Industry leaders to discuss the role of architecturally integrated façade in line with Saudi Building Code

Hydro Building Systems Middle East (manufacturers of TECHNAL®products in the Middle East), the market leader in the building systems sector, will host an industry discussion on January 22nd in Riyadh on the challenges of creating architecturally integrated façade in line with the latest Saudi Building Code and how the industry can contribute to Saudi Vision 2030. The conference called ‘World of Technal’ aims to generate conversations on strategies to achieve ‘Net Zero’, ‘Circular Economy’ and ‘Energy Efficient Buildings’.

According to Sam Robinson, managing director, Middle East and India, Hydro Building Systems Middle East, “As Saudi Arabia embarks on the road to economic diversification and sustainability, there is increased scrutiny on the construction industry, whether it is following sustainable methods. Buildings account for a vast amount of greenhouse gases. According to the 2018 Global Status Report by Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction, building construction and operations accounted for nearly 40 percent of global energy-related CO2 emissions. This naturally represents a challenge for the industry and its architects and engineers. The choice building skin (façade) and the material used will be a key factor in the future. The drive for smart buildings is also changing how façades are designed. Similarly, it is also important to provide a high standard of aesthetics. Our conference will examine what is the best approach to create architecturally integrated façade that is sustainable, aesthetic and functional.”

Hydro Building Systems Middle East has successfully installed façade solutions for several landmark buildings in the region including the United Tower, one of the tallest towers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Ramla Towers, Riyadh; The Dubai Design District (D3); The Address Sky Views; Burj Vista Towers in Dubai; and the Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank Headquarters Tower. Hydro Building Systems Middle East is part of Hydro Group, a global supplier of aluminum with activities throughout the value chain with 35,000 employees in 40 countries on all continents, combining local expertise, worldwide reach and unmatched capabilities in R&D. 

Eight experts will speak at the event that is supported by Jotun, AGC Obeikan Glass, Siderise UK, Trosifol, AIA Middle East (American Institute of Architects) and RIBA Gulf (Royal Institute of British Architects), the leading representative association for global architects and designers in the Middle East.

Speaker Dr Werner Jager, director of Marketing and Technology, Hydro Building Systems, says: “As per United Nations data, 68% of the world population is projected to live in urban areas by 2050. As urban areas get crowded the only option left is to build city centric sustainable housing (to accommodate this mass urbanization), today buildings have a higher surface area of the building envelope than before when put into a ratio with the specific ground area use. This increase of surfaces can be used to integrate more features into the building skin than before, for comfort of the occupiers of buildings and for better urban planning for city developers. This also gives opportunity for stakeholders to use recycled aluminium for the windows, doors and curtain walls to reduce the carbon footprint from the buildings. Nearly 75 percent of all aluminum ever produced is still in use today. Aluminum is 100 percent recyclable and retains its properties indefinitely. It is one of the only materials in the consumer disposal stream that more than pays for the cost of its own collection. Special highlight of the event will be the global launch of Hydro CIRCAL, a revolutionary aluminium alloy with more than 75% end of life recycled aluminium. Using the Hydro CIRCAL aluminium alloy for building facades helps to reduce carbon footprint by 50%.”

At the one-day conference, Fabian Hecker, senior associate at Zaha Hadid Architects, will talk about sustainability in architecture; KEO’s senior sustainability manager, Francis Porter will discuss smart façade optimization; Sandro Casaccio, market development manager, at Kuraray Europe will present the noise pollution challenge and Sami Zgheib, technical director, Hydro Building Systems Asia will highlight sustainable architectural aluminium systems. 

Discussing about façade in the context of Saudi Arabia’s future master developments is Micha Pawelka, managing director, Priedemann Facade Experts; Nikolay Kolomiychenko, managing director, AGC Obeikan Glass will highlight energy efficiency; and Essam Aridi, country sales manager, Jotun Powder Coatings will talk about the evolution of powder coating technology.

The event will take place in Radisson Blu, King Abdul Aziz Road, Riyadh, and is by invitation only.