Canadian firm OpenAire to build giant aluminium skyline for UAE mall

OpenAire, a Canadian designer of eco-friendly roof structures, said it has won a contract to manufacture a huge, aluminium elliptical-shaped dome for a 280,000-sq-ft shopping mall in Sharjah, UAE.

Located less than 10 km from Dubai, the 31-storey complex will rise from the city's waterfront like an oasis of luxury retail and residential space. With an area of almost 300,000 sq ft and over 30 floors of space, the Sharjah Mall will be more than just a shopping centre.

OpenAire has partnered with Aluminium Light Industries Company (Alico) to complete this flagship Sharjah Mall project. It will be, in short, a vibrant city within a city with inviting interiors. As its centrepiece, the mall will feature a remarkable aluminium elliptical dome skylight designed and manufactured by OpenAire.

Built with a durable aluminium frame and glazed glass, this skylight will be the largest aluminium dome in the Middle East, standing 74 m long by 47 m wide by 21 m high and casting the main retail areas in vibrant, inviting natural light.

On the project win, the Canadian firm said it was excited to be a part of this monumental project and looked forward to Sharjah Mall's completion at the end of 2020.

“OpenAire has been given a great chance to showcase our capabilities to the world, and we're creating a skylight that is sure to exceed expectations,” remarked Mark Albertine, the president and CEO.

This aluminium-framed skylight sits atop the centre of the mall on a ring beam, connecting beautifully with the smooth glass, polished concrete and brushed steel of the complex's striking architecture.