GREC Architects announced the November 1st 2011 opening of the Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort and Spa in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. The luxury golf resort, owned by TDIC, (Tourism Development Investment Company), and operated by Starwood Hotels and Resorts, is an oasis for wellness and rejuvenation and is ideally situated next to the renowned Abu Dhabi Golf Course, home to the PGA European Tour Abu Dhabi Golf Championship.
The hotel was designed by GREC and an international team of consultants to enhance the offerings of the Abu Dhabi Golf Club without imposing upon the dramatic landscapes of the elite golf course. Chiseled stone exteriors and minimalist, contemporary interiors forged from rusticated gold limestone, petrified and reclaimed wood and warm hued accents give a simple yet rich feeling that integrates the club into the desert surroundings. To contend with the extreme desert climate, outdoor spaces are veiled in crafted architectural screens, accompanied by modern fountains, swimming pools, and a lush, vegetated leisure area. Hotel common areas have soaring ceilings that lead the eye up to the uniquely designed, winged rooftops that are the signature of the resort.
Greg Randall, the managing partner for the project explained “we wanted the hotel to serve as a sophisticated backdrop for the breathtaking landscape. The European PGA Championship Tournament is played here every year, so it was important that the design represents Abu Dhabi’s forward thinking as a modern city and its expanding presence on the world stage.” BD+C
Related Stories
Luxury Residential | Jan 30, 2024
Lumen Fox Valley mall-to-apartments conversion completes interiors
Architecture and interior design firm Morgante Wilson Architects (MWA) today released photos of its completed interiors work at Lumen Fox Valley, a 304-unit luxury rental community and mall-to-apartments conversion.
Airports | Jan 30, 2024
Rafael Viñoly Architects’ design for the new Florence, Italy, airport terminal will feature a rooftop vineyard
At Florence, Italy’s Aeroporto Amerigo Vespucci, the new international airport terminal will feature a fully operating vineyard on the facility’s rooftop. Designed by Rafael Viñoly Architects, the terminal is expected to see over 5.9 million passengers annually. Renderings for the project have recently been released.
Giants 400 | Jan 29, 2024
Top 160 Workplace Interior Architecture Firms for 2023
Gensler, Interior Architects, HOK, SmithGroup, and Perkins&Will top BD+C's ranking of the nation's largest workplace interior and interior fitout architecture and architecture engineering (AE) firms for 2023, as reported in the 2023 Giants 400 Report.
Mixed-Use | Jan 29, 2024
12 U.S. markets where entertainment districts are under consideration or construction
The Pomp, a 223-acre district located 10 miles north of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and The Armory, a 225,000-sf dining and entertainment venue on six acres in St Louis, are among the top entertainment districts in the works across the U.S.
Laboratories | Jan 25, 2024
Tactical issues for renovating university research buildings
Matthew Plecity, AIA, ASLA, Principal, GBBN, highlights the connection between the built environment and laboratory research, and weighs the benefits of renovation vs. new construction.
K-12 Schools | Jan 25, 2024
Video: Research-based design for K-12 schools
Two experts from national architecture firm PBK discuss how behavioral research is benefiting the design of K-12 schools in Texas, Florida, and other states. Dan Boggio, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB, Founder & Executive Chair, PBK, and Melissa Turnbaugh, AIA, NCARB, Partner & National Education & Innovation Leader, PBK, speak with Robert Cassidy, Executive Editor, Building Design+Construction.
Women in Design+Construction | Jan 25, 2024
40 Under 40 Class of 2023 winner Kimberly Dowdell inaugurated as AIA 2024 President
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has announced the inauguration of Kimberly Dowdell, AIA, NOMAC, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, Principal and Director of Strategic Relationships at HOK and BD+C 40 Under 40 superstar, as its 100th president.
Senior Living Design | Jan 24, 2024
Former Walgreens becomes affordable senior living community
Evergreen Real Estate Group has announced the completion of Bellwood Senior Apartments. The 80-unit senior living community at 542 25th Ave. in Bellwood, Ill., provides independent living options for low-income seniors.
AEC Tech | Jan 24, 2024
4 ways AEC firms can benefit from digital transformation
While going digital might seem like a playground solely for industry giants, the truth is that any company can benefit from the power of technology.
Giants 400 | Jan 23, 2024
Top 60 Parking Structure Architecture Firms for 2023
Choate Parking Consultants, Page Southerland Page, Gensler, AO, and Elkus Manfredi Architects top BD+C's ranking of the nation's largest parking structure architecture and architecture engineering (AE) firms for 2023, as reported in the 2023 Giants 400 Report.
