Duxford AirSpace Museum

Duxford AirSpace Museum is the largest aircraft hanger in the united kingdom housing some of the most historically significant aircraft in the history of Britain and the commonwealth. Exhibiting one of the largest British aviation collection under one roof, the scheme more than doubles the size of the existing hangar by extending the footprint and adding two mezzanine floors. The existing A-frame structure was retained and used to suspend an array of aircraft within the massive space.

Extending the length of the floor plan provides an enclosed conservation area allowing visitors to see the ongoing aircraft restoration work of the museum.

Innovative materials were used to extend the hangar to create two new exhibition aisles.  The extensions along the side of the building provide galleried exhibition areas offering vantage points to view the suspended aircraft and space for a dedicated education centre, conference facility, conservation workshop and training facilities for staff.  The space  is flooded with natural light from 5 rows of inflatable, ETFE cushions running the length of the new roof. Light also filters through an entire vertical ETFE wall at the north end of the building.

Client:

Imperial War Museum

Location:

Duxford, Cambridge

UK

Contract Value:

£14m

Completion:

2006

Designed by:

Sport Concepts

Project Architect

Robert Albanes

Structural Engineer:

Halcrow Yolles

Mechanical Engineer:

ARUP

Electrical Engineer:

ARUP

Project Management:

MacKenzie

Cost Advise:

Franklin & Andrews

Role / involvement:

Full Services including Detail Design, Coordination and site supervision

Cost Advise:

Davis Langdon & Everest

Structural Engineer:

Connell Mott Macdonald

Mechanical Engineer:

Connell Mott Macdonald

Electrical Engineer:

Connell Mott Macdonald

Role / involvement:

Full Services including Detail Design, Coordination and site supervision

Use:

Part new build, British and Commonwealth aircraft museum, resource centre and aircraft restoration workshops

Project Architect:

Robert Albanes

Designed by:

HOK

Contractor:

Laing O’Rourke

Project Management:

Davis Langdon & Everest