PTFE Middle East: Al Wasl Dome – Superior PTFE

PTFE Middle East: Al Wasl Dome – Superior PTFE

Project Details

Location: Al Wasl Dome

Completion Date: 2020

Size: 17,000 sqm

Fabric: PTFE

Al Wasl Dome – PTFE

The Al Wasl Dome, a central masterpiece of the 2020 World Expo in Dubai, stands as an epitome of architectural brilliance and engineering innovation. Spanning an impressive 130 meters in diameter and rising to a majestic height of 65 meters, the dome is skillfully constructed from 631 panels. These panels, each uniquely shaped with precise curved seamlines, collectively envelop an expansive area of 17,400 square meters, showcasing the monumental scale of the Al Wasl Dome.

At the heart of the Al Wasl Dome’s cutting-edge design lies its superior PTFE-coated fiberglass mesh. This key feature not only elevates the dome’s visual appeal but also transforms it into the globe’s largest 3D projection mapping canvas, exemplifying the unparalleled application of superior PTFE in cutting-edge architectural endeavors.

From the onset of this ambitious project, the goal was to surpass conventional visual and technical standards, presenting a series of challenges that demanded innovative solutions. Selected by the client ahead of the construction bid, our firm was tasked with refining the superior PTFE fabric design and conducting exhaustive tests through elaborate full-scale mock-ups.

This intensive validation process was instrumental in ensuring the Al Wasl Dome would materialize as envisioned, highlighting the crucial contribution of superior PTFE in materializing such a landmark achievement.

The Brief

Al Wasl Dome - PTFE

Our direct involvement in the iconic Al Wasl Plaza Dome project, particularly highlighted by the Taiyo group’s advanced expertise, emphasized the critical importance of two main aspects: the detailed selection of materials, especially focusing on their type, typology, and color, and the groundbreaking optimization of the membrane frame’s application to the structure. This project, centered around the Al Wasl Dome, spotlighted the superior PTFE as a cornerstone material.

In the quest for the perfect material, we conducted an exhaustive exploration of various fabrics, assessing their colors and properties meticulously to pinpoint the supreme choice that would meet our high standards. It was the selection of a distinctive tan, superior PTFE-coated fiberglass mesh that stood out, becoming the linchpin in enhancing the visual and functional appeal of the Al Wasl Dome through projection mapping. This choice of superior PTFE not only highlighted the dome’s aesthetic allure but also its innovative architectural design.

To seamlessly integrate the desired aesthetic and functionality, our team ventured beyond the conventional steel arches, advocating for curved seam lines that would reflect the envisioned fluid aesthetic from the dome’s apex down to its base. This approach, paired with a tailored aluminum frame system that integrated flawlessly with the main structure, brought about substantial cost savings and yielded an exceptionally slim and graceful support frame.

This design strategy, leveraging the superior PTFE, was pivotal in imparting an ethereal quality to the fabric panels, greatly amplifying the 3D projection mapping’s visual effect. Our scope in this monumental endeavor was broad and inclusive, spanning the design, development, engineering, fabrication, and installation of the entire tensioned membrane system. This comprehensive involvement underscored our deep-seated expertise in membrane technology and established our leadership in this niche area.

The Al Wasl Dome’s legacy extends beyond the World Expo, as it is poised to remain a focal point within the local community. Plans are afoot to transform the adjacent structures into hotels and commercial spaces, thereby enriching Dubai’s vibrant event landscape. This versatility ensures the dome’s readiness for events of all scales, further solidifying its importance.

What sets this project apart is not merely its grandeur or the scrupulous material selection process but also how it aligns with our profound membrane technology expertise. This specialized knowledge was not only acknowledged but actively sought by the client early in the project’s lifecycle, highlighting the pivotal role of our contribution.

This project was unique in that the choice of the membrane, culminating in the selection of a custom tan, superior PTFE-coated fiberglass mesh, was critical in achieving the optimal effect for the projection screen, showcasing the versatility and impact of superior PTFE.

Furthermore, this project presented a unique chance to transform a membrane structure into a dynamic environment through projection mapping. This endeavor demanded precise tolerances and execution accuracy, essential for delivering the client’s high-quality 3D mapping expectations.

The fabrication and installation of the superior PTFE-coated mesh underwent stringent quality control, from scrutinizing raw material color uniformity to ensuring clean welding and precise curved seam alignment. Our team faced numerous challenges, including managing the Al Wasl Dome’s vast height and scale, but through innovative construction methods and solutions, we overcame these hurdles, showcasing our commitment to excellence and the versatile application of superior PTFE in landmark architectural projects.

Project Details

Location: Al Wasl Dome

Completion Date: 2020

Size: 17,000 sqm

Fabric: PTFE