Bank of Maldives

The Bank of the Maldives is the largest financial institution in the island archipelago and is currently based in the centre of Malé, the most densely populated capital city in the world.

In 2024 WMA was invited to develop a scheme for a new headquarters on the reclaimed island of Hulhumalé to the north of the capital. The proposal was for a 12 storey, 20,000m2 office building on a prime site facing the new Central Park.

In a country where nearly all construction materials are imported and which is critically exposed to climate change and rising sea levels, the project aimed to minimise embodied carbon, whilst also recognising the economic realities of building in the region.

The result is a structurally efficient and compact building, using short span, post tensioned RC floors from a central circulation core. The distinctive facade incorporates deep overhangs that provide natural solar shading. The integration of planting within these horizontal planes brings nature close to all the office levels, directly benefitting health and well-being.