WBSG-Brochure-2024_02_01-mail
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Version: 2024_02_01
Zeman Group offices
www.zeman-group.com
WHO WE ARE
Waagner Biro steel and glass is a multinational specialist contractor in the field of architectural
building envelopes. With 170 years of history, Waagner Biro has been engineering and helping
to make bold and exciting architectural visions in steel and glass become reality since 1881.
Creating landmarks across the globe is not just what we do, it’s who we are.
We are engineers, architects and designers, but above all we are builders; creators of things.
Waagner Biro steel and glass is member of the Zeman Group, the group being globally present
in local core markets with subsidiaries and branch offices.
Within this group are two fabrication facilities for steel structures in Poland and Turkey.
Waagner Biro steel and glass uses group-wide standardised processes and modular construction
systems combined with bespoke engineering developments to fulfil customer needs. Relevant
know-how and skills are anchored inside Waagner Biro steel and glass.
Many of Waagner Biro’s steel and glass or façade constructions are instantly recognisable, from
the Reichstag dome in Berlin to the roof of the British Museum in London and from the rain-of-
light Louvre dome in Abu Dhabi to the Convention Centre in Dublin or the Red Bull Hangar 7 in
Salzburg.
These are but a highlight of the projects we have delivered working alongside some of the best
architects and engineers in the world.
Waagner Biro steel and glass - part of Zeman Group
WHAT DRIVES US
we build our clients’ visions by finding simple and effective ways to making them happen ;
we are solution oriented
we build long-lasting relationships with clients, architects and consultants and deliver
excellent results together with our suppliers & partners
OUR CREDO
Waagner Biro steel and glass’ collective success is our customers‘ success!
Always asking what can be done to push the envelope further, push the design limits and
most importantly, we enjoy what we do
IN-HOUSE STEEL MANUFACTURING
ZEKON sp. z o.o. was established in 2008. ZEKON is a member of the Polish-Austrian professional
and experienced steel industry group – ZEMAN. Our modern production plant features
technologically advanced equipment and machines; highly-skilled workers and management
staff assure the high quality of our services and products. We specialise in the prefabrication of
steel structures for industrial halls, warehouses, sports and commercial facilities, as well as for the
needs of the power generation and petrochemical industry.
ZEKON sp. z o.o. has a modern, automated production line for straight and tapered SIN
corrugated web I-beams, which have recently become popular due to their low weight and
attractiveprice in comparison to I-welded profiles, hot-rolled profiles and trusses.
Sakarya, Turkey
Zeman Çelik is achieving all of the production process with benefiting from latest technology in
its own factory that have 30.000 m2 total area and 13.500 m2 closed area which is situated on
Sakarya Hendek 2.OSB.
Due to renewal technological engine park, automation ratio have been increased, so production
quality and the capacity have been increased. The production capacity of the factory is 1.500
tons/ per month
Scheifling, Austria
In 1965, Hans Zeman and partners founded the company Zeman & Co to produce structural
steel buildings. The first constructions were initially manufactured under a flying roof and in the
open air, before the first own factory hall was built in 1966 in Scheifling, Styria..
More than 56 years in business and the success reported by customers around the world as a
result of their investment are witness to the quality of the Zeman Group’s production facilities.
The production facility in Scheifling was sold in 2021, but the co-operation continues.
FROM VISION TO INNOVATION
Waagner Biro steel and glass, your partner for:
• building envelopes in steel and glass since 1881
HISTORY
PALMENHAUS SCHÖNBRUN
REVITALISATION, VIENNA, AT
1881, one of the predecessors of Waagner Biro (Ing. Gridl) erected one of his most exciting steel-glass buildings: the Palmenhaus, one of the highlights of Schloss
Schönbrunn in Vienna. Damages caused by environmental factors required a renovation of the ancient steel glass building. Waagner Biro was contracted to fulfil
this demanding assignment. From 1986 until 1990 the complete steel structure and the scale-like glazing had to be reconstructed. Old riveting techniques and
modern technologies were combined to solve the existing problems and to restore the building following the original design and performance targets. The “New
Palm House” was opened in 1990.
