DHAHRAN MALL
External Cement Board Cladding System

Using ACFA Plus on Galvanized Iron (GI) Framing

Prepared by:                 ACFA Building Solutions

Client:                              Dhahran Mall

Contractor:                    AbdulAziz and AbdulRehman AlDossri Company

Location:                         Dhahran, Saudi Arabia

Project Duration:         February 2026 – Ongoing

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

ACFA Building Solutions supplied and supported the external cement board cladding system for Dhahran Mall in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. The project involved the installation of ACFA Plus Cement Boards on a galvanized iron (GI) framing system to create a durable, weather-resistant, and aesthetically uniform external façade.

The system was selected for its dimensional stability, moisture resistance, fire performance, and suitability for large-scale exterior wall applications. By combining lightweight construction with long-term durability, the ACFA cladding system enabled efficient installation while delivering a premium architectural finish.

This case study highlights the project background, system selection, construction methodology, and the benefits achieved through the implementation of ACFA Plus Cement Board cladding systems.

PROJECT BACKGROUND

Dhahran Mall required an external façade solution capable of delivering long-term durability while maintaining a modern architectural appearance suitable for a high-traffic commercial development.

The project required:

• Durable external wall cladding
• Superior weather and moisture resistance
• Lightweight construction to reduce structural loading
• High-quality architectural finishes
• Fast-track installation
• Long-term dimensional stability
• Reduced maintenance requirements

To achieve these objectives, ACFA Plus Cement Boards installed on a galvanized iron framing system were selected as a high-performance alternative to conventional façade construction methods.

PROJECT STAKEHOLDERS

Client:                              Dhahran Mall

Contractor:                    AbdulAziz and AbdulRehman AlDossri Company

Material Supplier:       ACFA Building Solutions

SCOPE OF WORK (ACFA BUILDING SOLUTIONS)

1. Supply of Cement Board Cladding System

• ACFA Plus Cement Boards
• 9 mm and 12 mm board thicknesses
• External façade cladding applications
• Large-scale wall elevations

2. Galvanized Iron Framing System

• Secondary GI framing support
• Mechanical fixing using corrosion-resistant screws
• Structural support for external cladding panels

3. Surface Finishing System

• Joint treatment and reinforcement
• Surface preparation
• Application of textured exterior coating

4. Technical Support

• Installation recommendations
• Application guidance
• Site coordination support

TECHNICAL COMPLIANCE

The selected ACFA Plus Cement Board cladding system was designed to satisfy the project's requirements for exterior durability, weather protection, structural efficiency, and architectural quality.

Key performance benefits included:

• • Excellent weather resistance for long-term external exposure
  • Moisture-resistant performance and dimensional stability
  • Non-combustible material supporting fire safety requirements
  • Lightweight construction reducing loads on the primary structure
  • High impact resistance suitable for commercial environments
  • Smooth surfaces suitable for premium textured architectural coatings
  • Long service life with reduced maintenance requirements
  • Reliable performance under demanding environmental conditions

CONSTRUCTION METHODOLOGY

1. GI Framing Installation
   • Installation of galvanized iron framing system
   • Alignment and level verification
   • Preparation for board installation

2. Cement Board Installation
   • Installation of 9 mm and 12 mm ACFA Plus Cement Boards
   • Mechanical fixing using corrosion-resistant screws
   • Continuous quality inspections during installation

3. Joint Treatment
   • Reinforcement of board joints
   • Joint treatment application
   • Surface preparation for final coating

4. Surface Finishing
   • Application of textured exterior coating
   • Final architectural finish
   • Inspection of completed façade surfaces

CHALLENGES & SOLUTIONS

FINAL OUTCOME

The completed façade system delivered:

• • Durable and impact-resistant external wall construction
  • Excellent weather and moisture resistance
  • Reduced structural loading through lightweight construction
  • High-quality architectural finishes with a seamless appearance
  • Faster installation compared with conventional masonry alternatives
  • Long-term dimensional stability and durability
  • Reduced maintenance requirements throughout the building lifecycle

The project demonstrates the effectiveness of ACFA Plus Cement Board cladding systems in commercial developments where architectural quality, weather resistance, construction efficiency, and long-term performance are essential.

CONCLUSION

ACFA Building Solutions successfully delivered the external cement board cladding system for Dhahran Mall using ACFA Plus Cement Boards installed on a galvanized iron framing system. The selected system combined structural efficiency, weather resistance, fire performance, and architectural flexibility to create a durable, low-maintenance façade with a premium finish.

This project serves as a strong reference for the application of ACFA Plus Cement Board cladding systems in shopping malls, commercial developments, public buildings, and other projects where exterior durability, architectural excellence, and long-term performance are critical requirements.