Case Study

Dhofar University
Collage Of Engineering
Department Of Architecture Engineering

RESEARCH
Sustainable Material Selection for Interior
and Exterior Building Elements.

INTA 250 - Environmental Control Systems in Interiors

SHUHD TARIQ - 201800801
Contents:

1 Project Overview 6 Aesthetic Integration

2 Material Choices 7 Cost-Benefit Analysis

3 Environmental Impact 8 Challenges And Lessons Learned

4 Performance And Durability 9 Sustainability Certifications

5 Energy Efficiency 10 References

The Royal Atlantis Resort
and Residences

The Royal Atlantis Dubai is the first project of the new “Royal Atlantis ” brand:
updating the original Atlantis theme concept with the contemporary sophistication of
the One & Only Brand while creating an entirely new and innovative hotel concept.
Vision & mission
We strive to create a world where environmental and
societal wellbeing are prioritised and protected.
Atlantis Atlas Project will drive change in the tourism
sector and contribute to the UN Sustainable
Development Goals by creating, promoting and
amplifying sustainable practices within the resorts we
operate in. Atlantis Atlas Project endeavours to be a
leader in responsible tourism, ensuring that we stand
above the rest, whilst providing guest experiences
which are more extraordinary than ever.
The Site

The new Royal Atlantis is located on Dubai’s Palm

Jumeirah Island, the emirate’s premier resort destination.
 Project
Overview
Location: Palm Jumeirah Island
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Architect: Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, PC

Interior Designer: GA Design, SM Design

Total Area: 999,000ft²/92,800m²

 Project
Overview
Date: 2014-2019

Project Type: Civic + Cultural, Hospitality, Mixed-use,

Residential

Construction System: Construction System Steel

and Concrete, Megastructure

Total Value: $1.6 billion

A Resort Precinct 1.Existing Atlantis
2. Arrival Tunnel (Cars )
4. Conference Center
5. Water Park
7. Atlantis Arrival
8. Royal Atlantis
Atlantis Site Aerial 3. Monorail from Dubai 6. Royal Atlantis Arrival
Construction
System

Dubai has some of the most advanced engineering practices to handle the
challenges of building tall structures in a desert environment prone to extreme
heat and wind.
Construction
System

The Royal Atlantis often employ advanced construction systems and techniques
that are common in the construction industry. These may include:
 Reinforced Concrete
Steel Frame Construction. Glass Curtain Wall Systems.
Construction.

Prefabrication and Modular

High-Quality Finishes. Sustainable Construction. Advanced Engineering.
Construction.
Material
Choices

Aluminum Shade Panels

Concept The Royal Atlantis breaks
down the scale of the
The special exterior that resembles
resort’s program into a
LEGO blocks series of discrete, human
scaled blocks arranged for
optimal views, stacked to
span over dramatic voids
called ‘sky-courts’ and
stepped to form a tower
that contains multiple
levels of ‘sky-terraces’ and
penthouses.
Façade

The tower facades elegantly accentuate

the building’s dramatic form and
impressive length

All facade elements are crafted to amplify

the play of light and shadow in the region’s
strong sunlight.
Material
Choices

Module Typology Diagram

Material
Choices

7 Panels Types with A/B sub-types Define All Elevations

Material
Choices

A/B
Base Panel
Types from
Consistent
Arrangement
of Profile
and Color
Material
Choices

Typical Panel
Details
End Wall Assembly Diagram
The purpose of the end walls is to perform various roles, such as providing
shade and creating a textured surface on a smaller scale, departing from the
common undistinguished wall design seen in tall buildings. The façade
detailing for both the tower and podium also reduces their apparent size,
giving them a tactile and intricate feel. The primary extended facades of the
tower consist of simple glass-fiber-reinforced concrete (GFRC) sunshades
integrated into continuous terraces, which break down the building's mass
into smaller, room-sized spaces. This arrangement ensures privacy, intimacy,
and has environmental benefits. Thanks to these sunshades and the depth of
the terraces, most of the tower's glass remains in the shade during the
summer and for a significant part of the day in the spring and fall. This allows
the project to use clearer glass while still benefiting from shading.
Environmental Impact
The aluminum industry is continually dedicated to reducing the environmental
impact of aluminum production, with a significant portion of this impact attributed
to the electricity required in the manufacturing process. This electricity
consumption is an initial investment that becomes ingrained in the material.
Presently, the aluminum used in Europe carries an average carbon footprint of 8.6
kg of CO2 per kg of aluminum. However, by utilizing "green electricity," this
footprint can be reduced to 4 kg, resulting in what we refer to as 'low carbon
primary aluminum.' Most low carbon aluminum is currently produced using
electricity generated from hydropower plants, and ongoing innovations aim to
further decrease the remaining environmental impact. Various manufacturing
companies worldwide are actively developing pioneering techniques to further
diminish the CO2 emissions associated with aluminum production.
Performance and Durability
Aluminium is a strong, light and extremely durable material. And 100%
recyclable. Unlike many other materials, aluminium does not lose its
characteristics in the recycling process. That means you can recycle it
endlessly without any loss in quality.
Regular maintenance can extend the life of the panels and reduce the need
for replacements, which can be resource-intensive.
Aluminum boasts exceptional durability, being impervious to UV rays,
moisture, corrosion, and decay. These qualities make it a preferred choice
for long-term use in construction. Aluminum windows and doors typically
have a lifespan averaging over 40 years, with instances of them lasting well
beyond 60 years being quite common.
Energy Efficiency
Assessing the thermal energy balance of buildings is a multifaceted challenge, and
there isn't currently a standardized method for evaluating thermal performance. Several
factors and variables come into play, such as building function, design, climate zone,
season, and orientation.

