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Future-proofing transport hubs

With the UAE’s Minister of Public Works HE Dr Abdulla Mohamed Al Nuami announcing in Dubai recently that approximately $25bn is to be invested in rail projects in the GCC over the next ten years,* manufacturer of interior solutions, SAS International, advises that the design of new transport hubs need to ensure longevity.

“Vision is being driven by the need to think about long-term capabilities and flexibility for future change. Individuality of each station design is important but one detail that is key is the importance of materials to create the final look to enhance architectural vision and to ensure future generations will benefit from the facility,” explains Andrew Jackson, Director at SAS International.

“It is paramount that materials chosen for the interior fit-out of transport hubs need to be durable to handle increased crowd pressure forecast in the coming years. If materials do not have robust qualities potential damage can occur when accessing services for essential maintenance,” comments Jackson.
Steel is being supplied to projects in the region because of its durable and versatile qualities which offer a cost-effective and sustainable solution. In transport environments this robust material is being used for applications such as cladding, wall panels and ceilings.

SAS International is a design led manufacturer. Understanding that all projects are unique, the company ensures that solutions manufactured and installed provide for the long-term whilst meeting environmental credentials and offering greater design flexibility. If architects and contractors work closely with manufacturers like SAS International it is easier to ensure their design and performance specifications are met.

SAS International has supplied architectural metalwork to transport hubs around the world including, Queen Alia International Airport, New Doha International Airport (NDIA) and London’s Waterloo Station.

*(Construction Week 14-20 September)
SAS International provided interior fit-out solutions for Queen Alia airport, Jordan

About SAS International
SAS International is a British manufacturer of interior fit-out products driven by delivering quality, innovation and providing maximum value to clients and specifiers worldwide.

With over 40 years’ experience SAS International produces high performance metal products including metal ceiling systems and architectural metalwork solutions.

On-going investment in manufacturing facilities and processes ensure SAS International provide value-engineered solutions across the built environment.

SAS International operates across the globe to help support clients, specifiers, contractors and engineers, from concept to completion. With offices and staff across Europe and in the Middle East.

From commercial, education and healthcare projects to large scale infrastructure and transportation hubs, the sustainable and practical solutions SAS International delivers provide considerable benefits and savings whilst exceeding design briefs. SAS International delivers the highest quality solutions with minimal impact on the environment but maximum impact on the interior space.

Open cell metal ceiling solution designed specifically for Aeropuerto de Santiago, Spain

SAS International is pleased to announce it has designed, manufactured and installed metal ceiling solutions for both interior and exterior areas of the new 74,000 m² terminal of the Aeropuerto de Santiago, Spain.

Part of a 230 million euro investment programme to improve the airport facilities, the new terminal, designed by Alberto Noguerol + Pilar Diez Arquitectura, was recently opened by Jose Blanco the Spanish Development Minister.

The building is made up of two sites, with design considering energy savings and integration with the surroundings to minimise its environmental impact. Natural lighting has been achieved as a result of double-height spaces to ease requirement for artificial lighting. The roof has been designed to help reduce the impact of the sun during summer months. The project also includes a new car park and access roads to help accommodate the 4 million passengers expected per year.

SAS International innovated and manufactured a new open cell ceiling system, Tricell, which has been installed in the departure lounge. Traditionally, open cell ceilings have been square in design, however this three sided system provides a geometric form that can easily be repeated for a striking finish. The flexible approach in SAS International’s design process enabled this unique solution to fit within the ‘Y’ shaped designed departure lounge.

Installed in the main terminal and baggage hall, as well as exterior ceiling areas, is the newly designed System 700. A linear slat ceiling system, constructed in a way that means each slat lines up neatly with the next, forms a perfect row resulting in clean and simple architectural lines. System 700 was also chosen for the exterior not only to provide continuity of design but for strength and durability as the slats are held firmly in place to prevent being dislodged in high wind.

Both systems allow air to pass through the ceiling plane which means fire detection and control systems can be installed and operated, and meet specification for large open spaces. Air conditioning and other services can also be located within the ceiling void.

Widely known as one of the world’s leading manufacturers of interior building solutions, SAS International has an established reputation for its innovative approach, outstanding service and value. The quality of manufacture and finishing ensures the company generates products of outstanding durability, offering low maintenance solutions with a life-span in excess of 25 years.

