GODWIN AUSTEN JOHNSON

MEP

- Muscat Bay

- The Chedi Khorfakkan

- The Hills

- Shaza Salalah

- Gulf Hotel

- Mysk Al Mouj

- Vida Harbour Point

- Al Wathba Desert Resort

- Al Bait Sharjah

- Meydan Beach Club

- U-Concept

- Sharjah Art Foundation

- GEMS International School

- GEMS Metropole

- GEMS Westminster

- Ladybird Early Learning Centre

- Sunmarke School

- Dubai College

- The Arcadia School’s primary campus

- Emirates International School

- GAJ Headquarters

Godwin Austen JohnsonArchitects

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Profile01 04

Selected Projects 10

01The Dubai Creek Golf Clubhouse was the first building in Dubai whose physical status is matched by its status as a local emblem - so much so it features on the 20 dirham note.

Arguably, it was GAJ who set in motion a countrywide trend in the UAE to incorporate traditional Islamic themes into modern architecture. Bab Al Shams and the Arabian Courtyard, Residence and Spa at The One&Only Royal Mirage Hotel remain a testament to this.

Brian’s approach to design is still embraced by the team at GAJ today and continues to attract new business opportunities

from across the region. It stems from a fundamental belief that architecture should not only be contextually relevant but also rooted firmly in principles of sustainability. GAJ is committed to the belief that the quality of the built environment is an essential part of the economic and cultural fabric of society in which the very best architecture plays a central and intrinsic role.

As a fully integrated design practice we provide expertise in the associated disciplines of architecture, interior design, specialist lighting, and MEP.

GAJ is one of the largest and longest-established UK architectural and design practices in the UAE. Throughout our history, which spans 30 years, we have created some of Dubai’s most iconic buildings and have helped define the emirate as we know it today.

An award-winning and multi-disciplinary architecture practice, we have specific expertise in hotel and hospitality, residential and commercial, education, sport and leisure design.

GAJ originally started in the UK in 1989 as Godwin Austen Johnson. However our lineage of partnerships harks back to

1847 with a corporate archive of landmark British architecture throughout the industrial and modern ages.

In 1991 Principal and Managing Partner Brian Johnson opened the GAJ headquarters in Dubai. He had been practising in the emirate since 1975 and saw exciting opportunities to contribute to the development of a new world city.

With nearly 40 years of regional experience to his name Brian’s influence on modern Middle Eastern architecture has been pervasive. GAJ’s body of work comprises some of Dubai’s most recognisable and prized buildings.

W H O W E A R E

S P O R T S A N D L E I S U R E M A S T E R P L A N N I N GC O M M E R C I A LH O S P I TA L I T Y E D U C AT I O N R E S I D E N T I A L

W H AT W E D O

In just a few years the market has moved from the physical world of the drawing board to the virtual world of 3D modelling and all that comes with it. We can now pretty much view a building from any different angle and in any different situation, night or day, summer or winter, prior to committing a shovel in the ground. The opportunities are endless and only limited by our own imaginations.

Collectively we work together to embrace these technological advances bringing insight from our various nationalities, experiences, education and personal interests to today’s engineering world. This is only possible in a highly communicative environment where people are encouraged to for relationships and work closely with others.

We all like different things and have different interests; the key is taking the best bits and relating it back to the science of engineering. We firmly believe in the evolution of engineering and with that comes the need for our engineers to evolve with it. It is not all technology based however and practical experience is equally as important as

an engineering model. We ensure that all members of our team are involved in visiting our projects on site.

Whether we learn from the man holding the hammer or the person occupying the space after completion it is important that we learn from what we did do well, what could be done better, and how we could make it easier in future using the technology we have at our fingertips.

The speed of change through technological advance is scarcely believable

M E P

S H A R J A H A R T F O U N D AT I O N

S H A R J A H A R T F O U N D AT I O N

S H A R J A H A R T F O U N D AT I O N

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O U R PA R T N E R S

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P R O J E C T E X P E R I E N C E02

Muscat Bay is located on the north east coast of Oman. The site is approximately 25km south east of the capital, Muscat and covers an area of approximately 219 hectares set against a backdrop of rugged mountains, verdant valleys and a curved beach.

