ADTA/TDIC break ground on new 'green building' headquarters

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Being built adjacent to Maqta Bridge, the main gateway to Abu Dhabi city, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, the new headquarters has been designed by Singapore's Surbana Consultants. The headquarters is being positioned to secure the Gold Award based on the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) 'Green Building' standard.

'When completed, this state-of-the-art, Class A office development will set the benchmark for architectural excellence and sustainable design within Abu Dhabi, and possibly the whole of the UAE,' said His Excellency Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of both ADTA and TDIC.

'We believe that urban developments should not come at the expense of care for the environment. Through the adoption of a modernistic, elegant and yet holistic approach towards design, we believe we will deliver a win-win outcome for both development and environmental needs.'

Scheduled for completion in 2009, the nine-storey, beachfront building, which will also house a number of serviced offices for third party tenants and have three levels of underground car parking, will be built around a central courtyard.

The building has been designed to benefit from several eco-friendly energy conservation features. There is a Building Integrated Photovoltaic roof to harness solar energy to power some of the development's operations, as well as ample green decks at the rooftop level of adjoining blocks to actively reduce heat transfer into the building.

Lush landscaping and water features will surround the building, which will also be complemented by a timber-decked jetty lounge, floating bridge and floating office.

The building will also house a number of cafés, restaurants and shops to allow for al fresco, seafront dining and will be enhanced by a TDIC exhibition display area, a multi-purpose hall and auditorium and gymnasium.

Sustainability has also impacted the building's interiors with ambient lighting and indoor landscaping in evidence.

'This is a best-of-breed development which is exemplified in the Abu Dhabi Plan 2030 - an example of how best practice can be applied to guide future planning and architecture,' said Falah Al Ahbabi, General Manager of the Urban Planning Council, Abu Dhabi. 'It is a benchmark for our future urban fabric which sensitively acknowledges the need for environment friendly buildings.'

The appropriate headquarters' LEED design approach not only focuses on energy and environmental issues, but also indoor environmental qualities and long term building management strategies.

'Improved thermal comfort, better ventilation and lighting quality will positively impact the occupants' well being,' explained Lee Tabler, CEO, TDIC. 'We will also formulate performance maintenance strategies to further optimise the use of natural resources.'

In addition, the new ADTA/TDIC headquarters will house the Middle East Council of the Urban Land Institute (ULI), a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to responsible land use, complete with a real estate education centre with a library, seminar and conference rooms.

'The creation of the education centre is a solid commitment by TDIC to furthering enhancing practices throughout the Middle East's rapidly evolving real estate industry,' said Tabler.

'ULI offers a broad range of courses in real estate development, valuation, contract management, urban and regional development, investment and economics. These courses and others tailored for regional needs, will be brought to Abu Dhabi.'