Eskan Bank, a leading home financing solutions provider, has opened its International Smart Building Centre, which integrates economic systems and sustainable environmental practices.

The centre as well as an exhibition was inaugurated yesterday (January 25) by Shaikh Ebrahim bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Housing and chairman of the board for Eskan Bank.

The centre has adopted modern technology which has revolutionised traditional models of construction in developing countries, a statement said.

The centre will also provide information, training, and technical support, enabling developers and contractors to employ eco-friendly techniques through applying innovative building methods.

The International Smart Building Centre—which will be based in two locations, including one at the port, and the other in the south of Bahrain—will provide support for smart building information, technology, and training, to construct environmentally-friendly housing.

The centre itself will also serve as a “smart building” model, having been established using the latest smart building technology, and will bring together local and international developments in the building materials and technology sectors, in support of global environmental initiatives.

The Minister of Housing also inaugurated a smart building exhibition, which was held in conjunction with the launch. The exhibition featured photographs of sample smart building materials, and illustrated the different building stages of the two model units constructed by the Ministry of Housing.

Shaikh Ibrahim bin Khalifa Al Khalifa also signed a memorandum of understanding this month with the University of Bahrain to provide technical consultation in implementing its housing plans, and to facilitate the application of smart building methods. – TradeArabia News Service