Stone Towers, Cairo, Egypt

Project Details:
Client: Rooya Group
Architect: Zaha Hadid Architects
Structural Engineer: Adams Kara Taylor
Gross Building Area: 525,000 m2
Site Area: 170,000 m2

http://static.worldarchitecturenews.com/news_images/11689_1_stone%20tower1big.jpg

http://static.worldarchitecturenews.com/news_images/11689_2_stone%20tower2big.jpg

Zaha's Egyptian statement: Cairo set for new wave of architectural monoliths

The Stone Towers by Zaha Hadid Architects for Rooya Group of Egypt is located in the Stone Park district of Cairo. Providing office and retail facilities to a rapidly expanding Cairo, the unique 525,000sqm Stone Towers development also includes a five-star business hotel with serviced apartments, retail with food and beverage facilities and sunken landscaped gardens and plaza called the 'Delta'.

Hisham Shoukri, CEO of Rooya Group said "There is a overwhelming need in Egypt for developments of the highest international standards required by the serious and growing investment climate of the country - ultimately contributing to making it a hub for multinationals in the region. The Stone Towers needed an architect with daring ideas, innovation, international expertise and experience…it needed Zaha Hadid."

Ancient Egyptian stonework incorporates a vast array of patterns and textures that, when illuminated by the intense sunlight of the region, creates animated displays of light and shadow. The effect is powerful, direct and inspiring. The facades on the North and South elevations of each building within Stone Towers adopts a rich vocabulary of alternating protrusions, recesses and voids to enhance the deep reveal shadow lines that accentuate the curvatures of each building within the development and animate the project throughout the day.

“I am delighted to be working in Cairo," states Hadid. “I have visited Egypt many times and I have always been fascinated by the mathematics and arts of the Arab world. In our office we have always researched the formal concepts of geometry - which relates a great deal to the region’s art traditions and sciences in terms of algebra, geometry and mathematics. This research has informed the design for Stone Towers.

“With a large-scale project such as the Stone Towers, care must be taken to balance a necessary requirement for repetitive elements whilst avoiding an uncompromising repetition of static building masses," she adds. “The architecture of Stone Towers pursues a geometric rhythm of similar, interlocking, yet individually differentiated building forms that creates a cohesive composition.”

Source: World Architecture News (http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/index.php?fuseaction=wanappln.projectview&upload_id=11689)

'the stone towers'
image courtesy zaha hadid architects

http://www.designboom.com/cms/images/-andy02/zaha1.jpg

http://www.designboom.com/cms/images/-andy02/zaha2.jpg

http://www.designboom.com/cms/images/new/3ss.jpg

http://www.designboom.com/cms/images/new/4ss.jpg

http://www.designboom.com/cms/images/new/5ss.jpg

http://www.designboom.com/cms/images/new/6ss.gif

Great Project :banana: I can't keep my eyes off it :eek:

I saw this project in the news yesterday, I was just about to post a thread to on it. But you did it for me :)

Seems really cool :)

its fantastic project

http://www.rooyagroup.com/

Definately, this proposal is great. It is innovative, and the design is original. It is also great to incorporate some of Egypt's great history into our modern buildings.

looks almost communist imo... but its all good.

^^
You think so?

This is my idea of communist:
http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/9540/spa0222jd7.jpg

dqumb8hHpcY

Woow, I am Loving it! But is it approved?

Great video!! Im not usre if its been approved or not, but it hink it has been approved since all the advertising is rolling in.

Woow, I am Loving it! But is it approved?

It is approved by the whizz_pat standards authority, if thats what you were asking. :D

fabulous video :D

that is enough for me whizz_pat :P

and welcome to the forum, karimmansour92.

thanks xAbd0o :)

:deadthrea

anywayz i found some new stuff.

