28 apr 08 | Al Bawaba (online)

ETA Star launches Verde Towers in Dubai Maritime City

ETA Star Properties, a leading property developer in the UAE, today announced the launch of VERDE Residences and Offices in Dubai Maritime City. The two-tower VERDE Residences and Offices is designed to achieve Gold ratings, as provided by the US Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) programme, will be built in Dubai Maritime City, near Port Rashid, Dubai.

Designed by celebrity architects, Mr. Adrian Smith and Mr. Gordon Gill, VERDE Residences and Offices are designed to maximize the use of the natural forces of wind, use natural light and geothermal mass, recyclable construction material along with optimum use of energy-efficient systems and technologies. Dr. R. K. Pachauri, renowned environment scientist, co-recipient of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize and Chairman, Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC), graced the official launch event of VERDE Residences and Offices. Mr. Adrian Smith and Mr. Gordon Gill also attended the event.

The project comprises of two towers - residential and commercial. The 33- level curtain-glazed Verde Office tower is designed in the shape of trapezoidal. With a total built-up area of 820,000 square feet, the Office tower will comprise of podium offices and unique sky garden. The elegantly curved Verde Residence tower is built in the shape of a boat. The 48 storey glass tower, with a total built-up area of 1.35 million square feet, includes luxurious 2 & 3 bedroom units, 3 & 4 bedroom penthouses and 4 bedroom duplex townhouses on podium liner.

Commenting on the launch of Verde Residences and Offices, Dr. R.K. Pachauri said: "It gives me immense pleasure to be a part of the launch of Verde Residences and Offices. I am happy that ETA Star Properties have shown the industry the direction towards working on projects that maintain equilibrium in the environment we live and operate in. I must appreciate the efforts of Dubai Maritime City in promoting sustainable development. Let the launch of Verde lead to setting of a benchmark for many similar projects in this region."

Mr. Abid Junaid, Executive Director, ETA Star, said: "The name Verde has its roots in Spanish, which means green. It is rather apt that we have named our first Green project thus. Besides aiming for a Gold-certified Green building, Verde will provide the best of amenities for both working and living. We are happy to state that this launch is in line with Dubai Maritime City's vision of sustainable development and to create a unique environment for the global maritime community."

Mr. Adrain Smith, the Chief Architect of the towers said, "It's been a privilege to design these towers as one truly believes it is a first step towards leaving behind a greener, healthier world. The energy saved by the project is equal to the planting approximately 600,000 trees or removing 680 cars off the road."

As part of being a self sustained Green community, Verde Offices and Residences will have a district cooling system using wind turbines, photovoltaic solar hot water, energy efficient lighting equipment and grey water system.