A Regional Gateway Reimagined: Nelson Airport Terminal Unites Timber Innovation with Climate-Conscious Design
Located between the coast and mountains of New Zealand’s South Island, the new Nelson Airport Terminal designed by Studio Pacific is more than a functional gateway—it’s a regional landmark. Designed to reflect the identity of the Nelson Tasman region, the terminal is a celebration of local materials, timber innovation, and climate-conscious design. With a sweeping, folded roof that echoes the silhouette of the nearby Western Ranges and a calm, light-filled interior shaped by natural ventilation and mass timber structure, the project exemplifies how infrastructure can embody both beauty and environmental responsibility. We spoke to the design team about the thinking behind the building’s form, materials, and construction process—and what it signals for the future of public architecture in Aotearoa.
photography by Jason Mann, published with bowerbird
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What were the guiding principles behind the design of the new Nelson Airport Terminal, and how did these reflect the character of the Nelson Tasman region?
The design was guided by five key principles established in the client brief: safety and functionality; modularity and flexibility; sustainability and expression of timber technology; a lofty and transparent interior; and, critically, a strong sense of place. The concept of regional identity was central to the project’s success. The terminal expresses the essence of the Nelson Tasman region through its use of locally sourced materials—particularly LVL timber from nearby forestry—and its connection to the surrounding landscape. The building’s sculptural roof form is inspired by the nearby mountain ranges, and the extensive use of timber creates an interior that feels both calm and regionally grounded.
The roof structure is particularly striking—can you walk us through the inspiration and prefabrication process behind its folded timber form?
The folded roof form references the rhythm and silhouette of the surrounding Western Ranges. Structurally, the roof is formed from a series of triangular LVL timber panels, which are both expressive and technically refined. Each of the 36 roof triangles was prefabricated off-site in a nearby hangar, using CNC precision-cut components. This process allowed for tight quality control and ensured dimensional accuracy, which was essential given the minimal tolerances required. The prefabricated sections were transported via the taxiway and lifted into place in between live airport operations, allowing the construction to progress while maintaining airport functionality.
How did the use of locally sourced timber influence both the environmental impact and the architectural expression of the terminal?
Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL), sourced from Nelson Pine Industries, was used extensively throughout the structure, including columns, beams, mullions, and the plywood roof diaphragm. This decision significantly reduced embodied carbon, with approximately 610m³ of timber equating to around 300 tonnes of stored CO₂. Beyond its environmental benefits, the use of LVL shaped the architectural identity of the building. The exposed timber structure is the primary focus of the interior, offering natural warmth, texture, and scale. It supports a sense of calm and beauty for travellers, while also showcasing the potential of mass timber construction within civic infrastructure.
Sustainability was clearly a key focus—how did strategies like natural ventilation and low embodied carbon materials shape the terminal’s design and construction?
Sustainability was addressed through two main strategies: natural ventilation and the use of a mass timber structure with a resilient seismic solution. The building’s plan, height, and articulated roof were designed to maximise air movement, creating a stack effect for passive ventilation. High-level clerestory windows and low-level actuated openings allow for the release of warm air and intake of cool air. Chevron-shaped canopies along the north façade act as solar chimneys, enhancing ventilation while also shading the interior and reducing glazing. Together with the extensive use of locally sourced LVL, these strategies reduce operational and embodied energy and set a precedent for climate-conscious terminal design.
From a technical standpoint, how did prefabrication contribute to achieving both design complexity and construction efficiency across the terminal’s two stages?
Prefabrication was essential to the delivery of the terminal’s complex roof structure. The entire roof was constructed in large sections within a nearby hangar, using a CNC-cut kit-of-parts system. This enabled greater control over quality and precision, particularly important for the 36 roof triangles, which required exacting tolerances. The prefabricated elements were then transported and installed during carefully coordinated windows between aircraft movements. The project was delivered in two stages to maintain airport operations—requiring repeat work by many trades—but this also allowed the team to refine construction efficiencies and manage risks. Overall, the prefabrication strategy enabled both speed and precision while maintaining the architectural ambition of the design.
Looking ahead, how do you see this project influencing future public infrastructure in New Zealand—particularly in terms of regional identity and climate-conscious design?
This project demonstrates that regional infrastructure can move beyond generic design solutions to reflect place, culture, and sustainability. The Nelson Airport Terminal distinguishes itself from standardised airport buildings through its material expression, connection to landscape, and climate-responsive performance. It is the first building to incorporate Tectonus Resilient Slip Friction Joints within an LVL structure—an innovation in seismic resilience that reduces post-event maintenance. By combining mass timber construction, passive ventilation strategies, and prefabrication, the terminal sets a new benchmark for environmentally responsible infrastructure. It provides a tangible model for future public projects that aspire to reflect local identity while addressing the urgent challenges of climate adaptation and low-carbon construction.
