Dubai, UAE, May 15, 2018:  Saint-Gobain presented the awards for the international final of its 14th MultiComfort House Students Contest following the competition held in Dubai (United Arab Emirates) chaired by Pierre-André de Chalendar, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Saint-Gobain group, and Mr. Dawood AbdulRahman Al Hajiri, Director General of Dubai Municipality.

Created in 2004, the objective of Saint-Gobain’s students contest is to develop a project based on the principles of the Multi-Comfort concept: an optimum indoor environment ensuring the right level of fresh air, thermal, visual and acoustic comfort provided in a sustainable and energy efficient manner.

The task for the 14th international edition of the Saint-Gobain’s MultiComfort House Students Contest, developed in close collaboration with the Planning Department of Dubai Municipality and the Dubai Properties Group, consisted in creating a vision for a transcultural vibrant community development located in the perimeter of Dubai’s Cultural Village, a multi-purpose area located along the Dubai’s creek Al Jaddaf shoreline. The challenge lay in Dubai’s very hot and humid climate. Students had to find a way to reconcile the reduction of energy consumption of cooling and ventilation systems with a beautiful and highly efficient building envelope. This without compromising any of the inhabitants’ comforts, and while providing optimum connection with the environment and having a minimum impact on it.

“Again this year, this 2018 MultiComfort Students Contest will be noted in the records for the high-level quality of the projects submitted by the students. I am always amazed by their innovative spirit to use the Saint-Gobain Multi Comfort solutions to create better and great living places everywhere. Congratulations to all of them!“ said Pierre-André de Chalendar, Chairman and CEO of Saint-Gobain.  

'The MultiComfort House Student Contest sheds light on the incredible efforts of a young generation of distinguished architects who will be key contributors to ensuring that Dubai will enjoy a sustainable environment in line with our leadership’s vision'.
Mrs. Samira AlRais, Senior Director of Policy and Strategy, Sustainable Development from The General Secretariat of the Executive Council of Dubai

The first prize was awarded to Vahin Parmananda and Mthokozisi Sibisi, from University of KwaZulu-Natal in Southern Africa.

The second prize was for Veronika Supruniuk from Brest State Governmental University Belarus.

The third prize went to the students from Germany, Tobias Bretz and Dill Khan from Hochschule Darmstadt.

During this edition we had 2 special awards. Winners were from Spain, Alejandra González, Paulino Poveda and Santiago Rodríguez and for Joanna Wnuczek from Poland

David Basulto, member of the jury and Founder and CEO of Arch Daily, added: 'The Multi-Comfort House Student Contest provides a unique and strong framework for students to develop their skills, by operating on a real site and dealing with the challenges of comfort on extreme conditions'

50 competing students’ teams from 28 countries presented their projects in four pitch sessions to an international jury including representatives of the Dubai Municipality, architects and experts.