Latest news with #biophilicdesign
Harpers Bazaar Arabia
a day ago
- Business
- Harpers Bazaar Arabia
Above the City: OMNIYAT's Lumena Sets a New Standard for the Future of Work
A new architectural landmark rises in Dubai — where light, luxury, and leadership converge in OMNIYAT's most visionary commercial tower yet. There are buildings that exist to house work and then there are buildings that redefine how we experience it. Lumena by OMNIYAT, a newly unveiled 48-storey commercial tower set to rise in Dubai's Burj Khalifa district, belongs firmly in the latter category. Launched with a dramatic reveal at the Museum of the Future, Lumena brings together sculptural form, biophilic design, and a philosophy that favours clarity and considered momentum. Even its name reflects this duality: 'lumen' from Latin, meaning light, and 'ena,' a Japanese expression of blessing. From the outset, every detail is designed to inspire. With a slender silhouette and cantilevered volumes that seem to hover above Sheikh Zayed Road, Lumena's presence is striking. The internal architecture echoes this weightlessness with double-height glazing, minimal columns, and expansive ceiling heights which created a feeling of openness and intention. Whilst views stretch from the glittering axis of Downtown to the waters of the Arabian Gulf. Each of the 91 shell-and-core office units – offered as half floor and full floor offices – has been designed with customisation and efficiency in mind. Flexible layouts, high ceilings, and column-free spaces allow for complete personalisation. Behind the aesthetics lies serious innovation: Lumena is on track to secure Platinum certifications from LEED, WELL, WiredScore, and SmartScore – making it one of the most future-focused commercial developments in the region. The experience moves well beyond the workday too. A private Executive Club, high-performance Wellness Suite, and the city's first commercial Sky Theatre are seamlessly integrated into the building's upper floors. The latter is a destination in itself as it's set against sweeping skyline views and designed to host everything from strategic summits to brand launches. A suspended Sky Pool, framed by soft landscaping, offers a rare moment of stillness high above the city. On the ground, the podium connects curated retail and fine dining with Business Bay and Downtown's lifestyle communities, while a full concierge service takes care of everything from boardroom bookings to luxury travel and personal shopping. Lumena is a building that anticipates how tomorrow's leaders will work and live, quietly setting a new benchmark for commercial life in Dubai. And for those who step inside, it's an invitation to operate above the noise, in a place where everything has been considered.
Entrepreneur
2 days ago
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Paradigm: Meet Alex Zagrebelny, the Developer Who Wants your Home to Heal you
Discover how Alex Zagrebelny is redefining luxury living with Eywa on Paradigm, our podcast exploring visionary ideas shaping the future Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. Alex Zagrebelny isn't your typical real estate developer. As the founder and sole proprietor of R·Evolution Group, his approach to architecture leans less on square footage and more on philosophy—well-being, sustainability, and a deep-rooted connection to nature. His latest project in Dubai, Eywa – The Tree of Life, is a bold experiment in what residential spaces can be when we stop designing for status and start designing for the human experience. Located in the heart of Business Bay, Eywa rises along the widened curve of the Dubai Water Canal, offering unobstructed views of Downtown and the Burj Khalifa. But it's not the skyline that defines this building—it's what's happening inside. Eywa trades in traditional luxury cues—like marble lobbies and valet service—for something more elemental. There are crystal gardens and structured water systems, cascading terrace waterfalls, and interiors layered with natural stone, greenery, and sunlight. Each unit is its own sanctuary: floor-to-ceiling windows invite daylight to sculpt the spaces, while air purification systems, non-toxic materials, and biophilic design elements aim to foster physical and emotional health. "We're not just building homes," Zagrebelny tells Entrepreneur Middle East. "We're trying to build a new way of living." And it's not just theory. The building incorporates MERV14 air filtration and natural ventilation—features more commonly found in wellness clinics than condos. Even the drinking water is treated and "structured" using methods derived from alternative science, while the pools are pH-balanced to enhance bodily restoration. For all its introspective design, Eywa isn't tucked away in nature. In fact, it's minutes from the city's most dynamic districts—Downtown, the Dubai Mall, and the Opera District. The juxtaposition is intentional: a reminder that tranquility doesn't have to come at the cost of convenience. Eywa may not appeal to everyone. But for a growing segment of affluent buyers who are turning away from excess and toward intentionality, it taps into something deeper than opulence. It taps into how we want to live—now and in the future. Check out our latest episode of Paradigm on our YouTube and Spotify channels!
