Solar powered building: Masdar Institute in UEA (The first of four phases)

The architects Foster and Partners completed the construction of the first building of an entire residential complex for Institute in Abu Dhabi devoted to research on sustainability. The main feature of this project is that the building generates solar energy that required for the campus consumption and even any residue to be harvested in another way.

The facade of the building is constructed of perforated concrete, reinforced with glass turn sand color and detail typical of Islamic culture present in . Besides the self-shaded facade provides shade and shelter to the adjacent buildings.

Potable Water usage is 54% less, and the electricity utility is diminished by 51%. Approximately over 60% from the consumed on is resulting to the building. A field of 10 megawatts of solar energy in the master site, the remaining power serves for the network of Abu Dhabi.

The campus was created to accommodate postgraduate students living in Masdar. In the interior are also designed a center of learning, the students’ rooms, gymnasium, laboratories, cafeteria and restaurant.

30% of the energy from the campus will be covered by solar panels at the roof and 75% of hot water produced by solar energy.

From another side, windows are protected by a contemporary reinterpretation of mashrabiya, a gated window type, built with reinforced concrete and glass. Public spaces are fresh with green areas and water to provide evaporative cooling.

This is only the first phase, the architects have yet to proceed with the construction of three buildings with the same characteristics. The second phase could start later this year. For some people this building was a utopian project but for the architect Foster is now a reality.

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