Two major hospitals, a hotel in the heart of Makkah, a shopping centre and an office building, a rehabilitation centre and a housing complex are among a diverse range of projects that Al Redwan Holding Company's engineering and construction wing is engaged in at various locations throughout the Kingdom.

The projects draw upon its expertise in completing projects on a fast track and its ability to offer a diverse range of services under one roof.

Work has just been launched on the Al Qassim Hospital in Buraidah while construction has reached the first floor level on the 200-bed hospital at Hofuf, Hasa. A rehabilitation centre for disabled children is being built in Madinah. The company has started mobilising on the Tahliah Shopping Centre in Jeddah while it is close to completing work on the Farsi Centre, a commercial and office building also in Jeddah. Meanwhile, Al Redwan is racing ahead with the fast-track Abdul Latif Jameel Hotel in Makkah and is poised to handover a Gosi housing project in Yanbu.

Al Hasa Hospital

Al Redwan is working on the first floor slab of a 200-bed hospital at Hofuf, Hasa, under a SR119 million ($31.7 million) contract for the client Al Hasa Medical Services Company, which includes civil, structural, finishing, electrical, mechanical and site development.

The complex is located on a 48,000 sq m plot and will have a built-up area of 30,2000 sq m. It will comprise a main hospital, dormitories, mosque, underground tank and a pump house, substation building, helipad, mechanical services building, open car-parks, guard houses and entrance gates, boundary walls and a fountain.

The main building will have a basement floor, ground floor, first and second floors.

Earthworks included soil improvement entailing reinforced concrete (RC) piling due to the poor soil conditions. The substructure comprises a combination of RC raft foundation for the basement area with retaining walls and RC isolated and strip foundation for the rest of the building. The superstructure is a conventional RC skeleton including RC columns, stairs, shafts and beams whereas roof slabs will comprise precast hollowcore slabs. The main building will have precast cladding with design features. A total of six elevators and one dumbwaiter service the two-storey complex.

Finishing works will include installation of skylights, aluminium windows, curtain-walling, metal and wooden doors and frames, gypsum board partitions, raised flooring, different types of false ceiling, speciality items such as corner and wall guards, GRC panels, toilet partitions, handrails, sound insulation, demountable partitions, floor mats and accessories. The flooring will be finished with ceramic, quarry terrazzo and interlocking tiles, marble and granite cladding, PVC vinyl flooring and skirting, carpets and epoxy paints.

Electrical works comprise installation of underfloor trunking, transformers, structured cabling, disconnect switches, auto transfer switch package, lightning protection, earthing system, fire alarm, telephones, computers , a nurse-paging and communication system, public address (PA) and sound system, security access, intrusion detection and CCTV systems, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) and a building management system (BMS).

Mechanical works includes chillers, pumps, fan coil units (FCUs) and air-handling units (AHUs), exhaust fans, piping, insulation, ducting and fittings, fire-fighting systems (FM 200) with sprinklers, fire cabinets, aqua blue fire-fighting system, insulation and medical gas system.

The contract also includes external works ranging from asphalting the parking lots and driveways to landscaping.

The contract was awarded in December 1998 and is due for completion in April 2001. "We are undertaking all structural and architectural works. Piling works was subcontracted to Al Suhaimi, HVAC, electrical and mechanical to EA Juffali, thermal and waterproofing to Al Ameel and elevators to Mitsubishi," says Engineer Abdul Halim Saidan, director of planning and development.

Al Qasseem Hospital

Substructure works are under way on the Al Qasseem Hospital in Buraidah, which has undergone a major redesign.

Al Redwan is building the 100-bed hospital under a SR45 million ($12 million) contract, which includes civil, structural, finishing, electrical, mechanical and site development, for Al Qasseem Medical Services Company

Located on a 94,000 sq m site, the complex will have a built-up area of 22,300 sq m. It comprises the main hospital, dormitories, mosque, swimming pool and playground, underground tank and pump house, substation building, helipad, mechanical services building, open air car-park, guard houses and entrance gates, boundary walls and fountain.

The main building comprises a basement, ground, first and second floor. The basement will house the laundry, central kitchen, mechanical and electrical rooms, a storeroom, offices and a prayer room. The ground floor will house emergency, physical therapy, radiology, kidney dialysis, and endoscopy units, laboratories, a pharmacy, administration services as well as an out-patient department (OPD). The first floor will house surgery, gynaecology, labour and delivery departments, an intensive care unit (ICU), a CSSD, and a pediatrics ward, while the second floor will have separate male and female surgical wards.