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Notes to Editors

SAS International contact details for publication

SAS International SAS International

31 Suttons Business Park Unit 252, Block A

London Road Blanchardstown Corporate Park

Reading Dublin 15

Berkshire RG6 1AZ IRELAND

T: +44 (0)118 929 0900 T: +353 (0)1899 1134

F: +44 (0)118 929 0901 F: +353 (0)1899 1753

E: enquiries@sasintgroup.com E: enquiries@sasint.ie

W: www.sasintgroup.com W: www.sasint.ie

SAS International

Office No. 1, Sun & Sands Building

Dubai Investment Park 2

Dubai, P.O. Box 450575

United Arab Emirates

T: +971 (0)4 8855 545

F: +971 (0)4 8855 546

E: enquiries@sasint.ae

W: www.sasint.ae

Press contacts

Louise Gough, The Think Tank on

t:020 7831 2225
f: 020 7831 1408

louiseg@thinktank.org.uk

Background information on SAS International

With over 40 years of experience, SAS International is a leading designer and UK manufacturer of market leading ‘Interior fit-out’ solutions, including acoustic and fire performance led products, for both the public and private sector.

The range of products includes suspended acoustic metal ceilings, performance led partitioning systems and doors, energy efficient chilled ceilings and beams and design and service led architectural metalwork.

SAS supplies projects worldwide and has offices and staff across Europe and in the Middle East.

A range of SAS International commodity led products, including ceilings, tee grid and partitioning systems are available at competitive prices for contractors from SAS Direct depots across the UK.

Further information on SAS International’s range of products and services can be found on their website www.sasintgroup.com

metal ceilings | partitioning | doors | room comfort | architectural metalwork

SAS International

Transportation hubs: Balancing function and aesthetics

We are seeing that future-proofing is a core theme for facilities and building projects around the world. Solutions used in the a transportation hub fit-out will play a crucial role in how these buildings will function for future users to benefit from. Here Andrew Jackson at SAS International, a British manufacturer of interior fit-out solutions, looks at the interior design of passenger-focused facilities.

Transport projects are setting the standard for the future, designed around passenger experience and movement with large sweeping areas allowing for stress free journeys. But transportation hubs have unique challenges, not just because of the volumes of people to be accommodated who are in transit, ease of access for maintenance and cleaning are crucial for longevity, security and safety and place special demands on material choice and finishes of fit out solutions.

Considerations

These transport environments need to be able to withstand not only an increase in foot traffic in the coming years but also being weathered by the elements.

Public concourse areas are semi-external spaces in which exterior shading and interior ceilings are exposed to accumulation of dust, debris and other environmental elements. Solutions need to be low maintenance systems that retain their appearance over a long period of time. Primarily this means durability, an ability not to show dirt or dust and withstand weathering.

An internal ceiling will also have integrated luminaries and speakers for public address systems, and signage and CCTV camera poles may need to protrude downwards. Access to these services is therefore a core consideration, especially with high floor to ceiling ratios.

A recent airport project specification demanded that durability, ease of maintenance and acoustics were considered. Working with the architects to design the ceiling solution, SAS International helped answer the brief to factor these in from the start. The end design which consisted of large-sized ceiling panels required careful consideration to ensure they would be manageable when working at a height.

Balancing function with aesthetics

There are different demands from the public these days with public spaces and facilities scrutinised.

Airports can be effectively used as symbols of national pride if sufficient attention to their quality and maintenance is paid. The design of these hubs will influence the passenger experience as well as impression of the country. Balancing function with aesthetics will remain the biggest demand when considering products for transport refurbishments. The choice of materials and innovative products all have a part to play in providing a distinct finish to enhance the vision.

One such project to balance function with aesthetics is at the new terminal at Kolkata, India. SAS International supplied SAS Tubeline, an eye-catching linear ceiling system, currently being installed. The system is designed to allow air to flow through the ceiling plane allowing any potential smoke to travel into the ceiling void.

The new terminal will handle 20 million passengers each year. The landscaping and design is inspired by the Bengali poet and novelist Rabindranath Tagore, with his writing appearing as large patterns etched on the underside of the main roof. This has been achieved through the use of smaller tubes being installed within the main Tubeline system to allow the script patterns to be formed in the ceiling plane. The result offers a visually striking finish creating an impression on arrival at the airport yet importantly the solution offers a 25 year lifespan.

