TEAM:
Roberto Ferlito Main partner
Alessandra Faticanti Main partner
Agita Putnina, chief architect
Assigned Typology: Residential Tower
Client: Private
Project phase: ON GOING
Date: 2023
Waterfall Tower, tower residential hotel apartment building.
The Waterfall Tower is taking ground on Business Bay in Dubai.
The tower will host commercial spaces, facilities, restaurants, residential and Hotel apartment in view of the world expo 2020.
The tower in Business Bay is now complete, forming a multifunctional complex that blends offices, retail, hospitality and communal spaces within a broad vision of business and sustainability; its signature glazed façade uses advanced solar-control glass—a California-developed, low-emissivity, spectrally selective glass that selectively reflects and absorbs near-infrared solar radiation while admitting visible light—reducing solar heat gain, lowering cooling loads and improving occupant comfort in Dubai’s intense sun; this glazing strategy, combined with integrated shading, high-performance insulation and smart building systems, supports energy efficiency, reduces operational carbon and enhances the tower’s role as a resilient, high-performance hub for commerce and community. The glazing system simulates a waterfall by combining layered, insulating glass with controlled thermal breaks and integrated ventilation channels, creating a continuous visual of cascading light while keeping interior temperatures stable and fresh. Advanced low-emissivity coatings and argon-filled cavities minimize heat transfer, reducing energy loss in winter and limiting solar heat gain in summer, while the system’s airtight seals and pressure-equalized framing prevent drafts. At the same time, discreet operable vents and moisture-managing materials allow for gentle, filtered air exchange that maintains indoor air quality without compromising insulation. The result is a striking waterfall aesthetic that enhances daylighting and views while delivering tangible thermal performance and a fresh, comfortable interior environment.
