BUILDINGS
"The challenge of achieving sustainable urban development in today’s world is particularly formidable. The imperative calls for a new approach – one that balances creative and scientific outcomes with the ecological, economic and social impacts."
Dr Liu Liang
Buildings
Business Stream Leader
STANDING TALL
GHD is playing a vital role in the world’s tallest building, Burj Dubai.
GHD was initially appointed in 2004 to design and review the installation of a cathodic protection system to protect the reinforced concrete piles and raft foundation, as well as to provide advice on securing the long-term durability of the foundation for Burj Dubai.
For the full four-year duration of construction, GHD has been fulfilling the critical role of Independent Verification and Testing Agency (IVTA) to the developer, Emaar Properties, during the construction of this 160+ storey mixed-used tower.
The GHD IVTA team, led by concrete specialist James Aldred and structural steel specialist Hugh Cunningham, has monitored and advised on the materials aspects of the construction. Up to level 156 the structure is primarily reinforced concrete. IVTA played an important role in concrete materials issues helping to achieve the world record in single stage pumping of 601 metres. Input was also provided into the welding of the link beams between the wings and centre core. GHD gave advice on the corrosion prevention and the fabrication of a variety of decorative and operational piping.
The team is now heavily involved with the construction of the steel spire above level 156. The spire is a complex structure with a variety of columns, beams and bracing that are either welded or bolted in place. A welded steel pinnacle will be jacked up through the centre of the completed spire to reach the tower’s final height. The tower is nearing completion and stands at over 700 metres tall.
SUSTAINABLE BUILDING DESIGN
The L’Utopie terraced villas in Hong Kong have been designed with both high quality and sustainability in mind.
Situated at Tai Po Town in the New Territorities, this prestigious and exclusive townhouse development comprises 16 units in four residential blocks, with indoor car parking, a 40-metre swimming pool, sun deck, jacuzzi, ornamental pool and clubhouse with multi-function rooms.
GHD delivered a number of innovative building services design solutions for this development and, in particular, paid close attention to producing a building that features environmentally sustainable design. In each villa, there is thermal insulation in the walls, treated windows, independently controlled energy saving air conditioning units and energy efficient lighting. These design elements have delivered a low carbon footprint.
Located on a terraced area of Kau To Hill facing Tolo Harbour, the residents are treated to an impressive panorama. In the immediate vicinity of the complex, tropical trees and plants encircle the town houses, constituting a picturesque oasis in a crowded city. The villas surround a shared swimming pool, each with a balcony linked directly to the pool, for the private use of each resident.
