Masdar City breaks ground on 30,000-sq-m sustainable project
ABU DHABI, February 2, 2023
Abu Dhabi's Masdar City has announced the groundbreaking of its 30,000-sq-m sustainable community, The Link, a 30,000-sq-m sustainable community featuring the region's first net-zero energy shared living and working facility.
It will boast four low-carbon buildings with event spaces as well as retail options, recreational facilities, and outdoor plazas, that is expected to create over 2,000 jobs in the UAE.
Leading UAE construction company Dutco has been signed up as the main contractor, while EDGE had designed The Link.
A major sustainable development project for the region, The Link will meet several high-level sustainability standards such as Leed Platinum, WELL Gold, 4 Pearl PBRS Estidama, and LEED SmartPark Silver.
The project is expected to achieve a significant reduction in energy use, powered by renewable energy sources.
The development will offer residential units in various sizes, as well as dedicated office and commercial spaces. Amenities for residents will include a courtyard with play areas, a wellness zone, and more. The commercial space will feature retail options at the ground level.
The Link is part of Masdar City's plan for sustainable urban development and aims to connect shared working and living spaces with other community amenities, said a top official.
"It will model a new kind of sustainable community by connecting shared working and living space with other elements of a thriving neighbourhood, including places to shop, play, and relax, and local transportation," remarked its Acting CEO Ahmed Baghoum.
"It is a key component of Masdar City’s ‘green-print’ for sustainable urban development and a wonderful way to honour this Year of Sustainability as the UAE prepares to host COP 28," he added.
Dutco Executive Director Zayed Baker said Masdar City’s rich legacy of sustainable construction and innovation make them an ideal partner for us. "We’re honored to be bringing this historic development to life," he noted
"Dutco was selected in large part due to their high in-country-value (ICV) certification score, which represents the value they will add to the UAE economy," he added.
EDGE Managing Director Martin Baerschmidt said: "Our priority was integrating the international sustainability principles that Masdar City is known for with world-class living, working, and recreational space to create a truly iconic architectural landmark and community experience."
A multi-use hall and visitor centre, spanning 3,300 sq m, will host conferences, exhibitions, and live performances, and will have a retail precinct on the ground floor as well as a restaurant on the first level, explained Baerschmidt..
The flexible auditorium will seat 300 and feature state-of-the-art technology and equipment, stated the top designer.
The Link will connect all areas of Masdar City through transportation networks. It will create a transition route between the upcoming Light-Rail Transit and Group Rapid Transit networks, and offer bicycle tracks, bus connectivity, electric charging ports, car sharing facilities, and parking for 1,255 vehicles, he added.-TradeArabia News Service