HISTORY ST. STEPHENS CATHEDRAL
VIENNA, AT
St. Stephens Cathedral is the most famous landmark in Vienna. The Dome
was erected in the 14th and 15th century and was devastated by fire at
the end of World War II. During the reconstruction works the old timber roof
structure was demolished and replaced by a steel framework that had to
carry the new enamelled roof tiles and to stabilize the ancient gothic stone
walls. Waagner Biro, one of the leading Austrian steel structure companies,
was contracted to complete this works and build the new roof structure
between 1950 to 1951.
© WBSG © WBSG
HISTORY FERNWÄRME SPITTELAU
VIENNA, AT
© Cavatina Holding
BAYERISCHER LANDTAG - Renovation of the steel and glass roof of the plenary hall
Maximilianeum, MUNICH, D
After a successful bidding phase in a competitive dialogue format and the completion of the detailed planning for the renovation of the glass roof over the plenary
hall of the Bavarian Parliament in Munich, the project entered the next challenging phase. The construction of the access scaffolding and the installation of the
overlying weather protection roof for WBSG began, according to the schedule, beginning of April 2022. A custom made intermediate protective ceiling was installed
inside the Maximilianeum during the renovation work to protect the plenary hall and its suspended glass ceiling.
After completion of this inevitable preparatory work, WBSG started to dismantle the existing glass roof, including the secondary steel structure. The primary steel
construction remaining on the building was grinded and re-protected with intumescent paint. The installation work of the new triple insulated glass panes started
in September 2022 and installation work was finished as planned by end 2022. Since all construction work was taking place during ongoing operations of the state
parliament and in coordination with other construction lots taking place at the same time, the logistics and coordination with all project participants posed a
particular challenge in this project. Beginning of 2023 WBSG started with the disassembly of all temporary work measures and the new glass roof was handed over to
a satisfied client in February 2023 without any default.
Client: Staatliches Bauamt München 2 Completion: February 2023
© WBSG © WBSG
© Catrin Schmitt © Catrin Schmitt
The Triple Folly is located in Ebeltoft, Denmark, close to the headquarters of textile brand
Kvadrat. Situated in a picturesque countryside landscape it is overlooking the Ebeltoft
Vig and the Kattegat. The building is used by Kvadrat as a venue for hospitality events
and conferences. The Triple Folly was designed by German Artist Thomas Demand in
cooperation with UK based architects Caruso St. John and compromises three different
building concepts called “Hat”, “Paper” and “Plate”. The “Hat Building” of The Triple
Folly houses the immersive artwork “Yes but” by Rosemarie Trockel and the design of
the building itself was made to fit around this piece of art. The “Paper Building”, with its
full height glass façade can be used as meeting room or for festivities while the “Plate
Building” in between “Paper” and “Hat” acts as a service hub. WBSG was awarded the
façade package including curved large size triple insulated glass units and 2,8m high
curved stainless-steel clad doors early 2020 and finished the project within a year. After
the interior fitout and landscaping work The Triple Folly was finally opened in 2022.
Client: Kvadrat
Architect: Caruso St. John in cooperation with Thomas Demand
Completion: 2021
© Roel van Tour
PANUM TOWER The Panum Tower, in Copenhagen, Denmark by C.F. Møller Architects - the world class research and teaching facility for the Københavns
COPENHAGEN, DK Universitet - University of Copenhagen’s Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences. Clad in a striking unitized curtain wall facade with
integrated GFRC and copper shading fins which create a beautiful and contrasting dialogue with its surroundings and sky backdrop.
