The client wishes for the project to be LEED certified - which means that it will be designed, built and operated according to very high environmental standards - the first of its kind in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

LEED: strong focus on environment and sustainability

As a LEED certified building, high environmental performance is a must. COWI's design includes:

• The orientation of the building and the biomorphic shape reduces the impact of wind, solar gain and increases structural stability and maximizes enclosed space by way of green roofs and atrium gardens.
• The building generates its own power by using a kind of solar cells which are laminated within the glass of the curtain wall. 
• Passive heating and cooling systems are encouraged by using double glazed multi-ventilation windows and cavity walls.
• Waste water will be recycled and reused for irrigating the gardens.
• A green roof and a living wall help to reduce air pollution and CO2 emissions. 
• Recycled materials are used. 
• The south, east and west facing double façades assist in reducing solar gain into the building by buffering direct sunlight. This helps reduce the overall cooling load for the building.
• Passive storage of heating and heat recovery.

Contemporary and classical design 

COWI's design embraces and highlights KSA's culture and nature.

The exterior architecture is contemporary but borrows some language from classical Arabic architecture. Sleek lines and a choice of natural materials provide an atmosphere of a modern hotel with a link to the past.

Great attention has been given to the light, allowing the facilities to benefit from daylight but without suffering from the direct, hot sunlight.

COWI benefits from a multi-disciplinary organisation and offers in our design full integrated services to the project, including architecture, structures, energy modelling, Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP).

The total built-up area of the development is approximately 52,000m2.