A new architectural highlight was developed in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with the Solitaire Mall. Inspired by the concept of a geode, a secondary formation within volcanic rocks, the new build combines shopping, leisure, dining and business facilities in a versatile and dynamic space. The angular facade of the luxury brand mall features a particularly sophisticated design with inclines facing in different directions. Its building envelope was clad in porcelain and ceramic facade panels over 16,000 m², which are securely and firmly anchored by an all-in-one fischer solution for the rear-ventilated curtain wall facade. 

“The prestigious ‘Solitaire’, the ‘Jewel of Riyadh’, is an exceptional project for us”, emphasises Imad Eloueini, Head of Construction Department at the V3 Middle East Engineering Consultants Company. “The building’s shape represents a crystal geode concealing magic with a robust protective outer skin that enables a contrasting combination of aesthetics, fractal geometry and spatial design that reinforces the sensation of being gently enveloped by a complex structured environment. There are covered and semi-covered areas for visitors to the shops, family entertainment centre and food and beverage outlets”. As the commissioned Architect of Record (AOR) and site supervision consultant, Riyadh’s V3 Middle East Engineering Consultants Company was heavily involved in the planning and execution of the Solitaire Mall. Solitaire Mall was developed by the Al Marqab Investment Company, based in Saudi Arabia. 

The complex is built on a 58,956 m² plot with a leasable area of 104,155 m². Solitaire Mall comprises three basement levels with infrastructure and parking, three above-ground levels with a versatile range of shopping, dining, entertainment, wellness and sports offers, in addition to a roof level that serves as an architectural and functional highlight. 

In terms of its construction, the project presented a number of challenges right from the planning stage, which were successfully overcome thanks to the excellent cooperation between all those involved in the project. “Dividing the structure into 15 zones due to expansion joints, the high level of precision required by the luxury brands involved and the fractal geometry required a particular degree of expertise”, Imad Eloueini states. 

Solitaire Mall's facade is an architectural and technical masterpiece with its exceptional, challenging design and its inclines facing in different directions. An all-in-one fischer solution was used to securely and firmly fasten facade panels made of porcelain and ceramic over an area of 16,000 m² for the rear-ventilated curtain wall facade. Horizontal profiles of the ATK 103S system were attached for the purpose of providing a concealed fastening to the facade panels on the existing steel base structure. Visible porcelain and ceramic elements were securely attached to the substructure with 82,000 concealed FZP II 11 x 9 M6/T/9 D40 PA Zykon panel anchors by fischer. Imad Eloueini elaborates: “Fastening with fischer’s undercut technology offered significant advantages in achieving the desired visual architectural impact of the building while allowing the necessary design freedom and fastening the facade. Compared to alternative solutions, the all-in-one fischer system used for the rear-ventilated curtain wall facade enabled quicker installation and a higher degree of precision when carrying out the facade with its irregular shape and its inclinations in different directions. 

The facade’s loads that act on the substructure (wind loads and dead loads) are transferred onto the steel structure, from where they are carried through the structure. The facade panels were quickly and easily hooked into the open C-profile of the horizontal elements with pre-mounted clasps attached to the back.

FireStop solutions by fischer were also installed in order to seal the duct openings of MEP applications (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) and construction joints. The system solutions for the facade and passive fire protection from a single source ensured that the project’s technical requirements were efficiently fulfilled. fischer injection anchors were further used for various fastening applications in concrete and hollow blocks.

Osama Farhat, National Sales Manager for fischer’s subsidiary in Saudi Arabia, highlights the company’s success, stating: “The client of Solitaire Mall chose us as their trusted supplier due to our long-standing reputation for delivering high-quality, dependable, and innovative fixing solutions. We are proud to have offered a tailored solution ensuring maximum performance and safety, and to have supported with on-time materials deliveries, which consistently meet and exceed their expectations. fischer’s commitment to quality, customer satisfaction, and technological excellence has made it the go-to choice for businesses in Saudi Arabia seeking reliable fixing systems for a wide range of applications. In addition, our commitment to exceptional customer service, and value engineering further sets us apart, providing our clients with peace of mind and confidence in every stage of their projects.”

Imad Eloueini is thrilled with the result, stating, "Throughout the entire implementation phase, there were no supply bottlenecks, and the facade was successfully planned and implemented”. These excellent results were also achieved due to the close cooperation between the fixing expert fischer and its local trading partner, Brooq Al-Amaan Trading Est. (BAT), during the project. 

fischer successfully supported the planning and implementation of the facade throughout every phase of the project, as emphasised by Osama Farhat: “In addition to suitable product solutions, we supported our client with our professional services package during the implementation phase, which lasted over a year. Our team was present on-site to conduct pullout tension tests and supervise the installation process, providing detailed BIM modeling ensuring quality and precision throughout. This practical approach ultimately increased the quality and efficiency of the project”. Thanks to technological expertise, Riyadh’s Solitaire Mall boasts a lasting, secure, angular and versatile facade that unfolds inwards in contrasting layers and takes on softer forms.