Shizuoka prefectural government announced July 24 that it has awarded a design work of an airport expansion to a consortium of design and consulting firms including award-winning architect Shigeru Ban. The drawings show that an exterior of the terminal building imitates Japanese green tea plantation, which is famous product of the region. Twisted laminated timber is applied to the structures for the first time. The unique and innovative design was well-received by the jury.

Due to lack of space in the current terminal building, a 6,000m2 expansion is planned as well as renovation of the building to increase capacity of Shizuoka Mt. Fuji Airport. The selected consortium, consisting of Shigeru Ban Architects and Japan Airport Consultants proposed unique structures of locally-produced cedar that is twisted and laminated. The ceiling has barrel vaulted arches referencing local tea plantations. The estimated cost of construction is 3.3billion yen. (2014/07/28)