Work on the Innovation Hub, a project by RMJM and Masdar City has officially been completed. Located in Abu Dhabi, UAE, THE 4,000 square-metre building offers office spaces across three floors. Additionally, the open-plan office space allows for various fit-out options that are a unique selling point for the spaces. This modular design approach comprises of various interconnected volumes that form a united complex. A dedicated lobby coupled with a separate R&D service entrance are some of the unique features of the Innovation Hub.
Location
The Innovation Hub is conveniently located in the centre of the Masdar City’s Tech and Research & Development (R&D) cluster. It offers a physical presence where flexible workplace and supporting services can be provided. Furthermore, it acts as an educational facility where Masdar City’s pioneering services can be showcased. The unique modular spaces allow for additional elements such as training rooms, test labs, or R&D spaces to be easily added. The Hub also features a parking lot for 127 vehicles.
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Awards achieved by Innovation Hub
Awards the Innovation Hub has achieved for its efficient design include a 3 Pearl Design Rating and LEED Gold Certification. The building consumes less energy and water compared to conventional structures of a similar size by 40 percent. Moreover, 60 percent of the building’s total energy is supplied through renewable energy. Low-carbon and eco-friendly materials were a key focus whilst constructing this project. 70 percent of the timber used in construction was sourced from sustainable and legal sources.
The project’s lighting was important to the developers who wanted to ensure adequate illumination. They achieved functionality and aesthetics whilst accentuating the textures and contrasts of surfaces and materials in this project. A “floating floor” effect was attained in the upper façade through a heightened illumination where uniform grazing light enhances the facade’s texture and construction details, casting intriguing shadows.
Tenants of the office spaces will enjoy ample natural light and direct access to the courtyards, futureproofing the drone delivery services. Innovation Hub’s highly efficient envelope was a key aspect of the building’s design. It reduces reliance on artificial lighting while fostering a connection with the surrounding environment. This has been done through the modular brick facades that facilitate daylight penetration.
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What is Masdar City?
Masdar City is a sustainable, green, urban community located in Abu Dhabi that is a leading solution to climate change. Estimated to cost US$20 billion dollars, the world-class business and technology hub has one of the largest clusters of LEED Platinum buildings in the world. Over 1,000 organizations benefit from the comprehensive business support of the city’s ecosystem. An interesting fact about the city is it hosts two generations of autonomous vehicles. It also manages the Masdar Green REIT, a real estate investment trust dedicated to investing in sustainable real estate assets. Currently the Masdar Green REIT is worth nearly AED 2.8 billion. The city was designed by Foster + Partners and hosts the Siemens Middle East Headquarters. Additionally, some tenants of the city include the UAE Space Agency, G42 Healthcare, the Advanced Technology Research Council and several Fortune 500 companies.
