The Burj is a visionary mixed-use development located in the heart of Zanzibar, combining a luxury hotel podium with a high-rise residential tower. Set to become the tallest mass timber building in Africa—and among the tallest globally—the project is a landmark example of sustainable design in tropical climates. UGC has been engaged from the earliest design stages to lead the sustainability advisory and EDGE certification strategy. Working closely with the architects, engineers, and sustainability team, UGC is providing detailed technical guidance on building performance, thermal comfort, and low-impact construction strategies. The project aims to achieve EDGE Advanced Preliminary Certification in 2025, with final certification expected in 2027, once construction is complete. The Burj will set a new benchmark for climate-resilient, low-carbon development in Africa.
Project Sustainability Features
- Mass timber superstructure reducing embodied carbon significantly
- Targeting high energy and water efficiency in a tropical coastal climate
- Passive cooling strategies and optimised glazing for thermal comfort
- Efficient HVAC and lighting systems
- Low-flow plumbing fixtures to reduce water demand
- Detailed performance modelling and simulation to guide material and envelope decisions
- EDGE Advanced targeting across all performance metrics: energy, water, and materials
UGC Services Provided:
- EDGE Advanced advisory
- Early-stage simulation modelling
- Envelope performance strategy
- Full certification documentation
Project Info
Location
- Zanzibar, Tanzania
Square Meters
- 34,000
Completion Date
- Preliminary – mid-2025
- Final – 2027
Certification
- EDGE Advanced
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