The Newark International Airport Terminal A Redevelopment is an ambitious program to provide a world class, state of the art, sustainably designed portal for the evolving needs of airlines, passengers, and ground transportation at this major hub. Designed by Grimshaw for the Port of Authority of New York and New Jersey, the one-million-square-foot building forms a T in plan and will be expandable from 33 gates to 45 gates, anticipating future growth. The project also includes a climate-controlled pedestrian bridge linking to parking and the AirTrain. With an anticipated completion year of 2022, the project is designed for energy efficiency, with special considerations for resiliency in the face of climate change.

 

As part of the design-build team, Heintges played a critical role during design, mock-up testing, and construction. Given the building’s size, the cladding area is extensive, comprising five main glazed systems in various configurations, metal panel cladding, and two skylight types that will provide daylighting to the center of the terminal. The featured curtain wall systems span 35 feet in height and are anchored to steel strongbacks, all engineered to meet strict security requirements. Heintges advised on strategies to balance curtain wall performance with design intent, including fritted glass, interior and exterior horizontal sun shading to mitigate both solar gain and glare, and integrated PV cells within the drop-off canopy glazing. Additionally, the design incorporates a number of special considerations, including the design of all curtain wall systems to meet security concerns and extreme weather conditions such as flooding and windborne debris impact.

 

Heintges provided building envelope consulting services during all phases of design and construction.