CIPRIANI DOLCHE ITALIAN RESTAURANT PROJECT
Comprehensive Wet Area Wall Lining Solutions Using 12 mm ACFA Fiber Cement Board
Prepared by: ACFA Building Solutions
Client: Cipriani Dolche Italian Restaurant
Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
ACFA Building Solutions supplied and supported the wet area wall lining systems for the Cipriani Dolche Italian Restaurant project in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The project required a durable, moisture-resistant wall system capable of supporting high-performance wet area applications while ensuring long-term dimensional stability and construction efficiency.
The project utilized 12 mm ACFA Fiber Cement Board installed over galvanized steel framing to create robust wall lining systems for bathrooms and service areas. The selected system provided a superior alternative to conventional gypsum board by offering enhanced moisture resistance, improved durability, and a stable substrate for ceramic and porcelain tile finishes.
This case study highlights the project background, system selection, installation methodology, and final outcomes achieved through the implementation of ACFA wet area wall lining solutions.
PROJECT BACKGROUND
The Cipriani Dolche Italian Restaurant project required high-performance wall lining systems for wet areas within a premium hospitality environment. These spaces demanded construction materials capable of withstanding continuous exposure to humidity while providing a durable substrate for high-quality ceramic finishes and accommodating concealed mechanical, electrical, and plumbing services.
The project required:
- Moisture-resistant wall lining systems
- Durable substrate for ceramic and porcelain tiles
- Concealed plumbing and electrical service integration
- High impact resistance
- Fire-safe building materials
- Stable wall construction with minimal movement
- Fast and efficient installation
- Long-term reliability with minimal maintenance
To achieve these objectives, ACFA 12 mm Fiber Cement Board systems were selected as a superior alternative to conventional gypsum board applications, providing exceptional moisture resistance, dimensional stability, durability, and long-term performance while maintaining the advantages of lightweight dry construction.
PROJECT STAKEHOLDERS
Client: Cipriani Dolche Italian Restaurant
Contractor: ARC Construction
Material Supplier: ACFA Building Solutions
SCOPE OF WORK (ACFA BUILDING SOLUTIONS)
1. Wet Area Wall Lining Systems
- Supply of 12 mm ACFA Fiber Cement Board
- Bathroom wall lining applications
- Concealed plumbing enclosure systems
- Wet area wall preparation
- Tile backing systems
2. Technical Support
- Installation recommendations
- Application guidance
- Site support and coordination
3. Construction Efficiency
- Lightweight dry construction methodology
- Coordination with MEP services
- Fast-track installation
- High-quality wall surfaces ready for waterproofing and tile installation
TECHNICAL COMPLIANCE
The selected ACFA 12 mm Fiber Cement Board system was chosen to support the project's requirements for moisture resistance, durability, occupant safety, and long-term wet area performance.
Key performance benefits included:
- Excellent moisture resistance for wet area applications
- Stable substrate for ceramic and porcelain tile finishes
- High impact resistance for demanding commercial environments
- Non-combustible material properties supporting fire safety requirements
- Resistance to mould and fungal growth
- Minimal expansion and shrinkage ensuring dimensional stability
- Smooth surfaces suitable for waterproofing systems
- Reliable long-term performance with reduced maintenance requirements
CONSTRUCTION METHODOLOGY
1. Structural Construction
- Installation and alignment of galvanized steel stud and track systems
- Verification of framing layout in accordance with manufacturer recommendations
2. MEP Integration
- Coordination of water supply systems
- Installation of drainage lines
- Integration of electrical conduits and outlet boxes
- Completion of concealed services prior to board installation
3. Wall Lining Installation
- Installation of 12 mm ACFA Fiber Cement Boards using corrosion-resistant screws
- Accurate cutting of openings for plumbing fixtures and electrical services
- Quality inspections throughout installation
4. Finishing Works
- Joint preparation using alkali-resistant fiberglass mesh tape and cementitious joint compound
- Surface preparation for waterproofing applications
- Completion of wall systems ready for ceramic and porcelain tile installation
CHALLENGES & SOLUTIONS
|
Challenge |
Solution |
|
Coordinating multiple concealed plumbing and electrical services |
Early MEP coordination ensured accurate service routing before board installation, minimizing conflicts during construction. |
|
Maintaining precise cut-outs for sanitary fixtures |
Careful measurement and accurate board cutting provided clean openings while preserving board integrity. |
|
Ensuring board joints aligned with framing members |
Proper framing layout and installation procedures ensured secure board fixing and long-term structural stability. |
|
Preventing damage to concealed services during installation |
Controlled installation methods and continuous site coordination protected plumbing and electrical systems throughout construction. |
|
Delivering a durable substrate for tile finishes in wet environments |
ACFA Fiber Cement Board provided excellent moisture resistance, dimensional stability, and a reliable base for waterproofing and ceramic tile installation. |
FINAL OUTCOME
The completed project delivered:
- Durable moisture-resistant wall lining systems
- Stable substrate for ceramic and porcelain tile finishes
- Efficient integration of concealed plumbing and electrical services
- Smooth and uniform wall surfaces ready for waterproofing
- Faster installation compared to conventional masonry construction
- Reduced structural dead load through lightweight dry construction
- Reliable long-term performance in high-humidity environments
Beyond construction efficiency, the project demonstrates how ACFA Fiber Cement Board systems provide dependable wet area solutions that combine durability, moisture resistance, ease of installation, and long-term performance for premium hospitality developments.
CONCLUSION
ACFA Building Solutions successfully delivered comprehensive wet area wall lining solutions for the Cipriani Dolche Italian Restaurant project. The selected 12 mm Fiber Cement Board system provided a durable and efficient alternative to conventional wall construction methods, combining fast installation with superior moisture resistance, dimensional stability, and long-term reliability.
This project serves as a strong reference for the application of ACFA Fiber Cement Board systems in restaurants, hotels, healthcare facilities, commercial buildings, and other wet area environments where durability, moisture resistance, construction efficiency, and long-term performance are essential.