Reaching new heights

CW visits Dubai Marina's Ocean Heights to find out what tasks Damac and its contractors have to tick off their to-do list, before their Q4 deadline.
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All evidence shows that Ocean Heights may well be completed ahead of the August 7, 2010 deadline, which is good news for investors, but also means that contractors will be able to use the time to identify imperfections.

As DSI has commenced the commissioning phase early for all MEP activities, there could be a ‘project float’ on the original project schedule.

“This float can be utilised to resolve unforeseen complications that might become apparent during this critical phase in the development of the project,” says Baraka.

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But, once the development fully operational, how long will it last? According to Wickham, Ocean Heights is not a ‘green’ building, but Damac and its main contractors implemented sustainable solutions where possible.

“The building was designed and planned before the Middle East’s environmental targets became more focused,”
explains Wickham.

“However, the whole building has been designed to minimise its environmental impact, from the façade and glazing solutions employed, to the MEP systems used to control the internal living conditions. Sourcing sustainable materials has been a priority.”

Ocean Heights fast facts

• At the peak of construction there was 2000 staff on site.
• There is enough electric cabling and wiring in the building to stretch from Dubai to Kuwait City.
• 50,000 metres of water pipes have been installed – enough to circle an Olympic sized running track 125 times.
• Foundations required removal of 50,000 m3 of earth.

Project Data
Client: Damac Properties
Consultant: Engineering Consultants Group
Main contractor: Arabtec
Architect: Aedas
MEP: Drake and Scull
Structural consultant: Meinhardt
Façade: Alumco
Structural steel: Systems Engineering
Post tensioning: CCL - Darvish Haddad
Elevators: Al Futtaim Engineering
M&E consulting engineer: Ian Benham and Associates
Contract period: 36 months
Completion date: 7th August, 2010