Wasl Tower to be the tallest sustainable building in the world

Wasl Tower is a new 64-storey mixed-use building in Dubai, scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2024. The tower is setting new standards for sustainability and environmentally-friendly construction practices, without compromising the comfort of its residents. Once completed, Wasl Tower will be nearly 1,000 feet tall and the entire project, featuring residential apartments, F&B establishments, a 259-key hotel, a swimming pool and office spaces, will span more than 1.8 million square feet.

Designed by UNStudio, in collaboration with engineering consultant Werner Sobek, the architectural concept aligns with the sustainability initiatives of the UAE and the climate goals of the region.

Some of the innovations and technological developments used in constructing Wasl Tower are as follows:

• ceramic fins – made from clay and ceramic and encased in aluminium to provide shade and wind-induced cooling while allowing natural light to fill the building
• twisting facade – visually stunning and meets current regulations for safety, energy efficiency and sustainability
• solar thermal panels – to heat water more efficiently
• bronze-coated reflective glazing – to enhance thermal performance
• lighting control system – to reduce light pollution and energy consumption
• heat pump system – to reduce power consumption
• clean and recycled materials – to promote health, well-being and comfort

Even more outstanding is the outdoor microclimate that will be created using a combination of landscaping techniques and vegetation. This will help to block intrusive noise, recycle grey return water, and provide beautiful scenery for the mental well-being of the residents. What’s more, the floorplans have been designed in such a superior way as to minimise wasted space, reduce wind loads and limit materials used for construction.

Wasl Tower is an advanced sustainability project that will be well-underway during the COP28 summit, held in November 2023 in Dubai. This will be the ideal time for the emirate to show off its achievements in the sustainability sector, highlighting its technological advancements and future plans. The UAE’s commitment to climate change initiatives continue to put it at the forefront of innovation and makes it attractive to investors, both foreign and local, who wish to capitalise on the green movement and minimise their carbon footprint.