Foamglas Insulation: Ensuring Longevity and Performance at the Museum of Islamic Art, Doha
The Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar, is a masterpiece of modern architecture, designed by the legendary architect I.M. Pei. Situated on a manmade island 60 meters off the coast, this iconic structure stands as a beacon of cultural heritage and architectural excellence. Clad in 6,500 cubic meters of natural stone, the museum's façade required a robust insulation solution that could withstand Qatar’s extreme climate conditions of high temperatures and humidity.
Why Foamglas?
To ensure the longevity and stability of the museum's structure, Foamglas Insulation was selected as the ideal solution for both the façade and flat roof, covering a total area of 22,000 m². Foamglas provided an unmatched set of benefits that perfectly aligned with the project’s stringent requirements:
Moisture Resistance :
Its hermetically sealed glass cells prevent the absorption of humidity from the air, rain, or condensation, ensuring lifelong insulation performance.
Thermal Protection :
Foamglas maintains a consistent thermal value over time, reducing heat transfer and improving energy efficiency.
Structural Stability :
Unlike other insulation materials, Foamglas retains its shape and properties under extreme weather conditions, offering a durable, maintenance-free solution.
Sustainability :
Made from 60% recycled glass, Foamglas aligns with eco-friendly building standards and reduces long-term environmental impact.
Overcoming Architectural Challenges
The museum's external stone façade was installed using an open-joint application, which meant that the structure beneath needed superior thermal protection. Once the stone cladding was installed, access to the ventilation space was no longer possible, making Foamglas the perfect choice for its long-term, maintenance-free insulation performance. Its closed-cell structure ensured that no moisture could infiltrate, preventing any risk of insulation degradation over time.
Application Details
Foamglas Insulation was applied behind the mechanically fixed stone cladding, forming an integral part of the ventilated rainscreen system. The installation included:
- Solid wall (concrete/brickwork) as a base structure
- Primer coat application for adhesion
- Resin anchors to secure insulation layers
- Foamglas slabs, bonded using PC® 56 adhesive
- Large-format stone slabs forming the final exterior façade
- Primer coat application for adhesion
- Resin anchors to secure insulation layers
- Foamglas slabs, bonded using PC® 56 adhesive
- Large-format stone slabs forming the final exterior façade
This meticulous installation method ensured a stable and long-lasting building envelope while significantly reducing future maintenance needs.
A Future-Proof Insulation Solution
Since its completion in 2007, the Museum of Islamic Art has remained a landmark in Doha, preserving and showcasing invaluable artifacts while standing as a testament to superior engineering and insulation performance. With Foamglas Insulation, the museum’s structural integrity and thermal efficiency are secured for generations, eliminating the need for future HVAC upgrades or repairs due to insulation failure.
Project Team :
Architect : I.M. Pei
Client : Museum of Islamic Art, Doha
Insulation Solution : Foamglas
Architect : I.M. Pei
Client : Museum of Islamic Art, Doha
Insulation Solution : Foamglas
By incorporating Foamglas Insulation, the Museum of Islamic Art not only achieves superior thermal performance and longevity but also upholds the highest standards of sustainability and fire safety in modern architecture.
