Carillion to build Bee’ah Sharjah HQ

A collaboration of British contractor Carillion and Zaha Hadid Architects has won a major contract to build the new headquarters of UAE-based environmental management company Bee’ah in Sharjah.

It will be the first building in Sharjah powered entirely by renewable and recoverable energy sources, whilst utilising recycled materials in its construction. It was designed by the late Zaha Hadid and will be built by Carillion under a contract worth tens of millions of dollars.

According to a spokesman for the project, the contract shows the UK’s global leadership in sustainable engineering, and its pioneering expertise in developing smart cities and green buildings for the future.

The headquarters will be powered by low- and zero-carbon sources, including solar power and waste-to-energy. The design has been developed to use natural light and temperature management systems where possible.

Zafar Khan, the group finance director for Carillion, says: “This contract cements Carillion’s position as a market-leader in the Middle East, as well as our credentials in sustainable construction. Our ability to offer our customers in the region the support of UK Export Finance is an invaluable asset, making our bids more attractive and helping us win contracts in a competitive global marketplace.”

The headquarters is expected to be operational by the end of 2018, moving towards the major milestone of being powered by 100 per cent renewable energy by 2021.

Daewoo E&C inks $590m Qatar expressway deal

South Korean builder Daewoo E&C has been awarded a $590-million contract for expansion and construction of the E-Ring expressway in Qatar.

As per the deal, the construction firm will add a 4.5-km extension to the E-Ring expressway, in addition to building 4 km of roads with three multilevel intersections, according to a company spokesman.

Daewoo E&C was initially awarded the project in 2016 for $730 million. But after changes to the original plan, the new deal was signed for $590 million.

“With this deal, the company now has a strong chance to win additional projects ahead of the 2022 Fifa World Cup in Qatar,” the spokesman says.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2020.

Dubai College’s new admin block ... an artist’s impression.

GAJ wins Dubai College building contract

Godwin Austen Johnson (GAJ) has won a contract to design the new administration block of Dubai College.

The architectural and design practice has been involved with the continuing growth and development of the college since its inauguration in 1978 and has been responsible for the complete design of its facilities including classrooms, specialist laboratories, swimming pool, lecture theatre, multipurpose hall, design technology centre, and associated external works, said a top official.

“Our long-standing relationship with Dubai College means we are completely aligned with their vision. As architects, one of our prime considerations is to accommodate the needs of today while anticipating changes in education five years from now,” says Jason Burnside, a partner at GAJ.

The initial masterplan was done 40 years ago and the firm has been tasked with handling all subsequent developments of the campus.

“With Dubai College, our flexible approach throughout has allowed us to continually adapt and update the facilities so that each new upgrade blends seamlessly with the existing structure,” says Burnside.

This latest phase of development calls for the design of a centralised administration space. The new block will act as a single gateway to the college and will include the main reception as well as offices and meeting rooms.

Work is expected to commence this month.