estidamah center | i8 This sustainable agricultural research and development center is located in the up-and-coming Riyadh Techno Valley. The building is distinguished by its authenticity and its reflection of the agricultural sector in Saudi Arabia. A unique and dynamic play of transparency versus enclosure speaks throughout the Estidamah Center. Natural light is maximized, yet the environment is comfortable for its users. The building has a simple, functional, yet elegant design, whose modern form and intelligent technologies have allowed for a sustainable and energy-efficient building. Conceptually, Estidamah’s masterplan accommodates a greenhouse (7,820 m2) and a main office building (5,067 m2). Supporting functions such as common facilities (1,060 m2) and utility buildings (1,087 m2) are allocated to individual buildings. The layout allows for future expansions, including additional labs, offices and greenhouse facilities. A parking facility is there for visitors and users of the project, utilizing light-colored and natural materials with high solar reflectance to avoid the heat island effect. A compact building footprint was used to reduce the surface areas exposed to solar radiation while taking into consideration the best orientation for the building on-site. The two-story building adopts two different curtain wall systems. 31