Innovation in design approach. The Al Nasser Tower forms our latest milestone in corporate office design in the United Arab Emirates. The brief was as simple as it was clear, to create the maximum allowed GFA within the predefined urban envelop and a fixed budget. These contextual constraints form a challenge in maximizing the required office space and creating the characteristic architectural appearance within the strict limitations of the client’s budget.
By using a state of the art design process we were able to create an architectural freedom of expression that integrates architecture, structure and decoration into one coherent design attitude. The elegantly shaped curvature of the tower gives it a different expression from every angle you look at the building. The structural logic is expressed in the architecture and becomes a feature in the interior. The decorative patterns of the façade are the architectural translation of the base surfaces. This integrated approach forms the basis for the marriage of efficiency and architectural elegance.
Nonstandard and cost-effective design approach. Although the design constraints were strict ONL has found a strategy which features a combination of an iconic architecture and a functional lay-out. ONL has valuable experience with realizing nonstandard architecture for normal standard budgets. In ONL's design philosophy architecture, construction and decoration are integrated in one consistent design attitude. The structural logic is expressed in the architecture, the decorative patterns of the facade are the detailed expression of the architectural tesselation of the surfaces. This integrated approach forms the basis for the fusion of cost-effectiveness and architectural eloquence. ONL decided to develop a vase shaped tower, narrow at its base, gaining volume in the shaft and tapered towards the top. Since plot C.08 is a plot with a medium sized tower [GF + 1 + 19 Floors]
ONL wishes to have a narrower top to allow for more open views from the higher buildings around. The vase has been styled by subtly slicing and chamfering the otherwise rectangular floorplan. Relatively modest interventions and parametric modifications of the rectangular basic shape while retaining the structural integrity of the design create the iconic appearance of the Al Nasser Group Headquarters Tower. 1. The shape of the tower improves the sustainability in respect to wind loads since the corners of the floorplan, especially in the shaft and the capital part, are chamfered and rounded off 2. The window openings count for 20-25% of the façade surface, at the same time reducing the cooling loss through the windows and reducing the amount of heat coming into the office floors. Silvery transparent coated glass takes care of a good ZTA / LTA value. 3. The façade is completely covered with glass, 20-25% vision glass 75-80% contrast colored spandrel panels. The structural glazing technique guarantees minimal concentration of moist dust grains and sets the sound basis for low maintenance costs. Self-cleaning glass will be considered but has to be proofed for the harsh Emirates climate. 4. All office space are not deeper then 6m, making all workers profit from direct daylight, and hence saving on lighting costs. The offices are divided in two zones, one closer to the daylight using less artificial light. The zones can be switched on/off separately. 5. The fully ICT driven file to factory process allows for a maximum control on the produced materials. All component are mass-customized, which means that there will be no waste matetrial whatsoever. Mass-customization offers high-level of sustainability as seen in relation to traditional mass production methods 6. The load-bearing structural façade needs no separate support structure for the façade cl;adding system. The same triangulation / tesselation is used for the structural support system as for the cladding system. ONL's innovative structural façade system reduces working hours, time and hence money and is naturally susta1inable due to its its common sense straightforwardness.
