Kaust Villa

The home is the first in its series for the whole King Abdullah University, which seeks to develop a campus with sustainability, efficiency and comfort as its main principles. Therefore, the house pursues excellence in all areas related to environmental impact and user’s experience.

Outstanding efficiency is achieved through a combination of the most advanced techniques: geothermal conditioning, condensed water treatment and reuse, solar water heating, the highest levels of insulation in all enveloping and systems, and a photovoltaic on-grid system with optimum levels of energy production. But all these measures are accompanied by a design that inserts properly in its existing environment, with native landscaping, effective management of both water use and run-off streams, and reduction of heat island effect, concepts which are key in the extreme environments of Saudi Arabia.

But all this work could be overshadowed if it was not complemented with an equally remarkable experience in the inside, especially for a campus project which aims to create a perfect environment and work or study atmosphere for its residents. In this line, the project involves a very efficient conditioning system for all areas, easily customizable for its users through smart technologies, as most of the systems of the house, allowing them to adapt interior conditions to their preference. This comes together with measures directed at a great interior air quality and comfort.

We consider the project is worth recognition simply for how it tackles all the issues within its natural environment, especially in a site where conditions may be more extreme, and for the initiative it represents for the creation of a whole campus and community based on principles which are key for the question of sustainability in these times.