Centro, Rotana and Marina hotels choose smart exteriors – for style, economy and energy efficiency
Aldar Properties’ Centro, Rotana and Marina hotels can be counted among the structures that make Yas Marina Circuit and Yas Island a world class architectural and development landmark. Their use of Senergy Exterior Insulation and Finishing Systems (EIFS) from BASF marks them as a new generation of structures that fully exploit advances in building systems to achieve eco friendly, cost efficient and stylish construction outcomes.
Says Cameron Bellman of BASF Construction Chemicals: Middle East: “There is a growing awareness, and demand for, solutions that increase the eco sustainability of commercial buildings. Research shows that commercial buildings contribute more than 20% of global CO2 emissions. In fact, 75% of the world’s electric energy is used by buildings and more than 50% of this is used by commercial buildings – primarily for HVAC.
“It’s a global problem that has seen increasingly stringent regulations in terms of carbon limits and building standards being introduced. Leading consultants, architects, engineers and contractors are well aware of the challenge and are incorporating solutions such as BASF’s EIFS systems in their specifications to provide their clients with measurable, proven options to meet these new regulations and fulfill their own eco philosophies and policies.”
In the extreme climatic conditions of the UAE, in particular, insulation of structures from extreme heat is vital to increase the energy efficiency of cooling systems. BASF’s Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems, used in numerous prestigious projects, have received high accolades for not only their effectiveness as an insulator and weather barrier, but their highly flexible aesthetic properties.
The EIFS system
The Senergy Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems comprise four basic components: an adhesive, expanded polystyrene insulation board, reinforced base coat and tinted, textured finish coat. It provides a strong, durable primary weather barrier that is reinforced for impact resistance. An optional secondary weather barrier completes the system.
Says Andreas Athinodorou, Senior Architect at Abu Dhabi J&P building and civil engineering contractors: “The BASF Senergy EIFS not only improves the aesthetics of the facades of a building but also provides good thermal insulation to the external envelope. The result is cost savings on energy utilisation which translates to longterm sustainable energy conservation.
“It is also a good waterproofing material, particularly if it is used on external concrete walls whose u-value is very low in extreme and harsh environments like those prevailing here in the UAE.”
Agrees Paul Logsdon, Associate UAE Manager at ML Design, the design architects assigned to the construction of the Centro and Rotana hotels: “The insulation of buildings is widely seen as the most effective way to improve the energy efficiency of a structure. The external location of the insulation puts the insulation in the best place – as far toward the outside (where the temperature fluctuates) as possible. It can also cover the structure completely without any thermal breaks. This allows the wall structure to act like a cold/heat sink, reducing the energy needed to maintain a constant indoor temperature.”
Adds Bellman: “Exterior insulation offers many benefits: internal comfort levels are improved year-round, the cost of heating and cooling can be reduced on average by 30-55%, and condensation on walls and ceilings is virtually eliminated. However, aesthetics, especially of hotels that must have a distinctive façade, are an important consideration.
“The advanced chemistry of the EIFS finishes gives them fade-resistant, crack resistant and low maintenance characteristics. Design flexibility means almost any feature – from graceful arches and columns to cornices and intricate mouldings -- can be created; details often impossible or too expensive to produce with other claddings.”
And cost is a critical factor.
Says Athinodorou: “The cost of supplying and applying the BASF Senergy EIFS system is much lower than other façade cladding material – e.g., marble, granite, stone or parklex wood panelling. Even when compared with render and acrylic painting, the Senergy system is less costly in the long term if one considers that maintenance costs in the long run V’s the initial purchase and installation costs of each of these materials.
“I have found that environmentalist consultants recommend and specify the Senerflex Render System on their designs and studies as they are well aware of the beneficial properties of this system, not only for their clients, but also for the environment and the planet itself. Less energy wasted on heating and cooling of a building means less pollution released into our atmosphere.”
The Centro, Rotana and Marina
Purpose designed - from the ground up - the use of BASF’s EIFS cladding at the Yas Island Centro, Rotana and Marina hotels not only meets the stringent requirements for aesthetic design excellence but facilitates economical, eco friendly construction that will drive sustainable energy utilization savings in the region of 20-55%.
This not only drives down running costs, which can be passed on to guests, but makes a marked difference in the amount of polluting CO2 releases into the atmosphere, so assisting to preserve the natural environment.
Centro Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, adjoins with Yas Island Rotana hotel, providing guests access to four star facilities all centrally located within the southern district of the spectacular Yas Island, a few minutes away from the Formula 1 Race Track and The Links Golf Course. The hotel is just 10 minutes away from Abu Dhabi International Airport and 20 minutes away from Abu Dhabi's Business District.
The Centro is a modern, stylish and affordable business hotel. Developed by one of the most successful and applauded hotel groups in the region, it offers a contemporary concept that is young and fresh in its approach, original in its presentation, and dynamic in its offerings. It is designed for a new generation of traveling executives who demand both finesse and functionality at reasonable rates. The façade of the Centro is clad in BASF’s Senergy EIFS system.
Yas Island Rotana offers superb accommodation with a wide range of facilities. The 281 room and 27 suites are designed with international flair, modern accessories and contemporary style for guests seeking privacy and personalized service. The rooms and suites offer private balcony or terrace with delightful views of the Yas Island. The façade of the Rotana is completed in BASF’s Senergy EIFS system.
The Marina Hotel is the only hotel in the world to have a Formula One track running through it. This feature will give an unparalleled view of the new track to guests who are residents on the race weekend. The two towers that make up this five star hotel venue are covered with a glazed cloak (grid shell) and will offer 499 bedrooms, from a standard room through to Presidential Suites. The hotel includes leisure and restaurant facilities with a Michelin starred restaurant and an underground car deck housing 200 cars. Unlike the Centro and Rotana, BASF’s EIFS was not used in the façade of the Marina, but only in the service tunnel wall that separates the kitchen and back of house areas from the service tunnel.