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Mohammed VI Tower delivered: BESIX sets a new benchmark for Africa’s skyline
Rocket-like silhouette
Rising 250 metres above the Bouregreg Valley in Rabat, the tower is a symbol of Morocco’s modern ambitions and illustrates BESIX’s global expertise in complex, high-rise construction. Visible from 50 kilometres away, the 55-storey tower emerges from a four-level podium, creating a striking rocket-like silhouette on Rabat’s skyline.
Awarded in 2018 by O TOWER, BESIX delivered the project in joint venture with its partner TGCC under a Design & Build contract, covering full responsibility for design, engineering, procurement, and construction, including structural works, façades, advanced electro-mechanical building systems, luxurious finishes and furniture.
Key role for BESIX engineering
The tower spans 102,800 m² and houses a Waldorf Astoria luxury hotel, offices, high-end apartments, and a panoramic observation deck. Created by architects Rafael de la Hoz and Hakim Benjelloun, the building is served by 36 elevators - 21 in the tower and 15 in the podium.
BESIX Engineering Department played a key role in developing strong technical solutions to withstand seismic activity, strong winds, and potential flooding from the nearby Bouregreg River, guaranteeing safety and performance for Morocco’s tallest tower.
Challenging geotechnical environment
The tower rests on 60-metre-deep foundations made of 104 concrete barrettes designed to withstand seismic activity and river-flood conditions. These foundations ensure long-term stability for the 250-metre structure in a challenging geotechnical environment.
The tower combines a high-strength inner concrete core with an outer structural steel frame acting as a tube-in-tube for lateral load distribution. This hybrid system provides exceptional stability against wind and seismic forces while enabling column-free floors for flexible layouts.
To counter wind-induced movement and seismic vibrations, engineers installed an innovative 160-tons tuned mass damper system at the top that ensures comfort and stability for residents in the upper floors. This advanced system significantly improves comfort and safety for occupants.
High-performance design and construction
The Mohammed VI Tower reflects BESIX’s commitment to innovation and performance throughout the entire project life cycle. The tower’s façade, designed by BESIX’s in-house Façade Department, features on the north elevation a high-performance unitised glazed curtain wall with decorative metal fins, rising to the iconic observatory deck. The south elevation combines an opaque curtain wall with an audacious mix of metal panels, louvers, and 1,800 m² of photovoltaic panels, generating renewable energy for a microgrid supplying the building’s systems. The podium roof adds another 2,200 m² of photovoltaic panels, underlining the project’s strong focus on energy performance.
Beyond energy efficiency, the tower integrates advanced MEP systems, including energy recovery systems and rainwater harvesting systems. These solutions support the ambition to achieve LEED Gold and HQE certifications, positioning the tower among the most innovative and high-performing developments in Africa.
Finally, Mohammed VI Tower offers a refined interior experience. FLAMANT, renowned for its timeless design, selected the furniture and fittings for the podium’s most prestigious spaces, including the lobby, ballroom, restaurants and boardroom.
