Dubai-headquartered Premier Composite Technologies (PCT) and French epoxy resins specialist Sicomin have collaborated on the Mataf extension of the Holy Mosque of Mecca in Saudi Arabia.

The project has involved the extensive use of composite materials in its architecture, with the Mataf Ceiling –  a structure spanning 216,800 square metres – as a key highlight.

Composite materials were the only viable solution capable of meeting the ambitious weight and performance demands of the ceiling installation, with Sicomin epoxy systems, quadraxial stitched glass fabric and carbon reinforcements being used to create lightweight and intricately decorated soffit panels.

The ceiling was designed, fabricated and installed by PCT. Each individual panel – produced in Dubai and measuring up to 12 x 3 metres – showcases Arabic mashrabiya patterns crafted from ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) and engineered stone agglomerate inlays. These panels meet strict weight requirements of 67 kg per square meter while incorporating critical functions including acoustic insulation, fire protection and integrated custom LED lighting.

To meet the project’s rigorous technical requirements and ambitious timeline, Sicomin supplied its SGi 128 Bio Gelcoat and SR 1122 fire retardant epoxy. Working closely with PCT, Sicomin developed a custom lower-viscosity version of the SR1122 resin, enhancing fibre wet-out and optimising production efficiency. This development enabled PCT to achieve its output levels during peak production. Sicomin also supported extensive third-party fire testing, ensuring that the SR 1122 panels with SGi 128 Bio Gelcoat complied with the ASTM E84 Class A standard.

To meet the tight production schedule, Sicomin established a dedicated warehouse in Dubai, ensuring a flexible and reliable supply chain. This supported PCT’s average production rate of 6,000 square metres per month, while accommodating design approvals, installation constraints and the complexities of mould fabrication.

The expansion, initiated in 2014 and resumed in 2020 after a temporary pause, is set for completion in the third quarter of 2025, with additional phases and further collaborations already in development.

 “We are very proud to have expanded our UAE warehousing and production capacity in France to ensure a fast and secure supply chain for PCT,” says Sicomin CEO Ken Marcovich. “Our goal is to enable our customers to achieve their ambitions. By delivering fire resistant, greenpoxy and architectural systems at an industrial scale, we ensure they never encounter supply limitations.”

“The Mataf Extension has been a landmark project for us,” adds PCT CEO Hannes Waimer. “The complexity of the ceiling required a unique combination of innovative materials, precise engineering and flawless execution. Sicomin’s support has been essential in helping us meet the project’s demanding specifications and timelines.”

A section of the Mataf Ceiling manufactured by PCT will be on display on the Sicomin stand at JEC World 2025 in Paris from March 4-6.

www.sicomin.com