Exclusive Photos: World’s Largest Computerized Façade Cools Aedas’ Al Bahr Towers

Inhabitat was granted an exclusive opportunity to photograph the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/abu-dhabis-stunning-al-behar-towers-are-shaded-by-a-transforming-geometric-facade/">award-winning Al Bahr Towers in Abu Dhabi</a>, which are cooled with the world's largest computerized façade. <a href="http://www.aedas.com">Aedas Architects</a> have received all kinds of accolades for their unique design - including the 'Best Overall Project in the Middle East’ and the ‘Commercial Project of the Year' at the <a href="http://www.aedas.com/News/Al-Bahr-Towers-wins-ME-Architect-Awards">Middle East Architect Awards 2013</a>. From a distance the twin towers appear to be wrapped in a sheath, but closer inspection reveals an incredible system of honeycomb structures attached to the fully glazed buildings that open and close in response to the sun's movement.

Workers clean the facade of the Al Bahr towers in Abu Dhabi

The towers viewed from afar

From afar, the towers appear to be wrapped in a protective sheath

Aedas incorporates plenty of green space into the complex

One tower houses the offices of Adu Dhabi Investment Council and the other - Al Hilal Bank

The external shading structure moves in response to the sun

By creating a shield, the honeycomb shade reduces solar gain by 50 per cent

The computerized facade is attached to the towers with a stalwart steel system

Water features and a bevy of plant species create a very cool and comfortable microclimate in the courtyard area

It's hard to capture the immensity of the 29 storey towers

Daylighting still penetrates the interior, which reduces energy and lighting requirements

The towers seem to jettison from the top of the lobby windows

These windows allow plenty of natural light to reach the shared lobby

Close up detail of the mashrabiya shade, which lends cultural credentials to the award-winning project

Workers scale the side of the building in the morning - before it gets too hot

Close up view of the facade

Inside the courtyard - looking up!

Aedas won a bevy of awards for this project, which achieved a LEED Silver rating

Inhabitat had permission to take photographs of the lobby

Natural light mitigates the need for excess electrical lighting

The roof is comprised of the same honeycomb/mashrabiya structure as the external shading system

The building boasts a remarkable flowing dynamic

It is customary to post images of Abu Dhabi's past and present leaders in public buildings

A last view of the glazed tower from outside the main entrance

And this is where the employees take smoke/lunch breaks - such a pleasant environment, particularly considering it faces a busy highway