Bahrain World Trade Center: A Green Innovation Hub

The Bahrain World Trade Center is an iconic landmark in the Kingdom of Bahrain. It is a 240-metre-high, 50-floor, twin tower complex located in Manama, Bahrain's capital city. The building is designed by the multi-national architectural firm Atkins and is known for its sleek, modern design and bold aesthetics. The Bahrain World Trade Center is the first skyscraper in the world to integrate wind turbines into its design, with three 225 kW wind turbines installed between the towers on sky bridges. These turbines harness strong winds in the area, generating between 11% and 15% of the centre's energy needs, showcasing its commitment to sustainability and renewable energy.

The Bahrain World Trade Center is the first skyscraper to integrate wind turbines into its design

The Bahrain World Trade Center (BWTC) is a 240-metre-high (787 ft), 50-floor, twin-tower complex located in Manama, Bahrain. It is the first skyscraper in the world to integrate wind turbines into its design. The building was designed by the multi-national architectural firm Atkins and completed in 2008.

The BWTC is an iconic landmark with an eco-friendly design and is a testament to sustainable architectural design. The two towers are linked via three sky bridges, each holding a 225 kW wind turbine, totalling 675 kW of wind power capacity. Each of these turbines measures 29 m (95 ft) in diameter and is aligned north, the direction from which air from the Persian Gulf blows in. The sail-shaped buildings on either side are designed to funnel wind through the gap, providing accelerated wind passing through the turbines. This innovative design accelerates the wind's velocity as it hits the turbines, increasing their potential to generate electricity.

The wind turbines are expected to provide 11% to 15% of the towers' total power consumption, equivalent to providing lighting for about 300 homes, 258 hospitals, 17 industrial plants, and 33 car engines. The BWTC has received several awards for sustainability, including the 2006 LEAF Award for Best Use of Technology within a Large Scheme and the Arab Construction World for Sustainable Design Award.

The BWTC combines dramatic visual statements with state-of-the-art engineering, demonstrating Bahrain's commitment to sustainable design and renewable energy. The tapered, elliptical towers act as airfoils, channelling offshore winds to drive the three massive wind turbines set between the towers on the sky bridges. The BWTC stands as a proud symbol of Bahrain's transition to a post-oil economy built on banking and tourism.

The wind turbines were developed and installed by Danish company Norwin A/S

The Bahrain World Trade Center (BWTC) is a 240-metre-high (787 ft), 50-floor, twin tower complex located in Manama, Bahrain. It is the first skyscraper in the world to integrate wind turbines into its design.

The wind turbines were developed, built and installed by the Danish company Norwin A/S. Norwin A/S is a specialist in this field, having previously worked on similar projects. The company was responsible for the entire process, from the initial design and development to the final installation and commissioning of the wind turbines.

The BWTC features three sky bridges that connect the two towers, with each bridge supporting a 225 kW wind turbine. These turbines are an impressive 29 meters in diameter and are oriented to the north to capture the prevailing winds from the Persian Gulf. The turbines are expected to provide between 11% and 15% of the towers' total power consumption, which is a significant contribution to the building's energy needs.

The design of the BWTC is not just aesthetically pleasing but also functional, with the sail-shaped towers designed to funnel wind through the gap between the buildings. This innovative design significantly increases the potential to generate electricity, as confirmed by wind tunnel tests. The building has received international recognition for its pioneering use of wind energy and has won several awards for sustainability, including the 2006 LEAF Award for Best Use of Technology within a Large Scheme and the Arab Construction World Sustainable Design Award.

The integration of the wind turbines by Norwin A/S has set a new standard for sustainable architectural design and has made the BWTC a landmark in Bahrain and a beacon of sustainable design worldwide.

The building's design is inspired by traditional Arabian trading ships

The Bahrain World Trade Center is a 240-metre-high (787 ft), 50-floor, twin-tower complex located in Manama, Bahrain. It is the first skyscraper in the world to integrate wind turbines into its design. The structure is the result of a project by the multi-national architectural firm Atkins, and it was completed in 2008.

