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| Atkins named designer for major Dubai residential development  Al Habtoor Group has appointed Atkins to provide full multidisciplinary design services for three luxury residential towers and a retail podium totalling 395,000 m² on a prime site in the heart of Dubai, UAE. The scheme is a key part of Al Habtoor City, a major new mixed-use development next to Sheikh Zayed Road, within one of the most high profile plots in the city.Atkins will be delivering architectural, structural, MEP and ground engineering design for the project, comprising two 75-storey residential towers and a third 52-storey tower, which will together house up to 1,460 apartments and 11 penthouses with exclusive leisure facilities for residents. Each penthouse will include its own private sky garden and swimming pool, while the two taller blocks will feature a stunning four-storey penthouse incorporating more than 3,000m² of living space. The Al Habtoor City site is next to the planned Dubai Water Canal project (unveiled in October 2013), which will provide a strong influence to support delivery of a world-class urban and marina environment, with an inviting and accessible public realm. The orientation and massing of the buildings seek to maximise sea and canal views, while reducing energy consumption by taking advantage of natural light. In addition to attracting tourists and visitors, the podium retail facility will provide for the daily needs of residents, reducing their need to use cars. Other components of the Al Habtoor City complex (not designed by Atkins) will include three hotels, to be operated by Starwood Hotels and Resorts, and a spectacular water-themed theatre. The plot for the development is in Dubai's Business Bay, close to Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Downtown Dubai, home to the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. Its eventual position on the banks of the Dubai Water Canal will ensure it becomes a key destination for tourism and leisure. The launch of Dubai Water Canal has added a completely different aspect to the project, enabling Al Habtoor City to become one of the city's go-to destinations where people can live, work and play."Atkins has completed the concept design stage and is undertaking detailed design for the project, with enabling works already underway. The project is due for completion in 2015. write your comments about the article :: © 2013 Construction News :: home page |