Les Nectarines stands as a pioneering landmark in Dakar’s architectural landscape. As the first private development in Senegal to achieve LEED Certification (following the US Embassy), this project sets a new benchmark for sustainable, high-performance construction in West Africa. Designed as a G+7 mixed-use tower, the 17,913 m² structure seamlessly integrates commercial efficiency with luxury living. The building organizes its program vertically: rising from a grand lobby and two basement parking levels, it features five floors of premium office space, transitioning into an exclusive residential tier. The upper levels house four high-standing apartments and are crowned by two expansive penthouses on the 7th floor. By prioritizing green building standards alongside modern aesthetics, Les Nectarines represents the future of responsible urban development in Dakar.
Client:
Les Nectarines Inc.
Year:
2024
Category:
Mixed Use Building
/
LEED Certified
Location:
Dakar, Senegal
NECTARINES
The Challenge
The primary challenge was to harmonize two opposing functions—busy corporate offices and private luxury living—within a single vertical volume in dense Dakar.
The client required a maximized floor area ratio (17,913 m²) on a defined footprint while ensuring that the high-traffic commercial zones (Floors 0-5) did not compromise the exclusivity and tranquility of the residential penthouses above. Additionally, the design needed to accommodate complex structural logistics, including double-basement parking and heavy technical loads on the terrace, without disrupting the aesthetic elegance of the façade.
The Solution
To achieve the LEED certification and resolve the conflict between public office traffic and private residential luxury, our design approach focused on strict vertical zoning and high-performance building physics.
Strategic Vertical Stacking: We placed the high-traffic commercial zones on the lower levels (G-5) and elevated the residential units (6-7) to the top. This naturally distances the apartments from street noise and maximizes panoramic views of Dakar for the penthouses.
Bioclimatic Façade Design: To meet LEED standards, the building envelope was engineered to reduce solar heat gain while maximizing natural light. This drastically lowers energy consumption for cooling—a critical factor in the Senegalese climate.
Segregated Circulation Flows: A centralized circulation core was designed to manage the flow of users efficiently, ensuring security for residents while maintaining easy access for office workers.
Integrated Technical Terrace: By consolidating water reservoirs and HVAC units on a dedicated technical terrace, we freed up valuable basement space for parking and ensured the roof aesthetics remained clean for the penthouse residents.
The Result