Durability provides for longevity

Durability of a transportation hub is vital. The demand for innovative and interesting interiors must be balanced with the use of functional, high performance products.

Metal solutions provide a durable surface that is easy to clean and will allow ease of access for essential ongoing maintenance, without damage. The finish is of equal importance and innovative products such as SAS AG paint can be used for ceilings and panels to meet stringent standards. Ultimately it provides an incredibly hard-wearing finish which can help reduce overall maintenance costs and keep surfaces looking new and attractive for longer.

Difficulties in maintenance or accessing areas can affect the sustainability of a transportation hub if damage is incurred; the upkeep of the interior can dictate how a building will last and function for future generations. The ability to design in options from the outset for effective ongoing maintenance and ease of access, along with consideration for increasing number of passengers, provides for time and resource savings in the long term.

SAS International has been awarded a major new project to design, manufacture, supply and supervise the installation of a range of metal ceilings for the new terminal at Muscat International Airport in Oman. The ceiling solutions will cover a total area of 220,000 ft² providing the airport with a durable ceiling system which also allows for ease of cleaning.

Providing for long-term value

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SAS International

New Doha International Airport

SAS International, a British manufacturer of interior fit-out solutions, has supplied products for the New Doha International Airport (NDIA), one of the most advanced airports in the world.

With the first phase of the project due to open later this year the state-of-the-art airport will cover 22 square kilometres of land with capacity to handle 24 million passengers and 750,000 tonnes of cargo every year. This is expected to rise to 50 million passengers, 2 million tonnes of cargo, and 320,000 aircraft landings and take offs each year when the development completes in 2015.

NDIA is reflecting how the GCC is embracing the needs of airline users today but also preparing for the future. Future-proofing is a core theme for facilities and building projects around the world. The GCC region has been active in planning ahead for this and its importance should not be overlooked.

The design of NDIA has been influenced by the significant changes in the aviation industry that have occurred during recent years. These changes include the intensification of the airline competitive environment, evolving airline management and passenger handling technologies and new security procedures and technologies.

At Doha the vision is being driven by a need to think about long-term capabilities and operator flexibility – to enable success and longevity for future generations.

SAS System 170 Ceiling System

Designed with efficiency and convenience in mind the passenger terminal provides a spacious and comfortable environment for travellers, with the multi-level design helping to create the feeling of space. Ease of passenger flow is an important consideration in the design of modern airports and NDIA has been designed so that passenger transfers take place under one roof.

SAS International metal ceiling solutions were specified by architects HOK and installed by Al Misnad Trading, Qatar, to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) ceiling standards. The ceiling systems have been manufactured and supplied to facilitate the right look and finish.

SAS System 170 is a spring down ceiling system held in place with a torsion spring which acts like a standard clip in ceiling system providing a secure but accessible void. Ease of access for authorised personnel, is essential in transportation hubs ensuring access to services for building maintenance. A secure ceiling can also help prevent unwanted access to services an increasing specification demand in airports.

A mix of plain and perforated tiles were specified for the project. The plain panels were installed externally and were held in place with a security clip – due to wind loading requirements – for additional safety.

Ongoing maintenance

NDIA has been designed with energy efficiency in mind reflecting the Government of Qatar’s commitment to the environment and sustainable development.

Ease of access for maintenance and cleaning are crucial for longevity, security and safety and place special demands on material choice and finishes of the fit-out solutions specified. The use of metal for ceiling solutions means the panels are not susceptible to chipping when accessing the void.

All the SAS International panels on this project were finished in a PVFD / PVF2 coating. This pre-coat finish provides a smooth coating and ability to maintain its colour whilst offering a durable finish which allows ease of cleaning to keep the ceilings appearance in good condition over time.

Considerations

With the design of transportation hubs the demand for innovative and interesting interiors must be balanced with the use of high performance products. It’s not just a question of design aesthetics, with beautifully finished interiors maintenance is essential to ensure the buildings stay this way. The durability of a transportation hub is of paramount importance for such high traffic areas.

