The concept design of the project Al Tawar Kindergarten is based on a mix of vibrant coloured panels and white panels distributed randomly. Such a distribution presented a challenge in terms of maximizing energy production. However, Emirates Insolaire team prepared a full solution designed to optimize the output energy from Kromatix ™ panels while respecting the integrity of the original concept design. The Kromatix ™ façade system was designed with special consideration of the local standards for wind load, the weight of each panel (65 kg), thermal expansion of the glass and the aluminium system.
The design employs foil-faced insulation (50mm thick, 80Kg density) by Fujairah Rockwool. Additionally, they provisioned for fire barriers using Siderise material. The materials and installation follow DCD (Dubai Civil Defence) Fire and Life Safety Code.
KROMaTIX ™ patented Swiss technology
Kromatix ™ is a unique and swiss patented solution, developed by Swiss INSO at EPFL (Lausanne Polytechnic Federal Institute), one of the most prestigious engineering schools in the world.
It is produced by employing specially treated extra clear low iron colour glass, with an end goal to function as a solar panel.
For the very first time, the technology used allows for both photovoltaic modules and solar thermal collectors to be coloured, without compromising the performance, efficiency or architectural design integrity.
The Kromatix ™ glass is not usually used on top of existing solar panels. Rather, it replaces the original solar glass used in traditional solar panels, and the cells (or thin film) are directly laminated with Kromatix ™ glass.
Advantages of Kromatix ™
• The façade system follows the newly established civil defence regulations for fire stop standards specific to the spandrel area.
• Kromatix ™ panel is produced in line with safety glass regulations (CANA).
• It is matte, without reflection and without blinding effect (no glare, no gloss). Meaning it can be used in any location or street in the cities, and on or near airports.
• Does not use any paint or tint, thus no fade out or loss of colour with time.
• Produces energy with high efficiency.
• No visible electric components such as cells and bus bars.
• Aesthetically pleasing, homogeneous noble colours that are superior to normal glass/ACP façade.
• Kromatix ™ glass is produced to rigid specifi cations with no distortion (allowable below 0.3 mm) on the glass which compares favourably to the normal glass or to the ACP/solid aluminium sheets.
• The façade system can carry the wind load similar to the normal façade.
• Kromatix™ panels can be installed as a stick system or a unitized system or any normal glass façade system.
• The façade meets all thermal requirements and acoustic requirements.
• The façade does not require any special cleaning and can follow the building cleaning schedule.
• The panels can be easily substituted (like any normal glass panels) in case of any damage for any reason during the installation or after handing over.
Kromatix active blue panels and passive white panels
• Kromatix ™ system can be treated as a normal façade system in case of integration with other items such as (lighting, security camera, civil walls, etc).
• Installing a Kromatix ™ façade system will secure extra credits towards LEED green building certifi cation.
• Credit for renewable energy production
• Credit for renewable energy and carbon off sets
Fact File-
Project: Kindergarten Al Tawar Project
Location: Al Tawar , Dubai, UAE
Client: Dubai Municipality
Architect: Al Turath Engineering Consultants
Other Consultants: (Structural and façade): Al Turath Engineering Consultants.
Materials used for façade & fenestration: Active and Non-active KromatixTM panels
Commencement Date: May-2018
Completion Date: September-2018
Total area of project: 2,700 Sq m
Total area of Kromatix TM (Active & Non-active) Panels: 1,900 Sq m .
Blue active Kromatix™ panels Vs orange, white and red passive panels
