Masdar City breaks ground on net-zero energy co-working and living space

Masdar City broke ground on The Link, a 30,000-square-metre development, featuring the region’s first ‘net-zero energy’ shared working and living facility.

In addition to the net-zero energy co-lab building that will house both office and residential space, The Link will feature four other low-carbon buildings that will include event space, outdoor plazas, shaded courtyards, recreational and fitness facilities, and retail.

The project is expected to create more than 2,000 jobs in the UAE.

A first-of-a-kind concept in the region

Ahmed Baghoum, the acting CEO of Masdar City, said, “The Link will model a new kind of sustainable community by connecting shared working and living space with other elements of a thriving neighbourhood, including places to shop, play, and relax, and local transportation.

“It is a key component of Masdar City’s ‘green-print’ for sustainable urban development and a wonderful way to honor this Year of Sustainability as the UAE prepares to host COP 28.”

Zayed Baker, the executive director of the Dutco Construction Group, the contractor for the ground-breaking event, said, “Masdar City’s rich legacy of sustainable construction and innovation makes them an ideal partner for us.”

Dutco was selected in large part due to its high in-country-value (ICV) certification score, which represents the value it will add to the UAE economy.

Martin Baerschmidt, the managing director of EDGE, which designed The Link, said, “Our priority was integrating the international sustainability principles that Masdar City is known for with world-class living, working, and recreational space to create a truly iconic architectural landmark and community experience.”

The Link will be constructed to LEED Platinum, WELL Gold, 4 Pearl PBRS Estidama, and LEED SmartPark Silver standards, with planned annual energy reduction of up to 117 per cent.

It will use energy-efficient structures as well as sustainability features including high-efficiency heating, ventilation and cooling, energy monitoring, and A star-rated appliances. It will be powered by renewable energy.

We are thrilled to announce our latest multi-use development, “The Link,” featuring the region’s first #NetZero energy shared working and living space that connects #sustainable offices, residences, a visitor center, a multi-use hall, and leisure amenities. pic.twitter.com/vv9tEWNAC0

— Masdar City (@MasdarCity) February 2, 2023

The Link: residences, offices, and more

The Link’s sustainable residences will be available in two-, three- and four-bedroom units across nearly 6,000 square meters.

Residents will enjoy a dedicated courtyard with shaded play areas, a climbing wall, sensory play equipment, a trampoline, a wellness zone, and more.

Dedicated office and commercial space span 15,000 square meters across four floors, including 500 square meters of retail space at the ground and plaza levels.

A multi-use hall and visitor centre, spanning 3,300 square meters, will host conferences, exhibitions, and live performances, and will have a retail precinct on the ground floor as well as a restaurant with balcony views on the first level.

The flexible auditorium will seat 300 and feature state-of-the-art technology and equipment.

The Link will connect all areas of Masdar City through transportation networks.

It will create a transition route between the upcoming Light-Rail Transit and Group Rapid Transit networks, and offer bicycle tracks, bus connectivity, electric charging ports, car-sharing facilities, and parking for 1,255 vehicles.

In recent news, Masdar City, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), and The Catalyst, the region’s first clean technology startup accelerator, have joined hands to support the growth of artificial intelligence (AI), clean tech, and smart city technology, including autonomous transportation, throughout the region.

Read: Masdar City, MBZUAI, The Catalyst to promote clean energy and tech, AI in the region