Changing the face of Adelaide Airport

We entered the South Australian construction market through this three-stage project. Works included building a new 2,000 space five-level multi-deck carpark with hire car, valet, taxi and bus facilities as well as a pedestrian access plaza and a link bridge connecting the carpark to the terminal. Serving as the airport’s entry, the plaza features architectural landscaping, curved feature canopies and a pedestrian link bridge. Civil works including major access roads were also delivered, which required the existing road infrastructure to be realigned and additional roads to be constructed.

Building a complex structure

A standout feature of the precinct is the curved and twisted rhomboidal steel screen structure spanning 160 metres and varying in height from 10 to 15 metres. Woven through the structure is electrical and data cabling hidden within the round pipe sections. A difficult structure to construct, we used 3-D modelling technology to achieve shop drawings and undertook eight months of collaboration with designers to resolve design and construction detailing challenges. Our adaptive and collaborative approach with key subcontractors ensured accurate fabrication of the steelwork and determination of the construction methodology with this component delivered on schedule. 

This plaza screen is set in a 12,000 square metre granite paved pedestrian plaza, another complex and significant aspect of the project featuring granite paving and patterned coloured concrete forming an elliptical shape. Successfully achieving this innovative curved and random application of concrete was made possible through extensive collaboration with our concrete subcontractor.  

Establishing long-term relationship

The project team’s outstanding model for client engagement ensured our first project in South Australia was completed on time, within budget and to the highest quality. We are continuing our input into revitalising Adelaide Airport with construction on the $142 million expansion of the international terminal underway, which includes upgrades to baggage handling, arrivals and immigration facilities, retail and gate lounges. Our strong and collaborative relationship with our client facilitated stage one delivery one month ahead of program.