The 15-storey façade completed by Waagner Biro in 2016 is an aluminium unitised façade with storey-high glass and panel fields. Horizontal elements made of
GFRC (glass-fibre reinforced concrete) as well as vertically arranged shading elements clad in copper are installed over these façade elements. Integrated into
the shading elements are movable panels expanded with copper mesh which can be moved to cover the glass panes. The building will break new ground in the
field of energy consumption for Denmark’s most energy-efficient laboratories as an unprecedented level of “waste energy” from the ventilation system will be fed
back into the building’s total energy balance. The building was completed by Waagner Biro in September 2016 and officially opened by Queen Margrethe II of
Denmark in January 2017. Because of its striking architecture and the innovative use of copper as facade cladding the Panum Tower has already been announced
as award winning project for several times. So has the project been announced as winner of the “European Copper in Architecture Award 2017”. C.F. Møller
Architects has been announced as award winner for the Panum Tower in the category “Higher Education & Research” at the World Architecture Festival 2017.
Client: Bygningsstyrelsen Architect: C.F. Møller Architects
© WBSG
MARIINSKY THEATRE
ST. PETERSBURG, RU
The name Mariinsky Theatre is worldwide known for masterful opera and ballet productions. On the order of Empress Catherine the Great, it was opened in 1783 as
the Bolshoi Theatre. Despite destruction during the war and modernisation the building kept its original splendour. The design of the Canadian architects Diamond
Schmitt was elected as the winning entry of an international architectural competition for an extension of the theatre.
With its stone façade the new building perfectly fits into the historical block development. However, the simplicity of the building does not lead to less imposing
spaces. Particularly the multi-storey foyer impresses with its extravagant size. Waagner Biro realized a large number of its circulation elements that enable the
guests to reach their seats or simply to enjoy the view. In addition to the single, straight and dog-legged stairs Waagner Biro realized one suspended oval staircase
connecting several floors, one glass stair with about 35-metre length as well as a footbridge for VIP-guests.
Architect: Diamond & Schmidt Architects Client: Metrostroy Building Company
© WBSG
BLOB
EINDHOVEN, NL
The “Blob” - the name says it all: The futuristic building is an impressive example of a geometric design whose shape defies any attempt at categorization – it’s just
a blob. Where does the roof end and the walls begin? Boundaries are blurred. To construct this unusual building, Waagner-Biro’s engineers called on their long
experience in 3D design. The structure consists of triangular, welded steel profiles into which glass and metal panels are set. Each glass panel is unique. In total, the
panels cover 2,940m2. The Blob is part of a larger project to revitalize Eindhoven city centre.
Client: Heijmans Architect: Studio Fuksas
DANISH RADIO BYEN The Danish Radio Byen (DR Town) Koncerthuset or Concert Hall in Copenhagen, designed by Pritzker Prize winning architect Jean Nouvel,
COPENHAGEN, DK houses the Danish Broadcasting Corporation, DR. The concert complex consists of four halls with the main auditorium seating 1,800 people.
It is the home of the Danish National Symphony Orchestra and includes three recording studios with variable acoustics. The Queen of
Denmark inaugurated the venue on January 17, 2009. Waagner Biro Steel and Glass designed and built the 4,000m² cable net façade and a 500m² glass roof. The
glass facade impresses concert goers with of its high transparency and minimal structure which allow for unobstructed views over the canal. The insulated glazed
units are fixed in place by bespoke cast steel nodes which are located at the diagonal crossing points of the steel cables. The steel cables are fixed to a primary
steel structure and are highly pre-tensioned in order to minimize the deflections within the entire structure.
Client: DR BYEN Architect: Ateliers Jean Nouvel
© Alexander Schippel
MYZEIL, PALAIS QUARTIER The Palais Quartier development in the City of Frankfurt combines restored historical buildings and modern complexes into a huge
FRANKFURT, D area for shopping, entertainment and leisure facilities as well as offices and hotels. Waagner Biro designed and built the roof and
facade structure of the main building which contains a shopping mall and a concert hall.
