Rethinking vertical housing, Wind Tower by AGi architects
26/07/2017.
[Salmiya] Kuwait
metalocus, MARÍA SARASOLA
metalocus, MARÍA SARASOLA
Wind Tower is a new urban vertical housing concept that adapts to the needs of its habitants as the increasing demand for land, located in Salmiya, in Kuwait.
Exterior view. Wind Tower by AGi architects. Photograph © AGi architects
Exterior view. Wind Tower by AGi architects. Photograph © AGi architects
Exterior view of the facade. Wind Tower by AGi architects. Photograph © AGi architects
Exterior view. Wind Tower by AGi architects. Photograph © AGi architects
Exterior view of the facade. Wind Tower by AGi architects. Photograph © AGi architects
Wind Tower by AGi architects. Photograph © AGi architects
Exterior view facade. Wind Tower by AGi architects. Photograph © AGi architects
Exterior view. Wind Tower by AGi architects. Photograph © AGi architects
Exterior view of the facade. Wind Tower by AGi architects. Photograph © AGi architects
Exterior view. Wind Tower by AGi architects. Photograph © AGi architects
Courtyard. Wind Tower by AGi architects. Photograph © AGi architects
Courtyard. Wind Tower by AGi architects. Photograph © AGi architects
Courtyard. Wind Tower by AGi architects. Photograph © AGi architects
Courtyard. Wind Tower by AGi architects. Photograph © AGi architects
Courtyard. Wind Tower by AGi architects. Photograph © AGi architects
Courtyard. Wind Tower by AGi architects. Photograph © AGi architects
Indoor. Wind Tower by AGi architects. Photograph © AGi architects
Indoor. Wind Tower by AGi architects. Photograph © AGi architects
Indoor. Wind Tower by AGi architects. Photograph © AGi architects
Indoor. Wind Tower by AGi architects. Photograph © AGi architects
Indoor. Wind Tower by AGi architects. Photograph © AGi architects
Interior. Wind Tower by AGi architects. Photograph © AGi architects
Exterior view of the facade. Wind Tower by AGi architects. Photograph © AGi architects
Exterior view of the facade. Wind Tower by AGi architects. Photograph © AGi architects
Exterior view of the facade. Wind Tower by AGi architects. Photograph © AGi architects
Exterior view of the facade. Wind Tower by AGi architects. Photograph © AGi architects
Floor plan. Wind Tower by AGi architects
Section. Wind Tower by AGi architects
Apartaments scheme. Wind Tower by AGi architects
The Wind Tower project carried out by AGi architects is innovative and functional, seeking to optimize energy and light consumption by minimizing the openings in zones with high thermal temperature and encouraging cross ventilation and natural daylight. The courtyard is the central core of the tower that has thirteen floors of height crowned by an attic. The façade is made out of granite stone making it seem as a sculpture elevated on a pedestal which has two levels for public spaces.
Description of the project by AGi architects
Wafra Vertical Housing introduces a new concept to urban living that adapts to the evolving lifestyle of 21st Century contemporary Kuwait. Considering the increasing demand for land in the city, the transformation of single family dwelling typologies becomes a must, where tenants should be able to enjoy privacy as well as benefit from vertical solution amenities and prime location.
Understanding and reinterpreting local environmental techniques is one of the main targets of this design. The services core of the building is thus located on the southern wing, in order to minimize sun exposure and consequently reduce energy consumption – acting as a thermal barrier to the rest of the building. Hence, minimum openings are placed on the aforementioned façade, while on the other hand the building opens to the North, facing the sea and enjoying its privileged views. Optimal opportunities for natural lighting and cross ventilation also become an essential driving force for the design, which give the tower its character and determine its final orientation. Taking the idea of the traditional middle-eastern courtyard typology and developing it volumetrically, the initial concept flourishes in the form of the tower. The courtyard is no longer constrained to the core of the building; instead, it borrows light and ventilation from the facade, funnels it through the pool area and flows through all levels finding its way out through the opposite façade.
Granite stone is chosen for the façade, in order to give the tower an aspect of a monolithic sculpture that is carved by the wind, in contrast with the smooth surfaces of the interior courtyard that are rendered in white plaster.
Functionally and geometrically, the tower is raised on a plinth that comprises 2 levels, where public spaces – including swimming pool and gym area – are located. The apartments rise up organically and allow for light and ventilation to penetrate through. Full tower height is 13 levels, where 12 duplex apartments are piled in order to preserve privacy. An extra penthouse crowns the building, including rooftop gardens and terraces that are advantageously profited.
More information
Main Architects
Nasser B. Abulhasan, Joaquín Pérez-Goicoechea
Team
Project Leaders.- Stefania Rendinelli, Lulu Alawadhi
Project Team.- Georg Thesing, Juan Carlos Jimenez, Cristina Ruiz, Alfredo Carrato, Ehsan Abdulrasoul Rahimi, Ehsan Abdulrasoul Rahimi, Ibrahim Abu Fayyad
Engineers.- Arturo Macusi, Joseph Thomas
Client
Wafra Real Estate Co.
Project type
Housing
Area
6500 m²
Location
Salmiya, Kuwait
Dates
2014-2017
Awards
A'Design Awards 2012 – Plata A'Design Award en la categoría "Architecture, Building and Structure Design - Residential Complex”
International Property Awards (IPA) 2011 – Mención de Honor en los Arabian Residential Property Awards "High Rise Architecture"
Photographs
AGi architects
Joaquín Pérez-Goicoechea, Nasser B. Abulhasan AGi ARCHITECTS
The international design firm AGi architects was founded in 2006 by two young architects educated at Harvard University, Joaquín Pérez-Goicoechea and Nasser B. Abulhasan.
With a noticeable international character and a multidisciplinary focus, AGi architects offers a professional service emphasizing quality,creativity and exclusive design. AGi has a vision to create environments that create a lasting value for clients through distinctive and imaginative solutions. At present, the studio has offices in Kuwait and Madrid, with a team comprised of more than 50 professionals.
The studio's architecture is based on four founding pillars: innovation, an inherent life component, ecological and social interventions andresearch. AGi architects provide comprehensive services in architecture, urban planning and design, interior design, research, consultancy and complementary services.
Among the latest acknowledgements for AGi architects are a nomination for the EU Prize for Contemporary Architecture-Mies van der Rohe Award 2015, "Highly Commended" at WAF 2015, four WAF Awards (2014, 2013, 2011 and 2010 editions), ten Middle East Architect Awards(2015, 2014, 2013 & 2012), two mentions at MIPIM Architectural Review Future Projects Awards 2012, and various awards granted in the last editions of Cityscape Awards and International Property Awards, amongst other prizes.
Joaquín Pérez- Goicoechea and Nasser B. Abulhasan.
