Al Hamra Firdous Tower, Kuwait City, Kuwait

The Al Hamra Firdous tower rises 412m in the centre of Kuwait City as a landmark tower of iconic sculptural form. The unique geometry of the tower creates the illusion of a subtle, elegant twist, which reflects the profile of the peninsula with its delicate glass veil, allowing breathtaking views of the Gulf.

The complex geometry of the tower is defined with a pure, simple formal operation. The operation is based on the removal of mass / volume due south in order to maximise views and minimise the solar radiation.

As a result, the tower gives the impression of a twisting sculpture which reacts to the environment with its transparent envelope facing north and its solid wall facing south.

CHISELLED DESIGN

With the aim of maximising Gulf views and minimising solar heat gain on the office floors, a quarter of each floor plate is chiselled out of the south side, shifting from west to east over the height of the tower. The result of this operation reveals a rich, monolithic stone at the south wall framed by the graceful, twisting ribbons of torqued walls that define the iconic form of the tower.

The resultant form of the simple carving operation provides transparency on the north, east and west sides towards the Gulf and near-complete opacity on the south side against the severe desert sun.

The point at the apex of the tower not only resolves the complex geometry of the carved flared walls but also implies the continuation of the sculptural form infinitely upwards.

AL HAMRA STRUCTURE

The south wall conceived as a tall protective stone element, forms the structural spine of the building and contains a sky bridge connecting the east and west office wings on each floor. The sky bridges present a unique spatial experience with deeply sculpted openings in the south.

Strategically located south wall openings allow for dramatic views towards the city, and the infinite desert beyond, while controlling the strong solar radiation from south.

On the ground floor, Al Hamra's transparent north façade opens up and welcomes tenants with a soaring 20m-tall highly articulated lamella structure inside the lobby. The geometry of the lobby area is generated by applying the principles of lamella structures.

The continuous structure acts as a completely integrated strengthening component in the lobby, while creating a dramatic lobby experience for Al Hamra's visitors.