Grimshaw, a leading architectural firm based in London, UK, has announced that work is in full swing at the Oman Botanic Garden with the project reaching a major milestone with the lifting of the first structural arch of the Northern Biome.
The arch is made up of seven components that were initially welded on the ground to form three segments, then craned and welded into position.
The first of 43 arches, the 26-tonne structure is located at the centre of the building spanning 40m and reaching a height of 31m, said the statement from Grimshaw.
The biome will be a showcase of the dramatic landscapes of the Northern Hajar Mountains, recreating spectacular agricultural terraces and the majestic habitat of ancient juniper trees at the highest altitudes of the Oman's mountains.
Grimshaw has collaborated with Arup, a global advisory, design, planning and engineering company and Haley Sharpe Design, the international design consultancy in the museum and heritage sector, for the project.