Airport Metal Ceilings, Rafts and Discs, Column Casings, Wall Panelling, Architectural Metalwork

SAS International, a British manufacturer of interior fit-out solutions, has supplied products for the New Doha International Airport (NDIA), one of the most advanced airports in the world.

With the first phase of the project due to open later this year the state-of-the-art airport will cover 22 square kilometres of land with capacity to handle 24 million passengers and 750,000 tonnes of cargo every year. This is expected to rise to 50 million passengers, 2 million tonnes of cargo, and 320,000 aircraft landings and take offs each year when the development completes in 2015.

NDIA is reflecting how the GCC is embracing the needs of airline users today but also preparing for the future. Future-proofing is a core theme for facilities and building projects around the world. The GCC region has been active in planning ahead for this and its importance should not be overlooked.

The design of NDIA has been influenced by the significant changes in the aviation industry that have occurred during recent years. These changes include the intensification of the airline competitive environment, evolving airline management and passenger handling technologies and new security procedures and technologies.

At Doha the vision is being driven by a need to think about long-term capabilities and operator flexibility – to enable success and longevity for future generations.

SAS System 170 Ceiling System
Designed with efficiency and convenience in mind the passenger terminal provides a spacious and comfortable environment for travellers, with the multi-level design helping to create the feeling of space. Ease of passenger flow is an important consideration in the design of modern airports and NDIA has been designed so that passenger transfers take place under one roof.

SAS International metal ceiling solutions were specified by architects HOK and installed by Al Misnad Trading, Qatar, to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) ceiling standards. The ceiling systems have been manufactured and supplied to facilitate the right look and finish.

SAS System 170 is a spring down ceiling system held in place with a torsion spring which acts like a standard clip in ceiling system providing a secure but accessible void. Ease of access for authorised personnel, is essential in transportation hubs ensuring access to services for building maintenance. A secure ceiling can also help prevent unwanted access to services an increasing specification demand in airports.

A mix of plain and perforated tiles were specified for the project. The plain panels were installed externally and were held in place with a security clip – due to wind loading requirements – for additional safety.

Ongoing maintenance
NDIA has been designed with energy efficiency in mind reflecting the Government of Qatar’s commitment to the environment and sustainable development.

Ease of access for maintenance and cleaning are crucial for longevity, security and safety and place special demands on material choice and finishes of the fit-out solutions specified. The use of metal for ceiling solutions means the panels are not susceptible to chipping when accessing the void.

All the SAS International panels on this project were finished in a PVFD / PVF2 coating. This pre-coat finish provides a smooth coating and ability to maintain its colour whilst offering a durable finish which allows ease of cleaning to keep the ceilings appearance in good condition over time.

Considerations
With the design of transportation hubs the demand for innovative and interesting interiors must be balanced with the use of high performance products. It’s not just a question of design aesthetics, with beautifully finished interiors maintenance is essential to ensure the buildings stay this way. The durability of a transportation hub is of paramount importance for such high traffic areas.

Working with project teams from the earliest stage ensures a complete understanding of what is required from the outset, and allows the provision for best of class solutions. The necessity is to work closely with the architect and engineering firms.

Based in the region for over 30 years, SAS International has manufactured and supplied interior-fit out solutions for projects Worldwide, meeting the ever increasing demands of clients and specifiers, supplying many projects across the Middle East.

From commercial, education and healthcare projects to railway and airport terminals, the sustainable and practical solutions SAS International deliver provide considerable benefits and savings whilst exceeding design briefs.