KUWAIT CITY : Al-Hamra Tower, the world's tallest sculpted skyscraper, the largest office tower in the Middle East with a total area exceeding 100,000 sq meters and the largest office area in Kuwait with approximately 2,300 sq meters buildup area per floor, is currently under construction in Sharq. The Al Hamra Real Estate Company on Tuesday unveiled the project to pressmen. The tower will be sculptured and will have tilting walls, one on each side, moving up in the air, more than 50 meters away from their original location at almost 350 meters height. "Rising over 400 meters with its curious cloak-like façade trying to unfold as its climbs, the tower's design is excellent and is a fitting symbol of Kuwait's aspiring leadership in the region," says Hamed Al-Suhail, Marketing and Leasing Manager of Al-Hamra Real Estate Company.
In an exclusive interview with the Arab Times, he said, "Al-Hamra Tower is not merely the tallest building in Kuwait, it will house by far the country's largest office space." "Management, design, construction and marketing professionals are collaborating to build one of the most remarkable high-rise structures in the region," he added.
Equivalent
"Though the tower rises 77 floors above ground, its height is equivalent to over hundred floors of other commercial skyscrapers. The office floors, the first starting at 35 meters above ground level, will have spectacular panoramic view over the Arabian Gulf, Kuwait City and beyond. An office at Al-Hamra Tower will be cause of envy to others", noted Al-Suhail.
"At a height of 412 meters, in the heart of city, Al-Hamra Tower breaks all records. At this height, Al-Hamra enjoys the recognition of being among the 10 highest skyscrapers in the world, and its innovative design places Kuwait on the map as a center for business and creativity.
"The vision is to create a center of excellence, integrating every available resource with a state-of-the art technology, creativity and originality. No efforts will be spared to turn the vision into reality. Al-Hamra will be the new landmark with its iconic tower heralding a new era of development and prosperity in Kuwait," he noted.
He disclosed that Al-Hamra Tower has been selected as the overall winner of this year's MIPIM Architectural Review Future Project Awards. The design of Al-Hamra Tower, which is still on the drawing board, also won a prize in the Tall Buildings category in the competition.
He added the Al-Hamra Tower which is expected to complete by the second half of 2010, will offer Al-Hamra luxury center, will be the perfect dining choice, the ultimate cinema experience and will have spa, roof garden, plaza and a multi-storied car park.
Leading
He explained that Al-Hamra Luxury Center will house world's leading fashion brands in order to satisfy the needs of the elite population of Kuwait. The luxury center will be the first of its kind in Kuwait market, making it the ultimate destination for luxury shopping.
He added the multi-storied car park will provide space for over 2,000 cars. It will also offer covered parking for those working in the tower or visiting the mall with direct pedestrian access to both.
As many as 290 piles with a capacity of 1,200 tons each were issued in the foundation. Concrete mix design was developed by the contractor specifically for the job as it is the first time that concrete strength above 600kg/m2 is being used in Kuwait. The special mix took a lengthy research in the company's laboratories as the constituents available in Kuwait were not adequate for this high performance and they succeeded in reaching on site strength of 1000kg/m2.
Shape
The special shape of the building with uneven weight distribution (due to the non-symmetrical aspect of the tower) made it imperative to confirm concrete behavior over load and over time and concrete specimens from Kuwait are under testing in special laboratory over two years to ascertain the calculated behavior. Furthermore, special instruments like strain gauges, extensometers are embedded in various parts of the tower for ensuring the best performance of the structure and provide regular reading to structural engineers.
The uneven weight distribution dictated that the tower be built with a counter rotation of 35 cm at the top so that on completion the large weight of the tower on one side will bring it back to its proper position. The tower is served by 40 high speed elevators with capacities reaching 7 tons and speeds reaching 10m/sec. The façade of the tower is exceptional and will have white glass which is different from the green and blue glasses commonly used in buildings. This glass necessitates special technology that very few companies world wide master. Status of the ACT design for the fire safety and fire protection, HVAC and other mechanical, electrical low voltage systems make the tower the most advanced of its type in the world.
By Abubakar A. Ibrahim
© Arab Times 2008