The complex geometry diagrid roof is created with a triangular steel lattice and infill panels made of glass and metal panels. The rhombus structured façade part
of the building includes a trumpet formed building part which creates a seamless transition from the façade to the roof. The facade is conceived as a river that
has different depths reaching into the core of the earth. The structure is inspired by the historical context of the sites’ surroundings. The fluid shape comes from the
connection of the Zeil, the shopping boulevard in the heart of Frankfurt, and the Thurn and Taxis palace. The two facades on opposite ends of the building are
designed to evoke the two distinct senses of the city. Client: MAB Architect: Studio Fuksas
© WBSG
©Alexander Schippel
Client: Sony/TishmanSpeyer/Kajima
Architect: Murphy Jahn
©MichaeAl Thurner
REICHSTAG The dome on the Reichstag in Berlin is one of Waagner Biro’s most prestigious projects. It is an architectural landmark, designed by Foster and Part-
BERLIN, D ners, and also a technical masterpiece. The brief was to create a symbol of democracy and freedom in this historically significant structure;
an idea which runs through the entire building. The steel and glass structure allows viewers to look directly into the chamber of the German Bundestag. The passage
of natural light highlights the transparency of government and its openness to its citizens. The light is directed by 30 rows of mirrors. Each row has 12 mirrors directed
into the chamber 10 metres below. A movable, computer-controlled shading element made of aluminum panels, deflects direct sunlight. The dome itself consists
of 24 major steel ribs, which are supported on a lower ring beam and tapered to an upper ring beam. The horizontal bracing is secured using 17 steel rings. They are
an essential part of design: they also bear the scale-like 3,000m2 of glazing, constructed from 24 panes of glass per row, and the observation deck. This observation
deck is accessible over two interlocked, co-rotating spiral ramps made from spatially shaped steel plates.
Client: Bundesbaugesellschaft Berlin mbH Architect: Foster & partners
© Felix Löchner
ZLOTE TARASY Like a cloth draped over seven spheres – that’s the image that the impressive steel and glass architecture conjures up in viewers of the multifunctional
WARSAW, PL building in the heart of Warsaw. At approximately 10,000 m², the geometrically complex grid shell is a huge free-form surface. Triangular glass
panels give the greatest possible flexibility to form the curvature. Using this innovative technology created an architectural landmark whose
elegance is unique throughout the country. It deservedly won the European Steel Design Award 2007.
© Andreas Sütterlin
@Jürgen Skarwan Red Bull Content Pool
The Battersea Power Station is the one of two new tube stations on the
London Underground, as part of the Northern Line Extension project. They
are the first completely new stations in 80 years. Waagner Biro steel and
glass designed and built the complete station envelope, including the
primary and secondary steel structure, anodized aluminum along with the
roof light above the escalators, structural glazing, louvres, station signage
and Bostwick gate. The station opened its doors to the first passengers in
September 2021, having continued construction through the Covid-19
pandemic shutdowns in the UK.
Architect: Grimshaw
Main Contractor: FLO (Ferrovial Agroman Laing O’Rourke JV)
Completion: 2021
Battersea Power Station won the “AJ Architecture Award 2022” in the
categorie “Infrastructure and Transport”
© Trevor Palin
© Trevor Palin
PADDINGTON ELIZABETH LINE STATION
LONDON, UK
Waagner Biro was awarded the contract for the glazing – 2,440 square meters in size and bomb-
proof – of the Cross Rail access at the famous London railway station of Paddington, which is
built directly onto the existing railway station complex. It is the largest conversion since the
construction of the building in 1853: The canopy is directly attached to the railway station. Its
roof is a spectacular steel and glass canopy incorporating an artwork designed by American
artist Spencer Finch. He created the “Cloud Index” glass artwork that changes depending on
the incidence of light and position of the sun. Extensive research and tests for bomb safety were
carried out beforehand.
Paddington Elizabeth Line Station won the New London Award 2022 for Transport and
Infrastructure and is on the shortlist of the World Architecture Festival Awards 2022.
Client: CSJV
Architect: Weston Williams
Completion: 2018 © WBSG
© Trevor Palin
© Trevor Palin
BLAVATNIK SCHOOL OF GOVERNMENT
OXFORD, UK
In 2015, the relatively young Blavatnik School of Government started operations in their new main building, designed by the renowned Swiss architects Herzog & de
Meuron. The architecture reflects the building’s program of providing space for open discussion, exchange and cooperation. The Blavatnik School, founded in 2012,
is the only institution in the Oxford University dedicated to government. Waagner Biro realised the entire facade, starting in September 2013 and finishing on time for
the opening. The building is enclosed with a thin and crisp double skin. A key feature of this building is the so called “Window to the World“, an opening measuring
11.5m in length and 3.0m in height, which has been enclosed using one single double-glazed panel of the same size.
