Hewanorra International Airport

Hewanorra International Airport (HIA) was experiencing the demands of the travel and tourism industry and was no longer adequately supporting the industry's changing dynamics. Turner & Townsend Heery's Miami office explored ways to save and expand HIA's existing terminal building at Vieux Fort, St. Lucia, but due to the larger aircraft trend prevalent in the industry, it was determined to design and construct a new terminal in front of the existing one. 

The new airport is designed to reflect the splendor of the island’s tropical rainforest, by reinterpreting the lush tree canopies through the use of arbores-cent columns and an intricate space frame system. The 350,000-SF terminal will be composed of three basic areas: an arrivals hall, a central security and vertical circulation core, and a departure hall.

Turner & Townsend Heery's master plan for the airport also includes the expansion of the existing cargo operations by relocating the cargo facilities to operate from an unused runway. Cargo facilities for six hangers and apron parking for four wide-body aircraft are provided in the initial phase. The improvements include expansion of the ramp and physical plant to include additional aircraft parking positions, a hangar and service facility and a new FBO terminal building. As part of the overall renovation project, the team designed a new, nine-story modern control tower that also houses training rooms, conference rooms, restrooms, an employee lounge, and other support areas. 

The project includes six contact gates and one hardstand position served from five new jet bridges and an apron injection point. The new facility accommodates a mix 747, 757, 737, and A300s and includes an A380 position for the future service of this model aircraft. The facility incorporates the ability for future expansion of the hold rooms, makeup area, and ramp to eight gates. The new terminal building features a grand open-air ticketing hall and covered curbside. The concourse level, which is accessed through a central vertical circulation core, includes natural light-filled departure lounges linked by a skylight central circulation strand which is served by a number of concessions including restaurant, beverage, duty free and other retail facilities. A VIP lounge and executive club lounge are also included as part of the departure lounge area accessed from the strand.