Behind the Scenes of Chaos Kart Dubai: MEP Challenges and Innovations

Behind the Scenes of Chaos Kart Dubai: MEP Challenges and Innovations

Dubai is no stranger to unique and immersive entertainment experiences, and Chaos Kart is a bold addition to the list. Located in Al Quoz and spread across an area of 2,000 square meters, Chaos Kart is more than just a go-karting venue. This immersive attraction is divided into three distinct zones: the Karting Zone, a Café, and The Cube – each with its own identity, experience, and most importantly, technical challenges.

As the MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) contractor for this one-of-a-kind project, we had the opportunity to be part of something truly innovative and international in scope – collaborating closely with the Chaos Kart Manchester, team to ensure seamless integration of complex systems while maintaining high aesthetic and operational standards.

The Karting Zone – Engineering Above the Experience

The Karting Zone is the heart of the project. What sets it apart from traditional tracks is that the karting paths are not physically laid out – they are projected using AV & VR systems onto a cement-finished floor across a massive area of 50 meters by 25 meters.

This feature presented a major MEP challenge: all services had to be routed above the projectors and as high as possible to ensure zero interference with the projections. This required multiple technical meetings and mockups to finalize the Reflected Ceiling Plan (RCP). Through extensive coordination with the UK team, we finalized the placement of AC units, grille types and locations, trunking, and cable tray heights, ensuring all systems worked in harmony with the AV setup. Additionally, special attention was given to power distribution for the VR and AV systems, ensuring uninterrupted immersive racing.

The Café – Practical Yet Comfortable

The Café section, although more standard in nature, came with its own set of design considerations. With seating for 30 guests and a selection of indoor games, it was important to create a comfortable environment. One of the main MEP goals here was to maintain the café under negative pressure, preventing cooking odors from spilling into the adjacent Karting and Cube zones.

We collaborated closely with the kitchen equipment supplier to accurately calculate extract and make-up air loads, maintaining proper airflow balance. Furthermore, detailed planning went into allocating power for kitchen equipment – specifying the outlet type, location, kW rating, and ensuring the proper single-phase or three-phase power supply. The café also includes plumbing services for the kitchen and washrooms, which were coordinated alongside the interior layout to ensure efficiency and space optimization.

The Cube – The Power of Precision

The Cube is a zone packed with action and variety, offering multiple laser gaming experiences. From an MEP standpoint, this was another challenging area due to the complex distribution of multiple voltage systems – including 24V, 110V, 220V, and 440V – all of which needed to be precisely coordinated with the gaming equipment layout.

To avoid any delays or rework, we held in-depth technical meetings with the Cube designers to align every service point with their requirement. Particular attention was given to air conditioning distribution, ensuring uniform comfort without compromising the immersive gaming ambiance.

HVAC and Electrical Power – The Backbone of Operations

To provide reliable and efficient air conditioning across the facility, we installed a 108 TR LG VRF System, divided as follows:

• Karting Zone : 64 TR

• Café : 32 TR 

• The Cube : 12 TR

Despite the complex nature of the systems, the total connected electrical load amounted to only 150 kW. After evaluating the power demands across all three zones, we approached the landlord to request an additional 50 kW allocation, thereby increasing the total connected load from 150 kW to 200 kW.

We strategically distributed the electrical load by installing four Distribution Boards (DBs). Two of these DBs are exclusively assigned to handle lighting and power for their respective areas, while the remaining two are specifically dedicated to supplying power to the VRF systems, as detailed below.

• Karting Zone : 38 kW

• Café & Cube : 46 kW

• DB AC Karting : 74 kW

• DB AC Cafe & Cube : 52 kW

Conclusion

The Chaos Kart project pushed the boundaries of conventional MEP design. By carefully understanding the unique requirements of each zone, coordinating with international design teams, and thinking several steps ahead, we were able to deliver an MEP solution that supports and enhances the immersive experience.

This project is a testament to what’s possible when creativity meets engineering precision. For our team, it wasn’t just another job – it was a thrilling ride from start to finish.