Stone Towers, Cairo by Zaha Hadid Architects

http://desmena.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/zaha_hadid_stone_towers_00.jpg

The richness observed in the intricate patterns carved into minarets throughout Cairo and Egyptian Hieroglyphic patterns, with variations in repetition, density, and relief have contributed to the abstract pattern specific to Zaha Hadid Architects’ design for Stone Towers.

http://desmena.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/zaha_hadid_stone_towers_01.jpg

Stone Towers development is part of the wider Stone Park development which derives its name from an ancient petrified tree at the heart of the development. The New Cairo City site optimally positions the Stone Towers to offer state of the art office facilities to a rapidly expanding Cairo. The programmatic variety of the Stone Towers creates a rich mixed use environment for office tenants. The 525,000sqm development also includes a five star business hotel with serviced apartments, retail with food and beverage facilities and a central feature landscape referred to as the “Delta”.

http://desmena.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/zaha_hadid_stone_towers_02.jpg

The design mediates the two distinct edges of the site - the high-speed ring road to the North, and the Stone Park residential component to the South. With such a large scale project, care must be taken to balance a necessary requirement for repetitive elements while avoiding an uncompromising, repetitive line of static building masses. The architecture of the two bounding edge conditions pursues a rhythm of like, interlocking, yet individually differentiated building forms. Verbatim repetition is instead a series of self similar, yet unique forms.

http://desmena.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/zaha_hadid_stone_towers_05.jpg

http://desmena.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/zaha_hadid_stone_towers_06.jpg

This is complemented in the plan and section where the building edges visually interlock and merge with the landscape, creating a cohesive composition. Egyptian stonework both ancient and more recent displays a vast array of patterns and textures that, when illuminated by the intense sunlight of the region, creates animated displays of light and shadow. The effect is powerful, direct and inspiring. The Pre-cast facades on the North and South elevations of each building edge emulate the effect using a vocabulary of alternating protrusions, recesses and voids. The richness observed in the intricate patterns carved into minarets throughout Cairo and Egyptian Hieroglyphic patterns, with variations in repetition, density, and relief have contributed to the abstract pattern specific to Zaha Hadid Architects’ design for Stone Towers. Deep reveal shadow lines accentuate the form of the North and South facades referencing the elegant curvatures seen in Egypt’s ancient relief carvings.

http://desmena.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/zaha_hadid_stone_towers_07.jpg

NORTH EDGE OFFICE BUILDINGS
The North Edge buildings are taller and more vertical than the South edge in response to the ring road at its North border. The 9 North Edge buildings form a gentle S-curve in plan along the edge of the slip road creating pockets for landscaping at the entrance drop-offs. The skewed orientation of these buildings creates two different effects when observed driving either West or East. From one direction the louvered East Façade is more prevalent.

http://desmena.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/zaha_hadid_stone_towers_10.jpg

http://desmena.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/zaha_hadid_stone_towers_11.jpg

From the other, the curving, solid pre-cast façade dominates. Additionally, the building set-out creates a high degree of self shading for the more transparent East and West facades. Each building follows a similar set of rules, yet each building is entirely unique. Viewed from the North - South elevations, the buildings splay at the base or at the top in an alternating rhythm.

http://desmena.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/zaha_hadid_stone_towers_09.jpg

The point of curvature occurs at different heights animating the entire North - South elevations. When viewed obliquely, the gentle curvature appears as a series of ripples. A pattern of vertical slits runs through the North edge pre-cast façade panels. The slits emphasize the verticality and allow apertures out from the North façade. Cut obliquely, the façade feels more or less solid depending on one’s view angle. An all glass, full height atrium groups the 18 “sliver” building masses into 9 buildings.

http://desmena.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/zaha_hadid_stone_towers_12.jpg

Situated between the two slivers, the atrium allows views directly through the building to the landscape beyond. The atrium includes circulation circuits at each level accessed via the all glass, scenic lifts. This provides an animated space for the building occupants and visitors.

