The Wedge Building

> project : The Wedge Building
> location : Dubai, United Arab Emirates
> client : not disclosed
> architect : Diseño Earle Architects
> date : 2008> 2011
> volume : 60.000m2
> materials : concrete, steel, glass.


Site. This ultramodern residential development sits on the Palm Jebel Ali, one of three palms that are and will be integral parts of Dubai’s growth. This
section of the palm is destined for ultra high five-star residences, for which designer considerations included how to accommodate the Rolls Royce Phantom, a car that would normally not fit into a conventional parking spot or garage. The palm developments are fascinating as an engineering wonder and extremely clever as a real estate development.
 Who would not want to turn one mile of frontline beach into 200 miles? That is exactly what the Palm is about. Shape a development like a palm and get everyone to buy frontline beach.
With such a prestigious location, all sides of the project have fabulous views, half out to sea, the other half
over the sea and towards the skyline of Dubai. Talk about a dramatic panorama.

Design. The concept is based on wedges placed in different directions to increase views, adding to the amount of light entering the building and each unit. Since all sides of this development have unique vistas, the diagram works perfectly.
In exploring the complexity of the skin and its adaptability to summer and winter conditions, the architects use double skins that can be peeled back to expose the interior. In Dubai, with summer temperatures reaching 50ºF, protection from the elements is crucial, while in the winter the perfect weather just begs for the balconies and interiors to be opened up.


These undulating skins are best understood when they are peeled back to reveal the core underneath. The skin provides the difference here, separating this development in luxury and interest from the banal repetition of projects that are built all over the world. Led by an inspired client who was interested in exploring new ideas, the architect took the experience of moving through each space within the building as far as possible.

CONSTRUCTION. From a distance, the focus is on the form itself. Heavy concrete forms the core, leaving the glass to express the nature of the building. The skin also acts to protect the
building, reducing its carbon footprint
- something that is becoming very important in Dubai, both for the environmental reasons and lack of power
on many developments. The building is also partially cooled by chimney effects created within the wedges which allow for evaporative cooling and circulation.
The building is being constructed with fast track programming and while the project is innovative, the budget is still modest, showing that a complex design does not necessarily mean that the budget need go through the roof.
The Wedge expresses Dubai for what it is, a place with a frenetic pace and a can-do attitude that inspires great work and modern ideas.



MODERN DESIGN AUGUST 2008