Kansas City International Airport Terminal

#

Project Description

The new Kansas City International Airport terminal represents a milestone in aviation design and construction—one that merges cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and aesthetic performance. With over 175,000 square feet of gauged porcelain panels (GPP), the installation showcases how tile can achieve both monumental scale and architectural precision.

This project demonstrates the power of collaboration between designers, manufacturers, and installers to overcome the unique challenges of working with large-format materials in a high-traffic, high-visibility environment.

When the architectural team envisioned sleek, durable wall finishes to unify the terminal’s expansive spaces, they selected 6mm gauged porcelain panels as the primary surface material. For the designers and contractors, this was their first time using GPP at such scale—prompting an innovative hands-on training and mock-up installation to ensure a flawless execution. Many areas took extra preparation planning and time to install as installers worked around areas already in place, including tights spaces and around escalators. This extra attention was necessary to keep employees and other workers on the jobsite safe but still provide a quality installation.

The team conducted a warehouse installation seminar in Kansas City. There, participants studied the ANSI A137.3 and A108.19 standards, practiced safe handling of 5’×10′ panels, and tested installation sequences that balanced aesthetics with structural performance.

Due to the project’s scope, the installer developed custom tools and lifting equipment, including reinforced cutting tables, adjustable scaffolding lifts, and specialized breaker bars designed to handle precise trimming per the architect’s requirements. These innovations allowed installers to achieve the clean visual lines essential to the project’s design intent.