The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), is one of the leading utilities in the world, providing electricity and water to over 725,000 customers in the Emirates of Dubai.
DEWA’s corporate vision as a Sustainable Innovative World-Class Utility has been demonstrated by a commitment to sustainability by way of the numerous public awareness projects, energy and water conservation projects, renewable energy projects and the third party certification of their recent building projects.
The new Dewa Headquarters building shall be a demonstration of these sustainability values, and further be the best in class office and commercial facility. It is envisaged to become a futuristic development in terms of design, sustainability, superior occupant comfort and well-being, and integration of state-of-the-art technologies related to office environment, forming a more productive, happy office and sustainable business environment.
The project will consist of a basement, podium and multi-storied tower, parking and associated facilities.
The project aims to maximize sustainable design features, energy and water efficiency, and to achieve LEED Platinum, WEL building certification and Zero Energy or Nearly Zero Energy status.
The building shall be an Architectural Landmark, embracing innovative architecture whilst adopting a fresh interpretation of traditional elements such as arabesque patterns, creating a timeless architectural statement and character, and unique identity that defines DEWA’s vision.
The concept was developed adopting a radical integrated design approach: every part of the building –from its shape up to its tiniest component will cooperate to maximum effect. We have been working with a holistic view, nurturing interactions and synergies.
Highlights include:
1_ Elliptical shape oriented to minimize East and West facades.
2_ Horizontal and vertical sun shading louvers to minimize solar gain (vertical shading will be perforated, horizontal will support PV).
3_ Traditional elements (e.g. masharabiya patterns, souq , etc.) are combined with innovative building systems.
4_ Fair faced concrete for the central core, in order to exploit its thermal mass combined with free cooling night ventilation (in cooler months) or pre cooled air
5_ Canadian wells to pre cool air before treatment
6_ Grey water treatment (Natural Bio Pool) and on site re-use (garden irrigation, toilets, etc.)
7_ Green roofing on the hill shaped, organic podium conceived as the oasis concept
8_Functional mixing between office spaces and amenities.
9_Use of Integrated Workplace Management System / Building Management System in order to provide a smart working environment (thus reducing the nr. of desk and optimizing the user per desk ratio)