Commercial · Corporate
A landmark of financial confidence at the heart of Addis Ababa
The Dashen Bank Headquarters stands as one of the most significant corporate commissions in HGC's portfolio — a 3 basement + Ground + 17 storey tower that rises with authority in the financial district of Addis Ababa. From the earliest feasibility studies through to handover, HaileGabriel Consult led the full scope of architectural design, structural engineering, MEP coordination, and construction supervision.
The design is rooted in the language of institutional permanence. The tower's façade is characterised by a disciplined grid of glazing and precast concrete elements, projecting clarity, solidity, and forward vision. The massing steps back at key heights to reduce wind load and create articulated setbacks that animate the profile on the skyline.
At ground level, the building opens generously to the public realm — a double-height banking hall welcomes clients with natural light and a sense of civic dignity. Above, the office floors are designed for the bank's operational efficiency with flexible open-plan layouts and a dedicated executive floor at the crown.
The project presented considerable structural complexity, with three levels of basement parking beneath the tower requiring deep excavation and a comprehensive retention system. HGC's engineering team coordinated a post-tensioned flat-plate floor system that achieved longer spans without sacrificing floor-to-ceiling heights — critical for a client requiring both banking halls and open-plan offices across the same structure.
MEP systems were designed for long-term operational efficiency: a centralised BMS controls HVAC, fire suppression, and building security, while the façade's performance glazing minimises solar gain and reduces cooling loads — a meaningful consideration in the Addis Ababa climate.
