A new building has been recently finished by Nikken Sekkei in the central financial district of Dubai, UAE. It has been recognized as the “longest cantilever” in the world, which flows 100m above the ground. The structure is comprised of two towers that are linked by an enclosed horizontal bridge, named “One Za’abeel.”
The cantilever on the Link, a column-free structure, spans 230 meters and offers panoramic views. At 66 meters, it is currently the world’s longest.
One Za’abeel is a vast mixed-use development that covers 530,000 square meters, with 12,000 square meters solely dedicated to retail space. The building’s exteriors are made of Low-E glass, which offers both solar protection and transparency. The shortest tower, known as One Za’abeel The Residences, comprises 264 private homes across 59 storeys.
The glass fins incorporated in the design offer different optical expressions depending on the viewing angle. Additionally, white dot patterns are used to protect against solar radiation and reduce the “mirror effect” of the structures, giving them a three-dimensional appearance.
The lead consultant for the project is Nikken Sekkei, and the contractor is Alec Engineering and Contracting.
