KAUST UNIVERSITY VILLAS · JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA
NEW CONSTRUCTION
This project is located in King Abdullah University for Science and Technology (KAUST) near Jeddah in Saudi Arabia. Each student's house pursues excellence in all areas related to environmental impact and user’s experience. As part of this strategy the university decided to install photovoltaic canopies made of crystalline silicon photovoltaic laminated glass manufactured by Onyx Solar. These canopies offer shelter and shade to students while generating clean, renewable energy on-site. The cell density was customized following customer's requirements to filter a good amount of heat something strategic in this location. This innovative and sustainable design helped the KAUST campus earn the LEED Platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, making it Saudi Arabia’s first LEED-certified project.
The photovoltaic glass used for this project was specifically chosen for its unique performance characteristics, tailored to the demanding environmental conditions of Jeddah. With a solar factor of 40% and a visible light transmission (VLT) of 39%, the photovoltaic glass panels strike an optimal balance between energy generation, light filtering, and thermal control. The high levels of heat in Saudi Arabia make it crucial for buildings to minimize thermal gain, and the photovoltaic glass addresses this by reducing the solar heat intake while still allowing natural light to flow through, creating comfortable indoor environments. Reaching a nominal power of 113 Wp per square meter, the photovoltaic glass not only contributes to energy efficiency but also aligns with the campus's goal of sustainability.
By integrating renewable energy into the architectural design, KAUST's student villas offer a forward-thinking solution that meets both aesthetic and functional needs, underscoring the University’s commitment to environmentally responsible practices. The result is a design that not only supports the comfort of its users but also pushes the boundaries of modern green building technologies.
"KAUST outstanding efficiency is achieved through a combination of the most advanced techniques including the highest levels of insulation in all enveloping and a photovoltaic on-grid system with optimum levels of energy production."
KAUST is a world-leading research university located in Saudi Arabia, dedicated to advancing science and technology through cutting-edge research and innovation. As a forward-thinking institution, KAUST places a strong emphasis on sustainability, renewable energy, and environmental stewardship. By choosing Onyx Solar’s photovoltaic glass solutions, KAUST demonstrates its commitment to creating sustainable and energy-efficient facilities that align with its mission to drive positive environmental impact through technological advancements.
