SKAI looks to export patented Dubai building concept
Developer says design of Viceroy Dubai Jumeirah Village property could be replicated in cities like Shanghai, Singapore or New York
The Dubai-based SKAI Real Estate Development plans to replicate its patented design for the Viceroy Dubai Jumeirah Village property in other cities around the world, its top executive says.
Nabil Akiki, CEO of SKAI Real Estate Development, a subsidiary of SKAI Holdings, told Big Project ME that the design of the Dubai building, of which construction began in June, had been patented in 168 countries.
The developer is now exploring replicating the concept in cities such as New York and Shanghai, Akiki said.
“It’s a new concept that’s not been done yet. This has already been patented as an intellectual property, and has been trademarked in 168 countries,” he explained.
The Viceroy Dubai Jumeirah Village has been designed as a 60-storey mixed-use tower that will house a five-star hotel and residential apartments. It has been designed in a cylindrical shape, with the concept based around a 30° angled rotation of each floor.
READ MORE: Dubai’s SKAI Holdings in $300m finance deal for Viceroy hotel projects
The design poses significant engineering challenges, with consultant Atkins and contractor China State Construction Engineering Corporation (Middle East) having to calculate how to ensure the building functions as normal, despite having units jutting out horizontally from the central core.
However, the design of the building ensures that residents will have plenty of natural sunlight and ventilation. In addition, each unit will have a sky garden, which will amount to a total of 450,450 sqm of greenery.
With construction of the building having begun and the engineering challenges overcome, Akiki said that the developer was keen to expand the concept.
“This is not the end of the concept. We’re exploring using this concept in several cities around the world, since it’s already been patented in our name. We’re exploring Miami and Rio de Janeiro [as possible locations]. We’re looking at the Far East – Shanghai, Singapore and some other cities,” he said.
“We’re even looking at New York. It’s not really a sunny place, but the demand for outdoor space [is huge]. If you have a penthouse in New York, even if it has a small terrace, it adds double the value. Even in Europe, there’s a big demand for outdoor space. People like to go outside, have BBQs and enjoying the outdoor space.
“So that’s something we’re looking at and exploring,” he concluded.
READ MORE: Dubai’s SKAI Holdings in $300m finance deal for Viceroy hotel projects