Mail & Guardian
5 days ago
- Business
- Mail & Guardian
Why has Cape Town's giant green residential building been cancelled?
Aspirational: This is what The Fynbos would have looked like – a sustainable building in the city centre. Photo: Supplied It's not often that you hear about a huge residential development in the centre of Cape Town being cancelled. Especially one that had already broken ground and was poised to make African property development history by being the first biophilic — or nature connected — building in Africa. But that's what has happened with The Fynbos on 142 Bree Street. What was once marketed as Africa's first truly green residential tower — a sleek, visionary project with sustainability at its core — has now been called off. Construction has been slow, and there has been little activity on the erf over the past year. Aside from a couple of bulldozers occasionally sprinkled on the site, there has been little movement. On 13 May, the developer of The Fynbos informed purchasers that the original plan had been cancelled. The reason? A shift in the market and strategy. According to a notice sent to purchasers, the original developer, Lurra Capital, made the call to withdraw. The site has since been handed over to a new player: Tricolt. It's a familiar name in the jungle of Jozi. And this will be its second Mother City project in the pipeline. The Fynbos wasn't just another boutique build with a couple of dozen apartments and some rooftop amenities. A cancellation of this magnitude is a big deal. With 689 residential units right in the middle of the city centre, it would have been one of the biggest projects ever launched to market over the past decade. For a city already grappling with housing pressure and a tricky approval process for new large-scale projects, this cancellation isn't just a bump in the road; it's a thunderclap. The original site had a decent-sized building on it that housed a Supa Quick Fitment centre and a debt-management company in the office section at the top. Spear Reit was the original owner of this building and sold it to a shelf company with one director for a whopping R150 million. A few months later, The Fynbos scheme was launched to market. That's a pretty high land acquisition cost. It raises questions about confidence, funding and the appetite for large-scale residential developments of this kind in Cape Town. It also speaks to the complexity of the inner-city property market, where buyers want well-located, future-proof apartments, but developers are having to juggle construction costs, interest rates, political instability and shifting buyer sentiment. From my point of view, it also underscores just how fragile even the most hyped projects can be. When a site that is this high profile hits pause, even after excavation, lateral support and years of planning, it's a reminder that the market remains volatile. Even with all the right ingredients (and paired with reputable developers), nothing is guaranteed. While the cancellation is a blow, it's not entirely depressing, because the baton has now been passed to a developer with a track record of making things happen. I've been following Tricolt's work for years. It's not your average developer churning out cookie-cutter units on the city fringe. It plays big, bold and beautifully. It was founded by Tim Kloeck, whose first project was building his own house. He scaled the company from the ground up. Tricolt is now one of Johannesburg's premium residential developers. Since 2010, it has completed more than 5 000 luxury residences, with an end value north of R16 billion. It's currently juggling eight projects in Gauteng, with a combined development value of more than R5 billion. One of Tricolt's standout developments is Ellipse Waterfall, with four sleek high-rise towers in Waterfall City, built in partnership with Attacq Ltd. The first three towers are sold out. The final tower, Galileo, is nearly complete. Price tags? About R8 million to R15 million for penthouses, with one record-breaking unit that sold to a tenant who lives in it for a staggering R95 million — the most expensive penthouse ever sold in Gauteng. And then there's Olympus in Sandton, which was launched in February this year with 510 units. Tricolt has partnered with South Africa's largest listed landlord, Growthpoint Properties, to bring this project with an estimated project value of R2 billion to life. It hit R1.3 billion in sales just weeks after launch. That's some serious momentum if you ask me. So, when I say this site in Cape Town is in good hands, I mean it. This isn't just about swopping developers. It's about a shift in vision, scale and delivery capability. Tricolt has a proven model: large-scale luxury, desirable locations, amenity-rich living, and an understanding of the modern investor-buyer. It partners with big names and isn't afraid to spend to deliver a polished product. The developments are aspirational and experiential. Amenities in Tricolt's developments include rooftop sky bars, wine cellars, wellness centres, boutique spas, co-working lounges, fire bomas, pools with a view and plenty of imagination and detail. I am excited to see what Tricolt will do with 142 Bree Street, Cape Town, which should put it to the test. Cape