wind loads. The roof seems to float – exactly as called for by the architects in their design brief. And seele fulfilled all the logistical requirements as well: All façade works were completed on time in spring 2012.
Reference overview and Header image: © seele/Taufik Kenan