The new Airports of Mauritius Corporate Offices is the first LEED certified building in Mauritius under the US Green Building Council. It comprises seven levels with a gross floor area of 5,000m².
Conceptually, both the new offices and passenger terminal are inscribed oppositely, into a circle which establishes an invisible but strong link on the airport compound. The curved glazed façade is like a control tower monitoring airport activities.
The concept and massing expresses the fluidity of passenger movements and dynamism associated with airports. Curved and sloping wing walls relate to the passenger terminal, which optimizes wind penetration. The landscape has been designed to complement the building form and foster fresh air movements. Its field of photo-voltaic panels and the attenuation pond add to sustainable design.
A combination of aluminium and timber composite panels, elastomeric coatings, off shutter concrete and solar reflective glazing, envelopes the building. It is crowned with a light weight steel truss which gives it a floating effect.
The South-East/North-West orientation maximises large glazing along the South-Eastern façade, whereby offices are located and shielded from glare by the cantilevered beams. Additionally, sensor driven dampers have been introduced to regulate natural ventilation and air conditioning with respect to external climatic conditions. The North-Western façade comprising of services has minimal openings, acting as a buffer zone protecting the building from scorching sun. Moreover, the louvers along the façade take advantage of the pressure differential between the front and back to accelerate natural ventilation. The atrium punctures the building from the first floor to the roof acting as a light well and a temperature regulating body.
The interiors are contemporary. Glass walls and balustrades emphasize the airport vocabulary, with the main circulation spine gallery depicting the Mauritian Aviation History. Light design has been fully exploited in both interior and exterior.
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