KAFD World Trade Centre, Riyadh

The Vertical Wadi

By the time ground was broken in 2010, the World Trade Centre had already won international design plaudits. Architects Gensler envisioned the exterior as a solid rock split in two -- evoking the impression of a wadi, a dry desert gorge which turns to river when it rains. The wadi concept was echoed vertically through the building, forming a glass atrium around which offices are arranged.

Exterior Innovation

On the exterior, the tower's monolithic form is interrupted by a beautiful pattern of gaps between tiers of interweaving FRP panels, which in turn give way to windows as well as the innovative wadi-like 'split' in the centre, clad with a vast curtain wall of glass. The composite skin developed by BFG was custom-engineered for durability and capable of coping with the harsh Arabian climate with its extreme temperature variations between night and day, as well as high winds -- at up to 300 metres above ground level -- blowing in the desert sands.

BFG's Contribution

• Complete engineering, fabrication and delivery of 47,000 square metres of decorative composite panelling for the exterior of the 63 floor tower -- totalling 3180 panels. Panels constructed from FRP outer surface with a foam core, including aluminium structural struts, rockwool insulation and all necessary components for an aluminium attachment system.
• Comprehensive engineering analysis, structural design and performance based on testing to ASTM E 330.
• Advanced tooling and manufacturing to enable the production of a uniquely complex design in which each panel was of a different shape and dimension.
• Adherence to stringent fire and smoke requirements. Cladding compliant with ASTM E 84 and NFPA 285.

Rising to the Challenge

The impressive scale and ambition of KAFD created unexpected challenges. As the district grew apace, lack of storage space on site -- and complications with hoisting the panels due to limited access at the base of the building -- meant that the supply and installation chain had to be planned carefully. Manufacturing, and transportation on the 500km trans-Arabian journey from BFG HQ in Bahrain to the Saudi capital, were managed in line with a strict priority sequence.