< Previous20 MEP Middle East | May 2021 www.mepmiddleeast.com Horizon Gulf Electromechanical Services LLC is a dynamic building services engineering contractor, which has consistently provided HVAC, plumbing, drainage, firefighting, electrical, fire alarm, Active in the Middle East MEP industry for the past 30 years, Reliance Contracting Company has specialised in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing works for both onshore and offshore projects. Led by managing partner, Ammar Kurdi, and general manager, Akram Madmouj, the firm employs more than a 100 engineers, and has completed a number of projects for top clients including Emaar and ADNOC. The firm is currently providing the MEP works for the ADNOC Group Service Hub in Abu Dhabi. Looking forward to 2021, the BEMCO UAE (Bahrain & Emirates Electrical & Mechanical Contracting) has identified projects concerning data centres, infrastructure works, and community developments as its primary area of opportunities. As one of the younger companies in the UAE’s MEP sector, BEMCO offers turnkey electromechanical services for heating, ventilation, air- conditioning, electrical systems, refrigeration, plumbing, drainage, sewage, firefighting works, RO Plants, water supply and sewerage treatment plants, HV systems, industrial electrifications, ELC systems, BMS, structured cabling, and more. SPECON Group, which is overseeing all the MEP work on Tower B of Ithra Dubai’s iconic One Za’abeel project, has been a leading MEP firm in the UAE, with recognised in-house capabilities in high- and medium-voltage (HV/MV) and ELV technologies. low-current systems, as well as BMS, to a diversified construction landscape. Most recently, the firm has completed MEP works on Imkan’s Nudra Villas on Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island; the Al Tadawi Group’s Tadawi Hospital Project in Dubai’s Deira; as well as Mismak Properties’ Mismak Tower on Abu Dhabi’s Reem Island. The firm is also currently providing MEP works on the Amsaf Mall in Dubai’s Jumeirah; Imkan’s Makers District on Abu Dhabi’s Reem Island; and Reem Developers’ Najmat Tower. firm aims to boost revenues by 35%. It also aims to provide all of its project managers and staff with the required training to enhance their experience and skills; and hopes to expand the firm with two more branches in other emirates of the UAE. The firm has provided MEP works for the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, including the rectification and modification of approximately 5,000 MSFDs, as well as HVAC remedial works. BEMCO also handled the infrastructure package for the Al Ghadeer Phase 2 villa project. The firm employs has the capability to deliver complex projects, being certified to ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO 45001:2018 standards, showcasing its commitment to providing a safe, healthy, environmentally friendly, and sustainable project experience to its employees and its clients. SPECON Group also provided MEP works on Packages M2 and M3 for the Royal Atlantis Resort and Residences in Dubai; and the Louvre Abu Dhabi, among others. The firm also undertakes renewable projects, including utility-scale CSP and PV projects, through JVs for EPC and IPP contracts. 17 18 19 20 HORIZON GULF HAZEM FRAIJ SR GENERAL MANAGER BEMCO SAIFAHMED SHAIKH MANAGING DIRECTOR SPECON GROUP THRASOS THRASYVOULOU CEO RCC AMMAR KURDI MANAGING PARTNERThree Days of Focused High-Impact Engaging Experiences DUBAI WORLD TRADE CENTRE 31 MAY - 2 JUNE 2021 Co-Located with #Indexdubai @indexdubai www.indexexhibition.com FIND WHAT YOU’RE SEARCHING AT INDEX RECONNECT WITH THE MIDDLE EAST'S INTERIORS INDUSTRY Register to attend the Middle East's FIRST LIVE interiors show, INDEX Dubai from the 31st May to 2nd June 2021: www.indexexhibition.com. INDEX inspires creativity and ignites new connections, creating a destination where the community will come together to establish new relationships and strengthen existing ones. Interior designers, buyers, retailers, distributors, consultants and contractors attend to witness live installations, product showcases, gain insights from free seminars and network with design leaders, interiors brands and products from across the globe. Show your connections that you're still here and ready to do business, together again, at INDEX!22 MEP Middle East | May 2021 www.mepmiddleeast.com EXPO EXCLUSIVE MALAYSIA PAVILION: Expo 2020 Dubai’s FIRST NET-ZERO carbon initiative The 1,234.05m2 Malaysia Pavilion, which is located within the Sustainability District of the 4.38km2 Expo 2020 Dubai site, is nearing completion and is almost ready for handover. Malaysia’s Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI) is