SOUTH EDGE BUILDINGS
The South Edge buildings are located adjacent to the residential development to the South, the South edge is lower in height and angles away from the drop-off edge. The buildings seem to emerge from the landscape as a series of ribbons forming a different condition facing the delta from the condition mentioned above facing the residential. To the delta side, a dramatic cantilever emerges becoming progressively more pronounced moving from the West to the East. When all South edge buildings are viewed together, the entire edge has a strong visual coherence. The cantilevers project into the landscape offering fantastic views out for the office occupants.

http://desmena.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/zaha_hadid_stone_towers_16.jpg

http://desmena.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/zaha_hadid_stone_towers_17.jpg

Additionally, the narrow office floor plate ensures generous amounts of daylight will reach all areas of the office interior.
The atrium creates a dramatic entry for arrivals at drop-off level (street level) and from the “Delta” landscape. From the drop-off entrance, a glass atrium opens full height to a skylight at roof level; as well as, dropping 3 levels down to offer clear views of the “Delta”. The two building “blades” flanking the atrium are sheared relative to each other in plan. This is reflected in the “sheared” circulation of the atrium, where circulation bridges and platforms are strategically placed as needed to connect the two sides with access to the core.

http://desmena.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/zaha_hadid_stone_towers_13.jpg

LANDSCAPE AND RETAIL
The landscape flows across the site connecting the bounding edges of the development to define the central, outdoor landscape, the “Delta”. Water features, cafes, retail, shaded areas, and an exterior event space activate the landscape. These features form level changes and visually connect to the office buildings creating a pattern that weaves the entire composition together.

http://desmena.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/zaha_hadid_stone_towers_03.jpg

http://desmena.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/zaha_hadid_stone_towers_04.jpg

STONE TOWERS [CAIRO, EGYPT]
(2008 - tbc)
PROGRAM: Mixed-use buildings: offi ce, retail, hotel
CLIENT: Rooya Group
ARCHITECT: Zaha Hadid Architects
Design: Zaha Hadid and Patrik Schumacher
Project Director: Chris Lepine
Project Architect: Tyen Masten, Joris Pauwels
Design Team: Ceyhun Baskin, David Campos, Eren Ciraci, Alessio Costantino, Inac Eray, Paulo
Flores, Brandon Gehrke, Sofi a Hagen, Josias Hamid, Michael Hargens, Michael
Mader, Edgar Payan, Chryssanthi Perpatidou,Fernando Poucell, Sofi a Razzaque
Elke Scheier
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER: Adams Kara Taylor
GROSS BUILDING AREA: 525,000 m2
SITE AREA: 170,000 m2


source from here (http://desmena.com/?p=1543)

great stuff man!!!! any news about weather it has been accepted yet? ... would they put in so much work into it if it was just a proposal?

great stuff man!!!! any news about weather it has been accepted yet? ... would they put in so much work into it if it was just a proposal?

Most of Zaha Hadid's designs were never built.

shame... she has some of the best designs... i hope this gets built...

guys, stone park is built by rooya group... this is their site rooyagroup.com, they've got many projects, and stone park is indeed progressing, but it is unclear weather they will be incorporating stone towers or not... it would be a great addition to their project...

I think it's approved if not u/c because the constructors have been choose what is the point choosing them if you going to decline it?? and yeah you can check her website the stuff that have been built are before 2000 o_O if we got either one of these up we will make history :)

Yep look like information in the first post are pretty good. so I'd only add that these buildings are going to be used for office, retail, hotel. which I think is also mentioned in the article so I will try and search for more information about this.

A stunning Video. Makes you love this project even more :)

y_b2R7HWLKE

I saw several adverts for this project on several billboards across Cairo, for those wondering if the project is still on or not, its still on.

Right, and is it still proposed or did they move on?

