Heathrow Terminal 4 - Entrance Canopy

London, UK

This 200 metre long ETFE cushion entrance canopy forms an impressive membrane tensile structure welcome zone to the recently expanded and renovated Terminal 4 at London’s Heathrow Airport. Fabric architecture satisfies safety concerns with possible blast damage in such a busy public area, a situation where glass would fail. A large dot fritting pattern was chosen, in-keeping with the airports theme, reducing light transmission and sun glare to the glazed facade departure hall. 53 lightweight double layer pneumatic cushions allow this fully cantilever design to be achieved. Movement joints have been considered within the design. Hightex responsibilities included the design of the steel supporting structure.