Behind the design | Emirates Golf Club | Brewer Smith Brewer Group

Behind the design | Emirates Golf Club

Words by BSBG Media Team, Sunday 04 September 2016

In 1988, BSBG secured the commission in Dubai for the architectural design and project management of the clubhouse and facilities at the first all-grass championship golf course in the Middle East – the iconic Emirates Golf Club.

As it was to be the first truly pioneering venture the company had embarked upon since its establishment in the UAE, the project was a significant milestone for BSBG. It was also a landmark occasion for Dubai, with the exclusive complex advancing the emirate’s standing within the lucrative world of golf. Emirates Golf Club was the first design in the UAE to capture the imagination of the world, paving the way for the diversity and innovation in architecture that was to follow.

The emblematic design of the clubhouse, created to resemble a cluster of Bedouin tents, remains one of the most recognisable and immediately eye catching structures in Dubai. It encapsulates perfectly the juxtaposition between modern ideals and traditional values, a true reflection of the emirate itself.

Since completion, the clubhouse has become revered throughout the golfing world, and has also become a premier address in the UAE for residents and tourists. The Emirates Golf Club annually hosts the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, a significant tournament on the European Tour calendar. The tournament attracts thousands of golf fans every year, each able to experience one of the most exemplary modern-day clubhouse designs in golf.

Emirates Golf Club Refurbishment

More than 20 years after the original design was completed, BSBG was tasked with modernising the clubhouse development, a project that began in 2010.

The project encompassed a complete reincarnation of the clubhouse lobby, the bars, restaurants, pro shop and swimming pool. In addition, a new spa, terrace and bar were added as the original main building was extended.

The interior features are critical to the overall visual character and essence of the resort, with a tangible change in atmosphere and finish dependent on each location within the multi-purpose building. BSBG brought a sleek, modern design and plenty of natural light to the lobby, while each individual bar, restaurant and retail area is designed to have an identity all of its own.

BSBG worked to ensure that while the modernisation and refurbishment would offer a new dimension to the complex, the original visual qualities that defined the individuality of the existing design would be retained.

The public areas of the clubhouse exemplify contemporary sophistication, while remaining complementary to the ‘Bedouin Tent’ architecture, creating a rejuvenated ambience and visual experience for the club’s international visitors.

BSBG Media Team

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