Bulgari Ocean Mansions
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Best Project
Sent by: Preacher and Natural
Owner: Meraas Development LLC
Civil, structural and MEP engineer: Preacher and Natural
General contractor: Innovo Build LLC
Design company: ACPV Architects
Consultants: Jacobs; Of all things
Subcontractors: Marlin Interiors; Al Carawan MEP
These villas on the north coast of the UAE’s Jumeirah Bay Island were designed to incorporate green spaces, sustainable landscaping and eco-friendly materials, setting a new standard for how future developments can reduce the impact on the ecological health of the island, according to the project team.
The construction of the villas on a retaining wall required collaboration with maritime consultants, innovative piloting techniques and advanced simulation modelling, with barges used to complete the work on the villas’ waterfront. the
“To comply with Dubai Municipality’s green building regulations, we implemented the Triple R approach: reduce, reuse, recycle to minimize environmental impact with regular meetings and workshops, focusing on energy efficiency, conservation of water, indoor environmental quality and sustainable materials,” shared the team. .
Photo courtesy of Khatib & Alami
Outside, water-saving fixtures with specific flow rates and a drip irrigation system for landscaping with low-water-demand plants minimize evaporation and runoff. In addition, Internet of Things technology monitors outdoor air quality, humidity, noise and temperature to optimize conditions inside the villas, keep occupants comfortable and adjust energy consumption . An air handling unit, which achieves 70% reasonable charge recovery efficiency and a 40% cooling load reduction, increases indoor air quality, while MERV 13 filters high performance and electronically commutated motors add 30% more energy savings, the presentation says.
An airtight insulated envelope helps reduce energy consumption and maintain greater temperature control inside the villas.
Photo courtesy of Khatib & Alami
In addition, the application of computational fluid dynamics optimized thermal comfort in spaces with extensive glass facades, addressing high temperature points.
With more than 700 skilled workers, the project’s use of BIM technology ensured overall success, streamlining communication between multidisciplinary teams and reducing site issues, RFIs and cost variances, the team says. Safety measures included specialist training in underwater construction, floating platform safety and regular site inspections.
