Representing a novel and custom approach to sustainable design and construction, the new Saudi Electricity Company Headquarters is intended to become a ground breaking landmark in the evolution of Riyadh’s Architectural history.
Omrania, a leading architectural and engineering consultancy practice has developed an ambitious strategy for the construction of a sustainable and high-performance campus, promising a healthier and more productive work space for SEC’s 4000 employees. This strategy is focused on four central fields of Sustainability: economic, social, environmental, and cultural. These themes are drawn from existing pro-forma models such as LEED, the UAE’s Estidama, and BREEAM.
The office is divided in 4 blocks with each 6 floors that assemble in a central ‘podium’, which will function as cultural centre for over 4.000 employees. The high desert temperatures mean high costs to keep cool. Saudi Electricity responds by using an ‘off-peak’ cooling system: a system that generates ice in the cold hours pre-dawn. To keep the heat out even more, an underground garage will be constructed that can contain up to 4,000 vehicles. Grey water will be used for climate control instead of using the general supply. The smart using of shading and lighting provide even more thermal resistance without extra costs as well as preventing lighting costs during the day. The roofs of the four buildings are provided with photovoltaic and wet-solar arrays for further energy reduction. The construction itself is literally healthy: the finishing contains no toxic material. Additionally high quality air distribution systems, guarantee a healthy and optimal indoor climate.
Barcol-Air contributes to the environmentally conscious ambitions of Saudi Electricity Company by supplying its very energy efficient induction VAV.
