BASF Construction Chemicals’s Senergy exterior insulation finishing systems (EIFS) made their debut in the Middle East at the striking Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai, UAE, in 2007. 

Since then, the leading chemical company has installed half a million sq m of EIFS across the Gulf region.

The success of the product can be attributed to its many strengths, as these highly decorative, multi-layered, insulating and protective wall systems address the complexities of design, performance, affordability, sustainability, climate and speed of construction, says Graham Barrett, business development manager at BASF.

BASF’s Senergy brand was first manufactured in the US in 1979 and has since been used in applications across the world.

“Our EIFS include the insulation material Neopor, which is composed of small black beads of polystyrene containing particles of graphite and blowing agent, which makes it expandable. Neopor’s insulating materials offer greater performance and up to 50 per cent reduction of raw material usage as compared to conventional expandable polystyrene,” says Barrett.

He says the exterior wall covering is waterproof, thanks to its chemical composition and provides weather protection in different shapes, in more than 120 colours and six textures. It can replicate almost any architectural style or finish material, or stand by itself as an architectural feature.

Among BASF’s recently completed projects is the Centro Hotel in Doha, Qatar, where its product had to meet the thermal and aesthetic standards stipulated for all Centro and Rotana structures, according to Barrett.

Barrett ... quality systems.

The EIFS are designed to achieve U values of 0.57 W per sq m K stipulated by Dubai and meet more stringent client specifications for malls (0.35 W per sq m K).

“EIFS help achieve and exceed the quality of such project specifications with minimum additional wall thickness,” Barrett points out.

BASF’s EIFS were also installed at the Sheraton Dubai Mall of the Emirates hotel, and following the completion of the project, BASF conducted a thermal scan to monitor their efficiency.

“We found that they worked 10 per cent better than the required specification. By providing the latest product innovations, we were able to minimise the air leakage to eliminate condensation and reduce the use of air-conditioning significantly, which is responsible for high levels of energy consumption,” he says.

Barrett says the performance of its EIFS can be enhanced with the use of air barriers. “When applied to the substrate prior to the insulation, the air leakage from the building envelope can be dramatically reduced, thereby leading to further savings on the air cooling load required.

“Savings can also be generated in the design of the MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering) system. Using smaller air-conditioning units can help save costs during construction and in service conditions.”

BASF works closely with consultants, developers and property owners to implement the EIFS.

Atlantis The Palm, Dubai ... debut project for BASF’s Senergy EIFS.

“Moreover our technical services team supports projects from the design stage to completion through training and certifying the applicators to ensure the appropriate installation of products,” says Barrett.

Their ease of installation and efficiency also fulfils government criteria on refurbishment, making them an ideal insulation system for new and retrofit construction projects in the region, he adds.

Combining years of expertise and cutting-edge technology, BASF’s wall systems deliver innovative products for every market in commercial, institutional and residential construction.

BASF offers advanced chemical solutions for new construction, maintenance, repair and renovation of structures. As a leading provider of raw materials, systems and finishing products to the construction industry, the company supplies economically and ecologically sound solutions that facilitate high-quality construction. In line with its commitment to sustainability in building practices, BASF is a founding member of the Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC).

BASF’s Construction Chemicals division offers advanced chemicals solutions for new construction, maintenance, repair and renovation of structures.  Its comprehensive portfolio encompasses concrete admixtures, cement additives, chemical solutions for underground construction, waterproofing systems, sealants, concrete repair and protection systems, performance grouts, performance flooring systems, tile fixing systems, expansion control systems and wood protection solutions.