Photography by Alex Jeffries
UAQ FTZA Headquarters
Firm LocationDubai, United Arab Emirates
Project locationUmm Al Quwain, United Arab Emirates
CompanyNIU Studio
Lead ArchitectGiorgio Palermo
Design TeamElena Gregorutti
The UAQ Free Trade Zone Headquarters features a bold, nature-inspired design centered on sustainability. Sculpted hardwood louvres rise like tree trunks, branching into the ceiling to conceal columns, diffuse LED lighting, and divide space. Despite their scale, they maintain openness and still offer privacy at the same time. Built-in seating and pebble-shaped pouffes enhance comfort. Natural light floods the space, while materials like Carrara marble, white Corian, ceramic, and recycled carpets create a refined, eco-conscious environment across all three floors.