Hanimaadhoo Maldivian Airport Has a Curvaceous Clamshell Roof

<a href="http://www.hapticarchitects.co.uk/" target="_blank">Haptic Architects</a> and <a href="http://www.nsw.no/" target="_blank">Narud Stokke Wiig Architects</a> have designed this curvaceous new airport for the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2010/03/05/maldives-to-fight-rising-sea-levels-with-floating-islands/">Maldives</a>. Fitting in perfectly with the breathtaking natural beauty that the islands are known for, Hanimaadhoo Airport sits in a lagoon, leaving the white coastline unspoiled. The design also features roof-mounted solar panels and utilizes several passive design techniques.

One of Haptic an NSW's primary goals for the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2008/06/19/splendid-new-terminal-at-shenzen-bao%e2%80%99an-international-airport-in-china/">airport</a> was to maintain the untouched character of the coastline.

They achieved this by locating the terminal right in the lagoon and putting the runway and taxiway on the far north and east of the island.

Doing so frees up land so that the the structure can be contained well inside the existing beach and vegetation line.

The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2009/08/17/foster-partners-unveils-energy-efficient-heathrow-airport-terminal/">terminal</a> itself is characterized by its curvy floating roof that is evocative of a clamshell.

The lightweight element is a timber diagrid structure and has a highly insulated skin.

There is also a rainwater harvesting system.

The airport has north-facing rooflights and ample overhangs to minimize solar gain.

Ample daylight can flood into the airport's interior.