The Burj Al Arab in Dubai

Building beyond boundaries

Built 280 metres off the Gulf coast by a team of 3,500 comprising architects, designers, engineers and building workers under the direction of W. S. Atkins & Partners, the megaluxury hotel Burj Al Arab is as vast as it is impressive. With a triangular layout on an artificial island supported by 250 columns, this bold 321-metre high construction of steel and glass rises up like a spinnaker into the Arabian sky.

By day, the "sail façade" of Tefloncoated, woven fibreglass appears to be a brilliant white. By night, 142 iridium floodlights transform it into a fascinating spectacle, resplendent in all the colours of the rainbow. On the front, the helicopter platform on the 50th floor sets a futuristic accent, whilst on the side facing the sea, at a height of 200 metres on the "command bridge", is located the Al Muntaha restaurant. Internally, the 180-metre high atriumtype lobby with its mezzaninemounted water feature and 32-metre high fountain is simply stunning. And, of course, the whole building is finished in the ultimate in oriental luxury. A symbol of Dubai - and a new world benchmark for hotel construction of the more opulent variety.

Azul Bahia granite from Brazil, Statuario marble from Carrara, rare Sicis glass from northern Italy, 2,000 square metres of gold leaf - the interior finish radiates uncompromising quality right down to the finest detail. Offering both harmonious design and reliable functionality, products from DORMA and DORMA-Glas were thus also the perfect choice for numerous areas of the hotel: e.g. DORMA BTS 80 EMB floor springs for the "Skyview" restaurant; BTS 80 floor springs, model-752 door locks and UNIVERSAL fittings from DORMA-Glas for the toughened glass systems of the Shopping Zone; ITS 96 EMF door closers, and BTS 80 floor springs for all external and internal swing doors in the Health Club; DORMA-Glas MANET fittings on all external and internal swing doors of the sun deck; an ES 90 B sliding door operator for the lift lobby leading out onto the roof; and DORMA TV 100 electrical locking elements to secure the building installations area. All products that exude engineering excellence rather than being luxury items.