(2015) Lifestyle Hotel

xCassia and Yoo were asked to prepare pre-concept studies for a site in Business Bay Dubai, along the Dubai canal.

The project brief consisted of 425 hotel keys and 60 branded apartment under what we intended to be a “Yoo Inspired by Starck” branded interior project. Each program element was designed to have dedicated entrances, lifts and facilities and programmed with unique amenity spaces. The entire program and amenities are distributed over 3 basements, ground + 20 levels, within a zoned FAR of 5 times the 5,168 sqm site area.

The Developer’s aspiration was to create the first “unique” lifestyle hospitality destinations in Dubai. Positioned as a market-changer, the project’s “smart tribe” is discerning, educated and connected individuals that seek distinction, style and taste but also a lifestyle environment that celebrates individuality and personal comforts.

The architectural strategy is to use pure sculptural volumes and lines with travertine and other natural stones, monumental green walls, water features as well as environmental lighting, a LED media cube “beacon” as well as a “Starck tectonic” language that collectively combine to collectively define the project’s identity. The architecture is a “stage set” for the incredible amenity spaces, guestrooms, restaurants, clubs and other functions that will animate this project.

Pre-studies show a possible total hotel key count of 378 keys and 136 branded residences ranging in size between 2-3 bedrooms and 200-280 sqm with balconies. Each program element will have dedicate entrances, lifts and facilities and be catered for with unique amenity spaces. The entire program and amenities are distributed over 3 Basements, Ground + 29 levels, within a zoned FAR of 5 times the 5,168 sqm site area. Estimated total Gross Built-up Area is 69,740 sqm, parking requirements shall be to operator, planning and zoning approvals with a current capacity of 510 stalls, excluding off-site parking.