Adaptive Reuse, Business Bay

The repositioning of this existing G+19 tower, in Business Bay, Dubai, as a branded residence breathes new life into the development. Located on Dubai canal and surrounded by new developments rising from previously demolished properties, this project pursues a different agenda: targeting a carbon net positive outcome in alignment with the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategy, whilst launching much earlier to the market.

THE SITE - Largely facing South-East with a significant canal elevation the sites North-West edge is exposed to wind, rain, and traffic pollution.

THE SITE – The convex geometry of the site opens up to the pedestrian canal waterfront optimising views to the residences; whilst the concave road frontage is more limited.

VIEW OPTIMISATION – The massing is orientated to take advantage of the most desirable views of Burj Khalifa, World Islands, and Meydan.

PURGE – All residential units construction is removed and where possible either crushed and reused or recycled or repurposed on the project.

RETAINED STRUCTURE – Through significant reuse of the existing structural frame the buildings carbon footprint is dramatically reduced.

FAÇADE REMOVAL – All façade and MEP elements are removed to be replaced by systems that perform to the latest energy standards and sustainability targets.

LIGHTWEIGHT STRUCTURE – A new infill structure is added to optimise the floorplate depths.

DUPLEX PENTHOUSES – Lightweight penthouse structures are added on top of the new core.

THROUGH UNITS – New core allows for premium dual aspect units which are optimal for daylight, views and ventilation.

UNIFYING FAÇADE – A new façade unifies the existing and new structural elements into a single high performance composition.

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The repositioning of the development as a branded residential asset promotes an exclusivity to the site that was previously missing. This opportunity required an innovative approach in all aspects including the apartment mix and layouts, the structural and environmental methodologies, and the overall envelope design.

Whilst the structural frame survives; all other existing elements are recycled or repurposed where appropriate. The adaptive reuse of the existing building went through a full energy audit before developing the design further.

To unlock the development further the use of lightweight materials allowed the addition of four levels of penthouse apartments above the existing structure.

“The demand for Branded Residences in Dubai has allowed us to innovate in the repositioning of an existing structure, rather than simply demolishing it, creating a sustainable model for future development in the region.”

Philip Gillard – Founder and Managing Partner, GILLARD Atelier

By removing all existing façade, MEP and masonry elements within the existing curtilage the floorplate size can be optimized to suit the brand requirements reflecting a luxury lifestyle setting.

Consequently, a considerably higher percentage of apartments not only have canal views but now also benefit from Burj Khalifa dual aspect views. By utilizing lightweight construction throughout four additional levels can be added to the existing structure to form penthouse levels and premium amenities above the MEP floor.

Maximising the brands palette the new façade is a sleek skin to present a more holistic approach to the tower in keeping with the uplift in apartment values, sizes, and clientele.

Partner in ChargePHILIP GILLARD, RIBA