SSH announces new architecture directors
SSH appoints Shane Lahiff as the new architecture director for design, and also welcome our newly appointed architecture director for delivery, Sami Abou Merhi. Together with their teams, Shane and Sami will be focusing on design quality, design management, as well as improved efficiency, ultimately resulting in greater client satisfaction and business growth.
Shane Lahiff is the architecture director for design. With 15 years of diverse project experience, Shane has led design projects across the GCC, the United Kingdom and Ireland. He joined SSH in 2016, and has had a key role in expanding the company’s design portfolio across the region, specialising in large-scale, mixed-use, master planning and hospitality projects.
Lahiff has collaborated with leading international brands, delivering award-winning hotel projects in Oman, KSA, and Bahrain. He is a graduate of Dublin School of Architecture and holds a professional diploma in architecture from University College Dublin.
New to SSH, Merhi has successfully led the design of many competitions and projects over the past 20+ years. Having worked on every aspect of projects design, from concept to implementation, his experience, passion and creativity have ensured the success of many prominent projects across different countries.
Merhi’s diverse portfolio spans a wide spectrum of sectors, including hospitality and resorts, mixed-use, high-rise, healthcare, cultural and residential. Having worked with international firms at managerial positions, he brings a deep knowledge of the GCC and European markets coupled with a wealth of experience in the architecture field with a hands-on approach.
(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
if (d.getElementById(id)) return;
js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.5&appId=https://www.facebook.com/designmiddleeast”;
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));
Mark O’Brien is the new group commercial director at SSH
SSH welcomes Mark O’Brien as the company’s new group commercial director.
O’Brien has over 30 years’ experience in commercial management, operational management, programme management, and leadership. He has led teams in the UK, Europe, Asia and, for the last seven years, the Middle East.
As a strategic thinker with an adaptive, collaborative style, O’Brien has a proven track record of leading businesses, developing people-focussed cultures, delivering strategic initiatives, and improving commercial awareness. He strongly believes in creating discipline and focus on key issues, introducing processes and control systems and, ultimately, driving better delivery and financial outcomes for both clients and the company.
O’Brien holds a B.Sc. degree in Quantity Surveying from Robert Gordon’s University in Scotland and is a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
if (d.getElementById(id)) return;
js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.5&appId=https://www.facebook.com/designmiddleeast”;
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));
SSH is appointed as the Design and Supervision Consultant for Byout Hessah Development in Kuwait
SSH is excited to announce its involvement as Design and Supervision Consultant for the newly-launched Byout Hessah development, Package 2, of United Real Estate Company’s Hessah AlMubarak District in Kuwait.
Nestled within Hessah AlMubarak District’s modern, all-inclusive mixed-use neighbourhood, Byout Hessah offers a luxurious contemporary living community with a unique mix of townhouses and apartments with stunning views stretching from the Arabian Gulf to the heart of Kuwait City.
Byout stands out as a bold enclave inspired by Kuwait’s vision of future living, embracing high-end modern architecture harmonised by exclusivity and privacy. With a BUA of 47,000sqm, the development comprises 40 luxury townhouses and two 12-floor residential buildings with 104 upscale apartments, featuring spacious open plan designs, welcoming natural sunlight. Set amidst landscaped surroundings and conveniently located next to Hessah AlMubarak District’s retail and dining hub and other commercial components, residents will enjoy a live-work-play lifestyle.
As the first ever comprehensive, mixed-use district in Kuwait, Hessah AlMubarak District showcases residential buildings, serviced apartments, offices, clinics, health clubs, commercial activities, retail as well as food and beverage offerings. Once complete, the total leasable BUA of the development will be 381,000sqm.
(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
if (d.getElementById(id)) return;
js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.5&appId=https://www.facebook.com/designmiddleeast”;
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));
Al Andalus mixed-use complex in Kuwait’s Hawally District by SSH is showing great progress!
SSH is proud to be working with Ajial Real Estate and Entertainment Company on the design and construction supervision of Al Andalus Mixed-use Complex, located in Kuwait’s Hawally District.
While conserving Kuwait’s traditional architectural identity and urban aspect, the project will offer various services for the public to enjoy, such as food and beverage outlets, retail and entertainment spaces that include 11 cinemas and a gymnasium, and also offices and clinics. The project is spread across more than 40,000 sqm and is linked by a pedestrian bridge to an existing multilevel car park with approximately 1,200 parking bays.
Cleverly designed outdoor spaces compliment the mall component, offering visitors a square plaza located outside, as well as patios, walkways and balconies among its seating areas allocated for the various food and beverage outlets.
“SSH is honoured to be working with Ajial Real Estate and Entertainment Company on a project of this stature, which is set to become a significant entertainment hub in Kuwait’s popular Hawally District,” said Khalil Alonaizi, Resident Director – Kuwait, at SSH. “The fact that the client awarded us this project based on our experience and expertise in the design of mixed-use retail and entertainment complexes in Kuwait, further strengthens our vision and mission to deliver another landmark project and to exceed our client’s expectations.”
The project is now 50% complete, with all the structural works done and architectural finishes proceeding for the tower elevations and inside floors.
(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
if (d.getElementById(id)) return;
js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.5&appId=https://www.facebook.com/designmiddleeast”;
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));
SSH delivers new pearl shell-inspired National Bank of Kuwait HQ in Kuwait
The new iconic National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) Headquarters building in the heart of Kuwait City and the growing financial district, is now nearing completion and occupation. Standing a colossal 300 m tall and covering a total floor area of 127,000sqm, the tower boasts a distinctive presence among other high-rise buildings in Sharq, adding significantly to the city’s skyline.
The tower design concept originated from a pearl shell, an object highly symbolic in Kuwait’s history and heritage, culture and economy. The main construction comprises composite concrete and steel, while the cladding on the fins and glass façades is predominantly glass reinforced concrete. The tower has been built with an intentional lean to compensate for its designed offset centre of gravity.
“We are extremely proud to have completed and delivered this project to our established client – not only because the end result is of such high quality, but also because it reflects SSH’s professionalism, expertise and commitment toward client gratification,” said Mohammad Iqbal – senior resident engineer at SSH, Kuwait.
SSH acted as Lead Consultant for construction supervision, in association with Foster + Partners and BuroHappold. Based on its energy-saving and environment preservation designs, NBK Tower is a new landmark green building built in line with LEED Gold requirements, making it one of the first with such high certification in Kuwait and the region.
SSH to develop a luxury resort in RAK with ‘Grand Shell’ sculpture being the highlight
SSH announced that it will create and develop a unique five-star hotel resort to be located along the majestic shoreline of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK). Inspired by the Emirate’s diverse and spectacular natural habitats, the resort will encompass a luxurious and enriching experience, with an instantly recognisable symbol situated at its very heart, the ‘Grand Shell’. This unique free-standing sculpture symbolises the intent of the resort, housing world-class amenities for hotel guests, and visitors alike.