Header: Johnseye Photography
In construction since 2013, Wasl Tower represents a symbol of Dubai’s sustainable transformation. Designed by UNS in partnership with lead engineering consultant Werner Sobek, the building is the continuation of Dubai’s 100-year plan of being transformed by renowned architects. Located in the centre of Dubai, right next to the famed Burj Khalifa, the building represents a symbol of innovative, adaptable, and sustainable architecture.
Passive cooling, visually striking facade
The 302-metre-tall high-rise building off Sheikh Zayed Road represents one of the tallest terracotta ceramic facades in the world. The timeless material was selected due to its ability to mitigate the effects of harsh climatic conditions through passive shading and cooling techniques. The structure of the building forms and morphs to minimise solar heat exposure. A heat-resistant ceramic cloak contributes to the shielding effect. Ceramic, a material traditionally used in the region, was reimagined for high-rise applications. The 360-degree system of the façade responds to the solar orientation of the building.
Thousands of ceramic fins create a protective cloak around the tower to capture high winds, adapting to the desert climate. The fins allow daylight into the interior while protecting the building from the heat. Every ceramic fin features a custom terracotta profile with a metallic glaze that allows visual transformation throughout the day. Integrated aluminium grills enable airflow to cool the heat. The cavity between the ceramic fins and the interior curtainwall system improves the cooling effect. A custom lighting system designed jointly with Arup Lighting is programmed to follow the rhythm of the city, with subtle shifts in tone and intensity.
Flexible interior design
The UNS “contrapposto” design concept is adapted to the location of the tower in the proximity of the metro, pedestrian walkways, and major roadways. This concept orients the mixed-use tower in several directions, thus offering a constantly changing profile across the city. The generous 167,733 m2 space includes a variety of spaces, including a Mandarin Oriental Downtown hotel, office spaces, residences, and amenities such as a health and wellness centre, convention, and conference halls. Public areas that provide opportunities for networking, socialising, and chance encounters are also a part of the design.
Clever elevator strategy
The smooth transition between these diverse spaces is enabled by a central vertical circulation system. The lift strategy enables separate journeys for every space, connecting four primary lobbies: ground, spa, sky, and rooftop. Overall, the building contains 17 lifts, five of which are used for service. A central shaft hosts a shared bank of four office and four guestrooms, while residences on top use a group of lifts that lead down to the basement. The connectivity is enhanced by the parking structure with a 1,500 m2 column-free ballroom and a green courtyard connected to the tower through a bridge. The building uses the “Good for the People, Good for the Environment” framework developed by Werner Sobek Green Technologies to support different user groups.
Wasl Tower uses innovation to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Materials are selected for their environmental performance, while the interior structure offers flexibility to accommodate a range of users, from residents and employees to hotel guests.
Technical sheet
Client: Wasl Group
Location: Dubai – U.A.E.
Building surface: 107,539 sq. meters
Programme: Mixed-use; hotel, residential, offices, meeting centre, ballroom, spa and pools, F&B.
Height: 302m.
Status: completed 2025
Architecture/Interior Architecture: UNS
Contractual Partner, Lead Consultant, Engineering: Werner Sobek AG
Source: v2com newswire