Incorporating aluminum systems into smart building facades can lead to a significant
reduction in energy consumption, potentially up to 50%. The defining characteristic of
these intelligent structures lies in their effective interaction with the external environment,
significantly cutting down energy requirements for heating, cooling, ventilation, and
lighting. This is accomplished through various strategies and processes, including
photovoltaic systems, optimized glazing, intelligent ventilation mechanisms, and efficient
light and shade control.
Energy Efficiency
There are facade and roof systems that incorporate aluminum in window and glazing frames, as well as
glazing spacers. These systems serve various purposes, including allowing natural light, establishing a
visual connection between the interior and exterior, providing protection against the elements (rain and
wind), capturing passive solar heat, maintaining indoor thermal comfort, and minimizing energy
consumption.

Furthermore, ventilated facades are intricate construction systems that offer both aesthetic appeal and
effective insulation, leading to energy savings. Such systems typically consist of an external cladding, an
air gap of at least 40 mm in depth, a substructure usually crafted from aluminum affixed to the building, and
an insulating layer attached to the building's outer wall. The primary roles of the external cladding are
aesthetics and protection, while the air gap is vital for enabling natural ventilation, which is essential for the
entire system's operation. The aluminum substructure ensures the stability of the cladding system, and the
insulating layer, often comprising self-supporting, water-repellent glass wool panels, ensures proper
thermal stability. These cladding systems offer an effective means to enhance a building's energy efficiency
and contribute to the improvement of the urban environment.
Aesthetic Integration
One of the most dramatic aesthetic visual effects arises
from the interaction between light and shadow. Throughout
daylight hours, the panels project diverse shadow patterns
onto the structure, resulting in a perpetually shifting visual
spectacle. This interplay of light and shadow has the
potential to transform a building's exterior into a dynamic
and vibrant work of art. A carefully planned design can align
with the building's contours and curves, amplifying its
architectural elements rather than concealing them. This
integration fosters a cohesive appearance that enhances
the overall visual appeal of the building.
Cost Benefit Analysis
The aluminium composite panel comes at an affordable prices,
Aluminium cladding cost at $20 to $40 per square metre.

Conducting a cost-benefit analysis for aluminum shade panels in the

United Arab Emirates (UAE) involves factoring in average local material
and labor costs. Initial expenses may vary but are offset by potential
long-term savings, particularly in energy costs due to the UAE's hot
climate. These panels can improve indoor comfort, enhance building
aesthetics, and align with the UAE's sustainability initiatives. It's crucial
to invest in high-quality panels that can endure the harsh desert
environment, ensuring a cost-effective and sustainable solution.
Challenges & Lessons
Using aluminum shade panels offers effective sun
protection and a modern look, but they come with
initial costs, maintenance requirements, and heat
conductivity challenges. Lessons learned include
investing in quality materials, proper sizing and
placement, regular cleaning and coating, and
considering user comfort. Thoughtful design and
support structures are key for success.
Sustainability Certifications

EarthCheck Silver certification for two applications:

the hotel and waterpark.
 References
Al Abbar Group. (2021, November 11). Royal Atlantis Resort & Residences - Al Abbar Group.
https://www.alabbargroup.com/portfolio/royal-atlantis/
Klemperer, J. (2018). Royal Atlantis, Dubai - CTBUH Research Paper.
https://global.ctbuh.org/resources/papers/download/3810-royal-atlantis-dubai-a-permeable-and-polycentric-
urbanism.pdf
The environmental impact of aluminium. (n.d.). Reynaers Aluminium.
https://www.reynaers.co.uk/inspiration/stories/environmental-impact-aluminium
Ag, I. (n.d.). Aluminium in building – Contribution to energy performance. https://greenbuilding.world-
aluminium.org/contribution-to-energy-performance/
Efthymiou, E., Cöcen, Ö. N., & Ermolli, S. R. (2010). Sustainable Aluminium systems. Sustainability, 2(9), 3100–
3109. https://doi.org/10.3390/su2093100
Aalkemist. (2023, June 13). Leveraging architectural screen panels for sunshades and canopies - pergolas and
shade structures | Structureworks. Pergolas and Shade Structures | Structureworks.
https://structureworks.com/architectural-screen-panels-sunshades-canopies/
Admin, & Admin. (2020, November 10). Atlantis The Palm receives sustainability certification. Hotel News ME.
https://www.hotelnewsme.com/news/atlantis-the-palm-receives-sustainability-certification/