Sim Leisure Group, a leading designer, developer, operator and builder of theme parks, waterparks and other themed leisure attractions, is celebrating 15 years of designing and building snow parks. The firm has reflected on overcoming the interesting challenges that these projects present.
“Over the last 15 years, Sim Leisure has become the go-to expert in snow and ski park theming design and construction. We enjoy and excel at executing the challenging work while maintaining both the performance and artistic requirements of our clients. We look forward to continuing our successful delivery of future ski and snow park projects,” says the firm.
Engineered theming elements
Sim Leisure has successfully executed design and construction projects for the leading snow and ski resorts in the Middle East, including Ski Dubai, Ski Egypt, Snow Oman, Snow Abu Dhabi, and, most recently, the theming design for a major new snow attraction in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The firm explains: “In both designing and building snow parks, the materiality and fixing methodologies used are very important. Due to the normal construction of a “cold box” being insulated, the fixing methodologies for many themed elements must be engineered not to penetrate the insulation.”
If compromising the insulation is unavoidable, the fixing needs to be designed so that there is no thermal break in the cold box. The materials employed must also be able to tolerate subzero temperatures and temperature fluctuations. Because the construction takes place at “normal” temperatures, the finishes must be designed and executed such that when the temperature falls, they do not shrink, crack, or freeze.
“Another important factor we have to consider is the loads the theming elements can take and how heavy the themed elements are,” adds the firm. “In a snow/ski park, the weight of snow is commonly underestimated. We have to ensure that the key themed elements not only can take the weight of this snow, but also not be so heavy as to overload the structural slab.”
Experienced team
Sim Leisure designed and built the complete theming package at Snow Abu Dhabi. The centrepiece of the attraction is a towering enchanted tree which connects to play elements such as rope bridges and tree houses.
“There were very specific weight allowances that had to be maintained for this large feature. We engineered and constructed the tree using both cement plaster and fiberglass elements to ensure the weight limits were maintained,” shares the firm.
“However, we also had to ensure the finishes were hard wearing and looked seamless together as they are in guest view and reach. The branches of the tree also needed to be engineered to be able to hold the load of falling snow. Using our team expertise, we were able to deliver a stunning tree incorporating all required parameters.”
Sim Leisure’s portfolio includes multiple projects for Ski Dubai including the Penguin exhibit; design and full construction for the theming at Ski Egypt, which features a steampunk-themed play structure; and the detailed design and build for the Oman Snow Park which includes a giant shipwrecked play area, column ruins, and a lighthouse.
With this extensive experience, the firm has amassed a wealth of expertise to both specify and execute fixing details including material selection and construction.
Sim Leisure Group recently announced that it will be opening an office in the US, as it continues to expand its design and build offer. Wesley Rae, chief operating officer, and Josie Booth, managing director, spoke to blooloop about the move.
