Wasl Tower has been completed in Dubai, marking the delivery of a 302-metre mixed-use high-rise building designed by UNS in collaboration with Werner Sobek. Located off Sheikh Zayed Road, the project brings together a Mandarin Oriental Downtown hotel, residences, offices and shared amenity spaces within a single development shaped around comfort, performance and usability.

A defining feature of the tower is its ceramic facade, one of the world’s tallest of its kind. Composed of thousands of terracotta fins, the envelope provides passive shading, reduces heat radiation and supports natural airflow around the building. Developed as a 360-degree system in response to solar orientation, the facade improves energy performance while giving the tower its distinct architectural identity. Its custom ceramic elements also bring a durable, regionally resonant material into high-rise construction at an exceptional scale.

"The aim was to make a visit to Wasl Tower as attractive and contemporary as possible. As such a dedicated concept of health, comfort and wellbeing throughout was developed for the building,” say UNS Founder and Principal Architect, Ben van Berkel.

Wasl Tower’s programme is organised to support a range of users, from hotel guests and residents to office workers and visitors. Alongside hospitality, residential and workplace functions, the building includes wellness facilities, event spaces, restaurants, bars and elevated public areas that create opportunities for gathering across multiple levels.

Sustainability strategies are integrated throughout the project. The facade reduces cooling loads, while solar thermal panels, reflective glazing, LED lighting and daylight-responsive systems further improve efficiency. District cooling, an integrated heat pump system, low-VOC finishes, recycled PET acoustic panels and regionally sourced materials contribute to a lower environmental impact. The structural design also reduced concrete use by 3,000 cubic metres.

Explore the full project here.