The Helix Hotel in Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Bay doesn’t have floors like we’re used to – instead it spirals in sections of a corkscrew from top to bottom with no clear breaks, flowing from retail to residential, and hotel suites to saunas. The hollow center keeps foot traffic flowing while infusing interior spaces with coastal air and natural light, while on the outside GROW panels are fast at work harnessing solar and wind energy. Because of its unique design, every room has a slighly different view — perfect for watching over the contruction of Zaha Hadid‘s Sheikh Zayed Bridge just next door.
Leeser Architects‘ design of the Helix Hotel won the invitation-only competition sponsored by Al Qudra Real Estate and QP International. In cooperation with environmental design consultants at Atelier Ten, the Helix Hotel, which nearly floats right into the Persian Gulf, will maximize use of local natural resources likes sun, wind, and ocean water while keep guests comfortable in all 208 rooms.
GROW panels made from 100% recyclable polyethylene will be installed on the exterior and will collect energy from both the sun and the wind. Interior temperatures will be managed by a cascading ocean-fed waterfall in the atrium that will help maintain interior climate and humidity levels, while a retractable glass wall will open up to cool sea breezes that constantly circulate fresh air.
verrrrry nice design!
love it!
but when is it due to build?
seeing this has made my week. Fills me with a sense of wonder.
So sculptural and a wonderful elaboration on Wright’s Guggenheim! Beautiful white forms, and most importantly, very green as well!
I love it’s complexity! It’s designed so tht you have to see everything – before you can get out!
Amazing fluidity! Beautiful. must cost much.
This makes me want to visit Abu Dhabi even more!
Nice, but not novel, just a great big Guggenheim.
This is fantastic. I think I’ve seen some earlier pictures of it before. I like the way it looks like it’s moving.