Located on a highly visible site, our client asked for a design that could compete with the many attractive designs along King Fahad Road. Our approach focused on finding the simplest approach. We looked at sculptures by Henry Moore for inspiration in simplicity and minimalism that could provide a sense of timelessness to the mass of the project. We proposed a design that had a gentle curvature that would attract the eye allowing this project to stand out as a high end tower.
For the facade, we focused on turning a performative envelope into one that would complement the massing. We settled on a simple grid with a 3ft depth that would provide shading from the sun from spring equinox to fall equinox, preventing solar heat gain during the hottest months of the year. At the same time, to combat noise, we reduced the glazing at the lower floors creating a gradient further elongating the facade. The rooftop also features a trellis creating a cool space free of direct sunlight.
For programming our design proposed moving the amenities to the cellar with openings on the ground floor not subject to the building setback requirements. By doing so, we created private garden spaces that would feel more secluded that being above ground, also taking advantage of the cooling effect of being below grade. Each floor holds a typical 4 unit spread, which the top of the building dedicated to the penthouse and duplex units. The ground and first floor feature a double height lobby and retail space that is visible to King Fahad Road.