Mechanical services will also be located on the first and second floors.

Earthworks, including rock-breaking and bulk earthmoving, have been completed. No dewatering or sheet piling was required for the project because of the rocky soil conditions.

The substructure comprises a combination of a RC raft foundation for the basement area with retaining walls and a RC isolated and strip foundation for the rest of the building. The basement roof will have a solid flat slab with drop panels for the columns. The building is divided by expansion joints into six zones. The superstructure is a conventional RC skeleton including RC columns, stairs, shafts and solid, flat roof slabs and peripheral beams to support the precast panels with design features which clad the building.

The raft, vertical retaining walls as well as roof slabs and wet areas will be waterproofed.

Finishing works include skylights, aluminium windows, curtain-walling, metal and wooden doors and frames, gypsum, board partitioning, raised flooring, different types of false ceilings and floor finishes including plaster, paint, ceramic tiles, quarry, terrazzo and interlocking tiles, marble and granite flooring, PVC vinyl flooring and skirting, carpeting, epoxy paints, gypsum suspended ceilings, acoustical and metal ceilings, wooden workcabinets, counters, closets, specialities items such as corner and wall guards, GRC panels, toilet partitions, handrails, sound insulation, demountable partitions, floor mats and accessories.

Electrical works comprise underfloor trunking, transformers, lightning protection, earthing system, fire alarm, telephone, computer and nurse calling and communication system, PA and sound system, security access, intrusion detection and CCTV systems, UPS and a BMS.

Mechanical works include chillers, pumps FCUs and AHUs, exhaust fans, fire-fighting system (FM 200) with sprinklers, fire cabinets, pumps, insulation and a medical gas system. The complex is served by six elevators and one dumbwaiter.

The project also include comprehensive external works ranging from installation of main utility lines to road-marking and landscaping.

A major challenges was the redesigning the project, he says.

Al Redwan was awarded the contract in July 1999 and started work last September. The project is due for completion in April 2001. "We are undertaking all structural and architectural works ourselves, while aspects such as asphalting and installation of elevators will be subcontracted,'' says Saidan.

The project was designed by Jafar Tukan & Partners & ASD architects.

Rehabilitation Centre

A rehabilitation centre for disabled children is beginning to take shape in Madinah. Under a SR24 million contract, Al Redwan is building the complex which comprises a single and two-storeyed buildings including the main building which enfolds the educational, medical, administration and housing facilities, a mosque, service and maintenance, recreational building, ablution building, guard house and underground tanks.

The consultant on the project is Saudi Consulting Services.

Al Redwan was awarded the contract in June 1999. Work started on site in November last year and is due for completion in May 2001. The contract includes civil, structural, finishing, electrical, mechanical and site development for the project with a built-up area of 11,000 sq m on an overall site area of 22,000 sq m.

Having completed the soil improvement, earthworks and foundations, Al Redwan is currently working on the ground floor columns and slabs. Structural works comprise isolated footings with grade beams, slab on grade, conventional reinforced concrete skeleton with hordi roof slabs. Four cooling towers are located in a central area which is covered with a large spaceframe and tent system.

Finishing works include installation of an aluminium windows with thermally-broken sections and clear, tempered glass, curtain-walls with automatic sliding doors, aluminium louvres, aluminium doors, metal and wooden doors and louvres with steel frames, gypsum board ceiling and partitioning system, wooden counters, cabinets and closets, stainless stele kitchen cabinets and counters, GRC screens and decorative elements, precast decorative elements and window surrounds, different types of false ceiling.

The floors will be finished with carpets, marble tiles, ceramic, epoxy, patterned terra-cotta tiles and PVC flooring.

Other features of the project are skylights, shaded pergolas, privacy screens, spiral stairs. The complex will have a theatre with soundproofed walls.

Care has been taken to provide for specialties fittings such as wall guards, railing for the handicapped, swimming pools and other special bath and toilet accessories for the handicapped.

The complex is served by two hydraulic passenger lifts.

Electrical works comprise a PA system, clock system, CCTV system, cabling, wiring, panel boards, disconnect switches, lightning protection, fire alarm, TV, telephone and computer networks, intercom system, and a generator. The complex will be equipped with packaged-type air-conditioning units, split units, fire and water pumps, piping, ducting and fittings, water and sewer systems, fire-fighting, sanitary fixtures and accessories.