The development is an exclusive luxury resort and includes an integrated community, nestled within a sheltered bay where the mountains of Bandar Jissah meet the Gulf of Oman. The resort combines a range of residential typologies and recreational facilities within the valleys, as well as two luxury hotels adjacent to the beach. Central to the resort are the wadis and lagoon with a small stream that meanders through a public park on its journey through the site.

All the buildings have been designed with the intention that the resident or guest can feel connected to the external environment. Stunning views are framed by strong architectural forms. Large windows slide away to connect the interior with the exterior, allowing the spaces to flow together. The interiors are shaded from the sun by deep recesses and mashrabiya screens, without compromising the views. The MEP scope of services was full pre and post contract duties.

Muscat, Oman

MUSCAT BAY

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THE CHEDIKHORFAKKAN

Situated on the northern fringe of the town of Khorfakkan, the development is located in a unique and pristine setting at the base of the mountains, within a secluded sandy bay overlooking the ocean. The Chedi Khorfakkan resort surrounds a small scenic bay providing scenic views out to sea and back towards Shark Island.

The MEP design was completed to detailed design stage, for all services. The primary challenges associated with the design was the site topography and the clear architectural intent to retain the village feel of the development and maintain the buildings and walkways clear of visible services. BIM was used to ensure that the MEP services are integrated not only the physical requirements of the mountainside setting but also the new buildings.

A centralised energy centre approach was taken for the primary cooling, firefighting and water distribution services, which were the distributed around the site below the buggy access ways. Smaller secondary plantrooms were located adjacent to each cluster of hotel rooms to house hot water and ventilation equipment.

Sharjah, UAE

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THE HILLS

The site has two major attributes which make it an ideal location for this stunning residential development. Firstly, it is located adjacent to the immensely popular Emaar Greens area and within the Emirates Living - Meadows and Springs - area and, secondly, the development benefits from the highly regarded Emaar address.

The MEP design was completed to scheme stage for all services. The primary challenge associated with the design was associated with the linear nature of the plot, which required careful development of primary servicing strategies to arrive at an effective and practical design approach.

The cooling was designed to be via an efficient water cooled chiller system and the hot water was to be provided via a solar hot water system, leading to an energy efficient design approach.

Dubai, UAE

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SHAZA SALALAHSalalah, Oman

Taameer Investments appointed GAJ as lead consultant to design their first hotel development in Oman, which is to be operated by Shaza Group. The hotel is to be positioned as an international 5-star luxury hotel, and is located on the beach in Salalah. The hotel is aimed primarily at the GGC market, however international travellers are also expected. The hotel consists of 286 keys, with both standard hotel rooms and suites as well as honeymoon and spa villas. The hotel also includes five food and beverage outlets, a ballroom, meeting facilities, external landscaped pool deck, spa, health club, kids club and executive lounge.

As lead consultant GAJ are responsible for all pre-contract services, local authority approvals and are also responsible for closely liaising with the site supervision consultant, due to the fast track nature of the construction programme.

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GULF HOTEL

GAJ were approached by Gulf Hotels Group to design their first hotel outside of Bahrain. The hotel is to be positioned as an international 5 star business hotel, and is located within the Business Bay masterplan in Dubai.

The MEP design was carefully strategised to ensure an effective solution for the plot, taking into account the available infrastructure services provisions. The hotel will be provided with district cooling and water heating via a heat pump system, leading to an energy efficient design solution for the development. The MEP services were designed from concept to tender stage.

Business Bay, Dubai, UAE

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MYSK AL MOUJThe Wave Muscat, Oman

The Mysk Al Mouj is located in the heart of The Wave, Muscat development in Oman. One of the primary objectives of the hotel was to assist in the activation of the central plaza district and to serve as a destination point within the development.

The hotel has been positioned as a 4-star internationally branded hotel operated by Shaza Hotels Group.

