What was the biggest challenge with the Sowwah Square project in Abu Dhabi?

Sowwah Square, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: Image credit: Viskotech 

Sowwah Square is the name of a recently constructed district in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. The district is located in the centre of the island Sowwah, northeast of the current city centre of Abu Dhabi. This island is now known as Al Maryah Island. The Sowwah Square project, included four high-rise office towers (150 metres height) and also features the iconic new headquarters building (53 metres height) for the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange. The High Rise Towers are named Sowwah Square Tower 1, Tower 2, Tower 3 and Tower 4. Now that the area’s development is completed Sowwah Square comprises of 450,000 sqm office, retail and hotel space. Construction for Sowwah Square commenced in the summer of 2007 and completed in 2012.

What was the biggest project challenge?

When Dunbar and Boardman were commissioned to work on the project by Mubadala – Oger and the architects, Goettsch Partners we identified that the biggest challenge would be to hide the 10 Building Maintenance Units (BMU) necessary for the buildings. This was particularly challenging because of the lower parking area.  Additional challenges were presented by the restraint spacing for the towers’ adjustable cradles and the shutter door requirement over the Stock Exchange (low rise) building BMU.

What was the solution?

Dunbar and Boardman worked with XSPlatforms based in the Netherlands to deliver Façade Access and Maintenance (BMU) services that included the following stages:

Facade Access Concept Design Review

Facade Access Specifications Review

Tender Review and Analysis

Technical and Material Submittal Reviews

Shop drawings Reviews

Installation Reviews

Post  Construction Reviews

The technical solution comprised of ten fixed and movable telescopic roof cars supplied by XSPlatforms, Netherlands. The vertical telescopic machine base (for out-of-sight parking), 30-metre jib outreach, luffable jibs and telescopic cradles make this project special. For the headquarters building, there are two traversing telescopic roof cars with a reach of up to 38 metres.  All ten telescopic machines are provided with glass replacement units for lifting weights of up to 650 kg. Also, there are approximately 700 metres of monorail, including self hoisting suspended cradles and special trolleys, turntables to cover the internal side areas and the underside ceiling of the headquarters building.

What were the results?

BMU are performing efficiently and contributing to the positive impact the project has had as part of the urban framework plan, entitled Plan Abu Dhabi 2030.

Are you currently planning a project that will involve Façade Access and Maintenance? We would be happy to discuss with you. Give us a call on T +44 (0)20 7739 5093 or send us an email via peterboardman@dunbarboardman.com to start the conversation. We look forward to hearing from you.

Spotlight on Dubai

 

Dunbar & Boardman’s first project in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was in the late 1990s. This was the Jumeirah Beach Hotel and we quickly built on that, increasing the number of projects we worked on not only in the UAE but also across the Gulf Region. Since the 1990s we have completed Vertical Transportation and Building Maintenance Unit projects in the UAE, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait. Many of our projects have been for internationally prestigious buildings.

Here are just two examples of prestigious buildings we have worked on and a brief project description:

The iconic Burj al Arab Dubai - The brief for Dunbar and Boardman was to assist with planning the space accommodation for the 18 elevators and 2 escalators. Our role included specification writing and contractor evaluation and the firm remained involved with the project from conception stage through to final commissioning.

The Bahrain World Trade Centre – Dunbar and Boardman were appointed to witness test and commission the work - Secalt fully powered BMU systems were specified by Atkins and these were to be installed in both towers. Following completion, we were awarded the contract to manage the site maintenance work.

Listed below are some more of the projects we have completed in the UAE and Gulf Region:

Jumeirah Beach Complex Dubai

Four Seasons Dubai

Damac Ocean Heights

Damac Signature Tower

Saraya Towers Abudhabi

Al Mafraq Hospital Abu Dhabi

Gate District Towers Abu Dhabi

King Abdullah Financial District, Riyadh

Al Madah Towers, Jeddah

Four Seasons Hotel, Bahrain

National Bank of Kuwait

Kuwait Investment Authority HQ  

The full list of our projects in the region can be found here. Do you have a current or planned project in the UAE or other country in the Gulf Region? We would be happy to discuss any such requirements and how we may be able to assist. 

We are attending the ‘Façades and Design Engineering - UAE Summit’ this week so this is a great opportunity for you to meet with us face to face if you are also attending the summit in Dubai. Give us a call on T +44 (0) 20 7739 5093 or send us an email via peterboardman@dunbarboardman.com to start the conversation. We look forward to hearing from you.

Why use a consultancy for Façade Access and Building Maintenance Units?

 

Creating Façade Access systems and deploying the correct Building Maintenance Units (BMU) or Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP) is specialised work that requires both project management experience and a detailed knowledge of the technology and technological advances in the industry. The requirements of each building will be different and very often are complex. This complexity is one of the reasons that companies around the world choose to work with a specialist consultancy for Façade Access & BMUs. The other major reasons are listed below.

Planning

The development of a Façade Access solution is a long term process and the building maintenance strategy will be ongoing over the life of the building. It is essential that a maintenance strategy is considered and incorporated into the initial building design and implemented during the construction phases. The maintenance programme and longevity of the equipment must be considered. A consultancy will be able to achieve all of this and enable the facility management team to use the maintenance equipment for a minimum of 25 years.

Efficiency

When creating a schedule of Façade Access and selecting the most suitable solution a key objective will be the need to optimise the usage of the access equipment, as well as the operability of the Façade Cleaning Equipment (FCE).  By choosing a consultancy to manage the process a company reduces the risk of making a poor choice, in addition the consultancy will carry professional indemnity insurance to give further peace of mind.

Bespoke Solutions

If a developer or client were to approach a manufacturer directly there is a real chance that they would be guided into the purchase of one of the manufacturer’s existing product solutions. An evaluation based on the commercial interests of the manufacturer would be undertaken; rather than the comprehensive and unfettered approach taken by a specialist consultancy. Using a consultancy ensures that the best solution will be sought and found.

Independence

A consultancy can set up and manage a formal tender process with 3 or 4 bidders and invite them to submit a tender for the project.  Following post tender evaluation the most appropriate solution and supplier can be chosen. The final decision and award of the contract will be based completely on merit.

Commercial Negotiations

Consultancies are aware of industry norms and charging rates and therefore have a stronger hand when it comes to negotiating commercial contracts. Using a consultancy could save you money in the short and long term. Naturally the possibility and scope of any saving can only be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Industry & Legislative Standards

A consultancy will be able to create façade-cleaning solutions that minimize the impact on building design and meet the highest safety according to EN standards. Furthermore they will be able to ensure that the equipment is provided within International Quality & Safety Standards and that health & safety requirements for the particular environment are met.

Dunbar and Boardman is a specialist consultancy that has provided global clients with bespoke solutions for façade access equipment and BMUs for over 30 years.

Do you have a current or planned project that would benefit from our expertise? We would be happy to discuss with you. Give us a call on T +44 (0) 20 7739 5093 or send us an email via peterboardman@dunbarboardman.com to start the conversation. We look forward to hearing from you.