Five star facilities in Abu Dhabi
Four Seasons Abu Dhabi
Sowwah Island, Abu Dhabi
Project details
Client
Mubadala Development Co.
Architect
Polisano Leventhal Partnership
Duration
2009 – 2014
Services provided by Buro Happold
Acoustics, Building Services Engineering (MEP), Computational engineering, Fire engineering, Technology
The impressive Four Seasons Hotel in Abu Dhabi is a five star establishment adjacent to Sowwah Square, and forms part of the iconic Sowwah Island Development. The hotel is the latest milestone in the development of the 54 Ha site situated in the heart of the city’s new central business district.
The building consists of a 34-storey tower with 10 levels of hotel guest rooms and a further 19 of serviced and private residential units. The base of the tower and podium accommodate banqueting and exhibition facilities, a swimming pool, health spa, restaurants and a retail arcade.
Challenge
A key requirement from the client was to deliver a hotel that offers the highest standard of luxury and guest comfort while remaining cost effective. In addition to this, we needed to optimise the building volume to make the best possible use of the space.
Sustainable design and construction methodologies were a key imperative throughout the project following its registration with the UPC as a pilot Estidama scheme.
Solution
To ensure a quality environment for guests, Buro Happold designed a fully integrated MEP system that met strict criteria for noise and low visibility. With optimising lettable space also a key objective, our innovative solution to free up space by moving some of the plant down two floors resulted in around £40 million of new revenue earning accommodation.
Our specialist team ensured that all aspects of the design maximised the sustainability benefits, particularly in relation to climatic conditions. It is anticipated that the building will achieve a Pearl 3 rating when assessed by the Urban Planning Council (UPC).
Value
By applying our own high design standards to the project Buro Happold helped to deliver an impressive building which offers guests the very best in modern facilities and raises the bar for comfort, value and energy efficiency in the Middle East.