The hotel consists of 197 hotel keys, with a mix of Standard rooms, King rooms, Junior and Senior suites with corner marina views, with the provision of long stay apartments on the roof top terrace level. The MEP scope of services was full pre and post contract duties.

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VIDA CREEK HARBOUR

Vida Creek Harbour is an upscale hotel that stands at the centre of The Creek Harbour. Bounded by the Dubai Creek to the west and the Lagoons development to the east and covering an area of 38,500 sqm this new property benefits from an exquisite location advantage in the heart of historic Dubai.

The 276 key hotel is a nine storey building topping a single storey, double height podium that comprises a selection of food and drink outlets including a speciality restaurant, lobby lounge, pool bar and roof bar/restaurant. Complementing the guest rooms and suites are a host of conference and banqueting facilities as well as a gym and outdoor pool terrace. The MEP scope of services was full pre and post contract duties.

Dubai, UAE

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AL WATHBADESERT RESORT & SPAAbu Dhabi, UAE

The brief for this project was to create a unique desert experience and intimate retreat that blends seamlessly within the natural beauty of its surrounding. The resort contains 103 separately keyed units ranging from King Rooms and Executive Suites to standalone exclusive villas.

A first class spa facility along with a five star conference facility and a desert themed dining option that takes full advantage of its unique setting complete this stunning resort. The MEP scope of services was full pre and post contract duties.

* Photo courtesey of Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts27

THE CHEDIAL BAIT SHARJAHSharjah, UAE

The brief for this exciting project was to provide a 53 - key boutique resort in the AI Muraijah Area of the Heart of Sharjah heritage project, incorporating existing buildings, which used to be family homes, and providing new buildings. All new buildings were to be designed in accordance with the urban character of the historic fabric of the area to take cognisance of the proposed Heart of Sharjah masterplan 2025.

We were tasked with the redevelopment of five existing historical buildings, - Bait Ibrahim Al Midfa, Bait Eissa Al Midfa, Bait Al Tawawish, Abdullah Mahmood House and the Ibrahim Al Midfa Majlis, as well as creating three new village blocks into a boutique resort. We were instructed to respect the heritage area and buildings and maintain the traditional urban fabric of the old Sharjah city.

The primary aim of the development – from an urban design point of view – was to re-create the intimacy and character of an historic village, with narrow streets, open courtyards and secluded entrance ways and weave these into the guest experience. The MEP scope of services was full pre and post contract duties.

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Meydan Beach Club is the exquisite beach club experience located in the heart of The Walk JBR. Tiered infinity pools, endless sea views and a world-class spa are complemented by fine dining, casual restaurants and an outdoor lounge. The MEP scope of services was full pre and post contract duties.

MEYDAN BEACH CLUBDubai, UAE

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U-CONCEPT

The brief was to provide a high-quality bespoke health club situated on the hypocaust and podium levels in The Gate Village, DIFC in Dubai. The fit-out project was designed to maximise the available natural light into the hypocaust areas and create a dynamic and eye-catching installation at the podium level to achieve the visual impact desired by the client.

This premier boutique health club caters to the overwhelming response by UAE’s fashionable health conscious wanting to lead a healthy lifestyle in exclusive, high standard surroundings.

With its contemporary design this state-of-the art health club provides a host of facilities that includes the latest equipment as well as a comprehensive range of fitness programmes and social spaces.The MEP scope of services was full pre and post contract duties.

Dubai, UAE

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SHARJAH ART FOUNDATIONDubai, UAE

The galleries for the Sharjah Art Foundation, are located within the Heart of Sharjah heritage area, taking architectural cues from the historic building footprints, urban fabric and traditional built forms of its surroundings. As with any museum or art gallery, the exhibition spaces are introverted, offering spaces for contemplation and reflection. The exterior of the individual gallery buildings have been kept relatively blank maintaining an impassive dominance over the streets.

The development is comprised of six galleries varying in scale and height capable of catering for different display requirements and flexibility within the exhibition spaces.

The MEP scope of services was full pre and post contract duties. The MEP design focused on an energy centred approach, with the primary MEP equipment concealed within a building integrated into the development’s urban fabric.

