The residential concept for the Masdar Institute campus focuses on the creation of lively energetic neighborhoods. The Institute campus is conceptualized around a hierarchy of streets and squares that form the backdrop to an environment of integration, communication and co-operation; a place active day or night.

The high density low-rise living is a major component of this low impact development and is vital in achieving a balanced socially and commercially sustainable campus. The marriage of traditional Arabic building practice and modern technologies satisfies demands for style, adaptability and flexibility, while keeping a sustainable footprint.

The interior hallways of the residential buildings are distinguished by their central atrium, which is naturally ventilated for as much of the year as possible. During the evening, cool air flows from openings on the podium level, cooling the interior walls and flowing out through open louvers at the top of the buildings. In warm weather, these openings are closed during the day to keep cool air in, while the thermal cooling of the walls keeps the interior hallways pleasant.

Apartments are accessed via a fully shaded atrium space that exploits thermal mass and natural ventilation to provide free cooling while atrium roof lights allow diffuse daylight, blocking direct sunlight. The apartment units themselves have screen-shielded windows and windows located near the ceilings to maximize natural light, both from the outside and from the interior atrium, while maintaining privacy.
 

Waste separation compartments in the apartments reflect the separate waste chutes for glass, aluminium, plastic, paper and other waste found in each floor’s waste room.

Metering for each unit provides feedback to the building facilities manager and individual occupants on their demand for energy, water and cooling. When unoccupied, each apartment enters a ‘sleep’ mode to minimize energy consumption.

The first phase of the Institute campus has 102 residential apartments spread between four residential blocks, one of which is a female block.