Refurbished British Council premises in Dubai more energy efficient with BASF’s Senergy EIF System 

  

BASF’s Exterior Insulation and Finishing System meets rigorous criteria for design flexibility and aesthetics

The British Council has refurbished its former premises in the heart of Dubai, creating a more modern, purpose-built environment for work, learning and cultural relations. Unveiled by His Royal Highness, The Duke of York on 29 October 2009, a key part of the design of this structure is the use of eco-friendly, energy efficient exterior insulation solution supplied by BASF Construction Chemicals, UAE.

Founded in 1934, the British Council works in over 110 countries worldwide to build engagement and trust for the UK through the exchange of knowledge and ideas between people worldwide. It has had a presence in the UAE for 40 years, offering education, cultural and knowledge exchange.

The project specified a render finish to the building entry with insulation that would meet Dubai Municipality’s standards for thermal performance. As a number of architectural features surrounded the exterior of the building, different thicknesses of insulation were required. In addition, a water feature flowing through the wall was incorporated into the design, which meant a secondary weather barrier system would be necessary.

BASF’s Senergy EIF System was selected due to its flexibility and capability to meet these needs. The Senershield   secondary weather barrier system, a part of the Senergy range, was ideal for the project as it provided the desired protection around the water feature.

Explains Graham Barrett, commercial EIFS manager with BASF: “The total area to be insulated was approximately 250m² and had to incorporate gold lines and other features to match the architects design concept. This was achieved using an Acrylic based Metallic coating from BASF company, Relius Coatings. To fully protect the EIFS surrounding the water feature we specified the use of Senershield.”

Senershield is a 100% acrylic-based coating that is trowel applied directly to approved wall substrates, functioning as an air and weather barrier. It provides excellent secondary moisture protection to Senergy Wall Systems.

Says Cedric Gonsalves, Senior Architect at Aedas Ltd, the architects for the British Council Dubai Centre refurbishment: “The BASF EIFS system we used on the British Council’s new premises in Dubai was a perfect solution to achieve the sinuous treatment of varying depths, texture and color we intended on the main façade.”

The application was carried out by Belhasa Projects’ Sports and Coatings Division and was completed in three weeks.