Masdar announced on Monday that it had awarded Brookfield Multiplex the design and construction contract for its new headquarters complex, which is set to form the cornerstone of Masdar City.
The complex will also be home to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). It aims to be one of the most advanced and sustainable multi use complexes in the country. The scheduled completion date is the summer of 2014.
“The award of this contract marks a major milestone in the development of Masdar City,” said Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, the CEO and managing director of Masdar.
“The buildings integrate cutting-edge technologies in energy efficiency, green building and water conservation. We remain committed to the growth of Masdar City as a technology cluster, enabling companies to set up Middle East operations to support the achievement of regional renewable energy targets and the development of clean technologies,” he added.
Masdar aims for the complex to have a four pearl certification under the Estidama Pearl Building Rating System. It will be fitted with 1,000m2 of rooftop photovoltaic solar panels, which will supply renewable electricity to tenants. The project also aims to reduce water usage by more than 50% when compared to a typical Abu Dhabi building.
The complex will be 32,000m2 in size and spread across three buildings.
IRENA, currently situated in Khalidiya in Abu Dhabi, advised on the design of its custom headquarters to meet its organizational requirements.
“It’s only fitting that the headquarters of IRENA—dedicated to the sustainable use of renewable energy—be located in one of the most sustainable buildings in the world,” said Adnan Amin, director-general of IRENA. “The building is a shining example of how we can meet our energy needs today while preserving the earth’s resources for tomorrow,” he added.
Brookfield Multiplex has been heavily active in the regional construction market in recent years and comes with a wealth of experience, having worked on projects such as Emirates Towers in Dubai, London’s new Wembley Stadium and the Central Park Tower in Western Australia, amongst others.
“We are honoured to begin construction of one of the most sustainable developments in the world,” said Ashley Muldoon, CEO of Brookfield Multiplex. “Our innovative strategies and holistic approach will significantly reduce the buildings’ potable water consumption, energy demand, waste to landfill and embodied carbon emissions from materials.”
The headquarters adheres to updates from the 2011 redesign, which was made to meet market demand and allow for the integration of newer technologies.
Construction of the complex will source materials from Abu Dhabi’s sustainable supply chain. The building uses green materials, including low-carbon cement, high-recycled-content aluminium, recycled steel and sustainably sourced timber, among others.
The headquarters complex concept was designed by architectural firm Woods Bagot.
It will be located alongside other key developments within Masdar City. Developments include the expansion of the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, construction of the first commercial building and the final stages of construction of the Middle East headquarters of Siemens.