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Client: Type:Year:

Located on a challenging triangular plot with limited access, the design for this 4,200 pupil, 23,000 sqm school led to an innovative solution that not only responds to the site constraints but also the climate and curriculum requirements.

Central courtyards between classroom clusters serve as learning and activity spaces, giving students the chance to experience education rather than limiting their learning to formal classrooms. The MEP scope of services was full pre and post contract duties.

GEMSINTERNATIONAL SCHOOLDubai, UAE

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The brief for this project was to provide an innovative, economical and efficient school, whilst providing the best possible educational spaces for 4,200 students over 23,000 sqm. Our approach was to ensure a high quality of both internal and external environments that reflect and enhance the user experience for each of the different academic age programmes.

As a general strategy the school has been designed around a series of internal courtyards which introduces greenery and natural light to the interior whilst promoting natural ventilation and easy access to the landscaped courtyards. A simple palette of external materials were selected to help accentuate the massing which has been carefully modelled to reduce the bulk of the overall development.

The MEP scope of services was full pre and post contract duties.

GEMS METROPOLEDubai, UAE

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GEMS WESTMINSTERSCHOOLWaqeer, Qatar

The school in Qatar is a British curriculum school. The MEP scope of services was full pre and post contract duties.

The project was designed to be constructed in two phases. Currently, phase one is allocated to kindergarten and primary blocks, as well as administration, sports hall and service facilities. Phase two will be dedicated to the secondary block and sixth form, housing all required laboratories within the block.

The MEP scope of services was full pre and post contract duties.

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LADYBIRDEarly Learning Centre

From the outset both the design team and client agreed that the major inspiration for the design of the Ladybird Early Learning Centre should inspire young minds through the creative use of natural light, views, internal and external spatial sequences. In keeping with this, and the LEED Gold aspiration, the team created a simple contemporary structure that responds to the site and environment in a holistic and low tech approach. The project is now LEED Gold certified.

All classrooms facing onto the courtyard have large glazed screens that open onto shaded play decks that further blurs the distinction between inside and out.

This interior landscape was designed to enable pupils to learn by discovery and exploration. Internal streets with road markings and roundabouts, are punctuated with houses between each open classroom to represent an exterior landscape. The houses double as bathrooms, storage and washing facilities for both children and adults. Each of the age groups is represented by a different colour of ladybird to delineate departments. The MEP scope of services was full pre and post contract duties.

Dubai, UAE

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SUNMARKE SCHOOLDubai, UAE

The building’s plan takes the form of enclosures reflecting the protective identity of the school whilst also creating a structure that encourages a flexible and efficient use of space. At the centre of the enclosure is a large, multifunctional space; used for sports, teaching, performances, assemblies, and dining. This forms the social heart of the school. The central space is welcoming and visible from all points and provides access to all teaching areas, dispensing with the need for internal corridors.

Classroom clusters are turned inwards towards inner courtyards to reflect the protective nature of the school and ensure privacy. By forming semi enclosed clusters, a diverse range of learning environments is created that are capable of supporting different learning styles and encouraging controlled social activities and interactions. They are interconnected through a fabric of gardens, patios, loggias and terraces.

Social, cultural and sports play areas have been developed at different levels to separate different school stages while keeping the visual relation between them. The typical horizontal split between floors has been dissolved by creating visual connections between all levels, and Spanish steps further enhance this connectivity for both social interactions and by providing steps from which to view the sports areas.

The MEP scope of services was full pre and post contract duties.

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DUBAI COLLEGEDubai, UAE

Godwin Austen Johnson has been responsible for the complete design of this Secondary School, comprising classrooms, specialist laboratories, swimming pool, lecture theatre, multipurpose hall, design technology centre, and associated external works. Later phases of development completed include a state-of-the-art 900 seat auditorium, and staff accommodation building as well as an extension to sixth form classrooms and science block.

Current developments include the provision of a centralised utility building and ongoing refurbishment and modernisation of existing facilities. GAJ has been involved with the continuing growth and development of the college since its inauguration in 1979.

