The National Bank of Kuwait Tower An Iconic Engineering Marvel

Mahmoud Ibrahim, Project Manager, Construction Claims SpecialistMahmoud Ibrahim, Project Manager, Construction Claims Specialist
Located on a prominent site in Kuwait City, the 300-meter-high, 60-floor tower, headquarters of the National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) is set to have a distinctive presence amongst other high-rise buildings in Sharq – a growing financial district. The design combines structural innovation with a highly efficient passive form, shielding the offices from the extremes of Kuwait’s climate where temperatures average 40 degrees in the summer months. SSH acted as lead consultant for construction supervision in association with Foster + Partners and BuroHappold.

Pearl shell-inspired design
The tower’s cylindrical form opens like a shell to the north to avoid solar gain, while revealing views of the Arabian Gulf. The southern façade is shaded by a series of concrete fins, which extend the full height of the tower to provide structural support. As well as contributing to the environmental strategy, these ribs help to evoke a sense of place in echoing the form of the dhow sailing boat – a reference to the city’s roots in international trade. By tapering towards the base, the design maximizes floor space in the upper levels and promotes self-shading, as the overhanging floor plates shelter the offices below.

📅 Published on: 14 April 2021
🔗 Share:
We Value Your Comment
⭐ How useful is this information?
Concrete Construction Previous Issues
MGS Architecture Previous Issues
NBM&CW Previous Issues
Lifting & Specialized Transport Previous Issues
Indian Infrastructure & Tenders Week Previous Issues

NBM Media

30+ years of reporting on infrastructure, construction, architecture, & real estate across print, digital, and social media.
  +91 98181 65648, 79829 31374,     +91 93545 87773
  support@nbmcw.com
NBM Media Pvt. Ltd. | All rights reserved 2026