Well there were several ads, and numbers to buy office space, so it must be Under Contruction. I'll change the title.

i saw the big poster of the project at the land of the project at katamya road near to cairo festival city so i think the project will be under construction soon

http://www.gvpedia.com/uploads/images/rooya-1-property-egy.jpg
sorry for the large size

A stunning Video. Makes you love this project even more :)

y_b2R7HWLKE
amazing video ya 3abdo thanks

:lol: there is different between Stone Towers and Stone Park :D. if not then it's a disaster :lol: which will mean that this project is cancelled.

we have a thread for Stone Park I'll look for it.

no xabdo they are the same project the stone towers will located on the stone park

enta 3awezny 2tshal? Stone park is different it's residential. this is business park. please don't get confused.

here is Rooya Group Youtube channel

http://www.youtube.com/user/RooyaGroup

they have two videos, one called stone tower and other called stone park. see they are different. they might not have updated there website to add stone towers ;)

The Stone Towers by Zaha Hadid Architects for Rooya Group of Egypt is located in the Stone Park district of Cairo
http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/index.php?fuseaction=wanappln.projectview&upload_id=11689

sorry xabdo u r right

:lol: that's a district. like hay. a whole new area, bas the link you posted a s small tiny project you can't call it a district just watch the video from Rooya Group youtube channel.

Truth me both of them are totally different projects.

EDIT: oo It's okey :D

this is one great project

ITS THE BEST BUSINESS PARK IN AFRICA !!!

are there any new updates??

It would be epic if someone could upload some pictures of how these Stone Towers look so far. I would really appreciate that. :)

one more amazing render ;)

http://zahahadid.vm.bytemark.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/k-04-still-01-04.JPG

Really stylish :applause:

That looks awsome :banana:..... hope the finish project look as good as the renders

We can make this buildings glass facades

http://72.41.202.6/Upload/projects/stone-towers/info-pic.jpg

http://72.41.202.6/Upload/projects/stone-towers/gallery/image1/Stone-Towers-02.jpg

http://72.41.202.6/Upload/projects/stone-towers/gallery/Image2/Stone-Towers-03.jpg

http://72.41.202.6/Upload/projects/stone-towers/gallery/Image3/Stone-Towers-04.jpg

http://72.41.202.6/Upload/projects/stone-towers/gallery/Image4/Stone-Towers-05.jpg


Link (http://72.41.202.6/projects/stone-towers.aspx?Filter=Chronological)

http://72.41.202.6/Upload/projects/stone-towers/gallery/Image5/Stone-Towers-06.jpg

http://72.41.202.6/Upload/projects/stone-towers/gallery/Image6/Stone-Towers-07.jpg

http://72.41.202.6/Upload/projects/stone-towers/gallery/Image7/Stone-Towers-08.jpg

http://72.41.202.6/Upload/projects/stone-towers/gallery/Image8/Stone-Towers-09.jpg

http://72.41.202.6/Upload/projects/stone-towers/gallery/Image9/Stone-Towers-10.jpg


Link (http://72.41.202.6/projects/stone-towers.aspx?Filter=Chronological)

http://72.41.202.6/Upload/projects/stone-towers/gallery/Image10/Stone-Towers-11.jpg

http://72.41.202.6/Upload/projects/stone-towers/gallery/Image11/Stone-Towers-12.jpg

http://72.41.202.6/Upload/projects/stone-towers/gallery/Image12/Stone-Towers-13.jpg

http://72.41.202.6/Upload/projects/stone-towers/gallery/Image14/Stone-Towers-15.jpg

http://72.41.202.6/Upload/projects/stone-towers/gallery/Image15/Stone-Towers-16.jpg


Link (http://72.41.202.6/projects/stone-towers.aspx?Filter=Chronological)

http://72.41.202.6/Upload/projects/stone-towers/gallery/Image16/Stone-Towers-17.jpg

http://72.41.202.6/Upload/projects/stone-towers/gallery/Image17/Stone-Towers-18.jpg

http://72.41.202.6/Upload/projects/stone-towers/gallery/Image18/Stone-Towers-19.jpg

http://72.41.202.6/Upload/projects/stone-towers/gallery/Image19/Stone-Towers-20.jpg

http://72.41.202.6/Upload/projects/stone-towers/gallery/Image20/Stone-Towers-21.jpg


