Athens 2023 | Innovation

UAE Pavilion (Pearl Dome) - Expo 2020

United Arab EmiratesCompany Name: PMK GROUP

Project description

Designed by world-renowned architect, Dr. Santiago Calatrava, the architectural design of the UAE Pavilion draws inspiration from the vision of the falcon – the national bird of the UAE. The UAE Pavilion reflects the UAE’s identity and pioneering spirit while cultivating a balance and connection between the country’s past, present and future.

First of a kind project done in the entire Middle East with high level of complex spherical curvature.

Main information

Sustainability certification goal

Building size

15 000 m²

Building purpose / type

Commercial
Complex

Building owner name

National
Media Council

Architect name

Santiago
Calatrava

Contractor

Company name: PMK GROUP

Main Representative: Mr. Kevin Green , Mr. Peter McKeagney

Number of collaborators: 500

Specialties: Civil & Architectural Fit Out

Founded in: 2006

Biography: PMK is a family owned and run business that started its journey in Ireland in 2001. In 2006 an opportunity arose in Abu Dhabi and over the next couple of years the primary focus was on the Middle East market. Now, having delivered multiple projects successfully to our clients, PMK GROUP has become a highly reputable company within the UAE. PMK achieve this through continually implementing and reviewing new and innovative construction methods, using the latest equipment, materials and off-site prefabrication techniques & just in time delivery, to improve efficiency and quality, thus ensuring we have a competitive edge within the industry.

Innovation Partner: Santiago Calatrava

Contractor: Mr. Kevin Green

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Key Challenges

Duration to complete the dome – 6 weeks for the complex spherical dome.
With the prospect of being tasked with completing a bespoke spherical auditorium on such a prestigious project in six weeks, PMK Group took it upon themselves to build a 16m x 9m mock-up to enable them to understand the true complexity of the challenge ahead using Gyproc systems and bespoke solution.
It was clear from the mock-up that off site fabrication was the only way forward to achieve the target date. As such, all metal fins were pre-cut and spliced into the desired radius. Both layers of board were cut on a CNC and labelled for their final position.
With a week before area access to commence, instructions was received from the steel structure suppliers that mechanical fixings were not permitted into their sections. We quickly engineered a simple solution of utilizing pipe clamps from proprietary manufacturer to fix unistrut to the circular steel for a non-intrusive fix. This then allowed us to mechanically fix the Gyproc metal component lattice to the unistrut, which essentially created the substrate for the fins to attach to.
This critical installation forming a high performance spherical auditorium with a radius of 11.845m was carried out seamlessly in just five weeks, allowing the curved splitz screen installation activities to start on the planned critical path date.

Key Achievements

Pre-fabrication and making cut sections of panels ready in the first place – Achieved near to Zero Wastage
6 Weeks completion time-line achieved.
In spite of the challenges – No Compromise on Safety – ZERO LTI (Loss Time Injury)
UAE Pavilion has been accredited LEED Platinum Certification
BIM modeling was used in the project.
All project stakeholders on site, ensured to implement safe systems of work and provided the latest safe tools, equipment, PPE and materials to ensure a safe working environment at all times.
As a result of good relationship with the Main contractor and with Gyproc – the systems was designed specific to site conditions and both production and installations were carried out within the challenging time constraints.
Invention of a hybrid integrated solution : Non-intrusive installation of a Gyproc curved system using clamps and unistrut from a proprietary manufacturer.