Outdoor Pergola Structures at Riyadh Metro, Western Station (3B2)

Atlantis Contracting successfully completed the supply and installation of three outdoor architectural pergola structures at the Riyadh Metro Western Station (3B2), with a total covered area of 173.13 m². The works were executed for CWG Western Station JV under the supervision of the Riyadh Metro Transit Consultant JV, in full compliance with approved shop drawings, technical specifications, and the project's stringent quality requirements. Each pergola integrates a structural steel core framework, heavy-duty concrete pedestal anchorage, natural oak wood cladding, and a CNC-fabricated aluminum roof system — delivering a premium architectural shading solution fully aligned with the station's design identity and public realm character.

Project Overview

Riyadh Metro Project – Western Station (3B2 Station)

Location:Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Consultant:Riyadh Metro Transit Consultant JV – AR Riyadh New Mobility

Main Contractor:CWG Western Station JV – Line 3

Contractor:Atlantis Contracting

Scope:Supply & Installation of 3 Outdoor Architectural Pergola Structures

Total Area:173.13 m²

Key Systems:Structural Steel | Natural Oak Wood Cladding | CNC Aluminum Roof | Heavy-Duty Anchorage

Site Conditions Upon Arrival

Upon mobilization to the Western Station site, the Atlantis team conducted a full survey of the installation zones. The following conditions were documented:

•Site was an active metro construction zone with multiple concurrent trade packages operating simultaneously — imposing strict sequencing, access control, and coordination requirements.

•Reinforced concrete pedestals designated for pergola anchorage were in varying stages of completion and required dimensional verification before fabrication could be finalized.

•Exposed outdoor environment with Riyadh's extreme heat and dust conditions required careful material handling, surface protection, and installation scheduling to preserve finish quality.

•Consultant and main contractor approval processes for shop drawings, material submittals, and method statements were intensive — requiring detailed technical documentation from Atlantis at every stage.

•Tight spatial tolerances at the station precinct required high-precision alignment of all three pergola structures to achieve seamless integration with the surrounding architectural context.

Site Challenges & Atlantis Solutions

 Challenge 1: Shop Drawing Approval & Submittal Process

The Riyadh Metro project operates under one of the most rigorous submittal and approval frameworks in Saudi Arabia. Every shop drawing, material data sheet, and method statement required multi-tier review by both the main contractor (CWG JV) and the consultant (AR Riyadh New Mobility), with multiple revision cycles before final approval.

Solution: Atlantis dedicated a technical team to manage all submittal documentation from the outset — preparing fully coordinated shop drawings, comprehensive material submittals, and detailed method statements in line with project specifications. A structured revision tracking process was maintained to respond to consultant comments efficiently and minimize approval lead times.

Challenge 2: Precision Fabrication & Pedestal Dimensional Variations

The reinforced concrete pedestals to which the pergola anchorage systems were fixed were constructed by others and exhibited dimensional variations from the approved drawings. These discrepancies required adjustments to the fabricated steel base plates and anchorage configurations before installation could proceed. 

Solution: Prior to commencing fabrication, the Atlantis team conducted a precise as-built survey of all pedestal locations and dimensions. Fabrication drawings were updated to reflect actual site conditions, and base plate connections were engineered with adjustable tolerance to accommodate minor variations — ensuring structural integrity and alignment without requiring remedial works to the civil structure.

Challenge 3: Natural Oak Wood in Outdoor Riyadh Conditions

Natural oak wood cladding in an exposed outdoor environment in Riyadh — with extreme heat, UV radiation, and dust — required careful handling, pre-treatment, and installation sequencing to protect finish quality and ensure long-term durability. 

Solution: All oak wood cladding was delivered pre-treated with appropriate exterior-grade protective coatings. On-site handling protocols were implemented to prevent surface damage during installation. Cladding installation was sequenced as one of the final activities to minimize exposure time prior to project handover, preserving the premium finish quality required by the station's architectural standards.

Challenge 4: Alignment & Integration with Station Architecture

The three pergola structures were required to integrate seamlessly with the station's public realm design — maintaining precise alignment, level, and visual consistency across all three units despite the site-level variations and construction tolerances of the surrounding completed works.

Solution: Atlantis used precision survey equipment to establish a unified reference datum for all three pergola installation zones prior to any steelwork erection. Each structure was erected, levelled, and aligned against this datum before final anchoring. The CNC-fabricated aluminum roof panels were installed last, with final adjustments made to ensure uniform joint lines and a consistent architectural finish across all three structures.

System Components

Component

Description

Structural Steel Framework

Engineered steel core structure designed for outdoor environmental conditions and long-term structural performance

Heavy-Duty Anchorage System

Fixed to reinforced concrete pedestals — engineered for structural stability and resistance to wind and seismic loads

Natural Oak Wood Cladding

Exterior-grade natural oak, pre-treated for UV and weather resistance — premium architectural finish

CNC Aluminum Roof System

High-precision CNC-fabricated aluminum roof panels — modern aesthetic, durable, low maintenance

Total Area

173.13 m² across 3 pergola structures

 Operations Summary

The following sequence of operations was carried out by the Atlantis team:

•Site mobilization and as-built survey of all reinforced concrete pedestal locations and dimensions.

•Preparation and submission of shop drawings, material data sheets, and method statements for main contractor and consultant approval.

•Fabrication of structural steel core frameworks and heavy-duty base plate anchorage systems in compliance with approved shop drawings.

•CNC fabrication of aluminum roof panels with precision tolerances to achieve the required architectural finish.

•Pre-treatment and preparation of natural oak wood cladding with exterior-grade protective coatings.

•Erection and alignment of structural steel frameworks using a unified survey datum across all three pergola locations.

•Installation of heavy-duty anchorage systems to reinforced concrete pedestals.

•Installation of natural oak wood cladding elements with full surface protection protocols.

•Installation of CNC-fabricated aluminum roof system with final alignment and joint finishing.

•Final inspection, quality assurance checks, and handover documentation submitted to CWG JV and the consultant.

Outcome & Performance

Upon completion, Atlantis Contracting successfully delivered three premium outdoor architectural pergola structures at the Riyadh Metro Western Station (3B2), covering a total area of 173.13 m². The structures provide functional outdoor shading while enhancing the visual character and public realm quality of the Western Station precinct. The project demonstrates Atlantis's capability to deliver bespoke architectural metalwork and woodwork solutions — combining structural engineering precision, premium material selection, and high-quality craftsmanship — within one of Saudi Arabia's most significant and high-profile transportation infrastructure developments.