Parametric GRC Facade for a Landmark Hotel
Location
Riyadh
Sector
Hospitality
Year
2018
Key Quantities
22,000m²
Scope
GRC / GRP
The Marriott DQ Hotel required a complete GRC façade system and GRP interior details totalling approximately 22,000 m². Working with the project’s design team, our scope covered engineering, mould fabrication, production, and installation of complex façade elements.
The architectural design draws its language from Riyadh’s Wadi Hanifa, echoing canyon-like walls and layered rock strata shaped by erosion and water channels. Curved, largely non-repetitive panels follow changing radii, angles, and surface transitions to recreate that carved valley edge in built form. To deliver this geometry accurately, we developed project-specific moulds using a hybrid wood/GRP system engineered for dimensional stability and repeatable quality.
Challenges
The project presented several technical and execution demands:
- Parametric geometry with most panels curved and non-repetitive
- A large proportion of panels requiring dedicated moulds, increasing design and production workload
- Large panel dimensions that complicated handling, lifting, and site logistics
- Tight alignment tolerances across long curved surface transitions
- Panel thicknesses that had to balance architectural intent with structural and stability requirements
Our Solutions
Technical Approach
Designed custom moulds using a hybrid wood/GRP build-up for reliable curve replication
Increased GRC thickness where required to satisfy structural and serviceability limits on larger panels
Specified a sand-blasted architectural finish to deliver a uniform appearance across all elevations
Adopted a bolted fixation system adapted to variable panel sizes and curved edges
Execution
Produced each panel under strict QC to match curvature, coordinates, and joint geometry
Planned lifting, transport, and installation sequences with the site team to manage access and crane constraints
Used adjustable fixings to fine-tune joints and continuity along curved profiles during installation
Delivered the full façade with consistent geometry, clean joint lines, and coherent surface quality
Project Gallery
Planning a similar GRC Façade ?
Bring us in while your elevations are still flexible. We’ll help you rationalise geometry, joints, and fixings so the GRC system is buildable, durable, and aligned with your structural and fire strategy.