Inhabitat Tours Abu Dhabi’s Energy-Plus Masdar City: EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS

Once billed as the world's first zero carbon, zero waste city in the desert environs of Abu Dhabi, Masdar hasn't quite lived up to its original ambitions. But it has come fairly close. Initially launched in 2006, the government-backed project has gone through several phases. T<a href="http://inhabitat.com/photos-hundreds-attend-masdar-citys-first-eco-street-fair/">wo years ago we visited the first Masdar Institute</a> buildings with their iconic terra-cotta facades and rooftop photovoltaic panels. Now new buildings are sprouting, including <a href="http://inhabitat.com/photos-siemens-leed-platinum-headquarters-at-masdar-city-nears-completion/">Siemens' regional headquarters</a> expected to achieved LEED Platinum and three pearls from the Estidama rating system. Flip through our gallery for an exclusive peak at the first images of the expanded Masdar Institute and a futuristic new hub designed to host 100 clean tech companies from around the globe.

All of the facades are designed to reduce solar gain

These are never before seen parts of Masdar City - still under construction

These are new facades on expanded sections of Masdar Institute

Phase B of construction is expected to be complete in the early part of this year

This awning at the entrance of MIST provides shading

This is the new clean tech hub - a la silicon valley in the desert

Flowing forms provide a sense of dynamism throughout

The rooftop panels cover 30% of the existing energy load

The panels are cleaned by hand with brooms

Masdar is an R&amp;D hub, so a series of new designs and technologies are being tested

Greenery in the courtyard helps with air quality and provides a gentle aesthetic

Masdar is one of the most photogenic places on earth

Albeit decidedly futuristic, these facades help to slash energy and cooling loads

Passive design and proper orientation ensure that the buildings aren't too hot in the summer time

Masdar uses 50% less energy than a comparable building

The cooling load was slashed by 40%

Eventually the city will provide accommodation for up to 40,000 residents

Construction is expected to be completed early this year

This is the microscopy room downstairs

A $4 million microscope is being installed

This is inside the clean room, where nano particle research is conducted

We learned that nano particles are really, really, really small!

In summer, this is the best spot in the city

Note how the undulating form provides shading

Whilst unified, several different kinds of facades demonstrate the scope of Masdar's material research

96 percent of the construction waste is recycled

Perforations facilitate natural ventilation