In 2015, DGSE was appointed Lead Design Consultant to undertake the project scoping, design concept through to detailed design, and project delivery of the Hawke’s Bay Airport’s Terminal expansion project.

The existing terminal was structurally upgraded with extensions to the north and south, housing the new arrival and departure facilities, along with baggage claim and makeup areas. A new airline lounge and Airport offices were added to the first floor.

A key component of the design brief was to create a sense of place reflective of the Hawke’s Bay region. A design generator for the project was the kuaka bird (Godwit) and its intrinsic link with Hawke’s Bay. Story telling is an integral function of this type of building and needed to be a considered element.

DGSE wanted to convey the movement of the bird through the architecture. The roof form, which depicts a bird’s wings in flight, was the chosen approach.

A design generator for the project was the kuaka bird (Godwit)