Dubai Properties
2015-2017
Won
Highly Commended/ Runner-up:
1,368 sqm
2,700 sqm
U+A, in collaboration with a team of consultants, engineers, and the client Dubai Properties, has developed the first-of-its-kind affection plans for residential units on a waterbody. The project required extensive coordination with the Dubai Municipality (DM) and Dubai Civil Defense.
One of the biggest challenges was to ensure that the floating homes would not impede navigation in the canal. The DM required that a clear width of 60 meters be maintained, and U+A also had to consider the need for privacy and noise control.
U+A was heavily involved in the process, working closely with the authorities to ensure that the plans met all of the required regulations. The firm also had to make changes to the existing water canal affection plan, and it was ultimately successful in receiving all required building permits to complete this project by 2017.
The floating homes are a unique and innovative development, and they represent a significant achievement for U+A. The project is a testament to the firm's expertise in multidisciplinary design consultancy beyond architecture, and it sets a new standard for floating home development in the region.
In 2015, U+A was commissioned by Dubai Properties to develop a masterplan vision for the improvement and completion of the existing waterfront canal in Business Bay, Dubai. The masterplan consisted of 5 different nodes along the 10km waterfront promenade, each proposing distinct and specific assets, including floating homes.
In 2016, Dubai Properties commissioned U+A to design 3 types of floating homes: a 2-bedroom, a 3-bedroom, and a 4-bedroom unit. The floating homes were designed to accommodate a larger marina at the northeast end of the Business Bay Canal. The masterplan for this node includes 10 floating homes, 1 floating restaurant, 1 floating café, and 170 marina berths. All of the floating pontoons have been designed with planters, allowing for greenery and palm trees.
The floating elements, including the homes, are held in place by the sea-flex system, which allows them to move with the tides. This ensures that the homes are safe and secure, even in the event of strong winds or storms.
The floating homes are a unique and innovative addition to the Business Bay waterfront. They offer residents a chance to live in a luxurious and sustainable manner, while also enjoying stunning views of the city skyline
The Marasi Floating Homes are a new and innovative way to live in Dubai. These homes are built on floating pontoons that are anchored to the seabed with the sea-flex system. This allows the homes to move with the tides, while still providing a stable and secure living environment.
The design of the Marasi Floating Homes is contemporary and unique to Dubai. The goal was to create an architectural language that is unlike any other development in the city or region. The design respects the water and creates a new layer of residential experience. The close proximity to Downtown Dubai and Burj Khalifa allows for exceptional views of the city skyline.
Privacy was a crucial part of the design approach. The homes are solid towards the access, marina promenade, and quay wall, but glazed towards the water. Some privacy is provided with the addition of louvered screens and louvered canopies in specific locations of the structures.
Each home allows for an individual marina berth and parking, as well as direct access points and connections to the floating walkways that lead up to the promenade. Adjacent to the floating homes’ location in the canal are two plots that have been developed to accommodate all utilities and infrastructure facilities to support the homes.
The Marasi Floating Homes offer a unique and luxurious way to live in Dubai. They are the perfect place for those who want to enjoy the best of both worlds: the excitement of the city and the serenity of the water.
Area breakdown for the floating homes.
GFA and BUA for 3 types of villas.
|
Villa Type |
GFA (sqm) |
BUA (sqm) |
|
A (2-Bedroom Unit) |
152 |
300 |
|
B (3-Bedroom Unit) |
245 |
420 |
|
C (4-Bedroom Unit) |
255 |
420 |
10 total number of villas planned:
9 number of villas delivered and installed on site.
The project is a testament to U+A's expertise in architecture and design. It sets a new standard for floating home development in the region.
The floating homes, for one of the largest marina projects in Dubai and the region, were manufactured in Finland, delivered to Dubai, assembled, and towed to their final location at the northeastern part of the Business Bay Canal. The homes are a unique and innovative addition to the city's skyline. They offer residents a chance to live in a luxurious and sustainable manner, while also enjoying stunning views of the city skyline.