A technical and logistical challenge that provides for maximum transparency.
© Trevor Palin
©Ahad Surooprajally
ANNABEL`S
LONDON, UK
This jewel is in London Mayfair in the inner courtyard of 46 Berkeley Square and is an extraordinary piece of architecturally exposed steel construction. The inner
courtyard is used as a restaurant area for the luxurious private club “Annabel’s”. The roof consists of seven segments, each consisting of two stainless steel arches
and three curved glass units. Each roof segment is mounted on its own rails on which it can move freely. Due to a precisely fitting size difference between the indi-
vidual segments, they can be telescoped into each other. The opening mechanism is controlled via a control panel and can be opened within 4 minutes to allow
guests to dine in the open air. However, it not only offers protection in bad weather, but also acts as an acoustic barrier to prevent possible noise pollution during
the night. A major challenge was combining the tolerances for curved glass with the tolerances for the steel arches. It had to be ensured that the shapes of both
materials matched 100%. This was achieved by reducing the allowable tolerances of the steel arches to half the values of the best class of BS EN ISO 13920.
@Timothy Soars
LIBRARY WALK
MANCHESTER, UK
Construction in a historic setting always poses a great challenge. The company‘s portfolio includes
numerous examples, and the Library Walk in Manchester complements the list with a particularly interesting
reference. The project is part of the comprehensive measures planned for the city‘s town hall complex. A
tear drop shaped enclosure in plan, in the form of a vestibule, ensures that visitors enter the city‘s library
via the town hall with dry shoes. The requirement was that the enclosure appeared as immaterial and
transparent as possible. In response to this requirement, Waagner Biro built the curved walls with room
height glazed units, whilst the cloud-shaped ceiling is manufactured from mirror-polished stainless steel,
creating highly interesting and varied visual impressions. The Library Walk stand out in particular for its
realisation of the strategic importance, in this case in of expanding the product portfolio with glass bearing
structures.
Architect: Simpson Haugh and Partners Client: Laing O`Rourke
© WBSG © WBSG
© Trevor Palin
© WBSG
SOUTHBANK PLACE
LONDON, UK
Southbank Place is a large urban development project, led by the Canary Wharf Group in the
Southbank area of London, adjacent to Waterloo station surrounding the site of the historical Shell
© Trevor Palin corporate headquarters. The overall scheme involves multiple residential and commercial buildings
in addition to landscaping and public realm improvements. Waagner Biro’s scope of works on this
project was to design and build an articulated steel and glass canopy over part of the public forming
a main entry into Southbank Place, in addition to two Link Bridges, connecting the existing, historic
Shell Tower to a new building.
The canopy has LED lighting and aluminium articulated feature fins integrated into the structure,
in addition to electric wiring throughout. It also has a fully concealed gutter and downpipe system
integrated within the bespoke steel structure. The canopy structure and glazing is designed for walk
on loads, to allow for maintenance and cleaning safely and efficiently.
The 18m long link bridges were both manufactured, glazed and clad off-site, including electrical,
M&E and lighting before being delivered to site using oversized special transport and lifted into
place and installed on site using a 500t crane over a single weekend. The bridges were designed to
accommodate gravitational loads in addition to sway and rotation from differential movement of
both buildings.
Client: Canary Wharf Contractors
Architect: Kohn Pederson Fox (Canopy), Squire and Partners (Link Bridges)
© Trevor Palin
ONE ANGEL SQUARE, COOP HEADQUARTERS
MANCHESTER, UK
After nearly two years of construction the new Cooperative
Group headquarters, the most energy friendly office building in
the United Kingdom, was ready to be occupied. Its innovative
architecture is impressive.
