Survey & Land Registration Bureau

Project Overview

Construction of a 14-storey Headquarters Building for the Survey and Land Registration Bureau (SLRB) which manages all land, aerial, and hydrographic survey services, as well as the registration of real estate properties in the Kingdom of Bahrain. With a total built area of 24,375m², the project scope included the ID fit-out works, MEP and building services installations, as well as various external works and infrastructure. The building has a basement VIP parking for 28 cars and a vast outdoor parking area for 280 cars. Landscaped terraces are found on the 1st and 11th floors.

The 73m high building has a flat slab reinforced concrete frame structure with raft foundations supported on bored piles. The eye-catching curtain wall is an impressive feature due to its sheer size, form and shades. Enveloped by gold and silver aluminium composite panels and blue glazing, the north-facing elevation is acoustically designed to keep down the noise levels from highway traffic. The double-glazed units have also received a special heat treatment to ensure durability and safety. A double level window cleaning system has been fitted to access the façade.

The ground and mezzanine floors are combined, forming an opulent atrium where most of the customer based activities take place. The main lobby has a specially patterned feature ceiling with shadow effects created by LED lights and mashrabiya screens. SLRB’s directorates, with over 450 employees, are distributed over 10 floors. Interior finishes of high standard have been installed throughout including granite, ceramic and porcelain tile floor finishes, broadloom carpets, parquet, epoxy paints and wooden oak panelling. Extensive bespoke joinery was manufactured and installed by GPZ’s Joinery Division, including wooden counters, cabinets, wardrobes, screens and TV units with motorized shutters.

Equipped with the latest gadgets and technology, the building’s telecommunications systems, access control, CCTV and other voice and data options are all state-of-the-art. An effective energy-efficient design has been integrated in the building services to regulate energy use and conservation, providing a significant impact in both environmental and economic terms. A high-tech BMS has been implemented to centrally monitor and control the extensive MEP systems in order to optimise the building’s temperature, ventilation, illumination and power requirements. Fire alarm and fire-fighting systems as well as a centralized HVAC system, with two air handling units per floor, are installed. The installation of the 12 ton chillers on the roof required the largest capacity crane on the island.