the lead ministry at the helm of the nation’s participation at the World Expo, with the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Centre (MGTC) acting as the implementing agency and client on the project. Highlighting Malaysia’s commitment to sustainability at Expo 2020 Dubai, the pavilion will turn the spotlight to its “Rainforest Canopy” concept, with the pavilion being constructed as the fi rst net- zero carbon initiative at Expo 2020 Dubai. Speaking exclusively to MEP Middle East, the chief executive offi cer of the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change landscape to cool down the surrounding environment. The concept of sustainability has been ingrained into the very heart of the pavilion from its usage of electricity, water management, air cooling elements, elevators, lighting, and energy-effi cient solar power generation. The external façade of the Malaysia Pavilion features meranti wood strips – making a statement of Malaysia’s Shamsul Bahar Mohammed Nor, the chief executive offi cer of the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Centre, which is the client and implementing agency on Expo 2020’s Malaysia Pavilion, speaks exclusively to MEP Middle East editor Anup Oommen about how sustainability has been pumped into the ver y heart of the pavilion, within its electricity usage, water management, air cooling elements, elevators, lighting, and energy-effi cient solar power generation Centre, Shamsul Bahar Mohammed Nor, said: “The Malaysia Pavilion has focused heavily on sustainability. Right from its inception through to its implementation on the construction path, net-zero carbon has been prioritised. “The pavilion has focused specifi cally on forest conservation as part of Malaysia’s “Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in developing countries” (REDD-plus) programme.” Forests cover more than 50% of Malaysia’s landmass, contributing strongly to the nation’s drive towards sustainability and lowering its carbon footprint. The Malaysia Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai will highlight this global need for natural forests, by offsetting 1,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide – equivalent to planting 33,000 trees – through its focus on renewable energy, forestry conservation, and tree planting activities. Helifans have also been incorporated within the pavilion’s surrounding areas and trees as part of its May 2021 | MEP Middle East 23 www.mepmiddleeast.com EXPO EXCLUSIVE sustainable forestry practices and timber products. The external landscaping consists of 60 steel posts that are 150cm in diameters and run up to 18m in height. In addition to the steel superstructure, fi re-rated gypsum boards have been fi xed as part of the fi rst layer of the external façade. The Malaysia Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai will also feature a 100m2 photovoltaic (PV) panel array on the roof. Shamsul Bahar Mohammed Nor explained: “The roof design for solar will encompass provision to accommodate easy electrical installation of solar panels on the rooftop, including isolator connection to DB and cabling routes. The solar rooftop design will also account for spatial readiness such as maintenance access and the space for inverters. “The total PV panel system effi ciency will be 14% or above, including transmission, switch gears, and convertor losses. The PV panel array will provide a total output of more than 12,000kWh during the World Expo.” The total building energy consumption is expected to be 125,370.41kWh per year, of which 10% of the total building energy consumption – amounting to approximately 13,500kWh per year – is expected to be offset. In addition, ASHRAE 90.1 (2013) Energy Simulation has been carried out 24 MEP Middle East | May 2021 www.mepmiddleeast.com EXPO EXCLUSIVE on the Malaysia Pavilion through the IES Virtual Environment. “From the energy modelling results obtained, our proposed energy model shows 25.7% less energy consumption than the ASHRAE 90.1 baseline building requirements,” Shamsul Bahar Mohammed Nor said. “Based on the total GFA, and including all energy usage for cooling, lighting, small power needs, and process loads, the predicted energy consumption during Expo 2020 Dubai is expected to by 90kWh/ m2. Any renewable energy generated on- plot maybe deducted from the total energy consumption.” Furthermore, the water consumption at the Malaysia Pavilion will be reduced using spray taps and dual fl ush WCs, as well as rainwater harvesting via the roof and landscape. Energy and water consumption within the pavilion will be captured through smart metering. The sub-meters will have remote meter record-and-report capabilities. The