Located in Abu Dhabi’s Al Mamoura Tower, Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA) 1,865sqm space has been transformed into a bespoke office space for 100 education experts shaping the future of pre-schoolers in Abu-Dhabi.
Summertown Interiors was appointed by ECA to translate Roar Studio’s vibrant cutting-edge design and delivered the fit-out in June 2021 amidst the COVID-19 restrictions. Following completion ECA has been awarded Silver level LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.
The ECA fit-out project is an amalgamation of a hybrid workspace and child-centric educational play area, which means that every space is unique and appropriated to its user. The entrance lobby welcomes guests with a life-size friendly monster ‘Big Blue’ and an array of playful, vibrant and tactile joinery features, which sets the tone for the rest of the space. Flowing walkways connect a variety of bespoke hubs such as workstations, naturally lit meeting rooms, a children’s playroom and purpose-built maternity room.
Every room is completely different in its shape and aesthetic, from floor material to colours, custom-made fixtures and bespoke furniture pieces. Additional elements include the use of soft and tactile textures throughout and bio-folding walls to create flexible meeting spaces for either one large or two small rooms. With the help of a colour psychologist, specific colours were chosen in order to create a welcoming, productive and inclusive space for its users. Orange and blue were chosen to reflect positive energy and a sense of calm and relaxation.
One of the main fit out challenges of this unique workspace was the scale and variety of bespoke joinery required to stay true to the design. Every space is unique and required sourcing different carpet, paint colours, and lots of custom-made joinery, fixtures and furniture.
Summertown also followed sustainable practices during the project build in a bid to reduce the environmental impact of the ECA office and met LEED green building criteria. Besides the use of sustainable materials, water saving fixtures, and energy efficient atmospheric equipment was installed to improve the indoor air quality for the wellbeing of occupants, 100% LED lighting, and energy efficient appliances to reduce the carbon footprint of the building. Furthermore, ECA has incorporated segregated waste recycling as part of office policy to reduce waste. As a result, the ECA has been awarded Silver level LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.
Nicola Trivett, Summertown Project Director for the ECA commented: “The Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA) office fit-out was both challenging and very rewarding. We worked in close collaboration with the designers at Roar Studio as well as the client to execute the unique details of this build, which involved extensive bespoke joinery and fixtures. We are delighted with the final result and in achieving LEED Silver accreditation, and hope both young and old enjoy this amazing, sustainable workspace.”
