Dubai Port World, the company responsible for managing a Container Terminal in Maputo Port, held an architectural competition in 2017 for the design of their local administration building. SECON emerged as the winner, but the project was not commissioned until four years later. During this time, the site location was moved several hundred meters away from the original location, and the project size was slightly reduced. Despite these changes, the project's main concepts remained intact.
The building is situated in a plot adjacent to the port's main road, with no significant landmarks nearby. A square-shaped building design is fitting for this location, providing a strong and clear visual presence. The building features a central garden or green heart that serves as the focal point, bringing light and greenery to the entrance lobby and dining area. Two vertical access areas nearby help to define and separate the main functional areas of Administration and Training. The garden serves as a small oasis amidst the harsh port landscape, providing a peaceful and inviting atmosphere.
The building design can be summarized into several distinct features - a plateau for shared spaces, a South block designated for administration, and a North block for personnel training. These areas are interconnected by a central core, making it two buildings in one.
The interior design of the building focuses on maximizing natural light and transparency without compromising the privacy of different departments. The extensive use of glass partitions achieves this goal.
The building's façade is distinguished by its structural columns, which also serve as shading devices to reduce cooling costs passively. This structural and shading system creates a strong visual impact that aligns with the institution's goals. Due to pollution from the nearby open-air coal terminal, natural ventilation is not possible, and most windows cannot be opened.
The roofs of the building serve as technical spaces for HVAC, water purification, solar thermal, and communication systems.
The parking area is located to the northwest of the main entrance. A new internal road has been constructed on the south side of the building to facilitate the transportation of terminal workers. This road connects the Container Terminal to the main road.