Early milestone cause for celebration   
 
1st July 2007

At a dizzying 240 metres high, a handful of Atkins staff along with almost 100 people involved in the Burj Dubai Lake Hotel project, celebrated the early completion of the concrete works marking the occasion with a topping out ceremony. Ahead of schedule by three months, representatives from Atkins, main contractor Arabtec and Besix, developer Emaar, project managers and quantity surveyors Mirage Mille and numerous other parties involved in this project participated in the ritual which took place atop the 64 storey structure.

“Atkins is extremely proud of this project. From the start with a furious design process to this moment, the team work displayed from all parties has been exemplary,” said Atkins Regional Head of Technology Richard Smith, who led the design team on this project. “Because of such teamwork in which project manager, contractors, Client representatives and consultants have all worked very hard to make this project a success, it’s no accident we are celebrating this milestone three months ahead of schedule.” The Burj Dubai Lake Hotel is a luxury mixed use skyscraper set to rise 306 meters (1,004 feet). Atkins was responsible for the architectural and engineering design of this five star hotel and serviced apartment building located in the prestigious Business Bay area, at the opposite end of the lake to the world's tallest building, the Burj Al Arab. The development comprises a business centre, health club and spa, a restaurant and parking bays for 900 cars, 198 key 5 star hotel plus 626 serviced apartments. The floor plate of the hotel is based on an organic evolution of a series of linked arcs which present imposing interconnected double and triple volume public spaces with full views of the lake and Burj Dubai tower; this concept is also extended to the guest room levels. Rising above the hotel is an aerofoil-shaped tower that accommodates 45 levels of deluxe serviced apartments.