A high level of engineering and design expertise went into creating the tensile fabric structures at the new Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort in Fujairah, says Terry Clark, sales and projects manager with FiOBCo Factory, a leading designer, manufacturer and installer of tensile membrane structures made of polyester netting, PVC-coated polyester and PTFE coated glass fabrics.

The Dubai-based company manufactured and installed three structures for the Emirates Hotel at Fujairah: The main shade canopy on the hotel as well as the pool bar and beach bar canopies. These structures are made of polished stainless steel in a mirror finish with fabrics from Germany.

According to Clark, the installation programme for the shade structures was spread over several months and the project was completed on schedule.

The project required that all anchor bolts at foundations be installed at the early stages of construction along with the structure of the main building. The fabric was installed last so that it was not damaged, he explains.

"We executed the project over a 10-month period in close association with the client, consultant and the main contractor," he comments.

"We had to make a few modifications in order to satisfy the client's architectural concept. For example, for the pool bar structure, we had to reduce the diameter of the pipes by half without affecting its load-bearing capacity. We achieved this by increasing the structural strength of the pipe using imported Schedule 80 stainless steel pipe as it was not available locally.

"We redesigned the pool bar and beach bar canopies. We also assisted in re-designing the original concept to create a more architecturally-pleasing structure."

FiOBCo has served Le Meridien on five other projects besides the Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, a couple of the others having been its properties in Jumeirah (Dubai) and Bahrain.

Over the past 10 years since its inception, FiOBCo says it has witnessed steady growth, using the latest technology to carry out more than 500 projects in the UAE and the neighbouring Gulf countries, including some of the most demanding and prestigious projects in the Middle East.

Tensile structures give designers a unique architectural flare, comments Paul Davis, general manager FiOBCo.

The company says its aim is to offer the most comprehensive range of solar protection products to the highest possible standards, and to provide its clients and end-users with "sun protection in style".

"By working closely with discerning clients and leading architects, the company has been able to develop designs best suited to Middle East conditions," he continues. "We offer complete turnkey solutions to any project from design, engineering (both fabric and steel), to installation, including civil works on site.

"Our team comprises AutoCAD engineers who design using stainless steel cables, couplings and fittings for durability and aesthetic appearance and powder-coated galvanised steel for main structural components. All our products are manufactured in-house using state-of-the-art machinery and are carefully inspected to ensure they comply with the specifications.

"The structures are developed using German patterning software with fabrics imported from the US, Australia and Europe where they have proven their durability under aggressive environmental and ultra-violet exposure. FiOBCo's specialised site teams undertake the installation work.

"Our local presence enables us to provide good attention and maintain close contact with our clients in the region. Our office in Dubai employs more than 90 qualified engineers and fabricators. In addition, we have sales agencies in other Gulf countries."

Besides the Le Meridien projects, FiOBCo has carried out jobs for hotels, parks, stadiums, swimming pools, car-parks, school assembly and play areas, as well as walkways in public and private locations.

Some of the prestigious projects executed by FiOBCo include:

* The Wild Wadi theme park, where its scope of work included an entrance pavilion tent, a variety of shade canopies and a rope bridge; Al Maha Desert Resort - tent-shaped roofs in traditional Bedouin style; the Consulate of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Dubai Internet City - 1,430 carports; Caterpillar Logistics Centre - 98 carports; Nestle Headquarters - 79 carports (all in Dubai);

* Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club and Hiltonia Beach Resort; and

* Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

It has also been involved with municipality projects, UAE Armed Forces, army headquarters and several cages for falcon breeders and trainers, the largest of which is 130m in diameter and 40m in height.