The use of insulation nanotechnology in construction is a modern solution, one that was relatively unknown until recently. With the emphasis on energy efficiency and a broader focus on “environmental consciousness”, the profession is seeking out state-of-the-art nanotechnology solutions. At first, the main reasons for this trend were labour and cost efficiency, but just as importantly, the material can insulate and retain temperature at a level far beyond traditional materials. Thus, it is not surprising that in an environment where the temperature fluctuations are significant and extreme, leading construction firms have already been relying on this material for years. A leading player in the insulation nanotechnology market is Tarrasch07, whose extraordinary capabilities have led to its use in several venues for the upcoming FIFA 2022 World Cup, including Lusail Stadium and Al Thumama Stadium, the main FIFA 2022 stadiums in Qatar.
Advanced Nanotechnology
State-of-the-art nanotechnology solutions have truly revolutionised the construction industry. That has happened despite the fact that certification bodies, which are vital in this profession, do not yet really know what to do with the material and the methodology; it is very difficult and time-consuming to produce any documentation that provides meaningful acceptance.
“I can say that we have established a very good and direct relationship with the German-based TÜV-SÜD certification centre. But even with both sides committed to making meaningful measurements, it took more than a year for us to produce of concrete results. Of course, the shutdown caused by COVID-19 played a role in this, but not everything can be blamed on that. We saw that nanotechnological processes with significant energy savings do not fit into the standard measurement processes used for conventional materials. That is, we had to set up a brand-new testing environment on our own, which is a considerable expense for a start-up. Although, obviously, we already have international partners who are increasingly wary of traditional documents and believe more in their own eyes and tests”, explained Gabor Windt, the founder-owner of Tarrasch07 (working name GWR).
When it comes to an innovative, new solution, the point is that it is difficult to compare with existing solutions. That’s why it’s modern and innovative. On the other hand, it is interesting that the certification centres are not prepared for this, because they are inadvertently a barrier to development.
Results, results, results
Despite bureaucratic issues, the end results are undeniably revolutionary.
“The end result is significant energy savings; our material, Tarrasch07, has a tested and validating 43% reduction in energy consumption. In addition, 1mm of Tarrasch07 is 9% more energy efficient than 10 cm of the best quality traditional insulation solutions on the market. This fact, not to mention the labour savings and other cost savings that already occur when applying the material, gives end-users a significant competitive advantage in both the residential and business sectors. In addition, this level of savings is to be understood under so-called normal weather conditions, and it is well known that the most significant advantage of nanotechnology can be realized precisely under extreme conditions. Based on our own calculations and our first testing, there could be a difference in thermal insulation capacity of up to 18% in favour of Tarrasch07, resulting in drastic cost savings in, say, a Qatari environment. These specific measurements are also made using a procedural methodology already approved by TÜV-SÜD and will be validated by summer 2022”, the CEO analysed.
An Extreme Challenge
The news came as a shock to many when FIFA announced the host nation of the 2022 World Cup, and the very first wave of complaints centred on the extreme weather conditions of the desert environment. Therefore, the decision-makers in Qatar knew that their construction projects had to provide the participating teams, athletes, and the audience with comfortable conditions and an authentic football experience.
“There was a clear expectation from FIFA that we should keep the differences in weather conditions to a minimum and, if possible, eliminate them. This is an important assignment, and we place customer satisfaction at the forefront of all our work. In other words, the issues of thermal insulation and energy savings were the most critical issues from the very beginning. It was clear to us that we needed to use a nanotechnology solution. At the start of construction, this still seemed revolutionary novelty, even though it is increasingly popular in our market. And so obviously, in addition to the supplier tests, we needed documentation from an official body that clearly demonstrated the compliance of the material and its methodology. We had to put a lot of pressure on the supplier because of this. Obviously, we knew that certification centres did not have an elaborate testing process, and it would take time to develop, but it also took us a while. Every time we work on a project, we strive to deliver the best possible outcome for our clients. We were fully aware of the value and benefits of the material, but in our profession this has to be proven on paper as well”, assessed Elias Saba, the CEO of Q Green Trading & Contracting Company, one of Qatar’s leading construction firms and the company tasked with the thermal insulation of Qatar’s most important world cup stadiums.
The history of Tarrasch07 perfectly encapsulates the process and challenges associated with bringing an innovative material to market in the construction industry, but it also shows that these efforts are never in vain. After all, a new solution provides a significant competitive advantage for those who are innovative and proactive enough to be the first to use it, as explained by Mr Saba:
“Obviously, we are businesspeople whose job it is to stay on the forefront of our market. Q Green has been successful for years, and the construction industry is a tough profession. In the case of Tarrasch07 – which we still call by its working name, GWR – we knew that if we made our move in time, we would get a market advantage that would mean a lot when the substance is used more, since we have an exclusive partnership in the MENA region. The 9% superior efficiency demonstrated by TÜV-SÜD seriously encourages potential business partners to bring us into the fold, but we can see that this ratio will reflect even higher numbers in extreme conditions. In the meantime, we have established a fair, friendly relationship with the owner, as we have lived through the first, often cumbersome steps of launching this world-unique material. This experience connects us. So I can clearly say that being innovative and proactive is always worth it! The FIFA 2022 World Cup stadiums are a serious reference for further expansion”.
The World Cup in Qatar will be one of the world’s largest event in 2022. Nanotechnology, Q Green, and Tarrasch07 will work to make that event comfortable, authentic, and enjoyable for everyone in attendance.