Qantas

project Heathrow Crew Centre
timescale 8 weeks from approval to occupation
location Heathrow Airport staff numbers 400 flight crew
contract value £250,000 area 5,000 sq ft
features Bespoke check-in desk, training facilities and breakout lounge averages £50 per sq ft

The brief

Flight Crew check-in, email touchdown, training and pre-flight briefing facility, run by 18 permanent staff

How we met the challenge

Qantas requested a welcoming, familiar, environment for transient Flight Crew, along with facilities to cater for high-traffic Training, touchdown and lounge areas. The interior design uses warm accent tones, natural colours for the office furniture, and practical finishes for the flooring to create a corporate office design that doesn't become unwelcoming.

The giant reception desk allows rapid check-in for groups of staff, while the large lounge area is central to the check-in, training and office areas which encourages a relaxed style as the office layout revolves around the breakout area.

The project management of the refurbishment would have been a straightforward exercise except for the very high levels of Health & Safety induction needed to work 'airside' at Heathrow...more stringent Fire precautions, restrictions on delivery of materials, and access to site. Iorgroups' previous experience of working at Heathrow was definitly an advantage!