Al Bahr Tower | projects

AL BAHR TOWER, Abu Dhabi

Project Summary

Completed in June 2012, the 145 meter towers’ Masharabiya shading system was developed by the computational design team at Aedas. Using a parametric description for the geometry of the actuated facade panels, the team was able to simulate their operation in response to sun exposure and changing incidence angles during the different days of the year.

The screen opperates as a curtain wall, sitting two meters outside the buildings’ exterior on an independent frame. Each triangle is coated with fiberglass and programmed to respond to the movement of the sun as a way to reduce solar gain and glare. In the evening, all the screens will close.

Project Challenges and Execution

I have been sent to inspect the site and meet with the person responsible for installation of shading system. Upon arrival, I learned of the complexity of the task. On that site, there were already three contractors who were removed from the site, due to not being able to provide required service.

This was not the task that could be done by painters or window cleaners.

Shading system consisted of many Mashrabija elements automatically operated.
Each element had to be installed in a proper sequence and installation required coordination of four teams.

Ground team, Crane team, Floor Team and Maneuvering/Installation team.

At that time, my best, most experienced people were already engaged in another sites.
I honestly told client, that our company has the capability and technical manpower to execute the task, however not on short notice. As a result of that approach, TSME was awarded the initial contract of installation with 6 men on site.

Initially, six men were assigned to the site. I had wrote procedure for installation, instructed R.A.O. about communication, assigned duties to other teams and guided first installations.

Following several successful operations, contract for two towers has been awarded to TSME the manpower increased to 32 rope access personnel. Sixteen assigned to each tower.

Contract has been executed successfully with client offering following further contracts: