v18

of the local tropical climate, namely
the constant presence of a high level of
humidity which makes use of natural
ventilation as a way of minimising
energy consumption difficult and
the use of airconditioning of public
spaces essential for comfort conditions
to be achieved to acceptable comfort
standards. The main objective in
this case was to minimise the cooling
loads by reducing the incidence of
sunlight on exposed glass facades.
Thus glazing is always deeply set in
to the façade on the north (in this case
it is actually the true north façade
which receives the midday sun due
to the location of the Congo Kintele
Congress Center below the equator)
and low sunlight from the east and
west is minimised by vertical shading
elements and perforated metal
screens.
Natural Materials, Cultural &
Local Details...
The use of materials in the Congo
Kintele Congress Center were
to a large extent dictated by the
requirement of speed of construction,
and availability of modern
construction and cladding materials.
Thus although it would be more
cost effective, concrete frame was
ruled out in favour of steel and more
easily transportable lighter cladding
materials such as aluminium panelling
for massive cladding elements such
as block or brick work. Beyond that,
efforts were made to use natural
materials at all times such as timber,
and stone.
The larger elements are signified
by a series of perforated cladding
elements which are laser cut in
geometric Congolese patterns derived
from the traditions of the larger
region, connecting the buildings to
their place. At times these patterns
find themselves recalled in interior
elements such as floor patterns and
screens which divide interior spaces,
and at times on external wall elements
creating shading or privacy between
inside and outside. Vertical shading
elements are a lighter coloured bronz/
brass finish, set against a background
of larger darker coloured panels and
of course glass. The overall colour
palatte of the project is infact derived
from a series of lighter and darker
shades of bronz and brass.
The 200 bedroom Kintele Resort
Hotel also acts as an adjunct to the
Kintele Congress Centre, providing
both facilities for some of the
presidential guests, with 6 presidential
suites and their entourage, with a
series of suites and standard rooms.
On the ground floor are the spa,
restaurant, bars and the pool all of
which stand 5 metres above the level
of the Kintele Congress Centre,
providing panoramic views across the
Congo Valley.
95