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< Sectors

Virgin Upper Class Lounge, Heathrow Airport

Softroom Architects

Atelier Ten were the consultants appointed to work
on the £7m refurbishment and extension of the
Virgin Lounge at Heathrow’s Terminal 3. The
spectacular 2,500m2 environment was designed
with London-based architectural practice Softroom
along with the Virgin Atlantic design team.

DETAILS
LOCATION: HEATHROW AIRPORT, UK
CLIENT: VIRGIN ATLANTIC
COST: £6M
DATE: COMPLETED 2006

SERVICES
ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN CONSULTING
BUILDING SERVICES DESIGN
LIGHTING DESIGN

AWARDS
FX INTERNATIONAL DESIGN, 2006
LIGHTING AWARDS (LEISURE), 2007

Strategy

The design concept established the interior environment as a single flowing ‘landscape’ instead of dividing the space into separates compartments. The key services design features include a displacement ventilation system to bring improved comfort to waiting passengers and extensive lighting and audio visual installations. The bespoke ventilation grilles are integrated into the furniture design. The overhead lighting is integrated within the complex sweeping ceiling creating a sense of moving clouds. This dramatic ceiling design was made possible by relocating the air-conditioning to low level, and thus avoiding the oppressive low slung grid of tiles and grilles normally found in airport environments and giving the clubhouse an entirely original character.