Ceilings

Heriot Watt University

United Arab EmiratesContractors: Khansaheb Interiors (Khansaheb Group)

Heriot Watt University - Gypsum International Trophy 2025

Project description

Located in Dubai’s one-of-a-kind learning hub,Heriot-Watt University’s state-of-the-art campus at
Dubai Knowledge Park delivers a new vision for interactive and collaborative learning.
Extending across more than 218,000 square feet, the campus employs a modern, vertically-stacked design
that divides space by theme and function, rather than by department. This approach has enabled the
creation of a truly collaborative educational environment, incorporating specialised engineering
labs, digital recording studios, open learning areas and flexible teaching spaces capable of
accommodating high-quality multiformat teaching and tailored learning.

Main information

Sustainability certification goal

Building size

20 252 m²

Building purpose / type

University &
Office space

Building owner name

TECOM

Architect name

BDP Mena

Contractors

Khansaheb Interiors (Khansaheb Group)

Company name: Khansaheb Interiors (Khansaheb Group)

Main Representative: Jamie Otto

Other Representative: Gary Condon

Number of collaborators: 5 000

Specialties: Construction, Fit out, Joinery, MEP

Founded in: 1935

Biography: Khansaheb Group Founded in 1935 is one of the longest standing contractor in UAE. A company renowned for professionalism, integrity, high quality and reliable delivery, and high levels of customer satisfaction, with experience across all building and infrastructure sectors. Over the past 9 decades, Khansaheb Civil Engineering has established itself as one of the leading construction companies in the UAE, providing whole life sustainable solutions and innovative methods for building and infrastructure projects from initial business case, through design, procurement and delivery- creating and constructing physical assets that underpin the fabric of society

Website: khansaheb.com

Key Challenges

Avoiding Plywood with Habito Boards – We enhanced fixture fixability using Habito boards, eliminating the need for plywood. This not only improved sustainability but also required careful planning and execution to deliver the desired results.
Logistics & Material Movement – Moving Gyproc materials across multiple floors was no easy task. However, with a well-structured program and seamless coordination between our Gyproc team and Khansaheb, we ensured smooth deliveries and efficient allocation on-site.
Coordination for Ceiling Installations – Installing the Ecophon ceiling system meant every MEP fixation on slab soffits had to be marked and drilled in advance. This called for constant communication among teams to maintain accuracy and avoid disruptions.
Post-Installation Care – Once the Ecophon ceilings were in place, MEP works had to be carried out with extra caution to prevent damage—requiring close supervision and teamwork.

Key Achievements

1 Million Safe Man-Hours – Achieved 1 million hours without a Lost Time Incident (LTI), prioritizing safety and well-being.
GOLD LEED Certification – Delivered a sustainable, GOLD LEED-certified project, reflecting our commitment to green building practices.
Seamless Coordination – Worked closely with Fade, MEP teams, and others to protect the ceiling system and avoid reworks, ensuring quality.
Smart BIM Integration – Used BIM modeling to prevent clashes, enabling smooth workflows across teams.
Reduced Waste – Introduced custom-sized studs and channels, minimizing material waste and improving efficiency.
Cleaner Workspaces – Pre-cut joinery for switches, sockets, and lights in the factory reduced dust on-site, creating a healthier workspace.

Sustainability in the project

LEED Gold Certified building
On site the wastage was segregated separately and distributed based on the construction products including wood, gypsum, metal, concrete waste
Had to maintain a good working temperature including the good air quality inside the working site

Saint-Gobain products & systems

GypLyner IWL using Gyproc Regular plasterboard, Moisture resistant plasterboard, Gyproc Soundbloc plasterboard, Glasroc X sheathing board

Discover

GypLyner UNIVERSAL using Gyproc Regular plasterboard, Moisture resistant plasterboard, Gyproc Soundbloc plasterboard, Glasroc X sheathing board

Fade acoustic + system involves Gypframe Metals ( Gyproc ), Gyproc MRH1 Plasterboards ( Gyproc ), ISOVER APR (KIMMCO) and Fade® Acoustic Plaster (Ecophon)

Discover

Glasroc X Sheathing Board

Discover

Benefits

Acoustic insulation

Fade Acoustic, Ecophon Master F, Gyptone ActivAir to achieve NRC 0.85-1 Gyptone Activ’Air, Ecophon Master F, Solo baffles system

Smooth manual finish

Fade® Plus + system involves Gypframe Metals ( Gyproc ), Gyproc MRH1 Plasterboards ( Gyproc ), ISOVER APR (KIMMCO) and Fade® Acoustic Plaster (Ecophon)

3 in 1 product

Fade® Plus + system involves Gypframe Metals ( Gyproc ), Gyproc MRH1 Plasterboards ( Gyproc ), ISOVER APR (KIMMCO) and Fade® Acoustic Plaster (Ecophon)

Isolation

GypWall QUIET system, GypWall AUDIO system(to achieve acoustic in the music room- Rw70dB), GypWall CLASSIC – using Gyproc SoundBloc Board and Gyproc Habito to achieve 60 Mins fire rated performance and acoustic rating of 55-62 dB

Fixing capability

Allows curved design

GypWall CURVE, Gyproc MF Curve Ceiling

Moisture resistance

Gyproc MF Ceiling along with suspension systems were used with Regular, Moisture Resistant and FireStop plasterboards.

Saint-Gobain Team

Anto Ajay R

Photographer’s name

Khansaheb

Website

COUNTRY WEBSITE