In terms of urban and construction planning, it was arranged based
on the angle of incidence. The building resembles a beehive and
has room for more than 3,000 employees. Future adaptations can
easily be accommodated. This sustainable prototype building
which is at the same time visually appealing is part of an urban
revitalisation project, where the company has opted to remain at
its almost 150-year-old traditional location in Manchester.
The scope of works undertaken by Waagner Biro comprises the
double skin facade of the 15 storey building, and the steel and
glass diagrid roof of the naturally lit atrium, both of which are
important for the environment and energy management of the
building.
Architect: 3D Reid Client: BAM Construction UK
Architect: Benoy / Buchan Group International Client: Westfield Shopping Towns Ltd
The Crystal
LONDON, UK
After a construction period of one-and-a-half years, “The Crystal” has been completed as an architectural highlight in the English capital, one of the greenest
buildings in the world. The conference centre was developed by the renowned British architects Wilkinson Eyre, with whom Waagner Biro already cooperated
successfully on the Kings Waterfront project. The building contains offices, an auditorium, and an exhibition dedicated to sustainable urban development and the
urban infrastructure of the future. The centre for sustainable urban development is run by Siemens. The articulated and futuristic facade covers a surface area of
2,000m2.
Architect: Wilkinson Eyre Architects Client: ISG
© Trevor Palin
TOWER PLACE A gently curved and floating roof together with glass walls envelop the area between two buildings situated near the Tower of London and
Tower Bridge. The 60 m wide north wall is especially innovative and the most transparent one built so far. It includes 4 m long horizontal glass
LONDON, UK needles to support the wall which is the first use of glass tubes on a large-scale project worldwide.
© Trevor Palin
GREATER LONDON ASSEMBLY Foster + Partners designed the new building for the Greater London Authority, located next to the Tower Bridge. It houses
the assembly chamber for the 25 elected members of the London Assembly and the office of the Mayor and 500 staff of the
LONDON, UK Greater London Authority. A half-kilometre-long, gently rising public ramp coils through all ten stories to the top of the building.
At the level of the assembly chamber is a viewing gallery giving the public dramatic views over the river to the Tower of
London. One of the ramp’s most prominent characteristics is its lack of symmetry relative to the primary building’s axis.
Architect: Foster + Partners Client: MACE
© WBSG
30 ST MARY AXE
LONDON, UK
30 St Mary Axe commonly known as “the Gherkin“
is a commercial office tower in London‘s financial
district, the City of London. The architectural
masterpiece was designed by Foster + Partners who
sought Waagner Biro‘s technical expertise to create
the building‘s complex dome. It was completed in
December 2003 and opened in April 2004.
Comprised of 41 storeys, it is 180 metres (591 ft) tall,
the curved form complements the ever-growing
group of high-rise buildings in the neighbourhood
and has since become a symbol of the City.
@Emanuele Siracuse
© Trevor Palin
THE SAGE MUSIC CENTRE The building’s dramatic, shell-like form encloses three main performance spaces. The project took ten years of planning and has
received worldwide attention. Foster + Partners were appointed after an international competition. The centre was designed after
GATESHEAD, UK
extensive consultation with users, audiences, artists and musicians.
Architect: Foster + Partners Client: Laing O‘Rourke
Middle East
© TDIC
© Mohamed Somji
LOUVRE AD
ABU DHABI, UAE
On Saadiyat Island, situated off the coast in the immediate proximity of the centre of Abu Dhabi, a number of renowned cultural institutions and high-quality tourist
facilities will be built in the coming years, representing one of the world’s greatest concentrations of top-class artifacts. As well as the Louvre, there will also be a
branch of the Guggenheim Museum. The exhibition will devote particular attention to the cultural bridge between the Orient and Occident.
The open dome construction, at a diameter of around 180 meters, is roughly the size of five football pitches and is made from steel profiles. The upper and lower
sides are covered with ornamental patterns made from aluminium profiles, which generate a special light quality called “rain of light”. The French architect Jean
Nouvel was inspired by rays of light like those that penetrate the lanes covered in raffia mats in an oriental bazaar. The dome is bearing on the buildings beneath at
only four points and appears to be floating on air. Some of the museum pavilions stand in sea water, creating a graceful interplay of directly and indirectly falling
light.
