The Gem Building in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia by Henning Larsen Architects

Article source: Henning Larsen Architects
More projects by Henning Larsen Architects

The Gem Building is a unique small-scale landmark surrounded by large buildings in King Abdullah Financial District. The size of the building is adapted to human scale and its crystalline form and faceted facades enhance its quality as a shining beacon.

The Gem Building

• Architects: Henning Larsen Architects
• Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• Client: Saudi Binladen Group
• Gross floor area: 33,500 m2
• Year of construction: 2009 – 2013
• Type of assignment: Commission
• Structural Engineers: Thornton Tomasetti
• MEP: Hoare Lea Consulting Engineers
• Quantity Surveyors: Geoffrey Barnett Associates

The Gem Building

The Gem has a mixed-use programme: three separate buildings include a residential block, an office block and a multi-purpose podium with a terrace overlooking the garden – this is linked to the green pedestrian thoroughfare of the district.

The Gem Building

The cluster of gems creates spaces for fluid, flexible circulation around and through the buildings. As a small-scale icon, the form and intimate scale of the building provide a unique destination and meeting place; the facades enhance the expression of the building and creates shaded retreats from the desert sun.

The Gem Building - (c) Henning Larsen Architects

Wrapping the faceted exterior, a high quality metal mesh fabric provides solar protection and weather-resistance to local sandstorms. In addition, the geometry and siting of the building creates shade between the volumes. Combined with sitewide strategies for water-efficiency and reclamation, the energy efficient technologies support several sustainable initiatives. The building is designed to achieve LEED Certification upon completion.

The Gem Building - (c) Henning Larsen Architects

The Gem Building - (c) Henning Larsen Architects

The Gem Building - (c) Henning Larsen Architects

The Gem Building - (c) Henning Larsen Architects

The Gem Building - (c) Henning Larsen Architects

The Gem Building - (c) Henning Larsen Architects

The Gem Building - (c) Henning Larsen Architects

The Gem Building - (c) Henning Larsen Architects

The Gem Building - (c) Henning Larsen Architects

Tags: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Categories: Commercial Building, Henning Larsen

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