pavilion will also have sub-metering to boost energy use for air-conditioning, ventilation, lighting, landscapes, and equipment. The energy consumption will be recorded hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, and on an annual basis in order to compare consumption patterns to previous hours, days, weeks, and months, for usage-trends analysis. “Water-effi cient fi xtures and fi ttings have been added in the pavilion, which will reuse at least 80% of the condensate collected within the building. Water monitoring, metering, and leak detection systems will be installed to monitor the potable and TSE water supply,” Shamsul Bahar Mohammed Nor added. In terms of its air cooling strategies, the Malaysia Pavilion has ensured that the cooling system will comply with the standards outlined in Section 502.01 – for Energy Effi ciency of HVAC Equipment and Systems – within the Green Building Regulations and Specifi cations, as required by the Emirate of Dubai. The air-conditioning systems will have an air-side effi ciency of at least 0.25 kW/ RT. Mechanical ventilation systems will provide a 15% improvement factor as compared to the ASHRAE 90.1 ventilation system effi ciency requirements. Shamsul Bahar Mohammed Nor said: “High-performance VRF systems will provide 30% improvement over the ICOP requirements. Water pumps will have VSD control capabilities and with an effi ciency at least 5% greater than stated in ASHRAE 90.1.” In addition, all the elevators will have variable voltage and variable frequency (VVVF) motor drives with sleep mode features to save energy. All lighting systems within the development will fi tted with LED lights, while incandescent light bulbs will not be used on the project. The external lighting power density is expected to be reduced by 20% and landscape feature lighting is expected to be reduced by 50% compared to the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) requirements. Dubai-based construction fi rm RAQ Contracting – which specialises in pre- designed as well as design and build structures – is the main contractor on the Malaysia Pavilion project, while RAQ Electromechanical Company is implementing MEP works. RAQ Contracting implemented over 112m of shoring works; more than 3,400m3 of excavation works; 65m3 of PCC and Raft works; form works; 180m3 of retaining walls; 98m3 of B concrete; B steel works and slab forming works; 265m3 of concrete slabs; G steel works; followed by the completion of the concrete core. Then, the ramp works and the steel resumes May 2021 | MEP Middle East 25 www.mepmiddleeast.com EXPO EXCLUSIVE The total building energy consumption is expected to be 125,370.41kWh per year, of which 10% of the total building energy consumption – amounting to approximately 13,500kWh per year – is expected to be offset by the pavilion light poles designed to sway slightly. The pavilion graces the ground with a lightweight structure, which is fl exible for dismantling and re-use, made with just the right amount of steel. Although the pavilion is built on a small footprint, once inside, visitors will experience a larger ‘feel’ of space.” UAE-based Yaghmour Consulting Architects & Engineers and Design Integrated have provided consultancy services for the Malaysia Pavilion. Singapore-based concept sustainability consultant Atelier Ten; Malaysia-based MEP design consultant LEC M&E Consult Sdn Bhd; and Deira-based Crown Home Engineering Consultants were the top MEP consultants on the project. “Building the pavilion was challenging, but also exciting as it blended superior skills with imagination to provide visitors an immersive experience of being in a rainforest,” said Shamsul Bahar Mohammed Nor. In addition, the Malaysia Pavilion has prioritised health and safety throughout the project, which is progressing on schedule for completion much before the World Expo begins on 1 October 2021. Commenting on the progress of work, Shamsul Bahar Mohammed Nor, added: “The workers have been kept safe throughout the project and not a single lost- were built, followed by the construction of a 200-tonne steel structure for the pavilion, before the fi nishing works began. The pavilion is designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through 20% energy savings achieved with eco-friendly architecture and construction. Kuala Lumpur-headquartered Hijjas Architects & Planners are working on the project, which is considered an architectural marvel blending esoteric design with animation elements. Technology and design have been combined to provide visitors an immersive experience of being in a rainforest with special projections providing a waterfall effect, while the ramp inside the pavilion has been constructed