Designed by architecture studio BIG, the diagrid structure of Gelephu International Airport in southern Bhutan will feature patterned modules of glued laminated timber. Scheduled to open in 2029, the 68,000-square-meter terminal in Gelephu will be Bhutan’s second international airport. The design is a collaboration between BIG and aviation engineering firm NACO, aiming to serve around 5.5 million passengers annually by 2065.
Gelephu International Airport will be nestled near the Bhutan-Indian border and the Paitha River, surrounded by subtropical forests and mountains. This natural setting heavily influenced the design, with its wavy diagrid structure crafted to mimic “a stylized mountain range from afar,” as BIG founder Bjarke Ingels stated. The glulam framework will be adorned with intricate woodcarvings of dragons, crafted by local artisans to evoke Kachen, the decorative wooden columns found in traditional Bhutanese architecture.
Designer: x NACO
“For the Gelephu International Airport, we wanted to create an experience that feels deeply Bhutanese – calm, welcoming, and connected to nature,” said BIG partner Frederik Lyng. “The airport will provide an outstanding passenger experience, where generous daylit spaces, elements of the Bhutanese landscape, and the intricate carvings of the Bhutanese craftsmen go hand in hand to gently guide the passenger through the terminal.”
The arrival plaza outside the airport will be segmented into four distinct zones, each showcasing different plants native to the region’s forests. Stone paving will be incorporated throughout, accompanied by seating areas and a canopy for protection. Inside the airport, greenery will also be prominent, featuring various plant-filled areas, including a courtyard called the Forest Spine, which will be visible from different parts of the airport.
The Forest Spine will separate the terminal into two sections – one on the west for domestic flights and one on the east for international flights. The carvings on the exterior of the building will be present inside as well, paired with big windows and skylights to “instill mindfulness into the often-stressful experience of traveling”, BIG said.
Passenger well-being will be a significant focus at the airport, with dedicated areas for activities such as yoga, gong baths, and meditation, providing travelers with spaces for relaxation and rejuvenation. The airport’s infrastructure will also include photovoltaic panels installed on the roof to generate electricity, emphasizing sustainability. There will also be a “mobility hub” designed to facilitate seamless transportation, featuring trams and buses that will connect passengers to Gelephu and other parts of Bhutan.
BIG has announced that its innovative designs for Gelephu International Airport will be showcased at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale. At this prestigious exhibition, attendees will have the opportunity to witness a live demonstration of the facade being intricately carved by both a skilled Bhutanese artist and advanced machinery, offering a glimpse into the traditional and modern craftsmanship involved in the airport’s construction.
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