Abu Dhabi International Airport

The complex design of the terminal has 700,000m² internal area and will cater for 30 million passengers a year. It will house 65 aircraft gates and have 3,500m² of duty-free zones with the capability of handling 8,500 passengers and 19,000 bags per hour. With its long spanning roof arches that have a height of up to 50m at the highest point the design creates open, unimpeded internal zones and connectivity that will enhance the passenger experience and ensure long‐term adaptability.

Grankraft was awarded the contract for a 22m high feature spiral staircase that connects the main terminal hall with the lower level and is a prominent piece of the wayfinding of the passenger’s journey to gates E and F.

The sculptural design of the staircase is made from weathered steel, brass finished metal, and wrapped by translucent glass. The glass veil is arranged in a barrel shape that is surrounding the staircase. Each glazing unit (12mm low iron curved tempered glass + 3mm clear pvb + 12mm low iron curved tempered glass) is point fixed to the steel structure which has a fine brushed finish. The total glass area is 380sqm and it is made of 285 independent glass panels which are fixed using stainless steel spider connections and shoe brackets. To achieve the translucent effect of the envelope, digital printing was used on the second pane of the laminated glass.

The eye of the staircase is designed as a free form sculptural element with a decorative floral pattern made from weathered steel and brass.