How they built the hill under the Dubai Museum of the Future

The Dubai Museum of the Future, developed by Meraas and opened to the public in February this year, is a striking landmark near the Burj Khalifa exploring the future of science, technology and innovation.
Dubai-based architect Killa Design designed the museum in three main parts: the elliptical void, which represents innovation; the upper building, which represents humanity; and the green hill, representing the Earth.
Inside the green hill is a three-story podium structure housing the lobby, auditorium, restaurants, retail, parking, and more.
Maccaferri Middle East, a subsidiary of the Italian multinational geotechnical specialist Maccaferri, whose founder invented the gabion at the end of the 19and century, was chosen as the technology supplier for the green roofing system.
After studying the landscaping requirements, Maccaferri proposed to categorize the green roofing system according to the degree of slope and use their products accordingly, which then helped in the design, supply and construction. overall construction of the hill.

First, the Biomac cover was chosen for slopes up to 35 degrees of inclination. Second, Macweb Geocell has been specified for slopes up to 45 degrees of inclination. Finally, its reinforced Green Terramesh flooring system has been specified for slopes up to 70 degrees of inclination.



In the first two cases, continuous plating reinforcement has been proposed under the thin earth embankment by means of a Maccaferri wire mesh, Macmat HS, which will be anchored to the concrete beams at the top.

In addition, Macdrain drainage composite has been proposed for use under the entire surface of the cover for easy drainage of continuous irrigation.

Maccaferri highlighted the fact that the sustainability built into its products and solutions is one of the main reasons it was chosen to participate in the project.
- Green Terramesh (3,500 m²)
- MacWeb (3,000 m²)
- MacDrain W (12,500 m²)
- MacHat HS (6,000 m²)
- Natural BioMac (9,000 m²)
- DT Mesh (3,000 m²)
The successful construction of the green hill fulfills the architect’s intention to calmly raise the striking building above the metro line, providing visual relief in the urban environment, as well as a pleasant physical space for visitors.