Center of Curiosity Museum

Project Description:

As part of Abu Dhabi’s cultural and experiential development initiative, Desert Grove Pools & Spas, in collaboration with Watercurl Pools LLC, was appointed to execute the supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of the complete MEP systems for six fully interactive water features at the Center of Curiosity Museum on Yas Island. This groundbreaking museum, designed to inspire young minds and families through science, play, and discovery, integrates water as both a sensory and educational element—requiring technical systems that are safe, sustainable, and highly responsive.

Scope of Work

Desert Grove’s turnkey scope covered:

Complete mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems for all six water features

Integration with architectural water basins, concealed mechanical rooms, and exhibit structures

Smart automation through PLC control systems and full BMS interfacing

Supply and installation of large-diameter plumbing pipework, with diameters up to 400 mm, tailored to meet the high-flow requirements of interactive features

Testing, commissioning, balancing, and training for client facility teams

Key Technical Components

Regenerative Filtration System
All six features are connected to advanced regenerative media filtration systems, offering excellent water clarity with minimum water waste. These systems reduce the frequency of backwash cycles and chemical consumption, aligning with the sustainability standards required by Estidama and Abu Dhabi Environment Agency for public installations.

UV Disinfection Technology – First Class
Each water feature includes a first-class UV disinfection unit to ensure the highest level of water hygiene—crucial for installations where children are likely to come into direct contact with water. The UV system operates continuously, reducing reliance on chlorine while maintaining safe and crystal-clear water.

Smart Automation & Controls

PLC-based automation system allowing independent and synchronized control of feature sequences, water levels, chemical dosing, and filtration cycles

Full integration with the building’s BMS (Building Management System) for real-time monitoring and remote diagnostics

Programmable show sequences for dynamic water displays, responsive to motion or timed triggers

High-Capacity Hydraulic Infrastructure

Large-scale underground piping networks, including plumbing pipes up to 400 mm in diameter, installed with precision to serve high-flow and high-velocity zones

Submersible and dry-mounted pumps with VFDs for energy efficiency and flow control

Custom-built stainless steel manifolds and suction/discharge arrangements for optimal hydraulic performance

Electrical & Safety Systems

LV panels, MCCs, and interlocks compliant with ADDC regulations

Integrated grounding, emergency shut-off systems, and waterproof enclosures

Coordination with exhibit and lighting teams to ensure visual harmony and functional safety

Project Challenges & Execution Strategy

The six interactive water features were each uniquely designed to complement themed educational zones, demanding tailor-made mechanical solutions and close coordination with exhibit designers, structural engineers, and museum curators. Key challenges included:

Executing works within tight architectural tolerances and concealed plant spaces

Managing complex hydraulic layouts beneath finished public plazas and interior zones

Achieving fast-reacting interactive features while preserving system efficiency and water hygiene

Desert Grove’s in-house engineering team maintained strict QA/QC procedures, conducted thorough pre-commissioning tests, and collaborated with specialist consultants to meet all authority and operational standards.

Project Outcome

The completed water features at the Center of Curiosity Museum now function as immersive, interactive experiences that merge play, education, and environmental technology. Desert Grove Pools & Spas,in collaboration with Watercurl Pools LLC, is proud to have delivered this technically complex and publicly visible package, demonstrating its capability in delivering large-scale, intelligent, and sustainable water feature systems in the UAE’s most prestigious cultural destinations.