The design proposal for the new international terminal at George Bush Intercontinental Airport will enhance and expand the airports international operations. The airport is located 23 miles (37 km) north of Downtown Houston. The airport serves as a major international hub for United Airlines and is the second busiest airport in Texas. The new terminal will house 36 new gates, along with a wide range of shops, restaurants and cafés in both the departures and arrivals areas. In addition to this, the terminal will contain four new lounges and a spa facility. The four-level design maximises transparency at the entrance and for views out across the taxi and runway areas, allowing travellers to view airport activities. Other functions of the airport are set behind micro-perforated metal screens which shield the external glazing from direct solar gain and glare, providing a tempered internal environment and privacy screening. Newtecnic developed the architectural structural engineering and facade engineering design concept, including development of the facade systems.