Together with Zaha Hadid Architects, our design for the terminal redefines the airport experience for Australia – grounded in place, shaped by light and built for the future of aviation.

Zaha Hadid Architects and COX Architecture won the international competition for the design of WSI in 2019, developing a concept design that captured the natural and cultural identity of Western Sydney through light, landscape, and movement. The design has since been delivered in collaboration with Woods Bagot as Lead Design and Delivery Architect, appointed by Multiplex. COX and ZHA were retained throughout delivery to uphold the original design intent – a defining design journey that carried the architectural vision from concept to completion.

Located on Dharug Country, the terminal’s design reflects the natural beauty of the Cumberland Plain and is shaped through consultation with local Dharug Custodians, in collaboration with Murrawin. The design integrates local identity, natural light and intuitive navigation to create a calming and welcoming space that puts people at its heart.

Stretching low across the landscape with soft curves and a warm, earthy material palette, the design for the terminal draws inspiration from the region’s native flora and expansive horizons — particularly the filtering of light through the curling bark of eucalyptus trees.
Undulating gently overhead, the terminal ceiling stands as a central design feature. Inspired by the play of sunlight through eucalyptus bark – its sculptural, functional form intuitively guiding the movement of travellers through the terminal. Every detail is designed for clarity and calm, making the journey from arrival to departure feel effortless and connected to place.

Signature elements include the terminal’s aerodynamic roof form, undulating ceiling curves and sculptural leaf pod retail kiosks that rise organically from the floor. Warm materials such as terracotta, deep greens, timbers and woven textures reference the tones and textures of the Cumberland Plain, bringing regional identity into every detail.

Environmental performance and future adaptability were key drivers of the concept. The terminal targets a 5 Star Green Star Rating, integrates natural ventilation and daylighting strategies and features a modular layout designed to support long-term growth and evolving technologies. The roof’s aerodynamic, single-ridge form — inspired by aircraft wings — reinforces the building’s identity and contributes to intuitive navigation.

As the first major international terminal built in Australia in over 50 years, WSI represents a generational milestone in the evolution of Sydney’s civic and transport infrastructure. The project reimagines the passenger journey — elevating design, clarity and connection — to welcome the world to Western Sydney.