The design of the two towers, inspired by traditional Arabian trading ships, is sail-shaped. Combining a dramatic visual statement with state-of-the-art engineering, the towers demonstrate Bahrain’s commitment to sustainable design and renewable energy. The tapered, elliptical towers act as airfoils, channelling offshore winds to drive three massive wind turbines set between the towers on sky bridges.

Engineers used computational fluid dynamics and wind-tunnel tests to determine the ideal shape of the towers to maximise the power generated by the wind turbines. Their analysis led to an elliptical, tapered design that funnels offshore winds between the towers and creates negative air pressure (or lift) from behind. This innovative design accelerates the wind’s velocity as it hits the turbines.

The trade centre faces north, the direction from which the air blows over the Persian Gulf. The orientation also creates a dramatic entry point for the entire complex. The wind turbines are expected to provide 11% to 15% of the towers' total power consumption, or approximately 1.1 to 1.3 GWh a year. This is equivalent to providing the lighting for about 300 homes, 258 hospitals, 17 industrial plants, and 33 car engines.

The Bahrain WTC has received several awards for sustainability, including the 2006 LEAF Award for Best Use of Technology within a Large Scheme and the Arab Construction World for Sustainable Design Award.

The BWTC is Bahrain's number one business address

The BWTC is an iconic landmark with its sleek design, bold aesthetics, and eco-friendly architecture. It is the first skyscraper in the world to integrate wind turbines into its design, with three 225 kW turbines that harness strong winds to generate renewable energy. The building is also equipped with high-speed elevators, including panoramic glass cabs, offering stunning views of the gulf.

The BWTC stands as a symbol of Bahrain's commitment to sustainable design and renewable energy. Sustainability is a key component of the building's design, with the introduction of solar panels in 2023 further showcasing its dedication to reducing its carbon footprint. The BWTC employs innovative shading methods, deep gravel roofs for kinetic insulation, and energy-efficient lighting, reducing the demand for fossil fuel energy.

The BWTC offers flexible and high-quality commercial office spaces, with a range of amenities to support businesses, including 24-hour reception, maintenance, and security, as well as a mix of restaurants and cafes. The building can accommodate various headquarters and satellite offices for small and large enterprises across multiple floors, making it the perfect space to establish, grow, or expand organisations in the GCC region and beyond.

Its location in the business heart of Manama, with excellent connectivity to the GCC by air, sea, and the King Fahad Causeway, further adds to its appeal as Bahrain's top business address.

The BWTC has been recognised for its commitment to Green Building Awareness

The Bahrain World Trade Center (BWTC) is a 50-floor, 240-metre-high twin tower complex located in Manama, Bahrain. It is an iconic landmark with a sleek, eco-friendly design and bold aesthetics. The BWTC has been recognised for its profound commitment to Green Building Awareness and stands as a pioneering sustainable development.

The BWTC is the first skyscraper in the world to integrate wind energy into its design, with three 225 kW wind turbines installed on sky bridges between the two towers. These turbines harness the strong winds blowing in from the Persian Gulf to generate between 11% and 15% of the towers' total power consumption. This is equivalent to providing lighting for about 300 homes, 258 hospitals, 17 industrial plants, and 33 car engines.

In addition to wind power, the BWTC employs other energy-reducing measures to minimise its environmental impact. These include innovative shading methods, deep gravel roofs that provide kinetic insulation, and energy-efficient lighting. The introduction of solar panels in 2023 further showcases the BWTC's dedication to reducing its carbon footprint.

The BWTC prioritises the well-being of its occupants with advanced air filtration systems, optimal lighting conditions, and carefully curated temperature control. It has become Bahrain's top choice for high-end commercial office space, attracting leading regional and international organisations. The BWTC's commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices has been recognised through various awards, including the 2006 LEAF Award for Best Use of Technology within a Large Scheme and the Arab Construction World for Sustainable Design Award.

The BWTC is a testament to Bahrain's commitment to sustainable design and renewable energy. It sets an example for future developments, demonstrating that it is possible to create a building that is both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally conscious. The BWTC continues to raise the bar for technological advancements in sustainability and is an inspiration for green building initiatives worldwide.

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