Queenstown Airport Koru Lounge lift

We installed a new lift and staircase in the terminal building at Queenstown Airport, improving access to the Air New Zealand Koru Lounge on the first floor.

Excavating a lift pit airside in an operational airport proved to be quite a challenge. We completed most of the work overnight to reduce disruption to airport operations, carefully checking the area at the end of each shift and using hoardings and security mesh to screen the area off from the public. We worked closely with the airport security team to arrange and clear material deliveries.

We developed a methodology with the structural engineer and architect to waterproof the lift pit before pouring concrete. It was quite tricky to get the structural steel for the fire-rated lift shaft in place in the tight space, but we achieved it by using a spider crane, manual handling, and plenty of meticulous planning.

The timber staircase and glass balustrade wraps around the lift shaft and incorporates a storeroom under the stairs. We clad the exterior of the staircase, the storeroom and the first floor landing in a decorative birch ply to match the rest of the airport interiors. The client was very happy with the result.