MEI Headquarters Co. Building
Industry:
Office, Commercial, Mixed Use and Services
Client:
Middle East Insurance Co. Ltd.
Project Status:
Completed in 2014
Project Area:
26,000 SQM
Location:
Amman, Jordan
Consultant Role:
Design for the Architectural, Interior, Landscape, Structural, Electrical, HVAC & Sanitary works. Preparation of contract & tender documents in addition to the supervision of the execution of the project on site.
Project Summary:
The design concept of this project was founded upon the core principles of green architecture across all disciplines, including the reuse of gray water, the implementation of rainwater harvesting systems, and the strategic introduction of vegetation to enhance internal environmental conditions. Additionally, the project was designed with careful consideration given to minimizing heat gain and loss through the proper design of openings. This project has been awarded the LEED Gold certification.
The structure houses the Middle East Insurance Co. Ltd offices along with premium office spaces available for rent, as well as amenities like a gym and various services. Positioned on Zahran Street, one of Amman's prominent and sensitive thoroughfares, the building sits at a juncture separating two distinct urban environments. To the west and south, the area features low-density, upscale 1950s architecture characterized by residential and diplomatic structures with a maximum height of four floors. In contrast, the eastern and northern sectors predominantly consist of taller governmental buildings, with the architecturally contentious 'La Royal' tower standing 200 meters to the east.
The project acquired a prize from the Jordanian Engineering Association Green Building Competition.
Design Approach: Our design objectives aimed to create a concept that honors the essence of the street and the city, achieving a harmonious blend between the surrounding architectural styles while presenting a futuristic, visually appealing, modern, environmentally friendly design.
The building was conceptualized with a substantial landscaped setback along Zahran Street to align with the street's existing character. Horizontally, the building's form was fragmented into sections proportionate to neighbouring structures. Vertically, the height of the building along Zahran was incrementally stepped back, mirroring the heights of adjacent buildings; a setback was incorporated after the initial four floors, followed by a larger setback after the fifth floor, utilized as terraced gardens.
The building's massing effectively bridged the aesthetic gap between the smaller, four-story neighbouring buildings and the larger, taller office and hotel structures. Local limestone cladding adorned the lower four floors along Zahran to maintain street character, while glass cladding adorned the upper floors to visually lighten the building's presence. A planted atrium was integrated to vertically connect the fifth-floor terrace with the ground floor, facilitating natural light and ventilation into the core of the lower, larger five floors. Perforated aluminium sheets were utilized to shade sun-exposed glazed areas of the upper floors and to break up the building's mass. The northern elevation, facing office buildings, featured expansive clear glass panels to maximize daylight penetration.
