Affan creates novel façade with DIAB composite material

Envisioned as a truly state-of-the-art facility, the Sidra Medical and Research Center in Qatar will set new standards in patient care for women and children in the Gulf region, as well as internationally. Sidra, which is being constructed under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, will be an important part of the dynamic research and education environment in Qatar.

Combing world-class patient care, medical education and biomedical research, the ultra-modern facility will have an area of 326,000 m2 and an initial capacity of 380 beds. The center will accommodate 350 resident medical and research staff, with parking for approximately 2,000 vehicles.

To reflect the grandness of this vision, the world-renowned architect Cesar Pelli has used cutting-edge technology to create an airy design that celebrates the sky above it. The modern structure will combine steel, glass and white ceramics, with a focus on creating a healing environment for its patients. Indoor gardens, water installations and a comprehensive art collection will add to the overall impression of calmness and peace of mind.

A construction such as this naturally requires a spectacular main entrance. The Dubai-based design and engineering firm Affan Innovative Structures LLC was selected to construct a roof that would fit into the visionary design. Affan, drawing on a thorough knowledge and appreciation of composite materials, then turned to DIAB as the world leader for structural core technology.

The chosen solution was a sandwich structure using Divinycell P, multiaxial carbon fiber and epoxy resin. By infusing 4 mm tiles and 0.8 mm stainless steel along with DIAB structural cores, the construction could achieve the visual appearance required by the client. This construction allowed Affan to save a significant amount of production time, without compromising a high-quality finish.

Local DIAB representatives supplied core material and technical support throughout the construction process. The lightweight structural panels were produced in Dubai and then effortlessly transported and installed on site in Doha. With their tiles and stainless steel, the finished panels fit perfectly into the visual identity of Sidra as the facility takes shape.

Utilizing the superior qualities of composite technology in his projects, company founder Dr. Amer Affan believes that such solutions offer architects the opportunity to realize previously unimaginable structures. The Sidra Medical and Research Center is a superb example of how composite solutions can accommodate the innovative and intricate designs of the future.

Diab Group