SABIC Home of Innovation
SABIC Home of Innovation
Solar control glass supports a first for residential buildings in the Middle East: LEED® Platinum Certification.
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An oasis of sustainable living in the desert
A project led by one of the world’s largest chemical companies and its multinational partners, including Guardian Glass, the SABIC Home of Innovation™ features a high-performance Demonstration House where the company’s awe-inspiring sustainability goals come to life.
The 800-square-meter structure in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was constructed over three years to showcase the newest commercially available technologies for creating domestic comfort while reducing waste and saving energy. It’s part of a bold 2030 vision(1) set by the country’s National Industrial Development and Logistics Program and intended to help drive local development.
Consuming less energy than produce
The project achieved LEED® Platinum certification, the highest level of recognition available from the U.S Green Building Council – and a first for residential buildings in the Middle East.
In addition to environmentally responsible features like lightweight construction panels and intelligent water pumps, the Demonstration House exerts careful control over solar heat. In this region, summer can stretch on for eight months, with outdoor temperatures that climb to a sweltering 131°F (55°C).
To harvest the sun’s rays, the house is equipped with solar panels that generate more electricity than it consumes over a 12-month period. Meanwhile, building components work together to reduce load on HVAC systems (1) and cut energy consumption by almost 40%.
(1) Source: Saudi Vision 2030 - Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 2022
(2) Source: Chemicals giant in driving seat of innovation | The Buzz Business
The Guardian Glass Solution
Even with its serious need for heat management, the modern design of the Demonstration House feels inviting, open and airy, thanks to spacious windows and a breakthrough in performance-coated glass.
All windows and some doors of the structure are glazed in Guardian SunGuard® SuperNeutral® 30T, a double silver coated solar control glass that selectively transmits natural light while reducing solar heat gain – and the need to use energy on air conditioning.
Comparing conventional glass applications under similar temperature conditions with its data acquisition system, SABIC Home of InnovationTM estimates that this double silver coated glass reduces the home’s air conditioning use by an impressive 8% over the course of a week.
Because Guardian is a leader in glass technology with a global presence, this glass is available from nearby manufacturing operations. Sourced locally, these world-class innovations also help reduce the resources and time required for transportation.
The companies involved in this project:
Zuhair Fayez Partnership
Consultants, Jeddah, KSA
Architect
UniGlass (United Glass Industries)
Glass Processor
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