Project Strategy
In September of this past year, Gov. Hochul formally announced The New Terminal One groundbreaking $9.5 Billion Port Authority project. When completed, the New Terminal One will be the largest terminal at JFK and one of the 10 largest in the world.
In the interim, the existing terminal needed new flooring to carry them through the next handful of years until the New Terminal is completed. We needed a product that will be guaranteed to withstand the heavy traffic with over 30,000 passengers passing through every week.
We turned to our StarNet Preferred Vendor Gerflor knowing that their interlocking tile products have been successfully installed at several airports both in the US and Europe. The challenge, aside from maintaining a budget, was the demo of 2 layers of existing flooring, the installation of the new floor and most importantly the time constraints of an international terminal such as this one. After reviewing all the options and challenges this project required, the client selected Gerflor Attraction Interlock Connect Tile.
The three stages of this project were demo, preparation, and installation as follows;
THE DEMO: the use of a Terminator machine proved to be a real time saver. It removed the 2 layers of existing flooring almost simultaneously. A total of eleven 40 yds. containers were sent out for recycling or diverting from landfills.
THE PREP: Scrape, Skim, Repeat
THE INSTALLATION: The pre-installation discussions to review the various challenges on this 70,000 s/f project, proved to be priceless. Together with Gerflor-technical services and with our client we offered a clear expectation of the various stages which made the project a success. One of the challenges was the building structure itself which had various angled perimeter walls which in turn affected the layout. In addition, the 25” x 25” interlocking tiles had to be wrapped around Agent Booths, Luggage Carousels, Columns & Handrails at multiple locations, which was the most challenging of all. Of course, we had many flight schedules changes that always made it more interesting.
THE END RESULT: In the end, the client was very satisfied with the aesthetic of this installation and was especially thankful that there was never any "down time" for the terminal. We would like to thank the Terminal One Management group, Customs & Border Patrol, our installers, and StarNet Preferred Vendors for their support on this highly visible project. It was a pleasure to be the initial part of this groundbreaking project and look forward to continuing our participation in the New Terminal One at The New JFK.
Unique Installation Challenge Strategy
With over 20 International Airlines coming from all over the world. It only leaves short windows of time to do our work. With 4hr to 7hr shifts along with last minute flight schedule changes, each day proved to be challenging.
The installation had many challenges including cutting around Customs Border Patrol (CBP) booths, luggage carousels, columns & handrails throughout. Escalator landings had to be picture framed and doorways and exits have a durable transition.
Our daily shifts started by reviewing the first flight arrival and would then adjust our work accordingly. We always needed a contingency plan for last minute flight changes. Once we completed our shift, we had to ensure the space was left clean, tools secured, caution signs posted, and space left hazard free and ready for the wave of passengers coming through.
With over 70,000 S/F of space, each part of this installation had to be thoroughly reviewed constantly to ensure we met our daily challenges and schedules.
THE FINAL COUNT: 70,000 sq/ft, 1 Terminator, 9 installers, 11 containers and a whole lot of early sunrises.
