A vertical oasis that redefines high-rise luxury residential living, capturing the serenity of island living while embracing Dubai’s futuristic spirit.
Nestled in Dubai’s Al Sufouh district—where the city’s skyline meets the shimmering waters of the Arabian Gulf— DAMAC CASA emerges as a revolutionary residential tower that redefines luxury.
Designed by Gensler, the globally renowned architecture firm, it is not merely a building but a living, breathing vertical island that ascends into the sky. Standing at 180 meters tall with a floor area of 52,183 square meters, the residential tower is a landmark of scale and ambition—a vertical oasis that embraces Dubai’s futuristic spirit, while capturing the serenity of island living, offering residents an unparalleled fusion of urban sophistication and natural tranquility.
With an emphasis on openness and natural light, the apartment units are strategically arranged to maximize views of the Palm Jumeirah and the Arabian Gulf, creating a true waterfront oasis.
A New Architectural Prototype: Interlocking and Interlacing Form
DAMAC CASA transcends conventional skyscraper typologies through a bold new prototype—INTERLOCKING and INTERLACING form. Moving away from traditional vertical unit configurations, the tower’s block units is arranged in an interlocking and interlaced form, creating an oasis in the sky. This innovative structure is amplified by triple-height shaded garden oasis with lagoon pools, clustered every three floors.
To maximize views of the Palm Jumeirah, units are designed with a V-shape plan: the oasis terrace sits at the front tip of the plan, shifting strategically to the other side to frame unobstructed vistas of the sea and Dubai’s iconic landmark. This configuration not only enhances sightlines but also encourages cross-ventilation and natural light, aligning with the tower’s focus on health and wellness.
The project stands as a testament to collaboration between Gensler’s Shanghai and Dubai offices, uniting global expertise with local insight. “At Gensler, we believe architecture transcends its role as a mere shaper of skylines—it’s about crafting experiences that resonate with people and place. Drawing inspiration from Dubai’s coastal identity, elements of water, light and elegance are interwoven into every facade, terrace, and amenity. The result is a tower that doesn’t just stand tall, but breathes.”— Hasan Syed, Lead Designer, Principal & Design Director at Gensler.
Design Philosophy: The Architecture of Vertical Abstraction
Rooted in Dubai’s coastal identity, the tower draws inspiration from the essence of water. Led by Hasan Syed, Design Director at Gensler Shanghai, the design is a poetic response to its surroundings, characterized by flowing forms and aquatic-inspired motifs.
Spatial Programming: A Vertical Narrative
Ground Level: The Arrival Experience
The journey begins at the Aquarium Hall, a dramatic, light-filled space inspired by the underwater world. The Aquarium Drop-off area, featuring a large aquarium and wall projections, creates a sense of arrival that is both grand and intimate—immersing residents in the project’s aquatic theme from the moment they arrive.
Podium Levels (1st & 2nd Floors): A Tropical Retreat
The podium houses luxurious townhouses with private gardens, offering a grounded, residential feel. The rooftop transforms into a vibrant social hub, featuring lounges for al fresco dining and socializing, alongside an art gallery and palm gardens. Wellness facilities here include a gym, sauna, steam room, lap pools, jacuzzi, beach cabanas, floating beds, and SCUBA SIMULATORS—blending tropical serenity with modern convenience. These spaces are designed to encourage interaction, with shaded balconies and outdoor areas that foster community living.
Residential Floors (1st–43rd): Stratified Luxury
On the residential floors, 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom units feature full-length double-glazed windows and private terraces for panoramic views. The tower’s interlocking design ensures every residence feels connected to the outdoors, with natural light and cross-ventilation enhancing comfort. For super luxury, 3-, 4-, and 5-bedroom units include private lifts and marble flooring, with circular outdoor terraces and pools offering 270-degree water views—an exclusive retreat within the tower.
Crown Level (Top Floors): The Sky Sanctuary
The pinnacle of the tower is the Crown Level, a sky sanctuary that redefines luxury living. This exclusive space features an Island Pool surrounded by palm gardens, along with Sky Beds that offer breathtaking views of the Palm Jumeirah and the Arabian Gulf. Adding to its super-luxury appeal, the Crown Level also includes a transparent glass pool—a striking centerpiece where residents can swim while gazing at the sky—and a rain room with sky-floating beds, blending innovation with tranquility.
LEED Certification & Holistic Sustainability
DAMAC CASA integrates sustainability into every layer of its design, prioritizing both environmental responsibility and human well-being.
Aligning with its focus on health and wellness, shaded balconies and outdoor ventilation systems create cool, shaded retreats for the residents; wellness amenities—from SCUBA simulators to lap pools and jacuzzis—promote physical and mental well-being, making health a lifestyle.
Locally sourced plants enhance biodiversity, improve soil health, and foster a sense of place—connecting residents to Dubai’s natural ecosystem.
Notably, the tower’s V-shape plan and interlaced structure enhance cross-ventilation, reducing heat gain and mitigating the urban heat island effect, while outdoor balcony ventilation systems control heat intake, maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures naturally.
A dedicated 21st-floor mechanical level houses energy-efficient HVAC systems and greywater recycling units, reducing potable water consumption by 40%. Materials were carefully selected, ensuring alignment with LEED v4 standards—minimizing heat gain, reducing artificial lighting needs, and fostering a connection to the natural world.
Vision for Urban Living
DAMAC CASA challenges the notion of high-rises as mere vertical containers. Instead, it proposes a symbiotic ecosystem where luxury is synonymous with ecological sensibility. By integrating biophilic design, adaptive reuse principles, and cutting-edge technology, the project sets a new benchmark for sustainable urbanism in the Gulf region.
More than a building, DAMAC CASA is a testament to the power of design to redefine what’s possible: a vertical island where urban ambition meets natural harmony, and where every resident thrives in a sanctuary of luxury and well-being.