Link (http://72.41.202.6/projects/stone-towers.aspx?Filter=Chronological)

http://72.41.202.6/Upload/projects/stone-towers/gallery/Image21/Stone-Towers-22.jpg

http://72.41.202.6/Upload/projects/stone-towers/gallery/Image22/Stone-Towers-23.jpg

http://72.41.202.6/Upload/projects/stone-towers/gallery/Image23/Stone-Towers-24.jpg

http://72.41.202.6/Upload/projects/stone-towers/gallery/Image24/Stone-Towers-25.jpg

http://72.41.202.6/Upload/projects/stone-towers/gallery/Image25/Stone-Towers-26.jpg


Link (http://72.41.202.6/projects/stone-towers.aspx?Filter=Chronological)

Models:


http://kandor.co.uk/images/towers-zaha-hadid-stone-1.jpg

http://kandor.co.uk/images/towers-zaha-hadid-stone-2.jpg

http://kandor.co.uk/images/towers-zaha-hadid-stone-3.jpg

http://kandor.co.uk/images/towers-zaha-hadid-stone-4.jpg

http://kandor.co.uk/images/towers-zaha-hadid-stone-5.jpg

http://kandor.co.uk/images/towers-zaha-hadid-stone-6.jpg

http://kandor.co.uk/images/towers-zaha-hadid-stone-7.jpg


Link. (http://kandor.co.uk/index.html)

the design looks new and magnificent

Thanks for the renders Black_Diamond ^_^

That looks so epic, I want an office there. :cheers:

egypt69 according to this video,

FhBahz9xhSA

and the video in the first page this should be he location?
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&ll=29.987501,31.391373&t=h&z=13

Ring Road near by New Cairo and under Nasr City and Mokatam :P see if you can figure this out :D

If I'm ever in that area, I will definitely take pics :) But I don't go there much :/

7eta ma2to3a?

I don't know tbh!

Okay I found their official website :banana:
http://www.stonetowers.com/

and for egypt69 the lazy mod :D
http://www.stonetowers.com/Location.aspx

the location, if you ever pass by it and don't take a picture you can be sure you're dead :yes:

:laugh:

Will do :okay:

WoW so coool :eek: Goooooo egypt Goooooo http://smileys.sur-la-toile.com/repository/Cligne/3d-ClinOeilPouce.gif

WoW so coool :eek: Goooooo egypt Goooooo http://smileys.sur-la-toile.com/repository/Cligne/3d-ClinOeilPouce.gif

:cheers:

Never thought this project would become reality but it is! Great project and an awesome design. I love Zaha Hadid's work, great architect IMO. Can't wait to see U/C pics. :cheers:

Masterplan.


http://www.zaha-hadid.com/wp-content/files_mf/cache/th_65d1300db123ce22f6e2569fb36764f8_1526_draw_03.jpg


Link. (http://www.zaha-hadid.com/architecture/stone-towers/)

Section.


http://www.zaha-hadid.com/wp-content/files_mf/cache/th_65d1300db123ce22f6e2569fb36764f8_1526_draw_04.jpg

http://www.zaha-hadid.com/wp-content/files_mf/cache/th_65d1300db123ce22f6e2569fb36764f8_1526_draw_01.jpg

http://www.zaha-hadid.com/wp-content/files_mf/cache/th_65d1300db123ce22f6e2569fb36764f8_1526_draw_02.jpg


Link. (http://www.zaha-hadid.com/architecture/stone-towers/)

Details.


http://www.zaha-hadid.com/wp-content/files_mf/cache/th_65d1300db123ce22f6e2569fb36764f8_1526_rend_03.jpg

http://www.zaha-hadid.com/wp-content/files_mf/cache/th_65d1300db123ce22f6e2569fb36764f8_1526_rend_04.jpg

http://www.zaha-hadid.com/wp-content/files_mf/cache/th_65d1300db123ce22f6e2569fb36764f8_1526_rend_05.jpg


Link. (http://www.zaha-hadid.com/architecture/stone-towers/)

Others.


http://www.zaha-hadid.com/wp-content/files_mf/cache/th_65d1300db123ce22f6e2569fb36764f8_1526_sket_01.jpg

http://www.zaha-hadid.com/wp-content/files_mf/cache/th_65d1300db123ce22f6e2569fb36764f8_1526_draw_05.jpg


Link. (http://www.zaha-hadid.com/architecture/stone-towers/)

Thanks for the great and detailed updates Black Diamond! :)

What's the purpose of the last pic? are they going to install solar cells?

obviously not haha! It's a diagram to show the natural light penetration inside the building.

