Climate-smart steel from SSAB covers Sweden in Shanghai

An energy-saving steel that can dissipate heat from solar radiation will enclose the buildings at the Swedish pavilion at Expo 2010 in Shanghai next year. Prelaq Energy from SSAB is a newly developed Swedish façade and roofing sheet which reduces the need for artificial indoor cooling in hot climates. 

The Swedish pavilion at Shanghai 2010 will house the Swedish exhibition, VIP lounge, offices and other areas. The pavilion will consist of four buildings which are to be constructed on a site in the European quarter, with the other Nordic countries as closest neighbors. The architects have chosen Prelaq Energy from SSAB for the roof and external walls. The Swedish pavilion is expected to have thousands of visitors each day during the fair and will be an important showcase for Sweden to display products and know-how. 

Prelaq Energy has qualities which contribute to reducing energy consumption in buildings by up to 15 percent. The secret lies in the sheet's organic coating mixtures and pigments which are able to regulate inward heat radiation and contribute to a comfortable indoor climate. Prelaq Energy is available in a number of colors. The colors provide different qualities with respect to thermal dissipation. 

The result will be that the material in the walls and the roof can contribute to saving energy for cooling and ventilation, and thereby lead to a reduced impact on the environment. In addition to the external sheet which will be used for the pavilion, SSAB has also produced a variant of Prelaq Energy for internal wall cover. The steel has different characteristics and contributes, instead, to reducing heating needs in times of cold weather. 

In order to create extra interest and character, the sheet will be perforated with various patterns. The architects behind the pavilion want it to reflect the interplay between city and nature and the hopefulness and strength which can be created there. Nature has also been a source of inspiration in the development of Prelaq Energy. The qualities of the material can be compared with leaves on trees which act as a heat transfer medium in times of strong solar radiation.