Working with project teams from the earliest stage ensures a complete understanding of what is required from the outset, and allows the provision for best of class solutions. The necessity is to work closely with the architect and engineering firms.

Based in the region for over 30 years, SAS International has manufactured and supplied interior-fit out solutions for projects Worldwide, meeting the ever increasing demands of clients and specifiers, supplying many projects across the Middle East.

From commercial, education and healthcare projects to railway and airport terminals, the sustainable and practical solutions SAS International deliver provide considerable benefits and savings whilst exceeding design briefs.

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SAS International

Considering FM at the design stage is crucial for effective ongoing maintenance

Recent news that Abu Dhabi’s executive council has approved spending on a range of development projects including new terminal facilities at Abu Dhabi International Airport indicates that there is so much scope in the region to lead the ideas and thinking of how we live, work and travel in the 21st Century.

For the transport facilities there’s a chance to look afresh at ideas to meet the demands of today’s and tomorrow’s travel needs. Considering facilities management (FM) at design stage in any project is beneficial. The ability to design in options from the outset for effective ongoing maintenance and ease of access provides for time and resource savings in the long term.

This is a topical point and was echoed at the recent Facilities Management Middle East conference which looked at the importance of incorporating FM requirements in the design of green buildings. Ease of access for maintenance and cleaning are crucial for longevity, security and safety and can place special demands on material choice and finishes.

Difficulties in maintenance or accessing areas can therefore affect the sustainability of a facility if damage is incurred; the upkeep of the interior can dictate how a building will last and function for future generations.

Improvements to transport infrastructure is being seen around the world as projects setting the standard for the future, designed around passenger experience and movement with large sweeping areas allowing for stress free journeys. But transportation hubs have unique challenges, not just because of the volumes of people to be accommodated who are in transit.

Considerations

Architect, clients and developers talking with manufacturers at design stage will ensure health and safety considerations have been factored in. Secure, accessible voids can be created, and designs to enable fast smoke extraction specified using tubular or vaulted options for example.

The end product installed looks like any other suspended metal ceiling system providing an aesthetically pleasing flush finish. But where this solution differs is its ingenious way of dropping down and sliding under the adjacent panel, allowing access to the ceiling void and services. This can be of particular benefit in airports, railway stations and even bus terminals as it enables a corridor to remain in use rather than having to close off areas, inevitably affecting flow through.

Durability balanced with aesthetics

With news that the planned new terminal facilities at Abu Dhabi International Airport will be expected to handle 27 million passengers a year the durability of a transportation hub is of paramount importance for such high traffic areas.

The demand for innovative and interesting interiors must be balanced with the use of high performance products. It’s not just a question of design aesthetics, with beautifully finished interiors maintenance is essential to ensure they stay this way.

As well as a robust solution, ease of access for authorised personnel is also essential. Conversely one that is secure and can also help prevent unwanted access to services is of paramount importance. All of these factors need to be taken into account to ensure a safe environment for travellers, staff and service engineers.

Service gantries were specified for Chek Lap Kok Airport in Hong Kong and designed to enhance both appearance of the ceiling plane and provide functionality. Gantries such as these are often used in expansive open areas such as departure and arrivals halls and can hide unsightly ducting, wiring and pipes as well as to house services.

Metal solutions provide a durable surface that is easy to clean and will allow ease of access for essential ongoing maintenance, without damage. The same is true for bulkheads (used to traverse a ceiling from one level to another), columns, walkways or escalator panelling or cladding.

Material choices such as mineral fibre or even ceramic tiles can be prone to damage during access, and the impact that column casings might take from luggage trolleys also means that metal offers an effective alternative.

Communication

Involving manufacturers at design stage means FM demands can be factored in without compromising on aesthetics.

Damage, whether accidental or malicious, and security considerations are of tantamount importance and can simply mean that choosing a clip-in ceiling system rather than a tegular approach system they stay secure or are less prone to damage.

Working with project teams from the earliest stage ensures a complete understanding of what is required from the outset, and allows the provision for best of class solutions.

Finally, understanding that long-term support for facilities management by manufacturers is key. If bespoke solutions are produced a manufacturer should be on hand later down the line to answer any maintenance questions, repairs or alteration services. This means doubt in authenticity of any alterations to existing products and applications can be avoided.