In Al Ain, the United Arab Emirates, a unique project is taking shape at an elevation of 1,000 meters above sea level.
A luxury villa and chalets for a sheikh are being constructed on the top of Hafeet Mountain—a location that presents extraordinary challenges for both design and construction. Constructing on such a dramatic site is no ordinary task: the rocky mountain top offered too little space for the planned structures, and access was restricted to a winding road just three meters wide. Large precast elements simply could not be delivered to the site, and crane capacity was restricted to 20 tons. On top of this, strong winds and complex terrain demanded extra care during erection and measurement.
Engineering the impossible
To make the project feasible, the consultant turned to Peikko’s DELTABEAM® Composite Beams and composite columns. This solution allowed the buildings to extend outward with more than 600 m² of cantilevered area, supported by specially designed steel columns that adapt to the mountain’s rugged terrain. Fire protection requirements inside the villa were also addressed with customized solutions. Every column is different, every beam carefully calculated—and all must fit within the tight limits of transport and lifting.
As Dr. Saadi Kheloufi from Groupe Qualiconsult, the project’s third-party consultant, explains: “At an altitude of 850 meters, the main challenge was to control concrete hydration and speed up construction. Using DELTABEAM® made both possible—offering a reliable and efficient way to meet the project’s demanding structural requirements.”
Coordinated effort
Starting from 2024, Peikko has been supplying anchor bolts, tailored DELTABEAM® Composite Beams, composite columns, and engineering support. Close coordination between the consultant, contractor, precast factory, and Peikko’s design team has been essential to keep the project moving toward its target completion in summer 2025.
The project demonstrates how Peikko technology and expertise enable construction where other methods would not be possible. “The system proved more economical and sustainable than traditional methods, with easy, precise installation and no issues during erection—a clear demonstration of DELTABEAM®’s advantages,” adds Dr. Kheloufi.
By combining advanced products with hands-on problem-solving and seamless teamwork, we help our customers realize their vision, even in the most demanding environments. By tailoring solutions to the site’s extreme conditions, the team has proven that even the top of a mountain can become a safe and lasting place to build.
Project facts
Location: Al Ain, the UAE
Consultant: Plus 971 Architectural Consultancy
Estimated completion: June 2025
Curious to know our other reference projects? You’ll find them here.
Product highlight: DELTABEAM®
A composite beam solution that creates open, slim-floor structures.
- Slim floors: Enables long spans with reduced floor thickness
- Versatile: Compatible with concrete, steel, and hybrid structures
- Efficient: Speeds up site work and reduces erection time
- Fire safe: Built-in fire resistance without extra protection
This article was originally published in Peikko’s customer magazine Connections 2026.