Irish Engineering Firm to Design Critical Rainwater Management System for World’s Largest Aviation Hub Expansion
09th June 2025, Dublin – Capcon Engineering Ltd. a leading Irish engineering consultancy, led by Managing Director Eugene Finn, today announced its appointment as independent consultants to design a high-performance siphonic roof drainage system for Terminal 5 (T5) at Singapore’s Changi Airport. This landmark project represents a significant milestone in Southeast Asia’s most ambitious aviation infrastructure development and provides a unique opportunity to showcase Irish engineering expertise on the global stage.
With the new terminal set to process approximately 50 million more passengers annually- thereby raising the airport’s overall capacity to more than 140 million passengers across over 200 cities by the mid-2030s- operational reliability will be crucial. Given Singapore’s high rainfall intensity, an effective rainwater management solution will prove critical to ensuring this. Capcon’s early-stage siphonic drainage design services will prove instrumental in this context, especially when combined with measures such as a sloped runway positioned 5.5 metres above sea level, which will provide an ingenious buffer against sea-level rise and surface runoff.
Comprising roof drainage and an extensive siphonic drainage pipework network, Capcon’s overall system will provide a robust and sustainable means of managing excess rainwater and alleviating the risk of flooding, aligning with the project’s stringent spatial, structural, operational, and visual constraints. By employing 3D modelling to map rainwater flow and optimise outlet placement, the system will ensure efficient runoff management. All this will be done while maintaining the terminal’s striking aesthetic, defined by sweeping curves, extensive glazing, and wide-open spaces.
“For our team in Ireland to be selected as the partner of choice for one of the world’s largest aviation hubs is perhaps the strongest affirmation yet of Capcon’s capability and intent,” says Eugene Finn, Capcon’s Managing Director. “This recognition stems directly from our ability to deliver drainage solutions that not only withstand high-intensity rainfall but also meet strict environmental and quality standards, both critical considerations in the context of a project of this much significance.”
Delivering on this important commitment to install a robust rainwater drainage system that integrates seamlessly with the terminal’s structural and architectural layout will be Capcon’s team of highly experienced specialists. Drawing on their technical expertise, they will design a system capable of managing current rainfall demands and expected increases in rainfall intensity, ensuring long-term resilience.
Collectively, these efforts will collate into a drainage system that meets the demands of a complex and evolving airport environment, one that balances space constraints, performance targets, environmental risks, and architectural intent. As weather patterns become less predictable and infrastructure more interdependent, the early-stage integration of a coordinated drainage solution will be crucial for long-term success. In this sense, the siphonic rainwater drainage system, much like the terminal it serves, will showcase what’s possible through a solid commitment to performance, future-readiness, and considered design.
About Capcon
Capcon is a global provider of rainwater drainage solutions, driven by climate resilience and sustainable building design across all sectors. Established in 2011, Capcon has built a strong reputation for innovation and reliability in rainwater management.
With expertise in siphonic and gravity drainage along with rainwater harvesting, Capcon provides comprehensive services, including design consultancy, supply, installation, and maintenance for large-scale and high-tech construction projects. These solutions deliver measurable benefits such as cost savings, reduced material usage, enhanced drainage performance, and minimised coordination risks for complex construction projects, all while ensuring every building we design is protected against extreme weather events.
In doing so, Capcon utilises technologies, such as BIM and embraces offsite prefabrication, to achieve precision, efficiency, and sustainability in every project. From commercial and residential developments to airports, data centres, medical and pharmaceutical facilities, Capcon partners with design teams, contractors, and developers to deliver reliable results, solidifying its reputation as a trusted leader in rainwater solutions.
Image Sources:
https://www.kpf.com/story/future-of-aviation
Credit: Changi Airport Group
