Design in time

The interiors for the world's first fully rotating tower, Time Residences were announced by the concept and design architect last month. Glenn Howell, director of Glenn Howell Architects whose award winning designs include The Savill Building, Windsor Park, said he wanted to create a classic design that would not age. Howell said: "I wanted to create an everlasting design concept without relying on the fact that the building rotates. There are certain buildings and interiors that have remained classic and have not dated. In fact these designs have only improved with time. Eventually we would like to have the building listed."

The 30 storey structure, located in the City of Arabia, will make a full 360 degree turn in seven days rotating at 1cm per minute using solar panels collected from a moon shaped crescent on the roof. Howell said: "The Time Residences will be eco-friendly and sustainable through the use of solar power to rotate the cylindrical form and recycled water to irrigate the landscape gardens. We have also reduced the reliance of air conditioning by using techniques of ventilation from years ago."

"As part of the tender process for the sourcing of materials we will not only be looking at cost and quality but also labour. Ideally manufacturers will set up in Dubai and use the local workforce. We want this project to be responsible in as many ways as possible."

The Time Residences will house 200 one to four bedroom apartments each of which will be designed according to three styles; ‘Timeless', ‘Signature' and ‘Empress'. The ‘Timeless' design, used for the triplex penthouse, will feature large white open plan rooms with floor to ceiling panoramic windows. An emphasis on balancing luxury with natural materials remains paramount, with built-in plasma screens in the bathroom and stone textured floors, granite surfaces and hardwood fascias.

The apartments will be based around a core like structure to allow full panoramic views as the building rotates. Another unique design feature is the omission of corridors, enabling residents to step out of the lift directly into their home.

Tav Singh, director of Dubai Property Ring confirmed that the Dubai Time Residences would be the first in 24 similar buildings around the world. He said: "We have received a great deal of interest from major countries wanting to recreate Time Residences. It is our intention to introduce 24 signature buildings around the world to spin in sync."

Construction of the Time Residences is expected to start in June this year with a projected completion in the first quarter of 2009.

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