Building the feature walls for a new private check-in area at Heathrow airport. 

Feature Walls — Heathrow T5 

Universal Design Studio 

Processes 

• Metalwork 
• Joinery 
• Finishing 
• Installation 

What we did 

Aldworth James & Bond worked with Universal Design Studio to realise their designs for an exclusive private check-in area at Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 5. Consisting of six feature walls, the entrance for first class passengers aimed to bring a “greater sense of visibility, desirability and aspiration” to the check-in experience. 

Our scope of work included the manufacture of the mild steel structures, dry-assembling these frames in our Deptford workshops before transport to Heathrow. The first entrance wall was fitted with articulated clear etched glass and mirrored panels and laser-cut signage to the front, with the second, third and fourth walls featuring stainless steel ‘scalloped’ cladding in three tones: champagne, brass and copper.

Each curved wall featured oak veneered panelling to the back, laid out in a marquetry pattern. The final two lounge walls featured the same oak veneers, with concealed LED lighting.The effect is stunning— the curved walls and material choices bring a unique texture and warmth to the terminal building.

Photography: Paul Greenleaf