In 2013, Zaha Hadid Architects‘ proposal was selected as the winner of the architectural competition to design the new Headquarters of Bee’ah, the United Arab Emirates’ leading environmental management company.
The building by ZHA, scheduled for completion in late 2020, is now rising in a semi-desert area near the city of Sharjah. As of October 2019, most structures, all structural steelworks, and the imposing concrete dome of the headquarters have been completed.
The 7,000-square-meter (75,000-square-foot) Headquarters building is aimed to become one of the most sustainable in the world. Zero net energy consumption and LEED Platinum Certification will be achieved through an array of technical and design solutions, including photovoltaic cells coupled with a 1,890 kWh power back battery system by Tesla, energy, and water-saving and recycling technologies, natural lighting, passive heating and cooling, and sustainable landscaping – which includes water ponds and palm groves, carefully positioned to provide shade, cooling, and protection from sandstorms.
The facade of the building is operable and can be opened in milder months to allow natural ventilation and minimize artificial cooling.
Also, the captivating wavy shape of ZHA’s building, which recalls the dunes around it, has been conceived to exploit the prevailing winds crossing the site.
Arranged around a central courtyard, called “the oasis”, the Headquarters will accommodate an entrance lobby, an auditorium, a visitor education center and gallery, management offices, and an administrative section.
Bee’ah Headquarters
Client – Bee’ah
Architect – Zaha Hadid Architects
Consultants:
Design – Zaha Hadid, Patrik Schumacher
Structure / Facade – Buro Happold, London
MEP – Atelier Ten, London
Landscape – Francis Landscape, Beirut
Cover image by MIR © Zaha Hadid Architects
Bee’ah Headquarters, renderings and animation stills by MIR © Zaha Hadid Architects
Ground floor plan; courtesy of Zaha Hadid Architects
East, north, and south elevation; and transverse section; courtesy of Zaha Hadid Architects
Bee’ah Headquarters, renderings and animation stills by MIR © Zaha Hadid Architects