to provide the “feel of a suspension bridge”. “In line with the architectural intent of ‘touching the ground lightly’, the exhibition halls are suspended on very long slender legs, hovering 4m to 6m above the ground. The three exhibition halls, which touch the earth at as few points as possible, are intended to invoke references to the tropical jungle, with allegorical tree- columns reaching up for sunlight,” said Shamsul Bahar Mohammed Nor, the CEO of the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Centre (MGTC). “As visitors set foot on the pavilion’s grounds, they will be welcomed by time incident has been recorded. Regarding the MEP and HVAC procedures, we’re following the same detailed procedures as in our baseline programme. “All the material used for MEP and HVAC has been submitted for approvals, and following the material technical inspections approvals, work inspection approvals, among other best practices and regulatory approvals, the fi rst, second, and fi nal fi xes have been followed by the contractors.” For Malaysia, Expo 2020 is a strategic platform to accelerate economic growth and tide over the impact of the pandemic, and to communicate to the world its focus on sustainable solutions. The Malaysian pavilion will include the participation of 22 government ministries, 40 agencies, and fi ve state governments. Together the entities will conduct 26 weekly trade and business programmes throughout the show for six months. All in all, Malaysia’s commitment to sustainability and fostering a symbiotic relationship between Man and Nature will be highlighted within the pavilion. The theme of the pavilion will be `Energising Sustainability,’ which will take Expo 2020 visitors through a journey showcasing the country’s commitment to balance socio-economic progress with environmental protection. From left, Shamsul Bahar Mohammed Nor, CEO of the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Centre and HE Mohammad Tarid bin Sufian, Malaysian Ambassador to the UAE26 MEP Middle East | May 2021 www.mepmiddleeast.com PROJECT UPDATE SAMANA HILLS lowers its carbon footprint “with seamless coordination”May 2021 | MEP Middle East 27 www.mepmiddleeast.com PROJECT UPDATE Construction is progressing on UAE-based Samana Developers’ fi ve-storey residential building project – Samana Hills – which is under development in the Dubai’s Arjan community in Al Barsha South. The $30mn (AED110mn) project broke ground to mark the start of construction in September 2019, following which it has constantly been ahead of schedule despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. In September 2020, the project marked 100% completion on its superstructure, following which swift progress was made on the advanced stages of excavation, shoring, foundation, block, plaster, and structural works. Currently, more than 70% of construction has been completed on the project, while more than 65% of the indoor MEP works and installations inside the building have been completed. The outdoor equipment with installations including fi nal fi xes accessories and fi ttings are expected to be completed on- time for an estimated handover in Q3 2021, coinciding with the highly anticipated Expo 2020 Dubai and months ahead of the initial handover projection of Q4 2021. Sharing details on the stakeholders involved in the project, the group chief executive offi cer of Samana Developers, Imran Farooq, said: “Samana Developers choses its consultants, contractors, and sub-contractors on the basis of their experience, reputation, track-record, work effi ciency, and cost-effectiveness. AREC Engineering Consultants were chosen as the consultants for Samana Hills project. “Atcon Construction has been the main contractor for the project since January 2020. We have also worked closely with Corona Electromechanical as the MEP sub- contractor. Al Adwar AC Services provided HVAC subcontracting services, while Al Rayyan Security & Safety Equipment Trading was the fi refi ghting sub-contractor along with Raghav Contracting LLC as the LPG sub-contractor.” The development stretches across 9,290m2 and will house 205 apartments, including studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments, once complete. Amenities at the Samana Hills project will also include a children’s pool, a coffee shop, a gymnasium, sauna, steam room, a kids’ play area, an infi nity pool, shaded parking, and smart-home technology. The Samana Hills development is located approximately 22 minutes away from Dubai Mall; 17 minutes from Palm Jumeirah; 19 minutes from Burj Al Arab; and 22 minutes from The Walk at JBR. It is also centrally located between the Dubai International Airport (DXB) and the new Al Maktoum