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Schiphol Terminal

In 2017, Schiphol presented the question of what a new terminal, fully integrated into the existing airport, could look like. The 'One Terminal concept' was the central idea; the airport not as a collection of more or less stand-alone terminals, but as a compact unit housing all facilities under one roof. The design is to contribute to a good travel experience, an excellent travel process, sustainability and is future-proof.

Client	SNBV
Completion time	Since 2017
Team
5 specialists

In collaboration with	In cooperation with our KL AIR partners KAAN architecten, Estudio Lamela and INECO
Location	Amsterdam
Project scope	100,500 m2

Functionality

Functionality is a priority. Every day, a great many travellers will find their way through the terminal to or from their aircraft. In this context, the traveller’s experience is central: abundant daylight, spaciousness (one large space, without columns or obstacles) and a clear layout make orientation easier and have a calming effect on the traveller. He or she will not need to wonder where to go and what to do; it will be self-explanatory. For example, check-in has been raised to mezzanine level, where the security control is also located. So downstairs you are just a visitor to the airport, upstairs you are a traveller.

Sustainable

A large number of measures are to make the terminal sustainable. The overwhelming entry of daylight, for example, not only benefits the experience, but it also means that almost no energy is needed for lighting. Two green patios contribute to clean air, rainwater is reused. Instead of energy generated by the solar cells first being converted from direct to alternating current, it is fed into a smart grid. Both Schiphol and visitors can make direct use of this, for example to charge their smartphones. The insulation is excellent and ventilation is handled with care.

Construction

The construction is also sustainable, firstly because it makes the building layout flexible and future-proof. Secondly, the amount of materials needed has been minimised. For instance, advanced calculations have saved on steel in the roof construction. Materials chosen emit little CO2, are reusable and natural.

Renewal and renovation of baggage cellars

Schiphol will start the renewal, renovation and further innovation of its baggage cellars. This includes preparations for the construction of a new baggage basement and handling system. This new baggage basement makes it possible to replace the existing baggage system without any inconvenience to airlines or travellers. The construction of the new baggage basement and renovation of the existing basement will improve operational continuity and working conditions for baggage employees.

The tender for the construction of the baggage basement is scheduled to start this year (2023). Construction is expected to start in 2026.

The new baggage cellar will be on the site where a possible new terminal may be built. No decision has yet been taken on the construction of a new terminal. However, to keep the option open, an integral sketch design is being made with design team KL AIR (a consortium of Kaan architects, Estudio Lamela, ABT and Ineco). This means that the design will include the possibility of building a new terminal on the roof of the new baggage basement.

ABT’s role

The winning design for the terminal was created by KL AIR. An integrated team with representatives of the partners involved developed the winning design on location at KAAN in record time. ABT is integrally responsible for the engineering and sustainability of the project and advises on the installations, construction, geotechnics, building physics, façade engineering, sustainability and the plan of action and associated methodologies.