Decorative carvings to embellish glulam structure of BIG's Bhutan airport

[Celerity]

https://www.dezeen.com/2025/03/06/gelephu-international-airport-big/







Patterned modules of glued laminated timber will make up the diagrid structure of Gelephu International Airport, which architecture studio BIG is designing in southern Bhutan. Set to open in 2029, the 68,000-square-metre terminal in the town of Gelephu will become the landlocked country's second international airport. It is being designed by BIG in a collaboration with aviation engineering firm NACO to accommodate approximately 5.5 million annual passengers by 2065.







Gelephu International Airport will be set against a backdrop of subtropical forests and mountains close to the Bhutan-Indian border and the Paitha River. This natural landscape was a key reference for the design, with its undulating diagrid structure intended to resemble "a stylized mountain range at a distance", according to BIG founder Bjarke Ingels. Meanwhile, intricate woodcarvings depicting dragons will embellish the glulam framework, designed by local craftsmen to evoke Kachen – decorative wooden columns in traditional Bhutanese architecture.







"For the Gelephu International Airport, we wanted to create an experience that feels deeply Bhutanese – calm, welcoming, and connected to nature," said BIG partner Frederik Lyng. "The airport will provide an outstanding passenger experience, where generous daylit spaces, elements of the Bhutanese landscape, and the intricate carvings of the Bhutanese craftsmen go hand in hand to gently guide the passenger through the terminal."







Gelephu International Airport forms part of Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) – BIG's masterplan for "an economic hub" in the town where it will eventually open its own studio. The plan is being developed with engineering firm Arup and consultant Cistri. The airport is hoped to help accommodate the growth of the town and will utilise a modular glulam structure to enable easy expansion in the future.

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[Karadeniz]

1. Masterpiece !!!!!! Unbelievable !!!!!!!

[Bernardo de La Paz]

2. That's brilliant. I hope it comes to fruition. Thanks for bringing us a little joy. . . . nt