Al Baker Towers transformation

June 17, 2020

Architects, Al Baker, needed to convert two office towers located in Doha’s West Bay, into five-star hotels and contacted CCL to design and execute a strengthening solution to facilitate the change of use.

The project entailed conversion of the two existing office buildings into two 5-star hotel towers, and extension of the podium levels (ground+mezzanine+1st+2nd) in both towers, to create more space for leisure facilities including a luxury spa opening onto an open-air swimming pool area, multiple refreshment outlets and a double height lobby.

Working closely with the architect, consultant and main contractor, CCL carried out site surveys, before recommending appropriate strengthening solutions to accommodate the changes to area and façade loadings. After undertaking the necessary design checks on all vertical and horizontal elements, CCL performed physical trials to ensure the integrity of the proposed solutions.

CCL’s scope of work included the creation of openings in post-tensioned slabs to incorporate new MEP layouts, new staircase and lift openings and the closing of redundant voids. New load key plans for all slabs in both towers and new façade reactions based on the new cladding were implemented in CCL’s strengthening solutions.

A variety of strengthening techniques were used including active tensioned cables and concrete section enlargement to achieve the necessary deflection, along with jacketing and carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) plates to provide additional reinforcement.

CCL Qatar, who carried out the original post-tensioning, is proud to have worked with Al Baker Architects and Redco Construction-Al Mana on this stunning transformation.