The K-Briq was showcased in Dubai Holding’s stunning exhibition space at COP28, highlighting sustainable and low carbon masonry structure on the world stage. Designed by pre-eminent global architecture practice, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), the designers collaborated with their client, global investment company, Dubai Holding, to showcase responsible environmental stewardship, focusing on the concept of circularity in their centrepiece space’s design and build. The showcase space was testament to the harmony between innovation and sustainability.
The wall was built with 7,000 sustainable K-Briqs made from recycled waste from the UK construction industry, saving over 3 tonnes of carbon emissions compared to using a traditional brick. The curved wall was paired with seating produced from FSC certified timber and a living wall containing greenery, giving Dubai Holding a sustainable space to engage with its guests.
The K-Briq wall attracted significant global interest within the show and on the Heriot Watt Dubai Campus, where a further showcase wall was also built. Dubai Holding is owned by Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and the K-Briq walls were visited by King Charles, UK Foreign Minister David Cameron and the Scotland First Minister, Humza Yousef, as well as by commercial visitors.
Amit Kaushal, Group CEO of Dubai Holding: “We place environmental stewardship at the heart of our business and our showcase space at COP28 was testament to this. The use of bricks made from recycled construction waste exemplifies our commitment to sustainable innovation and our vision for the future of construction.”
Yasemin Kologlu, Principal at SOM said “With climate action at the heart of our firm’s mission, we knew the design of this space offered an important opportunity to showcase new sustainable building materials. The K-Briq demonstrates the importance of innovation and collaboration to help the built environment achieve a low carbon future.”