Architect: Jean Nouvel Client: TDIC
SUN TOWER
ABU DHABI, UAE
The Formula One Circuit of the Yas Island development comprises various
buildings: hotels, grandstands, a yacht marina and the sun tower with the
royal lounges. It is located right at the start/finish line providing the most
impressive views of the circuit.
Architect: Tilke Client Cebarca / WCT
© BACH
KACCH-BAYT ABDULLAH
KUWAIT
The Bayt Abdullah children’s hospice was built under the patronage of His Highness
Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah, Emir of Kuwait. This children’s hospice is one of a
kind in the world. It is a new shelter for families with children suffering from incurable
illnesses. Waagner Biro built a walkway made from steel, glass and aluminium panels.
The images make it clear that this steel structure is something special. The 200 m
walkway channels through the hospital grounds between the buildings and leads over
the roofs to a platform with a view. Pedestrians are supported by a balustrade with
colourful perforated brass panels and boards that tell stories from a popular Arabic
children’s book. Architect: Marks Barfield Architects Client: KACCH
©Felix Löchner_Sichtkreis
ENTRANCE PAVILIONS,
BURJ KHALIFA
DUBAI, UAE
To be involved on the
tallest building in the world
is something special. An
architectural monument like
the Burj Khalifa Dubai attracts
worldwide attention especially
because of its height. But
before visitors enter the
elevator to reach the upper
floors, they pass through one
of the three entrance pavilions
constructed by Waagner Biro
and enjoy a first impression
of the special nature of the
building. In simple terms:
the design impresses with
sophisticated technology that
meets the highest standards
of quality. In technical terms:
the massive roof structure is
supported by ten columns
inside the building with a
height of 20m in the hotel and
residential area, and 25m in
the office area.
Architect: SOM
Client: Al Abber Group
© Travor Palin
YAS ISLAND MARINA HOTEL
ABU DHABI, UAE
Situated right on the new Formula 1 circuit in Abu Dhabi, the Yas Marina Hotel offers the racing drivers an impres-
sive sight. The gridshell, a free-form surface of steel and glass which spans the hotel and parts of the track, has a
unique appearance. The design, a vision from architects Asymptote, was inspired by terms like speed, motion,
elegance and spectacle. This inspiration was developed by Waagner Biro to create a steel and glass structure
which radiates ease and elegance. The free-form surface settles over the multistorey hotel like a reptilian skin.
It rests on only a few V-shaped supports, even though it consists of 2,800 tons of steel and 5,100 glass panels. To
produce this delicate appearance, each of the 10,700 individual rods had to be as thin as possible, a task that
only a few suppliers in the world are capable of. Architect: Asymptote Client: Al Futtain Carillion © Asymptote Architecture
© Travor Palin
© Travor Palin
CAPITAL GATE
ABU DHABI, UAE
Capital Gate is regarded as an architectural landmark, a
milestone of engineering for the Middle East. It was not only
the largest ever single order in the history of Waagner Biro steel
and glass at that time, the tower is also in the Guinness Book
of World Records. Because of its skewed structure, it apparently
mocks gravity and is recognized as the most leaning tower in the
world (14 degrees more than the leaning Tower of Pisa). Capital
Gate rises to a height of 160m. Its steel and glass façade covers
23,000m2 over 34 floors. The triangular construction of the main
structure was formed by bringing into position 700 elements.
These elements are triangular with diamond-shaped profiles and
were pre-fabricated on site. The complex geometry involved
means the dimensions of each of the 12,000 triangular panes of
insulating glass is unique.
Architect: RMJM Client: Al Habtoor
© Hyatt Hotels
E-TREES for Sustainable Pavilion, EXPO 2020
Dubai, UAE
Placed around the „Sustainability Pavilion“ of the Expo area
the E-Trees were designed to provide power from photovol-
taic panels placed on the „branches“.
