Dhs1.7bn luxury project, 'The Opus' breaks ground at Business Bay

Designed by world renowned architect, Zaha Hadid, the project is valued at over Dhs1.7bn and will enhance the skyline of Dubai's Business Bay with an iconic and artistic architectural design. Since its high profile reveal in London over the summer, The Opus is already over sixty percent sold out.

At a ground breaking ceremony held during the opening day of Dubai Cityscape 2007, the 85,000 square metres luxury project was inaugurated by Mr. Mohammed Binbrek, CEO of Dubai Properties, Mr. Mehdi Amjad, President and CEO of Omniyat Properties and Pritzker Prize-winning architect, Ms. Zaha Hadid at the Omniyat Properties Pavilion. The Opus is projected to be completed by early 2010.

"The Opus represents a new era for commercial development which will become the most prestigious and iconic project in Business Bay, in terms of its premier location, state of the art design and revolutionary form.

"We are building something exclusive in one of the best locations at Business Bay. The Opus is a symbiotic mix of technology and art, creating a structure that has been designed to resemble a cube with a fluid form "void" in the middle. It will consist of three individual towers that are fused to create the illusion of one single structure," said Mr. Amjad.

Mr. Amjad unveiled an intricately constructed scale model of The Opus project, highlighting its design and facilities. Situated on a unique "island" plot in Dubai's Business Bay, The Opus boasts a waterfront location and is strategically positioned to offer its tenants exclusivity, with a spectacular view of Burj Dubai and without any adjoining properties or projects.

"To further our vision of The Opus, we invited the world's leading architect, Ms. Zaha Hadid, whose name is behind some of the leading landmarks and lifestyle centres in the world," added Mr. Amjad.

"This is a building that challenges traditional concepts of office space," commented Ms. Zaha Hadid. "Not only will it be visually stunning, it will also be a workable space, and a place that allows every occupant to experience a better quality working environment. All facets of the project have been meticulously designed to provide optimal use of the space, with materials sourced to provide durability and efficiency."

The "Void" is a distinctive feature of The Opus and is treated as a volume in its own right. It creates the illusion of extending past the physical boundaries of the structure, and is clad with fully engineered curved glass curtain wall systems, allowing stunning views into its centre.

The glass façade is made up of reflective patterns in the form of pixelated striations to provide a degree of reflectivity and materiality, while assisting in the reduction of solar heat inside the building.

Three floors of the Opus will be dedicated to retail and food & beverage. The retail design is inspired by natural light and space, creating a unique shopping and dining experience that will offer unparalleled style and sophistication.

"The tenants will be a powerful mix of brands from all over the world. Although we have had an overwhelming response to the project so far, we will be very selective with the retail tenant mix," stated Mr. Amjad.

"We offer a premium project with premium facilities, for both office and retail tenants alike. Staying true to the Omniyat brand promise, The Opus is designed with the commercial tenant in mind. Our tenants will be blue chip companies and high net worth individuals who expect high standards and luxury in everything they do, including work. We therefore developed "The Oyster", which is a tranquillity zone, where executives can escape to relax and entertain. The Oyster will be fully equipped with an outdoor deck, reflective pool, a shaded roof terrace, along with a media zone, gymnasium and executive facilities such as massage treatments, spa, nap shells, just to mention a few.

"In the weeks and months to come, we will be unveiling more features about the project and making exciting announcements about the mix of retail stores and restaurants at The Opus," said Mr. Amjad.

See also:
Latest Cityscape news