Solea: A Coastal-Inspired Residential Landmark on Saadiyat Island

Solea is a visionary residential development set in the heart of Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, blending modern elegance with the island’s serene coastal character. Conceived as a high-end mid-rise community, the project was initiated by Taraf Holding to meet the growing demand for sophisticated urban living while maintaining a strong connection to nature. U+A involvement in the project was driven by its expertise in creating timeless, sustainable spaces that enhance the quality of life.

Through a competitive selection process, U+A was chosen for its innovative design approach, seamlessly integrating architecture, interiors, and landscaping to craft a development that prioritizes comfort, aesthetics, and environmental responsibility.

The client had a vision to create a landmark project for a mid-range product, bringing the design and amenities normally associated with high-end luxury developments to a more affordable price point. This required an intense, budget-focused design process with great attention paid to the materiality of the project to maximise the quality and longevity. In order to achieve the vision of these interlocking masses, really innovative solutions were required from both architectural and engineering teams.

Due to the nature of the apartment arrangement, these challenges had to be resolved on a case-by-case basis. Due to the nature of the interlocking massing, the project had to be treated as four separate buildings, but with strategies to optimize building systems to minimise cost.

U+A’s design approach for Solea centered on delivering a high-quality residential experience while maintaining cost efficiency and sustainability. The interlocking massing concept was executed through precise modular construction techniques, optimizing structural efficiency and reducing material waste.

Sustainability was integrated from the early design stages through energy modelling and solar studies leading to the optimization of building orientation and use of high-performance façade and strategic shading. Smart building technologies, including and intelligent climate control, enhanced operational efficiency.

The landscape design incorporated native plant species and sustainable water management systems, ensuring long-term environmental benefits. Through close collaboration with Taraf Holding and engineering partners, U+A successfully balanced architectural innovation with functional and economic efficiency.

Solea: A Coastal-Inspired Residential Landmark on Saadiyat Island.

Client

Timeline

Scope

Key Features

Project presentation This is where the storytelling begins.

The challenge.

Due to the nature of the apartment arrangement, these challenges had to be resolved on a case-by-case basis. Due to the nature of the interlocking massing, the project had to be treated as four separate buildings, but with strategies to optimize building systems to minimise cost.

Our added value.