DUBAI—CallisonRTKL’s competition-winning design for the Saudi British Bank (SABB), has broken ground in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The head office is expected to be operation by early 2020.
The SABB head office will be a 46,544-SM commercial office development comprised primarily of a 135-m tall office tower. A supporting podium is integrated and connected to the tower housing 7,013-SM of banking services, food and beverage areas and employee training facilities.
As the design consultant, CallisonRTKL was challenged to create a sophisticated, inviting and secure space for the bank’s 2,800 employees and its numerous visitors.
“One of the team’s main challenges was incorporating the client’s security needs without creating the feeling of a fortress. The building’s wrap does just that; it acts not only as a security barrier on the ground floors, but also helps mitigate the direct sun in a harsh and hot climate,” said CallisonRTKL Director Kenneth Turner.
With users’ health and well-being in mind, the building has been designed to allow ample daylight while blocking direct sunlight. By using double-height atrium spaces on every other floor, the design team provided the client with a state-of-the-art space that delights and inspires its users without compromising performance. The office aims to achieve LEED Gold certification by successfully integrating sustainable strategies including water reduction and waste diversion.
About Saudi British Bank
SABB is a Saudi Joint Stock Company with a strong track record and a heritage that stretches back more than 30 years. Established on 12 Safar 1398(H) (21 January 1978), SABB formally commenced activities on 26 Rajab 1398(H) (01 July 1978) when it took over the operations of The British Bank of the Middle East in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
About CallisonRTKL
CallisonRTKL is a global architecture, planning and design practice. Over the last 70 years, we have created some of the world’s most memorable and successful environments for developers, retailers, investors, institutions and public entities. Our work has set us apart as the number one retail design firm in the world and a top-five architecture practice across multiple disciplines and sectors. Under the Arcadis umbrella, we continue to expand our sphere of influence and the depth and breadth of our resources. Our team of nearly 2,000 professionals around the world is committed to advancing our clients’ businesses and enhancing quality of life. callisonrtkl.com
For more information, please contact Kenneth Turner, Director at CallisonRTKL Dubai Workplace Group.