The Story Behind Snap Inc.'s Custom Large Size Doors | Gibca Pivot Doors | Case Study
Gibca Furniture
Your preferred Space Management Solutions Provider across the MENA region!
Introduction
What happens when a global tech giant envisions the impossible for their workspace? Snap Inc., the creators of Snapchat, faced a unique challenge in transforming their Dubai Media City office into a cutting-edge environment that combined practicality with bold design. At the heart of this vision were two oversized pivot doors—measuring a colossal 4.8 meters by 2.9 meters that needed to meet stringent soundproofing, branding, and structural requirements. While most manufacturers deemed the project unfeasible, Gibca Furniture rose with an innovative approach that turned Snap Inc.’s ambitious vision into a reality.
Discover how Gibca Furniture overcame seemingly insurmountable challenges to provide a groundbreaking solution.
Project Overview
- Client Name - Snap Inc.
- Industry Type: Technology
- Project Location: Dubai Media City
- Product Installed: Gibca Pivot 64p-m
- Date of Completion: October 2024
Challenges
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This project presented several technical and creative hurdles that required innovative thinking and detailed planning. The doors needed to be much larger than standard dimensions, measuring an impressive 2.3 meters wide and 2.9 meters high. This substantial size, combined with the necessity for effective soundproofing, posed significant design challenges. The acoustic requirements were particularly demanding, as they needed to ensure that conversations in the conference rooms remained private without compromising the open feel of the office. Additionally, the doors had to feature a powder-coated finish in a custom color that perfectly matched Snap Inc.'s distinctive branding, which required not only aesthetic appeal but also durability to meet the company's high-quality standards.
Managing the weight of these massive doors emerged as another critical issue. Typically, achieving the desired aesthetic involved layering additional finishes, which would increase the weight considerably. This added weight risked overburdening the structural components, potentially compromising both the doors' functionality and the safety of the installation. Furthermore, ensuring precise alignment during installation was crucial for maintaining the integrity of the design, as any misalignment could affect the doors' operation and appearance over time. This precision was vital not just for aesthetic reasons but also for ensuring the doors could withstand frequent use without deteriorating.
Solution
To tackle these complex challenges, the Gibca Furniture team reimagined the entire construction process of the doors from the ground up. Rather than following the conventional approach of layering materials which would significantly add to the weight, we innovatively integrated the finishes directly into the raw GI sheets during manufacturing. This technique allowed the doors to maintain their structural integrity while meeting both aesthetic and acoustic requirements. By embedding the finishes directly, we eliminated unnecessary bulk, thus reducing the overall weight and stress on the mechanism and framework, ensuring the doors function smoothly over time.
The powder-coated finish was meticulously crafted to match Snap Inc.'s iconic yellow, requiring several rounds of testing and approvals to ensure it was just right. This attention to detail not only ensured that the doors complemented the company's branding but also made them a striking visual element in the office space. During installation, every aspect was carefully calibrated for seamless integration, with features like hairline joints ensuring the doors aligned flawlessly with the surrounding walls and created a smooth, cohesive look. Custom-engineered stoppers were installed to keep the doors securely in place, while specialized locking mechanisms provided additional functionality and security, enhancing the user experience by allowing easy and reliable operation.
The team's commitment to communication with Snap Inc. was crucial throughout the project, ensuring that every detail met the client's expectations and that no necessary adjustments were made promptly. This collaborative approach was key to overcoming the challenges presented by the project and delivering a final product that was both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Gibca Furniture Industry Co. LTD. (LLC), part of the Gibca group, is a premier Space Management Solutions Provider across the MENA Region. Since our establishment in the 1990s, we have provided innovative and quality workspace solutions for over 75,000 installations throughout the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa. By fostering a culture of innovation and creativity, Gibca has diversified its portfolio from having Cubicles, Acoustic Ceilings, Office Partitions, Operable Walls, etc under our umbrella!
To learn more about our full range of products, click here. For any queries or any projects that you have in mind, feel free to drop us an email at marketing@gfiuae.com!