Project Overview

 
In 2012, Speed Structures was commissioned to provide a temporary arrivals terminal for Walvis Bay Airport in Namibia. This structure was needed to ensure uninterrupted passenger services during a significant airport building renovation phase. The project was awarded by NE Projects, a Chinese construction firm managing the upgrade, and Speed Structures was selected for offering the most suitable and efficient solution at the time.
Design and Engineering
The key design objective was to provide a secure, functional, and passenger-friendly terminal that integrated with the existing airport infrastructure. Core features included:
  • Ventilation gables for air circulation in Namibia’s coastal climate.
  • Hard-sided panels and lockable glass doors to meet security protocols.
  • A custom flow design, connecting the temporary structure to the existing airport via a smaller link marquee.
Although the structure was intended for temporary use over a 3-year period, the design needed to be robust, safe, and able to handle continuous foot traffic in an active aviation environment. While no specific civil aviation regulations were explicitly required, the solution needed to operate within the safety expectations of an international airport setting.
Material Selection and Durability
Speed Structures employed its trusted combination of:
  • 6061 T6 extruded aluminium with natural anodising.
  • Hot-dipped 355JR structural steel.
These materials were chosen for their strength and resistance to corrosion — critical in the coastal climate of Walvis Bay, where salt air, sand, and heat pose considerable durability challenges. No additional treatments were applied beyond the standard marquee protection — a testament to the quality of the base materials. Remarkably, the structure remains in place today, 13 years later, with minimal maintenance.
Transportation and Installation
Despite cross-border taxation, transportation logistics proceeded smoothly. The Speed Structures team handled the full installation, which was completed in just four days — a rapid timeline for a project of this nature. No special cranes or external equipment were required during setup, keeping costs and complexity to a minimum.
Timeline and Delivery
From design to installation, the project remained on schedule and within budget. There were no significant delays or external constraints affecting delivery, showcasing Speed Structures’ ability to manage international logistics and site execution with precision.
Performance and Long-Term Use
Since its installation in 2012, the structure has performed flawlessly, exceeding expectations for a temporary build. Although originally planned for three years of use, it continues to serve as storage for airport furniture — a strong indicator of its durability and ongoing value.
The only maintenance feedback to date has been a recent note regarding PVC roofing updates, highlighting the longevity of the materials over more than a decade of use.

Outcomes and Reflections

 

This project is considered a resounding success for Speed Structures. It:

  • Proved the resilience and engineering quality of Speed’s modular systems.
  • Validated the performance of its standard materials in harsh coastal environments.
  • Informed future designs for semi-permanent and aviation-related infrastructure.

While no follow-up projects have been completed with this client to date, the Walvis Bay Airport project stands as a lasting example of Speed Structures’ ability to deliver rapid, reliable, and high-performing solutions for critical infrastructure needs.