Al Waha Residence breaks ground at Masdar City

Another residential development has broken ground at Masdar City, Abu Dhabi’s flagship sustainable community, it was announced today.

Due for completion by 2020, the 600-unit Al Waha Residences will comprise luxury studios and apartments in one-, two- and three-bedroom unique Sky-Home and Townhouse configurations designed to meet strict environmental standards.

Masdar City was chosen as the location for the new “eco-living” residential project due to its international reputation as a model for low carbon urban development, according to the Abu Dhabi-based developer, Reportage Real Estate.

“We believe the partnership with Masdar City will result in a model eco-living residential development offering the highest standard of luxury” said Aref Alkhouri, Chairman of Reportage Properties.

Reportage Group is also developing the 170-unit Leonardo Residence at Masdar City, due for completion in the first quarter of this year. “By bringing our real estate knowledge to the sustainable community of Masdar City, we hope to deliver a new way of living,” said Alkhouri.

The Al Waha Residences will achieve a 3 Pearl rating according to the Estidama rating system, a framework for sustainable design and construction developed by the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council. The mandatory rankings promote greater energy and water efficiency in the design of buildings, villas and communities.

All buildings at Masdar City must meet a minimum 3 Pearl Estidama rating, meaning they are designed to be around 40 per cent more efficient in their power and water use than comparable standard buildings.

The project’s cantilever roof design will maximise shading, while intelligent design features will further enhance environmental efficiency, including a monitoring system allowing occupants to control their daily power consumption.

The Al Waha Residences will go up within a “green finger” of landscaped gardens and public green spaces running through the middle of Masdar City. The layout and finish of each apartment will be managed by award-winning Italian design firm Ibridge.

“Over the past 10 years, interest in private sector sustainable real estate has really grown,” said Yousef Baselaib, Executive Director of Sustainable Real Estate at Masdar. “The Al Waha Residences is a further demonstration of the commercial viability of sustainable urban development. We’re excited to be working with Reportage Real Estate on this project, which will further enrich the Masdar City community.”

Masdar City is an increasingly popular community destination thanks to its convenient location, just five minutes by car from Abu Dhabi International Airport, 20 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi, and 40 minutes from Dubai.