Markus Oberlin, CEO of Farnek, said: “We have purchased the freehold plot for approximately $13 million and have appointed Arif & Bintoak, a multi-disciplinary architectural and engineering firm, to create and build the design, which will cost an additional $27 million.” Situated opposite the Expo 2020 Dubai site and close to Al Maktoum International Airport, and spreading over an area of 9.2 ha, the new smart centre will be home to 8,000 employees. The project is expected to break ground next summer and complete by December 2018. Smart building for Dubai staff housing The design for the project will include waste management and smart energy concepts. Oberlin said: “Designing a building that will be home to 8,000 people, will come with certain operational challenges, such as waste and sewage management. First of all, we will design an effective system to reduce the volume of waste generated that would ordinarily go to landfill. "Then our drainage infrastructure will separate and recycle grey water for irrigation and through a highly efficient sewage system, effluent will be carried to the municipal sewage system and onwards to the Jebel Ali treatment plants.” The energy management system will be designed to communicate with solar panels, control sensors, meters, feedback and analysis systems, to optimise the energy performance of the building, ensuring minimal utility bills and maximum comfort for its residents.