Our Movable Skylights project features twelve colossal, dynamic roof structures for the Holy Mosque in Mecca. Each 300-ton skylight, measuring 32x16 meters, combines design and function with a natural ventilation system as well as smoke ventilation. Crafted from duplex stainless steel and glass, they include 284 Swarovski crystals each, set within gold-plated profiles. These skylights, controlled centrally, offer stunning aesthetics and innovative engineering.

At RIVA, we innovatively recreate traditional Arabic "Mashrabiya" bay windows using aluminum instead of wood. These modern oriels maintain the charm of carved wooden patterns while offering durability. The aluminum is milled from solid blocks before a unique multi-layer Teflon-based coating to mimic wood grain is applied. Yet, we have created 186 units with 1,000 tons of aluminum, covering 6,625 square meters of façade with a wood-grain finish.

Our electrically operated gates consist of seamlessly interlocking aluminum leaves, folding away into a concealed compartment when not in use. The largest partitions, used in the Haram Expansion, reach up to 5 meters in height and 10 meters in width. Each leaf is precision-carved from a single aluminum plate, with a robust stainless steel framework. The Shamiyah project highlights our expertise, with 184 units spanning 2,750 square meters.

RIVA GmbH Engineering played a key role in the construction of the imposing Grand Tower in Frankfurt am Main by being responsible for the planning, design, production, pre-assembly and final assembly of the façade. This ” single-source” mentality, shaped by decades of experience, is reflected in the processes that make the project an outstanding example of excellence in architecture.

The Grand Tower, strategically located at the beginning of Europa-Allee, is an impressive urban prelude on a busy main road. Its architecture impresses with a fascinating vitality that manifests itself in the flow of the cubature. The tower strives for openness and does not seek to return to its own form. Each element of the building is unique, which preserves the visual weightlessness of the façade and avoids standard components.

The façade construction of the Grand Tower is characterized by high sound proofing and optimized insulation values, complemented by a Teflon-based, time-resistant and UV-impermeable coating of the aluminium parts. An ingenious rainwater drainage system and a special composite structure for aligned window constructions with variable fittings give the design numerous unique selling points. The outstanding quality of the result led to the Grand Tower serving as a prototype for a new system façade once the planning was complete.

The architectural sophistication of the Grand Tower is also reflected in the orientation of the apartment layouts, which avoid an exclusive north-facing orientation and instead favor east and west orientations. The loggias of the apartments are particularly noteworthy, as they create elegant spaces through alternating aluminum balustrades that envelop the entire glass façade and offer both sun protection and privacy. A fascinating interplay of shapes unfolds, which contributes significantly to the visual sophistication of the tower.

The Grand Tower has not only enriched the Frankfurt skyline, but has also won numerous international awards. In 2017, the prestigious project was awarded international prizes, including Best Residential Tower in Europe. The Grand Tower is thus celebrated architecture worldwide: in fall 2017, the tower won the German Design Award. The prize honors the design in the category Excellent Communications Design Architecture: Residential. The jury’s verdict: “With a height of 172 m and 44,000 m² of space, the Grand Tower is exemplary of forward-looking residential construction and aesthetically sophisticated densification in inner-city areas. The iconic façade offers every resident a private outdoor space as well as wind and sun protection.”

At the European Property Award 2017, the Grand Tower achieved a triple victory for the sector “Germany” , winning Best Residential High-rise Architecture Germany in the category “Architecture” and Best Residential High-rise Development Germany in the category “Project Development”. In addition, its marketing is awarded as Best Development Marketing Germany.

The ceremony of the International Property Award in London is very special as well: The Grand Tower dominates the category “Best Residential High-rise Architecture Europe”.

These international recognitions underline the groundbreaking significance of the Grand Tower as an architectural jewel and a pioneering example of housing construction and urban densification.

Glass Gate:

RIVA Engineering’s portfolio features a remarkable innovation in the form of their glass swing gates. These gates, available as both double-wing and four-wing configurations, are a testament to RIVA’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of design and functionality. Standing up to 7 meters tall and stretching as wide as 14 meters, they present an otherworldly presence that captivates the eye.

The creation of these gates required RIVA’s engineers and their clients to venture into uncharted territory. They achieved a level of finesse previously unseen in gate systems of such magnitude, where the glass serves as the load-bearing element, rather than the frame. This was made possible through a meticulously engineered glass assembly, comprising eight laminated panes, affixed to the frame with high-performance silicone.

Each gate leaf, weighing up to five tons, necessitates the use of robust, tailor-made motors to facilitate a computer-controlled operation that is both precise and fluid. RIVA’s dedication to safety is evident in their comprehensive safety and protection concept, ensuring secure operation at all times. This includes load cells at entry and exit points, touch and pressure-sensitive sensors, cutting-edge camera technology, and advanced control software, all working in concert to guarantee the safety of both individuals and machinery

Glass Facade:

The glass façades, particularly for the Shamiyah Expansion Project, are extraordinary in every sense. They boast the largest shaped insulated glass panes of their quality ever produced, some towering up to 25 meters. These panes are supported by a glass structure that imparts an unparalleled lightness and elegance.

Each pane is a work of art, adorned with elaborate ornamentation that accentuates the building’s architecture. In some cases, the glass is coated with real gold, adding to the façade’s luxurious appeal. The glass fins that provide the necessary stiffness and safety to the façade structure are in themselves a marvel of engineering. Composed of five individually shaped, hardened safety glass panes laminated with titanium, these fins are a testament to RIVA’s innovative approach to construction.

The frames that hold these glass elements are precision-engineered masterpieces, milled from solid blocks of stainless steel and aluminum. Some are even gold-plated, contributing to the project’s exclusivity and quality. The Teflon-based coating applied to these frames ensures durability and resistance to pollution and staining, further elevating the façade’s functional resilience.

Below these towering glass elements, the North Bridges feature pivoting windows that operate automatically, controlled by the building management system. These windows enhance the façade’s lightweight appearance and operate without any visible frames, seamlessly connecting to form a weather-tight seal when closed.