BASF’s Senergy EIFS system adds engineering value, delivers savings for Al Habtoor Murray & Roberts on Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi
The new, purpose built campus of the Paris-Sorbonne University on Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi, was begun in 2008 and will be completed in 2010. With state of the art academic and recreation facilities, as well as residential accommodation, there could be no compromise on aesthetics or technical excellence in construction. BASF Construction Chemicals’ External Insulation Finishing Systems (EIFS) not only reduced project time but provided contactor Al Habtoor Murray & Roberts with added engineering value that has resulted in savings.
The Paris-Sorbonne University’s presence in the UAE is part of a strategy to create a hub for the development of international culture and education in Abu Dhabi. This is the first campus of the University outside Paris. The premises previously occupied by Abu Dhabi University become its temporary home in 2006 with a move to a newly constructed, 10 hectare (93 000m2) campus on Al Reem Island set for 2009 and 2010.
Explains Graham Barrett of BASF Construction Chemicals, UAE: “The new campus comprises academic buildings, male and female residential blocks and a sports hall built above car parks. Phase I of the project, which included three of the six buildings that make up the structure (namely the lecture, library and admin buildings) needed to be completed to enable operational usage of facilities. The University was set to relocate from the temporary Abu Dhabi site to the new campus in November 2009, which would host an initial complement of 500 students.
“In April 2009, with the campus migration imminent, contractor Al Habtoor Murray & Roberts identified a requirement for an alternative solution to the use of Glass Fibre Reinforced Plastic (GFRP) panels for insulation – one that would add engineering value to deliver greater savings, while also reducing project time.”
The academic buildings comprises a central circular plaza with an iconic 25 meter tall domed cupola that complements the original Paris-Sorbonne University tower. Two lecture wings, a library, auditorium, administrative building and dining hall radiate out from the central plaza area.
The student residence, sports hall and car park structures are built on the western side of campus. There are three levels of parking with landscaped terraces; sports and recreational facilities, including changing rooms; and separate five-storey male/female accommodation blocks.
Says Barrett: “An additional challenge was that this solution – which would be applied to the Technical Block, two guard posts, the male and female Accommodation Blocks and the Sports Hall -- had to provide a seamless finish that matched the appearance and texture of the GFRP panels already on the main building.”
BASF Construction Chemicals’ Senerflex External Insulation Finishing Systems (EIFS) met these requirements. It was selected after evaluating site mock-ups from a number of companies and comparing technical information. To meet thermal performance specifications and achieve budget, BASF’s Senergy Classic PB EIFS system was selected.
Basic design components of the Senergy Classic PB EIFS system include adhesive, expanded polystyrene insulation board, reinforcing mesh, base coat and finish. It is used for exterior walls in new and retrofit commercial and institutional construction.
It features unlimited colours, textures and architectural details that support design freedom, allowing the creation of details that would be impossible or cost prohibitive with other claddings. Its exterior insulation capabilities reduce energy costs, while 100% acrylic reinforced base coats and finish coats produce a weather resistant barrier, provide crack resistance and resist fading and abrasion.
Says Barrett: “BASF had to replicate the finish and colour of the existing GFRP panels on the main building, as well as provide window sills, feature details and grooves to continue the theme of the building. Belhasa Projects was chosen to supply and install the system and has completed the project to specification in November 2009, in time for the scheduled move of the Paris-Sorbonne University in Abu Dhabi to the new campus.
“This win sees the first use of EIFS on Al Reem Island and reflects the versatility of this solution in terms of replicating surface textures from other external finish systems. It also highlights its ease of application and technical capabilities in terms of insulation. With low maintenance finish coats and a 15-year warranty to boot, this solution certainly adds value.”
Says Ron Brinkman, Technical Manager for contractor Al Habtoor Murray & Roberts: “The Senergy system has provided a good quality finish and, with the speed of installation it enabled, we wish it had been considered for the full project. The solution has delivered on its promises in terms of ease and speed of installation, capability to deliver on aesthetic requirements and provide the engineering value – namely insulation. In fact, other consultants who have visited site have remarked that the inside of the buildings using the Senergy systems were noticeably cooler even without the air conditioning running.”
Phase II, completion of the residential and sports facilities is set for late 2010. The completed campus will provide education facilities for 2,000 students, as well as related faculty and support staff. Construction is scheduled to be completed by the third quarter of 2010.
Says Paul Lowndes, Regional Marketing Manager for BASF: “BASF Construction Chemicals is pleased to have been able to contribute to the construction of what we believe will be a landmark building on Al Reem Island.”