OMA plans stepped residential tower for kuwait city's waterfront

OMA has unveiled plans for a waterfront residential tower in kuwait city. the design, led by OMA partners iyad alsaka and reinier de graaf, consists of five blocks forming a stepped sequence, which modulates from a L-shaped volume to slab. this structure maximizes occupancy on the lower floors, while optimizing views along the building’s vertical axis. the apartment blocks offer views on both the seafront and the city and are connected by an exposed, monolithic core.

image by CGveron / all images courtesy of OMA

the scheme, which was revealed by OMA in collaboration with kuwait-based consultant pace, was selected ahead of two other competitors in a design contest organized by wafra real estate. the project, appropriated named the ‘wafra tower’, will be built in the hessa al mubarak district along the kuwait city waterfront. the tower holds a wide array of apartment typologies including 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments and penthouses — all offering views across the gulf.

image by CGveron

at street level, a plinth accommodates a raised lobby with lounge areas and co-working spaces. above, the tower’s stepped blocks result in terraces that provide space for sports amenities, a swimming pool, and diwaniyas — important reception areas for guests. the project was led by project architect jad semaan and director-in-charge adrianne fisher. construction is expected to start at the end of 2020 and, upon completion, the tower will be OMA’s first built project in kuwait.

image by CGveron

project info:

name: wafra tower
location: kuwait city, kuwait
architect: OMA / iyad alsaka and reinier de graaf
local partner: pace
developer: wafra real estate
status: construction expected to start at the end of 2020