Gulf Construction Online - Mered gives flight to Iconic vision

Dubai

Iconic Tower ... the city-facing side shows thinner lines inspired by the wind-sculpted forms of sand dunes.

Mered gives flight to Iconic vision

01 March 2024

Enabling works are set to start this month (March) on what will be the tallest building in Dubai Internet City. Soaring to a height of 286.4 m, The Iconic Tower will offer 311 ultra-luxury residential apartments and world-class amenities designed by Italian automobile designer Pininfarina.

Being spearheaded by prominent international real estate developer, Mered, in collaboration with Pininfarina, the project aims to redefine living standards in Dubai, fusing an innovative real estate approach with legendary design ethos.

World-class amenities spread across the building include a private lounge and dining room, a well-equipped gym, a private cinema, an infinity pool overlooking the sea, lounges and outdoor terraces, a Jacuzzi, a sauna and much more. The tower will feature 423 dedicated parking spaces, including a limited number of exclusive, air-conditioned ones.

According the Mered, the detailed design phase is under way, while work is ongoing on preparing tender documentation for the main construction contract of the project which is scheduled for completion in the fourth quarter of 2027.

The Iconic Tower will offer 311 ultra-luxury residential apartments.

Speaking to Gulf Construction about the location and vision for the tower, Diana Nilipovscaia, CEO at Mered, says: “Dubai’s real estate is a fast-moving market renowned for its forward-thinking, innovation and focus on becoming a global real estate destination. When we were searching for a place to develop our flagship project, we needed a city that would fit with our company’s vision as well as our ambitions for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the industry. Dubai was the perfect place for it.

“The vision for the Iconic Tower is to create an icon of design and a reference model for building excellence, to achieve engineering perfection, and to enrich people’s lives in Dubai. We back this ambitious vision with our team’s strong expertise in construction quality, cutting-edge management systems, and technology. At the same time, at the core of Mered’s philosophy are consideration for the needs and aspirations of the future owners of our buildings and genuine care about the long-lasting impact our projects will have on the city.”

Nilipovscaia points out that the partnership with Pininfarina is a milestone in Mered’s journey to elevate the real estate landscape in the country.

“Pininfarina’s exceptional 90-year heritage in Italian design and worldwide architectural experience complements our vision for the Iconic Tower, ensuring that it will not just be a residential development but a landmark that embodies elegance, craftsmanship, and cutting-edge technology,” she adds.

The name “Iconic” encapsulates this bold vision, highlighting three core pillars – iconic design by Pininfarina, iconic quality by Mered, and the fact that the tower is set to be instantly recognised as a city icon of Dubai, Nilipovscaia emphasises.

The lobby area at the Iconic Tower.

“Our Iconic residential tower promises to seamlessly merge thoughtful functionality and architectural aesthetics, the latest technology and craftsmanship, heritage and innovation, city buzz and serenity, embodying the concept of “Beauty in Harmony... Timeless Value”, she adds.

The Iconic Tower highlights Mered’s strategic approach to urban development, featuring a unique and promising location, prominent architecture, state-of-the-art design, and high-quality construction.

The tower incorporates a number of green features to ensure its sustainability, according to Nilipovscaia.

She elaborates: “The design of the Iconic Tower follows the Al-Safat Green Building Regulations and the Dubai Building Code and reflects a commitment to energy efficiency, water conservation and responsible waste management. The building’s thermal envelope is designed to incorporate continuous insulation to reduce thermal bridges and enhance performance.

“Water is a precious resource – we’re careful with it. From waste drainage pipework to condensate drains from HVAC units repurposed for irrigation, every drop is accounted for. Embracing district cooling, we’re tapping into chilled water supplied by plate heat exchangers in the ETS room. The Iconic Tower breathes naturally, with operable windows following Dubai Municipality (DM) regulations, while the main entrance door doubles as a shield against conditioned air loss. We’re adding green roofs to a minimum of 30 per cent of the building’s total roof area and shading walkways with materials featuring specified Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) values.

Iconic tower will feature 423 dedicated parking spaces, including a limited number of exclusive, air-conditioned ones.

“We designed the tower floor plan and glazing to achieve natural daylight and views, following DM building regulations. As the Iconic residential tower rises, it not only stands as a symbol of architectural excellence but also as a contributor to a sustainable future in Dubai’s skyline.”

Giovanni de Niederhausern, Senior Vice President of Architecture in Pininfarina, tells Gulf Construction that Dubai, with its modern soul and natural elements, inspired the design of the Iconic Tower.

“Wind is a constant presence. Through the air flows, it shapes sharp lines and distinct contours conferring to the building a sense of modernity and connection with the natural elements. The wind extends its influence on the whole tower. The two primary facades feature gentler shapes that recall calm waters caressed by the air while the city-facing side shows thinner lines inspired by the wind-sculpted forms of sand dunes. A contrast of shapes contributes to elevating the project, giving the impression that the tower is a dynamic entity in harmony with the surrounding urban environment,” he explains.

The tower was conceived to include innovative design elements to enhance the overall experience of its residents and to create a sense of community. The structure of the tower stands out for its perceived movement. The residential floors are organised into three blocks split by three distinctive floors, thus making the structure more dynamic, and improving the general visual appeal. It reflects the energetic soul of Dubai and its evolving landscape, he adds.

The attention to the resident’s wellness led to the creation of an intermediate floor that includes an oasis for relaxation and leisure. At the top of the tower, the penthouse allows residents to completely take in Dubai’s skyline.

“These characterising elements make the tower innovative in terms of living experience, by providing spaces that create a harmony between urban life and the desire to be immersed in nature,” de Niederhausern remarks.

Building on its vision, Mered is committed to bringing together a team of expert real estate professionals from around the world, dedicated to creating exceptional lifestyles that enrich and enhance customers’ lives, while remaining relevant for today and tomorrow.