The International Renewable Energy Agency Headquarters in Abu Dhabi exemplifies Masdar's vision to construct a city for future generations. The project embodies the Estidama “four pillars of sustainability”.... Social, Environmental, Economic and Cultural.

 

This Grade-A office building was designed by Woods Bagot and developed by Masdar Organisation, who’s responsible for delivering Masdar City as a low-carbon, sustainable city for the future.

 

IRENA HQ houses their staff in this 32,000m2 low-carbon energy efficient building. The office complex includes adaptable commercial spaces for tenants, combined with Masdar staff members.

 

Driven by a desire to conserve energy use, Woods Bagot drew upon a wide range of skills from urban planners, to workplace interiors, to education design, by harnessing a global network of professionals to engineer this ground-breaking project.

 

Ground Level

Three vehicle drop off areas are provided along the southern edge, north-east edge, and north-west corner. Entry to the site is only accessible by public and private roads, with car parking prohibited in accordance with the masterplan guidelines.

 

Atrium

The entrances are articulated by three large volume Atriums, inter-linked by adjacent bridges woven within the building envelope. The Atriums offer a visual and physical connection to the inner courtyard, and further provides a well shaded landscaped environment for the occupants and visitors alike.

 

Offices

Generous floor plate depth with minimal column intrusion allows for large open spaced layouts. A total of 6 office floors, each averaging 4,000m2 NIA are divided into three zones and linked by an isolated vertical circulation core servicing each wing.

 

Allowance has been made in the floor to floor heights to accommodate a 200mm high access floor and a 3.0m high suspended ceilings as part of the future tenancy fit out program.

 

Courtyard

The objectives of the landscape was to conserve water, whilst creating a thermally comfortable courtyard by minimising the use of high-embodied energy materials. Seen as a green ‘oasis’ the selection of materials and planting used evokes an outdoor space experience.

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Façade

Along the western façade, the horizontal strip windows feature vertical glass fins coated with a 70% dense frit pattern to protect solar heat gain from the harsh western sun. The southern elevation features horizontal louvers eliminating solar gain upon the windows.

 

Plant Rooms

Plant areas are carefully placed within the building to suit efficient distribution of services. The utility services are located at Ground Floor with the main MEP systems located at Roof Level with dedicated risers feeding down to the office floors.