Town is not Johannesburg. The property market there dances to a different rhythm. It's slower, more cautious, fickle and preservation-focused, with far stricter heritage overlays and municipal red tape. Add to that a highly vocal local community, and it becomes clear that this will be a new kind of challenge for Tricolt. Although the Cape Town market has its quirks, the fundamentals remain strong: high tourism appeal, robust short-term rental performance and growing interest from investors — for the right product, in the correct location. Word on the street is that Tricolt is planning more Cape Town launches soon. Its first new development here (aside from the former Fynbos site) will be a boutique block of 35 apartments called Cantabella, launching in Gardens in July 2025. It will be located at the corner of Buitengracht and New Church streets. This is also a prime node with walkability and stunning views. So what does this mean for the Cape Town property market? It brings fresh capital, expertise and new energy, and perhaps a mindset shift. One that treats Cape Town not just as a postcard city, but as a viable, investable, scalable place to build aspirational living spaces at scale. Naturally, we need to acknowledge the original vision behind The Fynbos. It was meant to be Africa's first green residential tower, a vertical forest in the city, a symbol of sustainable urban living. The cancellation of that specific concept is disappointing. The 1 200m2 vertical garden was to consist of 20 species of shrub and 30 species of trees. Older development brochures used to boast that 'flying' gardeners would have been a first for Cape Town when it came to TLC of the garden. But I also believe that sometimes, projects evolve, and that's okay. The bones are still there. The location is world-class. The groundwork has been completed, with the basement and lateral support work already done. And now, a new chapter begins. Construction could restart next year pending city approvals. No new plans or renders have been released yet. The entire scheme is being redesigned. That means new layouts, new pricing (probably higher) and a new vision that is in the planning stages. Updated details are expected within the next four to six months. Buyers who were initially signed up for The Fynbos have been refunded, and Tricolt has extended an olive branch: it's offering to cover the first year's levies for those who choose to re-invest. Yes, losing The Fynbos as originally envisioned is a blow to Cape Town's skyline and its sustainability ambitions. But this is not the end of the story. Ask Ash examines South Africa's property, architecture and living spaces. Continue the conversation with her on email (
Al Bawaba
04-06-2025
- Business
- Al Bawaba
Majid Al Futtaim Advances Vision for Forest Living at Ghaf Woods by Announcing a Dedicated Tree Nursery and Appointment of Contractor
Majid Al Futtaim, a leading pioneer in shopping malls, communities, retail, and leisure across the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia, today announced two significant milestones for its forest living concept, Ghaf Woods – the establishment of a dedicated tree nursery to support the project's biophilic design concept and the appointment of Innovo Build as the main contractor for its first two Ghaf Woods set to become a model for sustainable forest living in Dubai, the nursery will be the cornerstone of this vision, where thousands of native and climate-resilient tree species will be grown and nurtured over the next 18 months. Today, the nursery is home to more than 10,000 trees with that figure set to increase to 20,000 and 105,000 shrubs by May 2026. It will eventually grow to house up to 30,000 trees, which will then be transported and replanted across Ghaf part of this exciting journey, the AED 49 million nursery contract has been awarded to Barari Natural Resources, part of Mawarid Holding Investment, who will manage and oversee the trees care and cultivation throughout this journey. The facility will be home to a diverse selection of climate-suitable species, including Acacias, Citrus, Ficus, Melia, Phoenix, Tecomella, Ziziphus, and the iconic Ghaf. All species have been procured from Egypt (Nile Delta), India, Thailand, and the UAE – including Fujairah, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Abu Woods is redefining the concept of living with nature and this milestone is a demonstration of the unique offering it brings. The development's forest ecosystem is set to outnumber residents and serve as a vital 'Green Lung' delivering up to 20% cleaner air and temperatures up to five degrees Celsius cooler than other areas of the city. These trees will also play a critical role in reducing soil erosion, conserving water, and shaping shaded pathways and green corridors throughout the El Shamy, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Properties, said: 'The concept of Ghaf Woods has been years in the making with a vision for sustainable living at the core. Since its unveiling one year ago, there's been a clear and growing demand from people who are looking for communities that foster a deeper connection with nature and the environment. Our investment in a purpose-built tree nursery, and the partnership with Barari