Slated to open in 2012, this 2.7 million sf, 360-bed patient tower is a glass prism in the desert. Loisos + Ubbelohde provided daylighting, energy consulting, energy modeling, façade consulting, specified glazing for the project, and collaborated with the mechanical engineer, Ted Jacob Engineering Group, Inc., to develop the HVAC system.  Extensive glazing consulting for the nine-layer double skin envelope resulted in the building envelope performing 25% better than a base ASHRAE building.  Recovered exhaust air circulates through the 5 ft cavity between the building skins to insulate the interior from the harsh desert climate.  As part of the integrated design process, Radiance simulations were used to analyze the qualitative and quantitative aspects of daylighting. The building includes spandrel panels that articulate each slab level, a continuous glazing system wrapping the corners, and an explicitly revealed diagrid curtainwall system.

Parametric energy simulations examined the impacts of every major building system and component from glazing to HVAC to lighting to operational schedules.

Daylighting simulations showing luminance map (left) and illuminance contours (right) on the summer solstice at noon.

Predicted temperature gradients through the double skin on a design day. Outside is on the left and inside on the right. The two spikes are the surface temperatures of the glass assemblies.

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ARCHITECT
HDR Architecture

LOCATION
Abu Dhabi, UAE

CURRENT STATUS
Under Construction

AWARDS
Hospital Build Middle East Best Hospital Design Award, 2010
PRESS
Architectural Record, July 2009
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Annual exterior insolation.