One Za’abeel: Defying Gravity with the World’s Longest Cantilever Building
One Za’abeel, a striking double-skyscraper gracing Dubai’s bustling skyline, is poised to claim the title of the world’s most extended cantilever building. In simple terms, a cantilever is a structure that extends horizontally beyond its vertical support, creating an overhang without the need for additional columns or supports, seemingly defying gravity.
Towering Achievement
One Za’abeel comprises two towers: a commercial tower soaring 300 meters (984 feet) high with 68 stories and an adjacent residential tower reaching 235 meters (770 feet) in height with 59 stories. Its standout feature is a 230-meter (754-foot) long structure connecting the two buildings, suspended horizontally at 100 meters (328 feet) above ground level.
Breaking Records
According to the building’s website, One Za’abeel is currently vying for the Guinness World Records title for the ‘Longest Cantilevered Building’ globally. While New York’s Central Park Tower is the tallest cantilevered building, One Za’abeel distinguishes itself with a significantly longer cantilevered section, extending a remarkable 66 meters (216 feet).
One Za’abeel, which spans 26,000 square meters (279,861 square feet), offers premium office spaces, a SIRO hotel, dozens of serviced apartments, and 264 ultra-luxurious residential units. Homeowners and tenants began moving into the multi-purpose complex in late 2023.
Engineering Marvel
The cantilevered “sky bridge” links the two skyscrapers and boasts eight luxury restaurants and the longest rooftop infinity pool in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Constructing the horizontal link was a remarkable engineering feat. Groundbreaking occurred in September 2017, with tower construction starting in 2019. The 8,500-tonne cantilever structure was hoisted into place in September 2020, marking one of the heaviest single lifts in the region, now weighing up to 23,000 tonnes.
Testimony from the Experts
Dr. Fadi Jabri, an executive officer for Nikken Sekkei, the Japanese studio involved in the structure’s design, described the lifting process as remarkable. A series of meticulous lifts culminated in the final 100-meter (328 feet) lift, showcasing the building’s resilience and engineering prowess.
Read the original article on Arab News.
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