Natural Resources and Mawarid Holding Investment, is a vital step in bringing this vision to life. We're also proud to be working with Innovo Build on the delivery of the Celia, Serra, and Lacina clusters. It is through collaborations like these that we are setting a new benchmark for how nature, lifestyle and premium living can meaningfully coexist.'Kashif Shamsi, Group Chief Executive Officer, Mawarid Holding Investment said: 'This nursery is a critical foundation for the forest ecosystem at Ghaf Woods. Our focus is not only on scale but also on biodiversity, resilience, and ensuring every tree contributes meaningfully to the project's long-term environmental impact. As one of the largest plant nursery operators in the GCC, we are proud to collaborate on one of the region's most forward-looking developments, and excited to see the landscape grow from the ground up.'Meanwhile, Innovo Build has been awarded the AED 1.7 billion contract for Phase 1 and Phase 2 of Ghaf Woods, including the construction and completion of 13 buildings with a shared podium level across the Celia, Serra, and Lacina clusters. Known for their expertise in sustainable, high-quality developments, Innovo Build's portfolio spans luxury residences, villa communities, educational institutions, and critical sustainability at the heart of its operations, Innovo Build will focus on Ghaf Woods' forest living concept, blending contemporary architecture with immersive natural surroundings to create a new standard for urban living in Fam, Chief Executive Officer, Innovo Build said: 'We are proud to partner with Majid Al Futtaim to deliver the early phases of a development as visionary as Ghaf Woods – a project that reflects our shared commitment to innovation, sustainability and community-centric design. This project redefines traditional construction, and requires us to build in harmony with nature, not around it. Our team will approach this landmark development with the precision, care and focus on sustainability that cements us as a contractor of choice in UAE.'Spanning 738,000 square metres off the Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Highway, near Global Village, Ghaf Woods will feature over 7,000 premium units, including one, two, and three-bedroom residences and penthouses. Prioritising wellness, Ghaf Woods promises residents eight kilometres of walking trails, a three-and-a-half-kilometre biking loop, resort-style pools, fitness facilities, family-friendly gardens, and a yoga pavilion. The community will also be home to Majid Al Futtaim's signature multi-purpose hub, Distrikt, which features a curated selection of retail and farm-to-table dining experiences. For more information on phase three of Ghaf Woods, please visit
Hospitality Net
02-06-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Reservations Now Being Accepted for 1 Hotel Copenhagen
1 Hotels, the mission-driven luxury lifestyle brand founded by hospitality visionary Barry Sternlicht, is thrilled to announce that reservations are now open for 1 Hotel Copenhagen, a nature sanctuary set to open in August in the heart of Denmark's capital. The property is a reimagining of the Skt. Petri, an iconic hotel in the historic Latin Quarter. 1 Hotels is transforming the space into a 282-room retreat that combines the brand's trademark biophilic design with Scandinavian craftsmanship, integrating organic textures, reclaimed materials, and native greenery to create an urban oasis. A commitment to mindful living is reflected throughout the property, from energy-efficient operations aligned with LEED Gold and BREEAM Excellent standards to a garden space that supplies herbs and edible flowers for the restaurant. An on-site bee hotel supports biodiversity and invites guests to connect more deeply with nature. "Copenhagen is the epicenter of conscious living, leading the world in urban innovation, cycling culture, and green living," says Barry Sternlicht, Founder of 1 Hotels and Chairman of Starwood Hotels. "1 Hotel Copenhagen is the embodiment of the city's commitment to environmental responsibility and wellness—bringing together nature, heritage, and modern design to create a hotel experience that is as inspiring as it is responsible. This isn't just about where you stay—it's about how you live and how your choices impact the world around you." "Design is woven into the DNA of Copenhagen—it's not just aesthetic, it's cultural," says Raul Leal, CEO of Starwood Hotels. "With 1 Hotel Copenhagen, we've created a space that responds to that tradition, where material choices and architectural elements reflect both Scandinavian craftsmanship and our nature-inspired approach. It's a distinctly Nordic interpretation of the 1 Hotels ethos—biophilic, rooted in place, and inherently connected to the planet." Centrally located at Krystalgade 22 in the historic Latin Quarter, 1 Hotel Copenhagen offers guests prime access to the city's most celebrated landmarks, including Tivoli Gardens, the Round Tower, Rosenborg Castle, and the Botanical Garden. Guests can explore on foot or by bicycle, embracing the city's renowned cycling culture. Key transportation links are close by, including Nørreport Station (a five-minute walk), Copenhagen Central Station (a 15-minute walk), and Copenhagen