Airclos at the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi: Innovation and Efficiency in Retractable Roofs.

 

 

Technical Sheet - Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi
Project Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi
Location Abu Dhabi, UAE
Architectural Studio Mecanoo
Client Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) in partnership with Miral
Airclos System Details
Airclos System T7003 RPT retractable roofs
Exclusive Partner Al Mamary

At the heart of Saadiyat Cultural District in Abu Dhabi, a new symbol of modern architecture is taking shape: the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi. This ambitious project, led by the renowned Dutch firm Mecanoo, will span more than 35,000 square meters and is set to transform how we understand and engage with natural history. Using pentagonal geometries that evoke cellular structures and mirror the natural rock formations of the desert, the building aims to connect visitors with the essence of life on Earth, combining water and vegetation as symbols of life in this arid environment.

In perfect harmony with these organic forms, Airclos, in collaboration with our exclusive partner in the region, Al Mamary, has designed, manufactured, and tested (PMU Test) 36 custom-made motorized glass roofs, tailored specifically to the project's needs. These elements, installed by Al Mamary, are seamlessly integrated into the building's architecture, allowing a fluid transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, maximizing natural light, and enhancing the connection to the surrounding environment.

The museum, an initiative of the Department of Culture and Tourism of Abu Dhabi in collaboration with Miral, a leader in destination and experience management, will be not only an architectural gem but also a cutting-edge scientific research center. Scheduled to open by the end of 2025, it will house unique pieces like the famous Tyrannosaurus rex fossil "Stan" and the Murchison meteorite, both crucial to understanding the evolution of the universe and life on Earth.

This project is another addition to the impressive list of developments on Saadiyat Island, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi and future landmarks like the Guggenheim and the Zayed National Museum. It also reinforces Abu Dhabi's ambition to become a global cultural epicenter. Our collaboration with Al Mamary highlights Airclos' commitment to being part of iconic projects that blend technology, sustainability, and cutting-edge design.

 

Adaptation and Precision: Airclos’ Custom Solution to Illuminate the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi

At the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, Airclos and Al Mamary (alongside other consultants and contractors involved in the project) have played a fundamental role in the building’s architectural integration and thermal efficiency, providing 36 motorized retractable roofs from the T7003 RPT series. These systems meet the project’s stringent performance and customization requirements.

Technical Features of the T7003 RPT Roofs

  • Thermal Break (RPT): The T7003 RPT series is the only one on the market with a longitudinal thermal break, covering all points of contact between the interior and exterior. This innovation minimizes energy loss, ensuring optimal thermal comfort inside the museum.
  • Thermal Transmittance of 1.4 W/m²K: The project’s authority required a maximum thermal transmittance of 1.4 W/m²K. To achieve this, a combination of thermal break technology and a specific triple glazing was used, providing an effective barrier against temperature variations, ensuring the building’s energy efficiency.

Customization and Special Dimensions

The retractable roofs were designed with unique dimensions that only Airclos can offer, meeting the project’s specific needs:

  • Dimensions of each roof: 2.850 meters wide by 3.672 meters deep. Both fixed and mobile panels were custom-made to fit the exact dimensions required by the museum’s structure, ensuring a perfect integration with the architectural surroundings.

Tests and Certifications

To ensure the roofs met the highest standards, the system underwent rigorous testing. These tests evaluated thermal insulation, wind resistance, and waterproofing, ensuring the roofs not only fit seamlessly into the design but also surpassed performance and durability requirements for extreme climates like Abu Dhabi.

Thanks to this collaboration, Airclos strengthens its commitment to large-scale architectural projects, offering solutions that combine advanced technology, sustainability, and extreme customization for each client.

 

 

Tests in accordance with European standards
Test Type Standard Result
Air Permeability Test BS EN 1026:2016 - TC - Windows and doors. Air permeability. Test method
BS EN 12207:2016 - TC - Windows and doors. Air permeability. Classification
Class 3 (600 Pa)
Water Tightness Test BS EN 1027:2016 - TC - Windows and doors. Water tightness. Test method
BS EN 12208:2000 - Windows and doors. Watertightness. Classification
Class 7A (450 Pa)
Wind Load Resistance Test - Deflection BS EN 12211:2016 - TC - Windows and doors. Resistance to wind load. Test method / BS EN 14351-1:2006+A2:2016 - Windows and doors. Product standard, performance characteristics - Windows and external pedestrian doorsets Class C4 (Pressure +/- 1.6 kPa, deflection on panel L/300 and deflection at glass center L/60 or 25 mm)
Wind Load Resistance Test - Cyclic Pressure (50 cycles) BS EN 12211:2016 - TC - Windows and doors. Resistance to wind load. Test method / BS EN 14351-1:2006+A2:2016 - Windows and doors. Product standard, performance characteristics - Windows and external pedestrian doorsets Passed (No damage or functional failure detected)

 

Tests in accordance with other standards
Test Type Standard Result
Thermal Cycling Test (Checking elements under varying temperatures) AAMA 501.5-07 - Test Method Cycling of External Walls Passed (External temperature cycles between +87°C/-2°C with an internal temperature of 24°C without damage to the assembly)
“Hose Test” (Leak detection when sprayed with water at pressures between 1.03 and 2.21 bar) AAMA 501.2-15: Quality Assurance and Water Field Check of Installed Storefronts, Curtain Walls and Sloped Glazing Systems Passed (No leaks accepted)
Soft Body Impact Test (Ø 400 mm bag) Laboratory established procedure Passed (No breakage, fall, or projection of roof elements within one minute after impact)

 

Discover the T7003 RPT. The first series of retractable roofs on the market with longitudinal TB.

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