Prime 2

Prime 2

Client

Dema Hope

Type

Commercial

Year

2023

Size

2,300 SQM

Floors

3B + G + 27 + Penthouse + Terrace

Apartments

13 Units per floor (1BR, 2BR, & 3BR)

Location

Signal, Addis Ababa

Services

Gym, Spa, Restaurant, Laundry, Minimarket, and Communal Terrace

Status

In Progress

With Prime 2, the vision was to create a "vertical sanctuary": a high-performing, iconic environment that merges the pulse of downtown living with sophisticated, sustainable architecture.

Project Overview

Client Background
Prime 2 is the result of a visionary collaboration between Dema Hope Real Estate and Zohan Trading PLC. As a landmark development, the project embodies the client’s commitment to redefining the Addis Ababa skyline. The vision was to create a "vertical sanctuary": a high-performing, iconic environment that merges the pulse of downtown living with sophisticated, sustainable architecture.

Objective
The goal was to design a towering urban landmark at Signal that radiates prestige and modernity. With a striking elevation profile of 3B+G+27+T, the building is designed to stand as a beacon of efficiency. By integrating premium residential units with low-impact, high-value amenities, such as an in-house restaurant and professional laundry; the design maximizes land utility while offering residents a seamless, luxury lifestyle.

Zohan Trading PLC provided a full-cycle architectural and interior design strategy, ensuring the building’s bold exterior is matched by its interior functionality.

Sculptural Massing & Climate Response: The building features a strategic "butterfly" crown and deep-set facade openings, specifically engineered to mitigate southwest sun exposure while bathing the interiors in soft, natural light.

The Living Facade: The architectural language utilizes rhythmic, generous balconies designed to house integrated greenery, softening the urban silhouette and providing a private outdoor connection for every resident.

High-Efficiency Programming: The floor plates are optimized for density without sacrificing luxury, accommodating a diverse mix of 1, 2, and 3-bedroom units.

Structural Intelligence: The design utilizes three basement levels to provide 100 parking spaces and essential utilities, carefully planned to avoid the need for extensive shoring while maintaining structural integrity.

Design Approach and Execution

Concept and Vision

Design Philosophy: To establish a luxury landmark that translates the high-end sophistication of the Bole corridor into the rising skyline of Signal.

Key Features: A striking vertical silhouette defined by rhythmic terrace greenery, intelligent spatial optimization, and a fluid transition between private residences and social hubs.

Inspiration: The "Urban Oasis" concept-fusing sustainable "living architecture" with a vibrant, interconnected city lifestyle.

Execution Strategy

Phase 1: Strategic Site Planning

Iconic Presence: Positioned the structure to command attention as a regional landmark while expertly navigating the site's natural topography.

Environmental Orientation: Engineered the tower’s axis to capture soft morning light while shielding interiors from the intensity of the harsh southwest afternoon sun.

Urban Flow: Designed the podium level to facilitate smooth pedestrian access, ensuring the "low car traffic magnet" strategy prevents local congestion.

Phase 2: Architectural Innovation

Optimized Living: Developed a high-efficiency floor plate that balances 13 premium apartments per level, ensuring every unit feels like a corner suite with expansive views.

The Living Facade: Integrated deep, cantilevered balconies with built-in planters, creating a "breathable" building skin that provides natural cooling and aesthetic softness.

Structural Efficiency: Utilized a multi-level basement for utilities and parking, reducing the footprint of technical services on the primary living floors.

Phase 3: Lifestyle and Wellness Integration

Wellness Hub: Carved out dedicated levels for a professional-grade gym and spa to promote resident health and rejuvenation.

Service Excellence: Embedded essential conveniences, including a gourmet restaurant and professional laundry, to elevate the standard of "Prime" living.

Luminous Interiors: Employed floor-to-ceiling glazing to dissolve the boundary between the bright, open-concept interiors and the sweeping Addis Ababa skyline.

Phase 4: Social Infrastructure

Skyline Gathering: Crafted a signature communal terrace on the rooftop, providing a panoramic social space for residents.

Podium Vitality: Blended boutique retail and a café at the base to cultivate a lively, safe, and active street-level community.

Results and Team

Project Outcomes

New Urban Standard: Established Prime 2 as the benchmark for "green" high-rise living in the Signal area.

Integrated Ecosystem: Successfully delivered a "city-within-a-building" model, mixing private luxury with essential services like a mini-market and wellness center.

Passive Sustainability: Achieved a climate-responsive design that naturally regulates temperature and lighting, significantly lowering the building's carbon footprint.