Heathrow Terminal 5

Heathrow Terminal 5 is one of the largest and most complex airport terminals in the world, designed to handle tens of millions of passengers each year.

The canopy scheme formed a key part of the passenger arrival and departure experience, extending across the full length of the set-down lanes at the terminal entrance and incorporating canopies in the car park and VIP sections of the terminal. The challenge was to deliver a solution that could operate at this scale, providing continuous weather protection, clear wayfinding and a strong architectural identity, while integrating seamlessly with the wider terminal design.

Durability and long-term performance were critical. The structures needed to withstand constant use, exposure to the elements and the demands of a high-traffic transport environment, all while maintaining a refined, lightweight appearance.

We designed, manufactured and installed over 4,000m² of tensile fabric canopies, forming a continuous sheltered route along the terminal forecourt.  

A major contribution to us winning this tender was by partnering with a well respected steel fabricator from the beginning of the project. As the value of the steel exceeded the fabric content a more competitive price was achieved by having the steel fabricator as the lead contractor.

The canopy design is based on a series of twisted hypar (hyperbolic paraboloid) forms, tensioned across an architectural steel frame. This geometry provides both structural efficiency and a distinctive visual rhythm, creating sweeping, undulating forms that respond to the scale of the terminal.  

PTFE-coated glass fibre was selected for its high translucency, strength and fire performance. Compared to PVC, PTFE offers superior longevity and resistance to dirt, making it well suited to the demands of a major international airport.  

Our scope extended beyond the membrane installation to include steelwork, cladding to lighting arms and integration of a bespoke lighting scheme. Careful coordination across disciplines ensured the canopy system functioned as a fully integrated architectural element rather than a standalone structure.

The completed canopy scheme plays a central role in shaping the arrival experience at Terminal 5, providing continuous shelter while guiding passengers through the forecourt environment. The flowing fabric forms create a strong architectural identity, reinforcing the terminal’s position as a modern global transport hub.

Beyond its visual impact, the structure delivers long-term performance in a demanding environment. The use of PTFE ensures durability and reduced maintenance over time, while the integrated lighting system enhances safety and visibility across the site.

Delivered to meet the fixed opening of the terminal in 2008, the project demonstrated our ability to operate at infrastructure scale and combined technical precision, coordination and programme certainty to deliver a complex solution in a high-profile, high-pressure environment.