Lighthouse Tower Project Cancelled

The Lighthouse Tower, planned for construction in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), was to be the first low-carbon building in the United Arab Emirates. Site preparation work commenced in 2008, but the project was delayed in 2009 due to the Global Financial Crisis, and later cancelled. The DIFC has since unveiled a new plan for the undeveloped site in October 2013.

What made the Lighthouse Tower so interesting was its emphasis on being eco-friendly. The structure would rise as two separate towers, bridged from level 10, all the way up to approximately 300 meters above ground. The structure was to hold a number of sky gardens. Three large 225 kW wind turbines, 29 meters in diameter, on the building’s south-facing side were going to generate electricity. The building was also going to be clad in 4,000 solar panels to generate additional electricity. It was estimated the tower would reduce its overall energy consumption by 65%, and its water consumption by 40% in comparison to an equivalent building.