International Airport, both of which are approximately 30 minutes away from the residential project. “Having successfully completed numerous industrial and residential projects in the Middle East, Samana Developers is looking to enhance its reputation of high-performance standards by developing distinctive residential projects that offer a better place to live in,” Farooq said. The group chief executive officer of Samana Developers, Imran Farooq, shares how the Samana Hills project has kept energy- efficiency and sustainability at the fore, while constructing a project ahead of schedule, despite all the challenges faced in 2020 and 2021 by MEP Middle East editor Anup Oommen28 MEP Middle East | May 2021 www.mepmiddleeast.com PROJECT UPDATE More than 302,000 man-hours have been completed on the Samana Hills project without a single lost-time incident or injury. Farooq added: “Fortunately, the Samana Hills project has not faced any major challenges until now. From the onset, proper study, planning, and due diligence have helped avoid unwanted incidents. Moreover, at the design stage, a complete coordination plan was setup to avoid MEP clashes and challenges.” The project has been supplied with LG inverter-type compressor air conditioning machines, as well as fresh-air handling units (FAHUs) with a heat recovery wheel that abides by the AHRI norms. “The usage of the Heat Recovery Wheel for ventilation systems included choosing 20-22-degree supply temperatures, instead of 24-25 degree supply temperatures that are generally preferred, which helped reduce the load on indoor machines while decreasing coil condensation,” he said. “In addition, using the inverter- type compressor AC machines made a tremendous difference in power-saving and improved sustainability parameters when compared to the normal rotary type compressor.” BS 1329 standard and u-PVC piping systems and fi ttings have been used for the drainage, while SDR 6 PN20 PPR pipes – which go beyond the requirements of the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) regulations – have been installed for the water supply. “The resort- and wellness-inspired Samana Hills has been designed using the latest building information modelling (BIM) and REVIT software, which boosted seamless technical coordination on the architectural and structural aspects. This sort of coordination further eliminated major clashes and issues, right at the preliminary design stages,” Farooq explained. “Also, the return air in the exhaust system ducting has been insulated on the entire project. Generally, this is not a recommended mechanism in projects unless utilising the lowest possible temperature in HRW to increase effi ciency, which leads to a decreased electrical load. This is the quality and energy effi ciency that Samana Developers has implemented on its projects.” In terms of cooling on the project, the Samana Hills project will comprise a traditional D/x-type system with higher effi ciencies, designed to reduce the carbon footprint of the building. Furthermore, instead of recycling wastewater, the development will witness the use of condensate drain collection for irrigation needs. “We have even saved on additional Imran Farooq Group Chief Executive Officer, Samana DevelopersMay 2021 | MEP Middle East 29 www.mepmiddleeast.com PROJECT UPDATE electricity usage by doing away with the consumption needs of recycling. We have taken sustainability into consideration right from the design stages,” Farooq said. “The carbon footprint of the building has been reduced at the design stage with the selection of HRW. The condensation of drainage water into the irrigation system further enhances the growth of plants and grass without wastage of any additional water or energy.” Samana Developers has already posted 100% sales on its Samana Greens and Samana Hills projects. According to Cavendish Maxwell’s real estate intelligence platform Property Monitor, Samana Developers has been ranked as the top selling off-plan developer in Arjan, competing with all large, mid and small size developers. Real-time market data from Property Monitor has shown Samana Developers at the top of the Arjan market achieving 147 off-plan sales, with Oqood registrations, valuing at $22mn (AED83.6mn) since September 2020. The company has increased its headcount by 55% and has doubled the sales revenue target for 2021. “Remaining focused and consistent in project continuity and construction works was an uphill task during the pandemic lockdown period. But we were able to manage it successfully. Samana Developers has set a new benchmark in Dubai’s real estate market when there have been project delays and developers facing losses,” Farooq concluded.Next >