A skyscraper with a football pitch on its roof is planned for construction in Dubai. The project is being carried out with the involvement of the well-known football club Chelsea FC.
Planned:
- 6 towers approximately 130 meters tall.
- a residential complex with 1,400 apartments.
- A football pitch on the roof of one of the towers.
In addition to the pitch, residents and guests can look forward to:
a Chelsea sports center, the Chelsea Sports Bar, a private cinema, and an aquarium lounge.
Engineering challenges and solutions: Placing a football pitch at a height of 130 meters is no easy task.
1. Load-bearing structure:
- The roof requires a reinforced frame capable of bearing the weight of the surface, equipment (goals, nets), players, and dynamic loads.
- Wind and temperature loads must be taken into account (these are risk factors in Dubai).
- Use of high-strength materials: steel and reinforced concrete.
2. Pitch surface
- Artificial turf resistant to UV radiation and extreme temperatures is used.
- A drainage system for rainwater removal is mandatory.
3. Safety
- Tall protective fencing and nets to prevent the ball from falling and to ensure player safety.
- Windbreak barriers and special structures to minimize the impact of strong winds.
4. Engineering systems
- Lighting, ventilation, and pitch irrigation.
- Systems for monitoring surface condition and operational safety.
- Thermal insulation and UV protection
- Special coatings and protective layers that preserve pitch quality and playing comfort in a hot climate.
5. Innovative solutions
- Tensioned membrane roofs or large-span structures may be used to provide open space without supporting columns.
This project demonstrates how architecture and engineering are pushing beyond conventional boundaries.
