The Lana and The Lana Residences
Architect: Foster + Partners
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Type: Office
Year: 2024
Photographs: Nigel Young, Ahmed Alnaji
The following description is courtesy of the architects. The official opening of The Lana and The Lana Residences, Dorchester Collection, a new luxury hotel and residential property commissioned by leading luxury real estate developer OMNIYAT and managed by Dorchester Collection, was held on Wednesday, 24 April. Situated on the edge of the Marasi Marina between downtown Dubai and the Dubai Design District, this new waterfront is set to become a major luxury lifestyle destination in the city. The new development will sit at the heart of a 12-kilometre waterfront promenade featuring floating villas and an extensive yacht berth.
Gerard Evenden, Head of Studio, Foster + Partners, said: “The idea behind the design was to create a building that responds to its surroundings with a unique sense of place derived from its interlocking gardens. The fluidity of spaces and the relationship to the waterfront was key and the social focus of the building is the new public realm at ground level. The design will be an urban resort that activates the waterfront, while offering visitors from around the globe a distinctive green experience and a place to escape the heat of Dubai.”
Outlining OMNIYAT’s intentions for the development, Founder and Executive Chairman Mr. Mahdi Amjad, said: “A sculpted masterpiece combining OMNIYAT’s exceptional vision with the prodigious design expertise of Foster + Partners, this exclusive property perfectly aligns with our ambitions to transform the Marasi Bay area into the ultimate luxury enclave in the heart of the city. In curating these iconic projects alongside the world’s most visionary minds, we continue to redefine the standards of ultra-luxurious living and reinforce Dubai’s global reputation as a home for the discerning few.”
The seven vertical gardens across the development are the environmental and social focus of the design. Each garden creates a new lifestyle experience enriching the lives of the guests and residents. The entire building is lifted off the ground to create a visual connection between the marina and the approach road, while creating a landscaped public space in the middle of the site. The waterfront edge is animated by shops, restaurants and cafés that line the new promenade, called the Waterfront Garden.
The hotel and residential apartments – situated in two separate but interlocking blocks – rise to 31 and 30 storeys, respectively. The arrival sequence creates an exclusive experience with a spectacular water feature, sculptures and amazing views over the waterfront. The towers are punctuated by gardens, increasing the available open space dramatically from a typical project and allowing numerous break out spaces within the building. Wrapped around the building above, the waterfront restaurants and dining areas are contained within double and quadruple height spaces surrounded by greenery. Hidden off one of these spaces is the Secret Garden which offers respite from the busy promenade. The Kitchen Garden accompanies more refined dining options, offering a place where guests can share the hotel’s passion for culinary excellence with indoor seating and peaceful outdoor ambience surrounded by lush plants.
The arrival sequence to the Lana Residences is designed as a private experience with stunning water features and greenery, with dedicated valet drivers for the 39 apartments and direct access to yachting moors. The residences also have exclusive access to the Members’ Garden on level 23, while on the roof the hotel guests can relax in the Sky Garden, with panoramic views of the Dubai skyline, with Rooftop Gardens and an exclusive infinity pool on three sides, offering an unparalleled experience for visitors.
Throughout the building deep overhangs shade the interior spaces and gardens, so that they can be used all around the year. Thin floorplates create a unique form and allow every room to have its own private balcony with breath-taking views of waterfront and city beyond. The deep balconies reduce the need for mechanical cooling throughout the year. The building gives back to the city by creating new public spaces throughout and has several sustainable features such as low-e glass and passive cooling.
