Summertown Interiors completes the fit-out for Government of Dubai Media Office
Summertown Interiors recently completed the fit-out of the new Headquarters for the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO). Located at Dubai World Trade Centre’s prestigious One Central Tower, the GDMO is responsible for implementing strategic communication plans for the Government of Dubai, as well as disseminating government-related news in cooperation with local government agencies.
Working in partnership with Bluehaus Group’s design team and project managers from 3Sixty Consult, the high-spec fit-out of the 4,200sqm project was delivered within 11 months. Inspired by the design concept ‘Castle in the Sand’, the office reflects GDMO’s vision to create a space that ‘feels like home’, combining a blend of nostalgia and modernity.
The new open-plan workspace features free-flowing desk areas to encourage team collaboration and transparency, sound-proof state-of-the-art meeting rooms, as well as a welcoming Majlis that is a modern expression of the traditional Arabic hospitality concept. Designed to facilitate productivity and provide access to the latest media equipment and technology the office incorporates a Master Control Room (MCR), Central Apparatus Room (CAR), and several recording, editing and voiceover booths with acoustic treatments for sound proofing and absorption.
Biophilic design elements and plants feature throughout the space including an indoor ‘Contemplation Garden’ and outdoor terrace garden. Several sustainable systems were implemented by Summertown including a light control system with occupancy sensors that saves unnecessary electricity consumption. LED light fittings were installed which are 80% more efficient than traditional lighting such as fluorescent and incandescent light – and CO2 sensors interfaced with BMS systems.
Marcos Bish, managing director of Summertown Interiors, commented: “It was a pleasure to work on such a prestigious unique government project. At Summertown, we pride ourselves on our commitment to deliver high-end projects, working with designers and project managers to fulfil our clients’ requirements. The GMDO office is a prime example of Summertown’s passion for delivering workspaces in which employees love to work and, as much as possible, with minimal environmental impact.”
ENBD REIT appoints Savills and Bluehaus Group to refurbish Al Thuraya Tower 1 in Dubai Media City
ENBD REIT (CEIC) PLC (“ENBD REIT” or the “Fund”), the Shari’a compliant real estate investment trust managed by Emirates NBD Asset Management, has announced a major refurbishment programme for its largest asset by value, Al Thuraya Tower 1 in Dubai Media City.
The refurbishment project is a strategic measure to enhance the building’s leasability and boost occupancy. Savills has been appointed as the project manager and cost consultant for the programme, while Bluehaus Group has been appointed to oversee design and MEP works. The project follows ongoing efforts by management to add value to the portfolio by attracting long-term tenants to the REIT’s assets, improving Weighted Average Unexpired Lease Terms (“WAULT”), while engaging with current tenants in genuine financial distress through a Covid-19 rent relief programme.
The areas identified for refurbishment have been selected based on various criteria, including aesthetic improvement, and material upgrades to building infrastructure to align it to the standards of newer, nearby buildings. Upgrades will be made to the foyer and entrance of the building, as well as to lighting and tiling in corridors throughout the tower. Common bathrooms will benefit from improved layout and styling, along with provision for people of determination. Extensive upgrades will be made to fire escape stairs, chillers and lifts as well as car park refurbishments which will include new signage, re-surfacing, lighting and painting. A further objective is to incorporate measures to ensure the building operates as a safe, “virus-free” environment for occupants, in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.
James Coburn, managing director and partner at Bluehaus Group: commented: “It is a pleasure to be partnering with the ENBD REIT and Savills teams to elevate Al Thuraya Tower 1 to create a memorable, efficient experience at the building. Bluehaus Group has been renowned for its Corporate Workplace Consulting over the past 19 years of operations; however, through a diversification and key talent attraction strategy, we are proud to be able to redevelop assets into unique, safe, “virus-free” destinations for end users’ satisfaction. Bluehaus Group’s Engineering and Interior Design disciplines will work closely with the ENBD REIT and Savills teams to create a first mover asset transformation of Al Thuraya Tower 1, for the benefit of all.”
Video: TECOM Group thanks partners with moving social media campaign
TECOM Group, part of Dubai Holding, has lauded the resilience, resourcefulness and readiness of its business partners for supporting the UAE during the COVID-19 pandemic with a heart-warming video acknowledging their vital contributions.
The message of solidarity thanks its 6,500 community members across technology, media, education, design, science, and manufacturing for underpinning the region’s economic reliance amid an unprecedented global situation.
The preparedness, determination and innovation of these sector-focused ecosystems gave Dubai an edge in its efforts to combat COVID-19 and, as the emirate’s economy gets moving again, the digital campaign has emphasised an important point: great partnerships are forged in adversity and success is created together.
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