There are so many factors that come into play when it comes down to talking about sustainability.
It's sensitive, we know.
We need time, resources, energy and, most importantly, the right knowledge. They say that sustainability is the future. And that we are indeed interested in sustainability if it’s communicated effectively.
What better way of explaining its importance than by showing some examples?
One of the largest companies in the world that promote living in harmony with nature has its headquarter in the desert. Isn't an excellent proof that pro-ecological architecture can be functional and arouse admiration?
An innovative architectural project that does not harm the ecological balance and is fully inscribed in the surrounding natural environment.
The shape of two dunes
The building is in the shape of two dunes that fit perfectly with the desert landscape of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. At the same time, it optimally uses a natural source of light and heat as well as winds and vegetation.
Heated by sunlight and cooled by wind
Environmental considerations are woven into every aspect of the new headquarters design. This zero-energy building with photovoltaic cells is fully dependent on renewable energy and built using recycled materials. Energy-saving and water-saving elements are at its core as the building is entirely heated by sunlight and cooled by the wind.
An oasis in the desert landscape
The project involves adapting the building to the natural landscape, which allows a huge area for construction. The central courtyard, arranged between two parts of the building resembles dunes that create a kind of courtyard.
The building is covered with special linings that absorb or reflect the sun's rays and help reduce energy consumption. Ecological solutions have also been applied to the water installation because non-potable water is used to irrigate the vegetation and the surrounding area. To minimise the need for watering plants, they’re planting native species that adapt well to such dry climate conditions.
A sustainable architecture innovation leader
Bee’ah who is the proprietor of the project is one of the Middle East's first companies dedicated to the pursuit of improving quality of life. They teach how to care for the environment, introduce new solutions to have clean water and air, and how to use renewable energy. They provide ideas on how to transform waste into something that can be the basis for the future of the next generations.
The headquarters will be open to visitors. The exhibition halls and educational facilities will also be available to the public. The architects have prepared a short film that illustrates the project between dunes at any time of the day. Take a look:
Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum - Grupo SANJOSE - Marbella Club Hills
Not quite as sustainable as the architecture in the desert, but equally impressive is the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum. This modern floating city that unites local tradition with avant-garde architecture was built by the Grupo SANJOSE in collaboration with Oger Abu Dhabi. The¨see humanity in a new light¨ museum is a world-class architecture icon. You can read more about it in one of our previous articles. Not only is the architecture a real work of art. It has been awarded the Green Building Prize for environmental excellence at the Green Middle East Awards.
Over the last few years, the Grupo SANJOSE have obtained recognition of their commitment to the environment through the ISO 14001 certification, as well as energy efficiency through the ISO 50001 standard.
These practices are applied in the construction of our project too. Although we can’t put our name forward for any green building prize (at least just yet!), sustainability is important to us on a personal level.
We believe that sustainability is important for a very simple and straightforward reason. We can't maintain our quality of life as human beings unless we fully embrace the ecosystem. We need to understand and strive for sustainability in our own homes, in our communities, in our ecosystems, and around the world.
“The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.“
- Robert Swan
