OMA reveals winning tower design for their first built project in Kuwait

A team comprising of OMA's Iyad Alsaka and Reinier de Graaf, in collaboration with Kuwait-based consultant Pace, recently revealed their winning proposal for the Wafra residential tower in Kuwait's Hessa Al Mubarak District. OMA's design was selected out of three competitors. 

Construction is currently scheduled for the end of 2020. And if all goes smoothly, the tower will be OMA's first built project in Kuwait.

The firm shared more details about their winning proposal below.

The design features five residential blocks that form a stepped sequence, which modulates from an L-shaped volume to slab, OMA says. “This structure maximizes occupancy on the lower floors and optimizes views along the vertical axis of the building. The apartment blocks offer views on both the seafront and the city and are connected by an exposed, monolithic core.”

The tower consists of 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments and large penthouses. Due to the way the residential blocks are stacked, all apartments offer views across the gulf, while corner apartments have multiple orientations. 

The stepped-block design forms lush terraces that provide room for athletic activities, a swimming pool, and diwaniyas (a traditional Kuwaiti reception hall).

“The façade is marked by a rational, rectangular grid that enhances the visual effect of the skewed volumes of the tower blocks. On street level, the plinth accommodates a raised lobby with lounge areas and co-working spaces with seaside views,” the firm describes.

The masterplan development in the Hessa Al Mubarak District is part of an ongoing construction boom in Kuwait, where active projects are worth over $460 billion, according to OMA.

Find more project drawings and model photos in the gallery below.