The MEP scope of services was full pre and post contract duties.

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THE ARCADIA SCHOOL’SPRIMARY CAMPUS

Dubai, UAE

Located within Dubai’s Jumeirah Village Triangle, The Arcadia School’s primary campus is a state-of-the-art, purpose-built facility. It has been designed in line with the client’s aspiration to create a school that provides a flexible, open-plan learning environment for pupils.

The design concept focused on creating centralised open zones for its main educational block with the age group classrooms wrapping around the central core of the building. The creation of two external full height courtyards allows natural light to permeate throughout the school as well as enabling visual links from the core of the building out to the periphery corners.

The interiors of The Arcadia School’s primary campus are designed to reflect the high quality and progressive thinking of the education provided within its classrooms and shared facilities. The sculptural entrance hub is the centre of this community with the library, exhibition space and dining providing a large open plan area for flexible learning experiences and functions. The MEP scope of services was full pre and post contract duties.

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EMIRATESINTERNATIONAL SCHOOLDubai, UAE

On arrival at Emirates International School – Jumeirah visitors encounter the first key spaces of the main entrance, reception area and central atrium. In accordance with the school’s educational philosophy, the design of the daylight-flooded atrium is designed to foster social interaction, while creating an inviting space that can be utilised for activities and gatherings

Key areas such as the main atrium, reception, corridors, breakout spaces and the main library with their natural yet invigorating colour palette, engaging furniture, interactive features and incorporated technology nurture the students’ education and growth as well as communicate activities throughout the school as a whole.

The interior concept for EIS-Jumeirah Primary School draws from the richness of global education paired with the sense of vibrant community and cultural highlights. The concept encompasses the differences shared between the students, the academic staff as well as the wider community.

Forming the ‘heart’ of the school, the atrium with its wide staircase and adjacent airy lobby area aids to engender and enhance a sense of community and shared purpose.

The MEP scope of services was full pre and post contract duties.

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GAJ HEADQUARTERS

A high employee count and the need for various departments to be independent yet connected presented an interesting challenge to the design team. A large reception area with timber-clad walls and a video display wall welcomes guests whilst controlling access to the linear floor plate. Organised around this central space is a number of semi-glazed meeting rooms that offer views of the industrious studio beyond.

To achieve the efficiency and collaborative environment requested by the design team, an open plan studio approach was adopted with benching systems seating groups of eight were positioned close to the perimeter windows to maximise daylight. Coloured storage blocks, breakout meeting areas with associated crit spaces were then introduced to support the design teams. The main studio terminates in a central resource area: a flexible space for practice meetings, presentations and social gatherings. Dedicated spaces were also developed for the IT and admin teams including large integrated storage walls, private meeting rooms and a kitchen area. The whole project was designed and completed within six months.

Dubai, UAE

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G A J ARCHITECTURE INTERIOR DESIGN MEP SPECIALIST LIGHTINGmail@gaj-uae.ae www.godwinaustenjohnson.com+971 4 3237555 /GAJArchitects/GAJArchitects /godwinaustenjohnson

United Kingdom[since 1848]

Dubai HQ[since 1991]

Sharjah[since 2008]

Abu Dhabi[since 2009]

GAJ HEADQUARTERS

Office 110 The Iridium BuildingAl Barsha 1, P.O. Box 7185, Dubai, UAETel: +971 4 323 7555Fax: +971 4 323 7717mail@gaj-uae.ae

GAJ ABU DHABI

Office 121, 1st Floor Business Centre, Sheikh Hamdan Street, P.O. Box 114698, Abu Dhabi, UAETel: +971 2 672 0012Fax: +971 2 672 0014mail@gaj-uae.ae

GAJ UK

19 York Street, Stourport-on-SevernWorcestershire, United King-dom DY13 9EHTel: +44 1229 824567Fax: +44 1229 827018post@gajuk.com

GAJ SHARJAH

Majestic Tower, Al Taawun Street, Al Taawun, P.O. Box 71522, Sharjah, UAETel: +971 6 577 4893Fax: +971 6 577 4896mail@gaj-uae.ae