The Al Bahr towers - enhancing sustainability through innovation

Abstract

This paper presents the Al Bahr Towers recently completed in Abu Dhabi. It describes the innovative adaptive facade that wraps around the towers and adapts in accordance to the solar incidence to control solar heat gain and optimise daylight within the buildings. The paper reports the studies carried out to mitigate the risks inherent in implementing a novel shading system in a large building project. It elaborates on how the façade was implemented and its sustainability credentials in relation to energy performance of the project. The paper describes how daylighting was controlled by the Mashrabiya screen and the typology of the curtain wall lying behind it. A critique is made on the possible implementation of a similar system in a Mediterranean climate.