Al Bahr Towers

Identification

Map

Facts

• Principles of geometric composition drawn from traditional Islamic architecture were applied in creating the towers' shape.
• The towers feature a dynamic, translucent facade that opens and closes in response to the sun's movement, reducing solar gain on the facade by up to 50%.
• The facade is inspired by "mashrabiya", a form of wooden lattice screen used in Islamic architecture as a means of retaining privacy while simultaneously reducing glare and solar gain.
• Translucent, umbrella-like components make up the facade; there are 2,000 of these "mashrabiya" components on each tower.
• The dynamic facade solution removes the need for heavily-tinted glass, thus reducing use of artificial lighting and internal blinds, improving the incidence of daylight and giving occupants better views.
• The Building Management System controls the facade, creating an intelligent facade system.
• Sky gardens in the most heavily exposed southern elevation further reduce solar gain and provide users with amenity space.
• The crown of the towers, however, is cut at an angle to maximize solar gain for the photovoltaics on the roof.
• Energy gained from the solar panels is used for heating the complex' hot water.
• Overall, the two towers, including ground floor and podium, provide 70,000 square meters of accommodation.
• The towers are home to the Abu Dhabi Investment Council (ADIC).
• The project aims to achieve LEED Silver Rating.