Bespoke solution for waterfront hotel
April 2016

When architect practice Skidmore, Owings and Merrill (SOM) was tasked with designing an iconic waterfront hotel for the prestigious Four Seasons, it turned to Reynaers to make its visionary glass façade a reality.

 Situated on a 12-acre private island in the capital city of Manama, Bahrain, the hotel was an ambitious project: a 68-storey ‘city gateway’. A strong composition of glass, concrete piers and suspended volumes, the newly-completed building combines an urban resort aesthetic with intimate spaces. It’s said to be a statement of the city’s potential – a kick-starter for regional development and an inspiration for what can be achieved.

 Working with SOM and contractor Jungbluth Alu Partners, Reynaers stepped in to bring a quality focus to a bespoke solution. Based on its CW 86-EF, CW 50-SC, CP 96 and CS 77-FP systems across full-height windows, doors and curtain walling, Reynaers shaped a custom glass and aluminium façade that added to the hotel’s striking appearance, while maintaining a peaceful atmosphere.
  “It’s not very often that you design the masterplan and then get to build on it. And there aren’t many standalone hotel projects either,” said project architect Thomas Behr. “We are building a relationship with the city and we hope this project is part of the legacy, and that it leads to other projects like it.”

Commissioned by Signature Hotels Management Company SPC, the project began in 2004 with a masterplan for reclaimed land arranged from the mainland in concentric circles – with the Four Seasons Hotel at the heart of the plan. It’s situated on its own private 12-acre island accessible by bridge or boat. Behr explained: “The building’s design is informed by the need to make it striking on an urban scale, yet intimate for guests so it feels like a resort.

 “It is a very strong design when you look at it in the Bahrain skyline because it is so simple. The concrete clad piers and walls are very dominant. It makes a statement, it’s a kind of gateway to the city,” said Behr.

Lead engineer Roland Jungbluth, from façade contractor Jungbluth Alu Partners (JAP), selected Reynaers’ aluminium systems because “the company has a long-standing good relationship with Reynaers and the service is very proactive”.

www.reynaers.co.uk