In recent years, the number of passengers using Oita Airport, an international airport in Oita Prefecture, Japan, increased, prompting the Prefecture to construct hovercraft terminals to establish a more convenient and efficient transportation link between Oita Airport and Oita city. This connection can effectively halve the travel time between the two locations.

Designed by Sou Fujimoto Architects, the city and airport terminals as well as the hovercraft storage boatyard boast a distinct structure. Arup collaborated with the architects to provide structural engineering services to bring the vision to life.

The city-side terminal is designed to withstand earthquakes and approximately 2m tsunamis, serving as an evacuation facility. 

The airport-side terminal features traditional Japanese timber joints, such as dovetail and koshikake-kama joints, with minimal screws, nails and bolts. The boatyard, 16m high and 65m x 35m wide, has a meticulously planned truss roof system, eliminating internal columns to facilitate hovercraft access. Robust concrete walls ensure stability and resilience against horizontal forces.

The airport side terminal featuring traditional Japanese timber joints

The airport-side terminal features traditional Japanese timber joints, such as dovetail and koshikake-kama joints, with minimal screws, nails and bolts.

The boatyard at Oita Airport

The boatyard, 16m high and 65m x 35m wide, has a meticulously planned truss roof system, eliminating internal columns to facilitate hovercraft access.