Qatar has shown interest in a Finnish architecture firm’s proposal to build ‘floating hotels,’ ConstructionWeekOnline.com says in its recent report. The website said that Sigge Architects had a successful meeting with Qatari authorities who were interested in their ‘space-saving, energy-efficient concept of floating hotels.’ Sigge Architects was part of a 50-company Finnish business delegation that recently visited Qatar and the UAE, spearheaded by Finnish Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen. “We have talked to Qatar, and they are really interested because the concept is green and sustainable,” Eklund and Maki told Construction Week Qatar on the sidelines of the trade delegation’s visit to Dubai. The firm has developed the ‘floating hotel’ concept in collaboration with the Almaco Group of Finland, which specialises in marine construction. Eklund and Maki said it was a perfect solution for Qatar’s huge demand for accommodation for the 2022 World Cup. The Qatar Tourism Authority plans to invest $20bn on tourism infrastructure development as the country prepares to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. According to an official report, Qatar plans to build 45,000 additional hotel rooms to ensure that it meets FIFA’s room capacity requirement of 60,000 rooms. Some 21 new hotels are planned to open between 2012 and 2017. According to the Almaco website, a floating hotel provides all the same services and amenities as hotels constructed on land, while offering the special experience of floating on water with exceptional views. Moreover, the hotel can be tailored to meet the exact needs: number of rooms, types of restaurants, number and location of pools, placement of balconies and terraces, etc. The exterior architecture is fully customisable to suit the location. A parking garage can be built into the hotel complex, hence guaranteeing available parking to guests even in fully developed city areas. The company website further said that the unique hotel provides a streamlined construction solution for owners/investors as all construction is done elsewhere and a complete final product ready for immediate operation is delivered to final destination. The hotel has its own sewage treatment, power generation and recycling possibilities. It can also be linked to a floating marine and a helipad to provide guests access via sea or air. The modular construction methodology used for the concept can also be applied to labour accommodation and sports venues. Gulf Times

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