H1 tower

Challenged by the perpetual debate between form and function, Arif and Bintoak developed this spirited design in response to the client’s aspirations for a unique residential landmark tower in the Corniche are of Sharjah.

The design of the H1 tower strives to create the illusion of continuous movement in a static object. This is achieved by the scale-like design of the window that orbit around the helix frame which envelopes the glass-glazed building. These elements come together to catch the light and reflect it in a dynamic fashion. In effect, the tower dances for the moving viewer, so that from every angle the building changes its appearance.

More than 500 residential apartments were offered in a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, all served by full amenities including a roof-top health club, spa and panoramic gym. At 55 storeys and 311.4m in height, the tower is poised and stylish; not adjectives that one normally applies to modern skyscrapers, which all too often achieve height at the expense of elegance. By seemingly responding to the shifting position of the viewer, the tower creates a special relationship between the city and its inhabitants.

H1 differs from the norm in presenting an environmentally conscious building at no additional cost. A number of sustainable features are incorporated into the design, and serve as a springboard for Arif and Bintoak’s sustainable building design processes for hot climates. Aside from the self shading balconies that help in reducing heat intake and energy consumption, the building is glazed with an electro-coated clear glazing that can withstand the thermal impact of high summer temperatures without diminishing light transmission, thereby working with the balconies to reduce the power consumption to a bare minimum.

Arif & Bintoak were responsible for the concept development of the H1 Tower.

<strong>Note:</strong>
Sharif Rahmani was Architectural Director-Special Projects at Arif and BinToak
Images Copyright reserved to Arif and BinToak.