Designed by Kengo Kuma and with its name meaning ‘valleys’, Wedyan is envisioned as a future landmark, marking his first project in the UAE. Kuma San, celebrated for cultural works such as the Japan National Stadium in Tokyo and the China Academy of Art's Folk Art Museum, is recognised globally for an approach that harmonises architecture with nature. At Wedyan, he has applied this approach by shaping a façade inspired by the movement of water and sand. Its layered profile and textured exterior, echoes the rhythm of the desert and valleys, creating a building without precedent in the city.
Kengo Kuma, Architect at KKAA, said “Wedyan is a dialogue between Japanese aesthetics and the context of Dubai. Our design philosophy is to connect and create a conversation between architecture, nature and people. In this project, our purpose is to bring softness to the design and to create quietness through shadows that cascade and reflect across the façade, terraces and amenity spaces.
Collaborating with Al Ghurair has been exciting. They understand the value of design, and we share a mutual respect that naturally led to a positive harmony in bringing Wedyan to life,” he continued.
Soaring 46 storeys high, Wedyan comprises 149 residences with a mix of three-, four-, and five-bedroom layouts, two full-floor penthouses and a three-storey sky villa. Some of the key features include generous outdoor living spaces purposefully designed to be multifunctional, for maximum comfort and liveability; additional back-of-house kitchen with separate access alongside the main kitchen, perfect for hosting catered dinner parties; and specialised glazing that protects owners' artworks from UV rays. A selection of residences also come with standalone Japanese teahouse-inspired pavilions; easily adapted to suit residents' needs, they could make the perfect setting for morning meditations or serve as a one-of-a-kind recording studio.
A Vertical Masterplan
Featuring every possible convenience a resident might need to live well, Wedyan offers more than 65,000 sq ft of amenity space carefully distributed across distinct levels in the building. Just below ground level, The Oasis arrival experience is lined with greenery and water features that lead into a luxury car stacker which is humidity- and temperate-controlled. The Valley and The Shore Levels 2 and 3, are dynamic spaces for active living and leisure time with family and friends, as well as for hosting and entertainment. The Cave is a curated wellness cocoon situated on Level 17 and The Mountain located on the 36th floor is a dedicated space for private meetings. Some inspiring amenities include private treatment rooms allowing residents to bring their own trusted therapists, reformer Pilates studio, a podcast room, and boxing facilities. Filtered air and water systems are integrated throughout the building to support overall wellbeing.