Damn I was happy :( so it basically say we wont need to use much electricity for upper floors as in for light bulbs?

Anyways We need construction update badly :yes: I'll try and surf the internet.

THNXXXX 4 THE UPDATES :)

This is awesome!!! So futuristic! Hope they put solar PV panels on the roofs though.

http://www.newtecnic.com/Images/projects/stone_towers/01.jpg

http://www.newtecnic.com/Images/projects/stone_towers/02.jpg

http://www.newtecnic.com/Images/projects/stone_towers/03.jpg

http://www.newtecnic.com/Images/projects/stone_towers/04.jpg

http://www.newtecnic.com/Images/projects/stone_towers/05.jpg

http://www.newtecnic.com/Images/projects/stone_towers/06.jpg

http://www.newtecnic.com/Images/projects/stone_towers/07.jpg


Link. (http://www.newtecnic.com/projects/stone_towers.html)

Did I just spot a construction update? :banana::rock:

^^i believe you didn't :dunno: the Egyptian forum is so dead and its only revolves about the Sky Ahwa thing the projects forum is empty no updates what so ever the photos section is the same you have to do something Egyptian to rescue your beloved forum

Did I just spot a construction update? :banana::rock:

http://www.newtecnic.com/Images/projects/stone_towers/05.jpg

Is this a prototype or is it the real deal?! :O

^^ that's it, it looks too large to be a prototype, anyways can you go to Adams Kara Taylor website and find more details I'll try and search for some pictures if I could :)

^^i believe you didn't :dunno: the Egyptian forum is so dead and its only revolves about the Sky Ahwa thing the projects forum is empty no updates what so ever the photos section is the same you have to do something Egyptian to rescue your beloved forum

Huh? What you on about? Also this forum gets activity just like the other sections of SSC Egypt. I don't understand what you're on about.

Considering the fact that Egypt is passing by crucial times and the state of economy, I see that these forums are quite active. Compare to some other forums :| no comment!

Can't find anything there, only some basic info about the project.

I forgot that we found the project's website lol, can you post the images we don't already have here from their website?

http://www.stonetowers.com/ImageGallery.aspx

I have found few other things too. I'm uploading the images and will post in my next post :)

I can't now, I have a test tomorrow and I'm going to go study now. Maybe later today. :D

Wut! Lol good luck man.

Anyways I won't be able to post them either, at least until I get on my computer. Anyways my finds that I have mentioned,

Map
http://i1100.photobucket.com/albums/g407/xAbd0o/9c9e9bf6.jpg

Project plan
http://i1100.photobucket.com/albums/g407/xAbd0o/6ce0c519.jpg

So by the end of this year phase one will be completed!

http://www.stonetowers.com/images/locationMap.jpg

Huh? What you on about? Also this forum gets activity just like the other sections of SSC Egypt. I don't understand what you're on about.

Considering the fact that Egypt is passing by crucial times and the state of economy, I see that these forums are quite active. Compare to some other forums :| no comment!

What im saying you guys only concentrate on one section only lol and what do you mean "you don't understand what on about" :nuts: i said others sections should get updated and stuff :cheers: especially the projects forum

What im saying you guys only concentrate on one section only lol and what do you mean "you don't understand what on about" :nuts: i said others sections should get updated and stuff :cheers: especially the projects forum

Yea considering the state of Egypt today there almost o investment how the hell are we suppose to update these sections regularly?

According to satellite imagery of the site, they started digging and there is a billboard onsite I'll post pictures later.

^^ ؟؟؟

http://goo.gl/maps/kuiMA