Aedas architects have designed a responsive façade which takes cultural cues from the “MASHRABIYA” a traditional Islamic lattice shading device. The design concept is based on the fusion between bio inspiration, regional architecture and performance based technology. Each mashrabiya was conceived as a unitized system, cantilevering 2.8 m from the primary structure.

The shading device system contains stainless steel supporting frames, aluminium dynamic frames, and fiberglass mesh infill. The folding system transforms the shading screen from a seamless veil into a lattice-like pattern to provide shade or light.

Using a parametric description for the geometry of the actuated facade panels, the team was able to simulate their operation in response to sun exposure and changing incidence angles during the different days of the year. The screen operates as a curtain wall, sitting two meters outside the buildings’ exterior on an independent frame. Each triangle is coated with fiberglass and programmed to respond to the movement of the sun as a way to reduce solar gain and glare.

The 25 floor AL BAHAR TOWERS are located at the eastern entrance of the junction of Al Saada and Al salam streets in the city of Abu Dhabi. The architecture has geometric patterns which include more than 1000 moving elements which contract and expand throughout the day depending on the position of the sun. the façade system defies the typology of the areas skyscrapers, and provide a more agile and dynamic solution to climate condition. The adjustable shades help reduce interior heat gains caused by sunlight by around 50 percent. 

In some floors, the space is divided into cellular offices and meeting rooms. Each tower has a two-level basement with 24-story office space that includes catering, auditoria, prayer rooms, gymnasium, and plant rooms. There is a basement for car parking and secure vaults for banking services.

The “cocoon buildings” are based on a pre-rationalised geometric form, fine-tuned using parametric design tools to achieve the optimal surface ratio between the walls and the floor.

The general shape of the towers has been optimised to complement the shading system.
The 2,098 dynamic units avoid the need for heavily treated glass, thereby reducing the need for significant artificial lighting and mechanical air conditioning. Therefore, the dynamic facade improves visibility and user comfort while decreasing energy usage and plant size thus providing an efficient system that lends itself to a more sustainable solution.
The dynamic façade improves visibility and user comfort while decreasing usage and plant size, keeping in terms with its sustainable approach. 

The eco-friendly towers are one of the first buildings in the Persian Gulf region to receive the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver rating