Helicopter Hangar, Charnwood

The sensitivity of the Charnwood Forest site called for an innovative design solution. The helicopter hangar is situated within a large private garden in an area of designated landscape interest. Set against a wooded backdrop the building includes locally sourced stone and is concealed from public view.

A floating roof was designed to counter any turbulence from the helicopter during landing and is suspended from a steel structure independent of the stone walls. A band of glazing between the roof and the walls emphasises this separation. The helicopter sits diagonally to the square plan with bi-parting hangar doors meeting at one corner of the building.

There is no standard manhandling of the helicopter on the ground. A high-tech automated landing pad was designed and can be operated from the air via a radio control.