The Wasl Tower, set to be one of the world’s tallest buildings
The Wasl Tower, set to be one of the world’s tallest buildings, is making significant strides in sustainability and energy efficiency. Here are some key points about the building’s sustainability features and its impact:
Ceramic Fins for Energy Efficiency:
Wasl Tower is using ceramic fins on its facade to enhance energy efficiency. These fins, made from clay and low-tech glazed ceramic, are inclined on the building’s exterior and serve multiple purposes. They provide shade, enhance wind-induced cooling, and direct daylight deep into the building’s interior. This innovative use of traditional construction materials helps reduce the building’s energy consumption.
Mixed-Use Development:
The building is a massive mixed-use project with various facilities, including apartments, offices, restaurants, a luxurious hotel, and a swimming pool. This combination of functions promotes sustainability by reducing the need for separate buildings and long commutes, contributing to a more sustainable urban environment.
Architectural and Engineering Collaboration:
The architectural template for the Wasl Tower was developed by UNStudio, and it aligns with the engineering and sustainability concept of lead engineering consultant Werner Sobek. This collaboration ensures that the building’s design and engineering are optimized for sustainability and energy efficiency.
Energy Efficiency Measures:
The tower incorporates several energy efficiency measures, including solar thermal panels for hot water, bronze-coated reflective glazing for thermal performance, and the use of ceramic fins to reduce cooling loads. These measures significantly lower overall energy consumption and reduce the tower’s carbon footprint, providing greater comfort for occupants.
People-Centered Approach:
The building design prioritizes the health and well-being of guests and residents. It incorporates clean and recycled materials and finishes to enhance comfort and user experience. Additionally, a clear spatial setup and well-planned public levels and amenities make the building people-centric, promoting sustainable development.
Outdoor Microclimate:
The combination of outdoor landscaping, vegetation, and passive systems creates a comfortable outdoor microclimate around the building. This enhances the quality of outdoor spaces and promotes sustainability.
Acoustical Environment:
Carefully controlled acoustics provide an interior environment that is shielded from both exterior noise intrusion and internally generated noise, contributing to the comfort of occupants.
Sustainable Structural Design:
The building’s parametric design and high-tech engineering have led to a smart structural concept that results in a highly efficient floorplan. The unique architectural design also reduces wind loads by 20%, and slender structural components save building materials, further enhancing sustainability.
Wasl Tower’s commitment to sustainability and innovative design makes it a significant addition to Dubai’s efforts to be a global leader in adopting state-of-the-art sustainability solutions in the construction sector, especially as it prepares to host the global climate summit COP 28.