Riyadh Residential Complex Façade Cladding

The exterior of a six-block residential complex with 480 flats in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was clad in Kar Şekeri marble. Because of the desert climate, temperatures above 45°C and sandstorms, a sandblasted finish and a ventilated façade system were chosen.

Project summary

• 3 cm sandblasted slabs, 60x120 cm module
• Stainless steel anchors and aluminium support system
• Low gloss (< 12 GU) to limit sun reflection
• Extra detailing and joint calculation for thermal expansion
• 22,000 m², 44 containers, four-stage shipment

Quarry sections with low iron content, which could change colour in the sun, were chosen when selecting blocks. At the end of the project the buyer agreed a ten-year façade maintenance programme with Petrova.

Result

The façade cladding has endured three desert summers and two sandstorm seasons, and colour measurements show ΔE below 1. The buyer uses the project as a reference for two other complexes in the region.