Real Estate Central

Dubai-based Zabeel Properties appoints GRAFT design team for its green
flagship project

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, June 2 /PRNewswire/ — Zabeel Properties
today unveiled details of a new landmark hotel and leisure development for
Dubai — with plans for the five-star Hotel and Resort. The Dubai-based
luxury developer also confirmed the appointment of innovative LA-based
architecture firm, GRAFT, whose team of design consultants for the project
will include the Hollywood actor, Brad Pitt.

Mr. Pitt’s involvement in the cutting-edge design for the
America-themed resort demonstrates his deep-seated interest in the project.
It is set to become a flagship hotel complex for Dubai and a world-leader
in environmental sustainability.

The project will also be socially conscious, something that Zabeel
Properties, the boutique developer, has quickly become renowned for in its
commitment to create new working environments that enhance the communities
within which they are situated.

At the heart of the project will be an 800-room five-star
America-themed hotel, which will eventually play host to the most glamorous
events and award ceremonies. Its precise location in Dubai is to be
confirmed in the near future.

Robert Norton, CEO of Zabeel Properties, says: “Our master plan and
design concept will be world-leading and we’re delighted to be
collaborating with Brad Pitt and the team at GRAFT, which is recognised for
its innovative building design. This project will display our
uncompromising focus and commitment for developing high quality and
environmentally-sustainable real estate in this region.”

Pitt is currently building 150 new affordable and sustainable homes in
New Orleans for residents of its Lower 9th Ward, an area of the city
devastated by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Pitt, together with film producer
Steve Bing, have pledged $5 million each to the ‘Make it Right’ rebuilding
project. It is taking place in an area of the city that was once marked by
dense housing but was then almost entirely demolished following heavy
flooding by Hurricane Katrina.

Says Pitt: “Whilst acting is my career, architecture is my passion.
Selecting this development as my first major construction project has been
a simple decision. It will underpin not only my values for
environmentally-friendly architecture, but also embrace my career in
entertainment.

“We will be unveiling precise plans in the next few months, but you can
expect something that is not only stunning to look at, but will also be an
incredible attraction to visit or stay at.”

GRAFT was founded in Los Angeles and Berlin in 1998, and is involved in
a range of activities, from architecture to urban planning, exhibition
design and music.

Wolfram Putz, one of GRAFT’s founders, said: “This project will become
a lead attraction in its own right for Dubai, the region and indeed
worldwide. Working in this rapidly expanding location, which is now at the
forefront of tourism and commerce in the Middle East, and at the same time
collaborating with Brad Pitt makes this a unique opportunity for us all.”

The proposed Hotel & Resort is striving for a minimum of LEED
(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) gold status.

Zabeel Properties

Zabeel Properties property portfolio currently comprises of
approximately AED15 billion (US$5 billion) of prestigious residential,
commercial and hospitality developments.



Zabeel Properties’ portfolio of development work also includes:
— An AED 2.1 billion residential, hospitality and lifestyle project,
Tiara Residence & Tiara Hotel, which is poised to become one of the
premier properties on the Palm Jumeirah.
— Porto Dubai, a luxury residential development on a reclaimed peninsular
featuring a pioneering ‘tiered island’ design concept. Located in Umm
Suqeim, each of the homes and exclusive beach club will enjoy unspoilt
views of the iconic seven-star Burj Al Arab hotel thanks to the
island’s innovative four-tiered design layout that is set for
completion in 2010.
— The Tiara United Towers, a joint venture with United Holdings to
deliver a landmark commercial and hospitality project on Dubai’s main
Sheikh Zayed Road. The AED2.4 billion developments’ visually striking
twin towers will represent a design first for the region.



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Source: Real Estate Newswire