Atkins celebrates Iris Bay topping out

Iris Bay

Atkins celebrates Iris Bay topping out

Atkins officially celebrated one of the construction industry's oldest customs, the structural 'topping out' of the 32-storey Iris Bay office and retail tower at Business Bay in Dubai.



Sheth Tower, Iris Bay, Dubai
2006-
Architects: Atkins

Aside from the distinctive architectural design of this unusually shaped commercial building, Iris Bay was an early opportunity for Atkins to explore the challenges of sustainable design in a hot climate and incorporates both passive and active environmental features. The firm was commissioned as lead consultants for architecture, structural, mechanical and electrical engineering design, and project management for the entire development.

The tower comprises two identical double curved pixelated shells which are rotated and cantilevered over a four-storey podium, underneath which are three levels of basement designed to facilitate underground parking for 920 cars. The distinctive ovoid shape creates areas of negative pressure that draws air through the building and reduces the dependence upon mechanical ventilation for the underground car park in particular.

The rear elevation is a continuous vertical curve punctuated by balconies while the front elevation is made up of seven zones of rotated glass. This includes naturally ventilated spaces and integrated solar energy and shading films in the glass façade.

Last week, the site supervision team was joined by the client and key members of the design team in hosting a small function to celebrate the major milestone which culminated in the last structural slabs being poured atop the 170m tall structure.

"We are delighted that this project has quietly but successfully advanced to this milestone stage," says Hesham Abdelaziz Gabr, Atkins Resident Engineer for the Iris Bay project. "It was a real challenge for all of us to meet the demands of the unique design, but working alongside the contractor to resolve on-site issues with the full coordination and support from the design teams here in Dubai, we have kept the project fully on track" he added.

Iris Bay tower images / information from from Atkins

Previously:


Iris Bay tower - images © from Atkins

Sheth Tower Dubai - Building information from Atkins

Atkins unveils designs for Iris Bay Tower, Dubai

Atkins has unveiled design images for Iris Bay - a 170m high, 32-storey tower in the heart of Dubai's commercial core, Business Bay.

The tower is elevated above a four-story perforated podium which floats over a double height arcade, and houses retail and commercial space totalling 82,000 sq m. The scheme is set to have a major presence along Dubai's Sheikh Zayed Road, which forms the city's main artery.


Iris Bay tower - images © from Atkins

Featuring a revolutionary ovoid design, the tower comprises two identical double-curved shells, rotated and cantilevered over the podium. The interface between the tower and the podium features prayer rooms, a gym and an outdoor pool.

The futuristic development is intended to provide prestige office space to some of the world's leading companies, and will sit in a business region akin to New York's Manhattan or London's Square Mile.

Atkins is developing Iris Bay on behalf of owner/developer Sheth Estates International Ltd.


Iris Bay images © from Atkins

Atkins' Dubai office is the company's largest in the Middle East. Atkins is growing rapidly in the region, with staff numbers now at 1,500, compared to 1,000 six months ago.

Iris Bay Dubai - Sheth Tower images / information from Atkins, Architects