Highlighting one of the challenges on the project, Saidan says: "The construction contract was signed on preliminary drawings. The project requires that the design stage runs simultaneously with the construction activities without affecting the project completion date. A very close coordination with the designing office is crucial to maintain harmony and accuracy and quality of work through the initial four to five months. No subcontractors have been appointed as yet, but we aim to give HVAC works to a qualified firm. Other features such as spaceframes, skylights, elevators, and windows will also be subcontracted."

Al Tahliah Shopping Centre

Design work is in progress as Al Redwan undertakes mobilisation works on what is expected to be a landmark on Tahliah Street in Jeddah. The company has been awarded a SR44 million contract to construct the shopping centre on a strategically-located 19,547 sq m site.

The lumpsum contract includes civil, structural, finishing, electrical, mechanical and site development for the project, which will have a built-up area of 25,300 sq m.

The three-storey building will also have a basement car-park.

Outlining the scope of works on the development, Saidan says: "Earthworks entail soil improvement by replacing the existing soil with crushed rock and aggregate to a depth of 1.5 m requiring major earthmoving, excavation and filling works. For the basement and underground tanks, sheet piling and a comprehensive dewatering system will be used to provide a dry working space as the water table is high due to the site's coastal location.

"The building's substructure comprises a RC raft and isolated footings with grade beams and RC slab on grade.

The superstructure will consist of a complete precast/pre-stressed system with hollowcore slabs and sandblasted insulated white cement precast cladding panels with decorative features. Roofs will be thermally insulated and waterproofed.

Decorative elements will be introduced to enhance the aesthetics of the building including a steel frame with GRC panels, and marble and roof tiles on the parapets.

A total of three panoramic elevators and 16 escalators will facilitate access within the mall. There will also be a goods elevator. Finishing works include an aluminium window system and curtain-walls at entrances with automatic sliding doors, skylights, louvres with steel frames, gypsum board ceiling system with stepped and decorative design and features.

The floor will be finished with patterned granite and ceramic tiles, while the stair landings and risers are clad in marble.

Other features include roll-up shutters for shop areas, mirror ceiling, marble counters, toilet partitions, entrance mats, vanities, roof hatches and column cladding.

Commenting on challenges posed by the project, he says: "The high water table and poor soil conditions as well as the restricted nature of the site which is surrounded by busy main streets are major challenges that we are facing."

Al Redwan was awarded the contract last November and is expected to complete it in March 2001. It will be undertaking all construction activities including civil, structural, electrical and plumbing while precast and HVAC works and installation of aluminium windows, skylights, elevators and escalators will be subcontracted.

The client on the project is Khalid Bin Nassar Al Shatri, while Jamjoom Consult is the consultant.

Abdul Latif Jameel Hotel

Al Redwan has a SR15 million package (TP-1) on the Abdul Latif Jameel Hotel project in Makkah, entailing construction of a 24-storey building on a contract for structural concrete works and waterproofing with a total built-up area of 33,716 sq m.

Dar Al Handasah Consulting office is the consultant on the development which is being built close to the Grand Mosque.

The contract stipulated that the project be completed on a fast-track basis with just a year between laying the foundations to completion, says Saidan. The contract was awarded in July 1999 and is due for completion by July-end this year.

"In addition, there are encumbrances such as seasonal work interruption because of Hajj holidays and the Ramadan season. With the site being located in the midst of busy roads, there is severe limitation of space for site offices, storage and manoeuvring," he says.

Structural works comprise concrete jacketing, raft foundation, two underground basements with retaining walls all around and internally for the underground water tanks.

The building's external frame will be a conventional RC concrete skeleton for the ground, mezzanine, service and 18 typical floors. It will also have water tanks on the roof top and a helipad.

The owner undertook the earthworks which included rock breaking and deep excavation, before signing the contract.

Highlighting some of the problems encountered to date, he says: "During substructure activities, a dewatering system was required to collect water that seeped through the rock layers to the excavation sides. Also injection was carried out to close the cracks in the rock formations to reduce water seepage."

The substructure comprises RC raft foundation and RC walls and columns for the two underground basements with solid flat roof slabs including expansion joints. The superstructure is a conventional RC skeleton including RC columns, stairs, shafts and hordi roof slabs.

There is a transition level where all columns and internal partitions were converted into RC walls. The building will be clad in precast concrete panels.

