Woods Bagot and the Miller Hull Partnership have decided to expand the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport with a sustainably-designed new extension. This structure will have a stunning timber interior made from locally sourced Douglas fir wood.
The C Concourse Expansion is made in consideration of weary travelers. Through the structure, they will be able to find their way around the airport conveniently. It will add 145,530 sq ft (roughly 13,500 sq m) of dining and retail space, prayer and meditation area, and a new airline lounge. Its most notable feature though is its interior decor, which is inspired by the local area and will sculpt the Douglas fir into complex curves, creating an eye-catching ceiling, as well as a mezzanine level and multiple seating areas.
“Inspired by the Pacific Northwest, the concourse’s interior is an interplay of environments that is defined by both the local energy and a connection to the natural landscape,” explained Woods Bagot. “The more active public spaces are designed to reflect the textures and activities of the famous markets in Seattle and the region. A marketplace sits at the center of the concourse with a bar and retail kiosks that frame an open seating area that is also defined by a busker stage for local musicians. This stage faces the Grand Stairs, which provides an activated connection to the restaurants at the mezzanine level.”
The C Concourse Expansion will be owned and operated by the Port of Seattle, which aims to be the greenest port in North America. Its green and sustainable design comprise a roof-based solar array to cut down its draw on the grid by 15 percent, plus a focus on maximizing natural light and reducing solar heat gain with smart glass-based glazing. Energy-efficient heating and cooling systems will be used and water usage will be reduced where possible.
The C Concourse Expansion is scheduled to start construction in mid-2023 and will be completed in 2027. Its budget currently sits at US$340 million, with a maximum of $500 million.
