King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

Client

KAUST

Client Representative

ARAMCO

Master Planner

HOK

Project Value

$10 Billion USD

Furniture

5,000+ chairs

A research campus built to the highest sustainability standards

KAUST is a $10 billion research university in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia, known for its research and its commitment to sustainability. It is the country’s first LEED-certified university campus, established by King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and master-planned by HOK.

Trans Seas USA, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, handled procurement, logistics, and installation. We represented North American manufacturers in an international competition to supply, deliver, and install furniture across the entire campus, with aftermarket service included.

The scope included more than 5,000 lecture hall and classroom chairs, plus executive boardroom and meeting room chairs, many upholstered in leather.

All furniture was designed to meet LEED requirements: Greenguard certified, with no VOCs and high recycled content.

Why Trans Seas

Sustainability, procurement, and logistics in one program

Aligned with LEED standards

KAUST required all procurement to meet its sustainability standards. Trans Seas's sourcing expertise helped secure the certifications.

Healthier learning spaces

Low-VOC, Greenguard-certified, recycled-content furniture supports better indoor air quality for students and staff.

Logistics at scale

Sourcing, shipping, and installation were coordinated across continents so the program ran smoothly and on schedule.

A continuing relationship

KAUST has continued to rely on Trans Seas as the needs of a premier academic institution evolve.

On-Site Supervision

Factory-trained supervisors, start to finish

After winning the award, Trans Seas provided certified North American supervisors to oversee production, shipping logistics, and on-site installation, followed by aftermarket service. KAUST continues to engage us for additional furniture supply and installation.

Campus Recognition

Architectural and design honors

Year	Award
2011	Lab of the Year, R&D Magazine Recognized lab flexibility, energy efficiency, and scientific impact.
2011	Top 10 Green Projects, AIA Committee on the Environment Recognized sustainable technologies and design strategies.
2011	International Project of the Year, Sustain Magazine Recognized the campus as a model of sustainable campus and research facility design.
2011	AIA/ALA Library Building Award Plus multiple AIA San Francisco awards: Excellence in Architecture Merit, Energy & Sustainability Merit, and Design Award.
2011	Green GOOD DESIGN Award From the European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies, for environmental stewardship.
2011	International Architectural Award From the Chicago Athenaeum, for design innovation and impact.

Project Gallery

Lecture halls, classrooms, and boardrooms furnished across the KAUST campus.