The crown of the trees including the PV panels are following
the position of the sun, gaining always the optimum of the
sun’s energy input. Waagner Biro designed and delivered the
tree trunks for 18 no. of trees and the hubs. 3D modelling of
the hub, the transition piece between the trunk and the gear
box was a very challenging task.
Client: EXPO 2020
Architect: Grimshaw
SOWWAH
ABU DHABI, UAE
Standing together on a common base, four high-rise buildings form a new open space oriented towards the stock exchange. A shopping centre is located in the
base, the central highlight of which is the Galleria, set directly at the water’s edge with its spectacular view. The complexity of the atrium enclosure consists not only
in the curved geometry, but also in its diversity; the glass climate shell that encompasses the space hangs from supporting steel structures, which at the same time
act as shading elements. The third, highest level of the roof storey also has a triangulated “brise soleil“, which reduces the sun rays and simultaneously accentuates
the surface. The curved glass façade at water level is also suspended, hanging from a horizontal beam and a series of vertical cables.
Architect: Benoy / RFR Client: Oger Abu Dhabi
EURASIA
© Travor Palin
BAKU AIRPORT TOLLGATE The stunning elliptical arch entrance greets visitors to Baku airport both by road and by air. Just over 72 meters wide and 28 meters deep,
BAKU, AZB it is a feature arch greeting air traffic and bidding farewell to those departing. To enhance the geometrical shape, the structure is secured
by only two concrete fundaments. The smooth architecture of the arch is accentuated by a clear interface at the support points of the
concrete pedestal on which it sits to ensure a smooth transition from arch to ground level. The arch is comprised of a steel struc-
ture supporting a cable net assembly which in turn supports the array of suspended gold coloured perforated panels.
To work towards an efficient construction
period, the pipes and steel plates which make
up the main structural ring, or carrier frame
were prefabricated off-site using specialist,
custom-made moulds and delivered to the
construction site in the correct dimensions.
The cable assembly was enabled by pre-
loading the ring carrier beam to replicate
the expected 180mm deflection at the
middle of the span, followed by suspending
800 panels of golden expanded metal in
a grid of 1.40 meters using 53 longitudinal
and 19 transverse cables with single point
fixings. The Azeri star as the national symbol
of Azerbaijan is prominently depicted at the
centre of the span. This was embedded in
the suspended panels by using a darker
shade of gold. Waagner Biro Steel and
Glass drew on their wealth of understanding
of the fabrication processes and innovation
required to deliver these deceivingly
complex steel components. As a result,
the project was completed on schedule
at the end of 2010. Only one year on from
initial planning. Due to its visibility from air
traffic, the tollgate required a distinctive
character for a wider audience both at
day and night. The night character of the
tollgate is enhanced by an atmospheric
light concept.
© Travor Palin
Austria:
Waagner Biro steel and glass GmbH
Leonard-Bernstein-Str. 10
1220 Vienna, Austria
T: +43 1 90 277 0
United Kingdom:
Waagner Biro steel and glass Limited
22 Fish Street Hill
London EC3R 6DB, UK
T: +44 20 7 337 2240
Turkey:
Waagner Biro steel and glass Istanbul
Kayışdağı Cad. No: 111/1 D3
Küçükbakkalköy / Ataşehir
34750 Istanbul, Turkey
T: +90 216 574 44 74
United Arab Emirates:
Waagner Biro steel and glass Emirates Contracting LLC
ABU DHABI
Gibca Building (8th floor)
Khalifa St, Abu Dhabi
PO Box 127687, UAE
T: +971 2 626 0416
Dubai Branch
Tameem House (13th floor)
Barsha Heights, Dubai, UAE
T: +971 4 584 6765
Saudi Arabia:
Waagner Biro steel and glass Contracting
Riyadh Office
2nd Floor, Building B
Anas Bon Maik Road, Al Malqa
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Version: 2024_02_01
www.wb-sg.com
office@waagner-biro-steelglass.com
www.zeman-group.com
Waagner Biro Steel and Glass - Member of Zeman Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH © Travor Palin