LOM architecture and design sees work start on its state-of-the-art head office for National Bank of Oman (NBO) after construction contract is awarded to Al Turki Enterprises.
The 49,000sqm landmark building will provide high quality office space, a large head office bank branch and a striking internal atrium inspired by Oman’s dramatic wadi gorges. The development is located opposite Muscat’s Grand Mosque, and seeks to create a contemporary architectural language appropriate to the traditional context of Oman, inspired by the country’s landscape and historic buildings.
Mohammed Mahfoodh al Ardhi, chairman of NBO, said, “It is a beautiful addition to the unique architecture and natural topology of our capital Muscat.”
Chief executive Ahmed al Musalmi said, “The pioneering new headquarters will enable the bank to add to our country’s impressive infrastructural investments and will be a key contributor to economic diversification.”
The architect’s view
High quality open plan work space and a large head office bank branch are provided around a striking internal atrium inspired by Oman’s dramatic wadi gorges. The atrium brings together people, water, filtered sunlight and activity to create a memorable and dramatic interior space. This balances public access with security requirements to create a multifunctional facility that serves as both a staff resource and event area. In addition the building incorporates a boardroom suite, archiving facility, main vault, roof terrace, underground staff car parking, cafeteria and data centre.
Externally, the building envelope changes at each floor level to create a natural, stepped appearance rising from a rough-hewn base to a clean, distinctive parapet line. The building façade consists of two primary elements: a loadbearing natural stone façade to the base, and a high quality precast panel system to the upper floors. Omani stone is used in large, deep blocks at the base to evoke the qualities of a natural landform. Planting is provided at raised terraces across the building in order to provide relief and a connection with the landscape.
We worked closely with Buro Happold in London and the local multidisciplinary team at Ibrahim Jaidah Architects and Engineers to develop a robust and future-proof building, which is appropriate to the local climate. The building incorporates a high degree of resilience including both earthquake and flood mitigation, reflecting the bank’s requirements for security, business continuity and data centre protection.
Project team
Client: National Bank of Oman
Architect: LOM architecture and design
Local consultant: Ibrahim Jaidah Architects & Engineers
Design engineer: Buro Happold
Quantity surveyor: Daan Shaaban Office
Construction: 2015-2017
Location: Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
Main contractor: Al Turki Enterprises
Gross internal floor area: 24,000sqm gross above ground, 49,000sqm gross including basement