With an estimated 50
million passengers traveling
through it, Beijing Capital
International Airport is the
busiest airport in all of Asia.
Terminal 3 was built in 2008
to accommodate the growing
traffic volume, and was
opened just in time to handle
the influx of international
travelers arriving for Beijing’s
Olympic Games.
Terminal 3’s sprawling design
represents the developing
Chinese city. The glass and
steel lend a futuristic feel
while cultural heritage is
hearkened through rich
tones and tapered red pillars
reminiscent of the revered
Chinese dragon. One of
the most unique aspects
of the new terminal is its
enormous glass ceiling which
affords stunning views to
visitors traveling through the
concourse. But these views
came with a high cost…a
huge solar heat headache.
Terminal 3 suffered a
compounded heat problem.
The wide glass ceiling
allowed the sun to stream
directly in, intensely heating
the area and Beijing’s
summer temperatures
typically linger around
90°F. Air conditioning was
inadequate because of the
giant space. The combination
of solar heat intake through
the glass ceiling, Beijing’s hot
temperatures and subpar airconditioning,
rendered one
of the world’s most beautiful
terminals, one of the most
uncomfortable.
Airport officials did not want
to sacrifice the aesthetics
they had worked so hard
to create, so window film
made the short list of
solutions. Bekaert Specialty
Films suggested Solar Gard
Sterling 20 for its optimum
heat and glare reduction
and its ability to soften the
incoming natural light.
To access the massive arched
ceiling, the team built a rope
spider web-like scaffolding
system to maneuver through
the air. Because the work was
performed at night during
low traffic, it took one month
to complete. Solar Gard
Sterling 20 was installed on
30,000 square meters of
Terminal 3. It blocks 99 % of
the ultraviolet rays and rejects
76% of solar heat intake.
Airport officials have
reported that the high
temperatures have been
significantly lowered. Today
Terminal 3 lures many visitors
with its shops, restaurants
and beautiful gardens. After
the installation of Solar Gard
Sterling 20, all travelers who
pass through Terminal 3 can
comfortably enjoy these
wonderful amenities offered
at the Beijing airport.