Innovation Hub

RMJM

Short description

The Innovation Hub is strategically located and easily accessible in the heart of Masdar City’s Tech and Research & Development (R&D) cluster. The building offers a total of 4,000 square meters (sqm) of office space across three floors with the open-plan office space allowing for various fit-out options. The offices follow a modular design approach, comprising interconnected volumes that form a united complex.

The distinctive design of the Innovation Hub presents a reimagined, modern office. The building includes a dedicated lobby, a separate R&D service entrance and a parking area of 127 spaces. The space also offers a physical presence where flexible workplace and supporting services can be provided, acting as an educational facility where Masdar City’s pioneering services can be showcased, and allowing for additional elements such as training rooms, test labs, or R&D spaces to be easily added.

Designed to be highly efficient, the building achieved a 3 Pearl Design Rating and LEED Gold Certification, consuming 40 percent less energy and water compared to conventional structures of similar scale. The project supplies over 60% of the building’s total energy demand through renewable energy. Its construction prioritized the use of low-carbon and eco-friendly materials - over 70% of the project’s timber is sourced from legal and sustainable sources.

The lighting strategy emphasizes both functionality and aesthetics, ensuring adequate illumination while accentuating the textures and contrasts of surfaces and materials. The upper facade is treated with heightened illumination, creating a "Floating Floor" effect through uniform grazing light that enhances the facade's texture and construction details, casting intriguing shadows.

A key aspect of the building's design is its highly efficient envelope, which integrates modular brick facades to facilitate daylight penetration. This design choice not only fosters a connection with the surrounding environment but also reduces reliance on artificial lighting. Occupants benefit from ample natural light and direct access to the courtyards, futureproofing the drone delivery services.

A few additional sustainability achievements:
- The project’s material are specified with low VOC and No Formaldehyde content to reduce concentrations of chemical contaminants.
- The project has achieved a minimum of 40% reduction of interior water demand from the baseline as calculated using the Estidama PBRS Water Calculator.
- The calculated average irrigation demand is reduced to 0.96 liters/m2/day based on selected plant species.
- The building design demonstrates an increase in outdoor air ventilation of 30% above the minimum outdoor air ventilation rates established as per ASHRAE 62.1.2010.
- Energy Demand Reduction, the project achieves 80.9% (With PV) 47.0% (Without PV) energy reduction from the baseline established in ASHRAE 90.1: 2010.
- The project has aimed to supply over 60% of the building’s total energy demand through renewable energy.
- Energy submeters are provided to allow a minimum of 90% of the estimated annual energy consumption of the building to be monitored.