Du HQ, Dubai

United Arab Emirates

A sustainable and productivity-driven workspace

Du HQ in Dubai is a state-of-the-art building designed to inspire innovation, collaboration, and efficiency, whilst promoting sustainability and employee well-being. The lighting control system for this project was provided by Helvar, in collaboration with Acoulite Trading LLC, who designed, supplied, and commissioned the lighting and lighting controls package. The project utilised a variety of lighting control protocols, including Helvar routers, uSee, and BMS integration. It incorporates Tunable White control and daylight harvesting, and the building has achieved official LEED certification.
The plan for the office headquarters was to prioritize employee wellbeing and happiness, along with having technology at the forefront of the entire narrative. The Seven Storey space now stands at 134,000 sq ft, complete with office space, training rooms, breakout areas, a multipurpose hall, wellness amenities, clinic, toilets, entrance lobby, prayer rooms, innovation hub, lift lobbies and staircases.
Tunable White lighting offers numerous benefits for office personnel. Firstly, it allows for dynamic adjustment of the colour temperature of the lighting throughout the day, mimicking natural daylight patterns. This can enhance occupant wellbeing and productivity by regulating the body’s circadian rhythm and reducing fatigue. Tunable White lighting can create a more stimulating and invigorating environment during morning hours, promoting alertness and focus. In the afternoon, warmer colour temperatures can be used to create a more relaxed atmosphere, fostering comfort and calmness. By providing lighting that aligns with human biological needs, Tunable White lighting contributes to a healthier and more pleasant working environment.
Lighting controls offer significant benefits in modern office spaces. Firstly, they provide flexibility and customisation options, allowing users to adjust lighting levels and create personalised lighting scenes to suit their preferences and tasks. This not only enhances comfort but also promotes individual productivity and satisfaction. Lighting controls enable energy efficiency by facilitating daylight harvesting and occupancy sensing, ensuring that lights are only used when and where needed. This helps reduce energy consumption and lowers utility costs. Additionally, lighting controls offer centralised management and monitoring capabilities, allowing facility managers to optimise lighting performance, identify maintenance needs, and track energy usage, resulting in improved operational efficiency.
This project is a brilliant example of an integrated and intelligent smart-building system; with Helvar’s Architectural DALI lighting control system, integrated with DMX, Triac Dimming Methods for controls, and Integration to BMS and AV Systems. To support continuous optimisation, Energy Monitoring and pop up messages are generated and send to the client’s Facilities team for easy detection of the faults and alarms.
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification brings numerous benefits to an office. Firstly, it demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. LEED-certified buildings have lower energy and water consumption, reducing their ecological footprint and mitigating climate change. This enhances the reputation of the office as an environmentally conscious organisation. LEED certification also promotes occupant health and well-being by prioritising indoor air quality, access to daylight, and ergonomic design. Improved indoor environmental quality can lead to increased employee satisfaction, productivity, and overall well-being. Moreover, LEED-certified offices often experience lower operating costs due to energy-efficient systems and reduced resource usage, providing long-term financial benefits.
By incorporating Tunable White lighting, advanced lighting controls, and achieving LEED certification, Du HQ in Dubai has created a modern, sustainable, and employee-centric workspace, aligning with the company’s vision of culture, productivity, and employee wellbeing.

Key facts

Project completed: 2022
Project location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Design, Specification, Lighting Design, Supply and Commissioning: Acoulite Trading LLC
Contractor: ISG
Interior Designer: Bluehuas Group
United Arab Emirates