Waterproofing of the raft foundation and vertical retaining walls are included while finishing works as well as electromechanical works are not part of Al Redwan's package.

"With this being the case, the project calls for a high level of coordination with precast, electrical works, finishing works and mechanical works subcontractors," Saidan points out.

"We are undertaking all construction activities ourselves except for waterproofing works, which is undertaken by Al Ameel. Al Redwan Ready Mix is providing the ready-mix concrete; Al Fozan is supplying the steel and wood; and Fosam and Hilti will provide other building materials.

Farsi Centre

Electromechanical and finishing works are in progress on the Farsi Centre, a commercial and office building which is prominently placed on Wallie Al Ahd Street in Jeddah (See GCM May 1999).

The project for Engineer Zaki M A Farsi, has Zaki Farsi Consulting as the consultant.

Under a SR65 million contract, Al Redwan is undertaking the civil, structural, finishing, electrical and mechanical works for the project which occupies a 3,000 sq m site with a total built-up area of 36,600 sq m.

"The project which is poised to become a landmark in this area, has been designed to be a business centre including display areas on the ground and mezzanine floors, offices of different configurations and a recreation centre on the service floor including a squash court, gymnasium, sauna and steam rooms, cafeteria," says Saidan.

The building has three basement levels for car-parking and underground tanks, ground, mezzanine, service floor and nine typical office floors.

Earth works included soil improvement by RC concrete piles and sheet piling and an extensive dewatering system was installed to provide a dry working space as the area has a high water table.

The building sits on a RC raft foundation with retaining walls on all sides. The roof comprises a conventional flat slab with drop panels.

The superstructure is a conventional RC skeleton with circular columns, curved drop and inverted beams, hordi roof slabs, solid slabs and RC walls for the shafts.

Finishing works includes thermal break with a tented glass aluminium window system and curtain-walls at all elevations including curved portions, dome skylights, sliding glass partitions, gypsum board ceiling system with stepped and decorative design and features.

The external marble wall cladding is being mechanically fixed.

Floor finishings include patterned granite and marble tiles, ceramic tile, screed, carpeting, marble stair landing and risers.

The building is serviced by panoramic elevators and a goods elevator.

Saidan says the company made extensive efforts to accommodate the client's request to have certain sections completed for marketing purposes. He elaborates: "The client required that the display area be completed at the end of last year to help his marketing efforts. Complete finishing, electrical, mechanical and air-conditioning for entrances, lifts, lobbies, the offices on the sixth floor as well as the third floor service floor including squash, sauna, steam, cafeteria, were finished by the date."

Al Redwan was awarded the construction contract in July 1998 and is expected to complete the project this September.

Gosi Housing

Al Redwan has completed construction work on the Gosi (General Organisation of Social Insurance) Investment housing project, Yanbu, and expects to finally hand over the project to the client in the next few months.

The SR175 million ($46.6 million) project called for the construction of a 240-villa housing project at Yanbu Industrial City with a total built-up area of 75,000 sq m on a lumpsum contract including civil, architectural, electrical, mechanical, air-conditioning and site external works.

The project consists of five types of villas each comprising ground, first and second floors.

Each villa has a garage, utility rooms, boundary walls with main gates, external site pavement, landscaping and lighting post.

The earthworks included excavation , backfilling and anti-termite treatment works.

The substructure is a combination of raft foundation with retaining walls, and isolated footings with grade beams and grade slabs depending on the sub-soil conditions and bearing capacities.

The superstructure is a conventional concrete skeleton with hordi and solid slabs and blockworks with insulation for external walls. The bituminous paint and membrane damproofing and roofing system comprises of PVC membrane, thermal insulation and terrazzo tiles.

Finishing works included GRC window decorative screens, precast decorative elements, plaster works, painting, metal suspended ceilings, ceramic tiles, marble floor tiles, skirting and stairs, floor screed, metal roof hatches and marble counters. Furniture and carpeting will be undertaken by tenants.

Air-conditioning systems comprise split type units, window-type and exhaust fans at roof and ceiling types.

External works included interlocking paving tiles, curb stone, planting areas, main utility lines and inspection pits, utility rooms, garbage rooms, mail boxes, lighting pollards, irrigation system, signage and name plates.

Garages are enclosed structures with remote-controlled automatic garage roll-up doors.

Redwan Holding was awarded the contract in March 1997 and completed construction work in July last year.

The consultant is Arch Centre, Riyadh.