Green Point Blog

BIM in Saudi Arabia

Publication date: 8 November 2019 - Abdullah Al-Yami, Muizz O. Sanni-Anibire

Abstract Purpose Although there is a boom in the construction industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), it is yet to fully adopt building information modeling (BIM), which has received a lot of attention in the US, UK and Australian construction industries. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to provide the current state of the art in BIM implementation in Saudi Arabia, as well as perceived benefits and barriers through a case study. Design/methodology/approach A broad overview of BIM, the construction industry in KSA and the research and implementation of BIM in KSA was presented in this study. The research further established the perceived benefits and barriers of BIM implementation through a case study of a local AEC firm. A questionnaire survey was used to obtain lessons learned from the BIM team of the pilot project and was further analyzed using the RII approach. Findings The study’s findings include the lack of policy initiatives in KSA to enforce BIM in the construction industry, as well as the lack of sufficient research in the domain of BIM in KSA. Furthermore, the case study also revealed that the most important benefit of BIM adoption is “detection of inter-disciplinary conflicts in the drawings to reduce error, maintain design intent, control quality and speed up communication,” whereas the most important barrier is “the need for re-engineering many construction projects for successful transition towards BIM.” Originality/value The study provides a background for enhanced research towards the implementation of BIM in Saudi Arabia and also demonstrates the potential benefits and barriers in BIM implementation.

Buildings Energy Savingin K.S.A.A

International Journal of Low-Carbon Technologies - Laila Amer Hashem Al-Qahtani

Abstract Around the world, most energy is consumed by buildings; residential buildings consume 40% of energy globally. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), buildings consume 50% of all energy, and 70% of the buildings in the KSA are not insulated well. Creating an envelope is a key to decreasing energy consumption and providing thermal comfort and healthy internal spaces. Thus, the main aim of this study is to test the effect of selected passive cooling strategies by using a simulation program to evaluate a variety of envelope (floor, external and internal walls and roofs) thermal characteristic proposals to create an eco-interior space, to provide the most comfortable conditions for users and to save energy in buildings in hot climates in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. One residential building case was selected, and some of the passive cooling strategies were tested. Simulation software—Design Builder—was used to calculate the total energy consumption in 1 year and compare the results before and after applying these strategies to the selected residential building. Issue Section: 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background Even before the Saudi 2030 Vision outlined a future for the Kingdom beyond oil and gas, the government considered ‘…energy efficiency…a major topic and a strategic imperative for decisions related to the increase in demand for fuel and feedstock’ [1]. Figure 1 shows how total energy consumption in the KSA follows average temperatures, reflecting the importance of air cooling in the summer, when the energy demand is double that in the winter. One of the most comprehensive building energy efficiency codes in the region has been developed by Saudi Arabia. This code, introduced on a voluntary basis in 2009

Traditional Saudi Archetiture

By: Admin - An ancient oasis

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has an incredibly rich architecture heritage with dozens of styles throughout the whole country. Each region has its own architectural characteristics. That of Riyadh Province is the Najdi style with brilliant examples like Dir'iyah and Ushaiger. Located 250 kilometers from the capital city Riyadh and close to Qassim Province is one of the largest and best conserved traditional villages of Saudi Arabia, Al-Ghat. Located on the northern bank of the Wadi Al-Ghat the heritage village stretches over 1,5 kilometers. An ancient oasis The valley where the town lies is fed by rain water running down the nearby the Jebel Tuwaiq, the same escarpment that has the famous Edge of the World close to Riyadh. Prehistoric tools shown at the Al-Ghat Museum prove that for millennia the inhabitants of Al-Ghat have exploited that available water. Testimony to human efforts to benefit from the water resources are the dams and wells that are still visible.

Najdi architecture

Najdi architecture - A Brilliant Example

One of the most special features of Al-Ghat is the gentle slope of the valley on which part of the town is built. Each street going up the hill leads you to many fascinating viewpoints over the town and its elegant architecture. Al-Ghat Heritage Village (photo: Florent Egal) The main street that runs along the wadi bed will bring you to the iconic buildings of Al-Ghat: arriving from the east (where the modern city is) you will see the triangular shapes of the arches of the old souq on your left. On your right is the Ousherza mosque. To the eastern side of the old town stands the impressive Emara Palace that is now a museum

Architecture of Saudi Arabia - WEKIPIDEA

The Architecture of Saudi Arabia is adapted to its geography and climate, and reflects the uniqueness of Arabian culture. It is located on the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia, with a Mediterranean and subtropical desert climate. The climate of different regions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia differs, the architecture and the method of construction. The vernacular and the postmodern architecture reflect the traditional culture and environment on Saudi Arabia. Mashrabiya as a special architecture element in Saudi Arabia fully demonstrate the wisdom of local residents. The impact of climate The area for the modern day of Saudi Arabia can be divided by four distinct regions and due to the unique geographical location of Saudi Arabia, the climate varies from region to region, so the style of architecture in each region is different. Hijaz region In the western region or Hijaz region, it is a hot-humid climate and located in coastal plain along the Red Sea.[1] The structural skeleton of the house is made up of large coral columns and with wood floors and roofs.[1] In ground floor is general sitting room and the more private sitting room is located in the first floor. The sleeping room is generally located on the upper floor and in summer are sleep on the roof so that there is better ventilation in the sea breeze and natural winds.[2]

Eastern province - Saudi Arabia

Eastern province of Saudi Arabia It is located in the eastern region, it is a hot humid region along the Persian Gulf. It has the extreme weather which means in summer months it is hot and dry and has a high rate of humidity temperature day and night. The traditional house in this region has a courtyard style and the arcade balcony around the house. Due to the harsh climate, the height of the typical house in the eastern region is one to three stories high and the building is very compact, resulting in a narrow passage between the house and the house.[5] The wall of this type of houses is thicker than other types which have better heat resistant and has the effect of insulating. The way to create natural ventilation by installation wind catchers. Asir region The Asir region, it is a high mountains province to the southwest side and it has the Mediterranean climates which characteristics are dry summers and rainy winter.[1] The Asir houses are commonly built on the high mountains province due to its geographical location. Climatic conditions promoted the emergence of architectural society.[6] The building normally makes up by one ground and two upper floors which can provide shelter for man and tamed animals.[7] The main sitting room is on the first floor, while the top floor is the kitchen and bedroom, at the same time the open terrace is also added to the upper floor for wash purpose. In each house there is at least one room used for male reception, which separates from female quarters and family living rooms.[6] The staircase occupies the middle of the house and material of the staircase is mud and use wooden beams to sustained.[8]