Airport (an easy 20-minute metro ride). Design that Honors Nature and Nordic Craftsmanship This property is a collaboration between leading architecture and design firms—including AvroKO, Norm Architects, Arkitema Architects, Synergy Architects, and 1 Hotels' in-house studio. Interiors feature natural materials (oak, linen, limestone) and a thoughtfully curated lighting design, bringing warmth and depth to the space. Handcrafted Danish furnishings have been selected to accentuate the surrounding architecture. Guests are welcomed into an airy, light-filled atrium lounge anchored by a grand staircase, an intimate fireplace, and inviting lounge seating. Lush greenery and tall trees blur the boundaries between the interior and exterior environments, creating a vibrant, immersive space that transitions effortlessly from day to night. Views look out on a courtyard garden planted with wildflowers and herbs. Each of the 252 guest rooms and 30 suites is designed to be a serene sanctuary, with natural textiles and expansive windows that frame the city's beauty. Bathrooms are outfitted with stone sinks, rainfall showers, and greenery accents, evoking the tranquility of Denmark's forests. In-room amenities like eco-friendly Bamford bath products, sustainably sourced bedding, and yoga mats round out the brand's commitment to elevated, conscious living. Flavors that Celebrate the Land At 1 Hotel Copenhagen, the culinary experiences are deeply connected to nature and the changing seasons. Fjora, helmed by Green Michelin-starred Chef Chantelle Nicholson, who will also oversee the property's food & beverage program, is a quiet tribute to the gentle rhythm of the North. Its name is inspired by the fjords, those ancient, deep inlets where land meets sea. The dining experience honors local ingredients and Nordic traditions with modern simplicity. Every element—from the seasonally driven menu to the interiors crafted from raw materials—strikes a thoughtful balance between refinement and wildness, nature and nurture. PÆRE—a play on the Danish words for "pear" and "lightbulb"—is a spirited bar and gathering place. Here, cocktails change with the seasons and incorporate freshly foraged botanicals for drinks that are as imaginative as they are transporting. The vibe is warm, modern, and distinctly Danish. Light is central to the experience, reflected in the airy interiors and those unforgettable "lightbulb moments" sparked among friends. The hotel also features the Farmstand, which brings the region's bounty indoors. This open, market-style hub offers a rotating selection of fresh, seasonal fruits and local artisanal products—perfect for a quick snack, a nourishing pick-me-up, or a taste of Copenhagen to bring home. Complementing its culinary offerings, 1 Hotel Copenhagen has a range of versatile event spaces that reflect the brand's commitment to biophilic design, purposeful functionality, and meaningful connections. Natural materials, warm and inviting aesthetics, and smart technology set the tone across four venues, including Oak, which accommodates up to 200 guests. Juniper, Poplar, and Ember provide intimate settings for groups of 16 to 24. Each of the spaces offers flexible layouts, making them ideal for everything from board meetings to milestone celebrations. Wellness and Mindful Living Well-being at 1 Hotel Copenhagen is an invitation to reconnect with yourself and the natural world. At The Field House Gym—the hotel's 24-hour fitness center—guests can book personal training, HIIT, Pilates, or conditioning sessions led by top-tier instructors in a space that is alive with natural materials. Opening in early 2026, Bamford Wellness Spa—created in partnership with Carole Bamford, a pioneer in organic, sustainable, and holistic living—will offer a range of mind-body therapies and treatments inspired by nature. With interiors of oak, stone, and soft lighting, the spa will serve as a deeply restorative sanctuary, encouraging reflection, balance, and renewal. Built with Purpose 1 Hotel Copenhagen reflects our ongoing commitment to responsible hospitality in Scandinavia, shaped by thoughtful design and operational practices that prioritize resource efficiency, local engagement, and long-term environmental stewardship. The hotel is on track to achieve both LEED Gold and BREEAM Excellent certifications and integrates sustainability whenever possible, starting with the adaptive reuse of the original Skt. Petri structure—which has been transformed with minimal demolition. Energy efficiency is built into the hotel's infrastructure, with features like high-performance triple-glazed windows and smart occupancy sensors. Throughout the property, there are locally sourced, reclaimed materials, including Dinesen wood paneling, handcrafted limestone walls, and sustainable textiles from Kvadrat. The biophilic design includes lush interior greenery, native plantings, balcony planters, and a 3.2-meter-high green wall that supports biodiversity and air quality. It's a thoughtful, intentional way of traveling—where luxury doesn't cost the earth. Book Your Stay Be among the first to experience 1 Hotel Copenhagen, where sustainable luxury meets Scandinavian soul. Reservations are now open. To book your stay or learn more, visit Hotel website
