ALDAR Properties PJSC has announced that it has commenced construction of the 51,000 m² of commercial office space on its mixed-use waterfront project, Al Raha Beach. ALDAR Properties will establish its new headquarter facility within this commercial space.
ALDAR awarded the contract for the commercial space to ALDAR/Laing O'Rourke, the Joint Venture Company that will deliver the project. Architects MZ & Partners conceptualized the stunning round design and ARUP have been appointed as the lead consultants and engineers.
ALDAR's new HQ will be the first spherical building in the Middle East, built to satisfy the most demanding international business elite. The futuristic aluminium and glass exterior, underground parking, turnstile security, marble floors and walls and will ensure this is a commercial building fit for 21st century Arabia. It will be a Category A International office.
Scaling a height of approximately 110 meters, ALDAR will occupy approximately 20% of the building and is now looking to lease the rest to multinational corporations looking for prestigious office space in the fast-expanding capital city of Abu Dhabi. Particularly impressive and efficient is the lift system: the building will contain 12 lifts plus 2 service lifts, fitted with the latest hi-tech automated destination control elevators.
"It is important that ALDAR is the benchmark for quality commercial space in Abu Dhabi and the wider region. Al Raha Beach is the most extensive of projects and is the ultimate location for our offices and for our future growth," said Ronald Barrott, CEO, ALDAR Properties.
Commenting on the announcement, Michael Cox, Al Raha Beach Project Director, said: "The geometric shape of the building symbolizes unity, stability, rationality and modernity beyond the structure of the building. As well as providing ALDAR with a top-flight headquarters, we also look forward to welcoming other companies who are seeking offices built to high international standards."
Christopher Wilkinson, ALDAR Laing/O'Rourke Managing Director, said: "The final construction will be a fusion of tradition and modernity, with complete intelligent building systems, providing ALDAR with a category A international office. We are delighted to have the opportunity of delivering such an iconic signature building."
Piling work has already been completed at the site, and is expected to be complete in 2009. The building will have a total gross floor area of 61,900 m² and a total net area of 51,361 m² and will form an integral part of the stylish business component, known as the Al Dana precinct, at Al Raha Beach. The building is due for completion at the end of 2009.
Despite its round shape, the building will boast high floor use efficiency at 78%. The average footplate per floor is 1,600 m², going up to 2,700 m² from 9th to 13th floor. Rentable area ranges from 1,600 m² to 2,774 m² per floor, with up to approximately 41,000 m² available to lease. The signature project of ALDAR, the Al Raha Beach development will comprise of offices, hotels, residential and retail space, all of which encircle a large public marina.
Source: Property World Middle East
