DesertBoard unveils first palm frond home prototype in Dubai Creek Harbour

DesertBoard, a prominent company in the sustainable building materials sector, has unveiled its inaugural sustainable home model in Dubai Creek Harbour. This pioneering development is noteworthy for being constructed entirely from panels made from palm fronds, referred to as Palm Strand Board (PSB®). The project emphasizes the design versatility and structural integrity of PSB, reinforcing its potential for residential applications in the region.

The prototype home, covering an area of 240 square meters, was developed to secure necessary approvals from developers. It features designs for both one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, along with a reception hall and main entrance. A total of over 350 Palm Strand Board panels were utilised, showcasing the material’s robustness, water resistance, and impressive fire resistance—qualities that are especially vital for enduring performance across various climatic conditions. Notably, DesertBoard is unique in the region for producing fire-resistant door cores using sustainable materials.

The structure was designed and erected in less than a month, including integral elements like external and internal walls, the roof, doors, washbasins, kitchens, and balconies, all crafted from Palm Strand Board. High-quality finishes have been incorporated, such as ceramic flooring and aluminium-framed glass windows, complemented by bespoke carpentry provided by Abanos Interiors utilising DesertBoard materials.

This initiative not only highlights DesertBoard’s leadership in sustainable construction but also indicates the scalability of Palm Strand Board across different environmental conditions. The sustainable model garnered significant international attention during the Dubai Wood Show, where inquiries were received from a global clientele recognising the viability of Palm Strand Board in both high-humidity and colder climates. DesertBoard’s product, with its durability, water resistance, and fire protection capabilities, presents a practical and adaptable building material that aligns with contemporary global construction demands.

In parallel to this innovative project, DesertBoard continues to gain recognition in the sustainability arena. Recently, the company was awarded the Big See Award for its significant role in the architectural pavilion “Tarabot – Weaving a Living,” commissioned by the Jameel Arts Centre. This project investigates the interplay between natural ecosystems and architectural spaces, fostering community engagement on climate change issues while emphasising advancements in architecture, materials research, and sustainable design. The company contributed sustainably sourced materials, including eco-friendly bio blocks made from palm tree waste, reflecting its ongoing commitment to environmentally responsible solutions.

Furthermore, DesertBoard was honoured with the Corporate Social Responsibility Commitment Award at the Dubai Wood Awards held in April, celebrating its enduring efforts to promote sustainability and social responsibility in the construction industry. The awards ceremony highlighted the increasing global significance of this sector, featuring over 780 exhibitors from more than 50 countries. The event included specialised pavilions that showcased the latest technologies and innovations within the wood industry, with participation from nations such as Portugal, Gabon, China, the United States, India, Italy, Turkey, Russia, France, Germany, Austria, and Egypt.

Karim Farah, Director of DesertBoard UAE, shared insights on the significance of these advancements, stating, “As demand for durable and adaptable sustainable building materials continues to rise, DesertBoard remains at the forefront of the shift towards a new generation of green construction. This prototype home is just the beginning. We hope that this achievement, together with our recent awards, serves as a tangible incentive for change and inspiration within the construction sector, fostering innovation and development in response to current environmental and economic challenges.” Farah also acknowledged the influence of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s reverence for palm trees, which has inspired DesertBoard’s mission to recycle biomass and create innovative sustainable construction solutions.

Source: Noah Wire Services