Building an Egyptian GEM with Holcim's sustainable building solutions

If you could stand on top of the Great Pyramid of Giza today, you would see the world’s largest archaeological museum just two kilometers away. The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is rehousing the country’s rich heritage, using Holcim’s sustainable building solutions. 

Located on a 490,000m² site, the museum houses over 100,000 artefacts, and offers visitors an immersive experience of Egypt’s ancient history, with 24,000 m² of permanent exhibition space, a children’s museum, conference and education facilities, and a conservation center. 

Holcim played a crucial role in bringing this monumental vision to life, ensuring that the museum not only preserves Egypt's historical heirlooms – which include the treasures of King Tutankhamun – but paves the way for a more sustainable future.

The Challenge 

Designed by the renowned Irish architectural firm Heneghan Peng, the complex needed to blend modernity and heritage. The structure had to be large enough, and secure enough, to house some of humanity’s most precious artifacts, while it needed to seamlessly blend modern architecture with references to Egypt’s ancient heritage. 

Holcim provided a range of sustainable building solutions to help realize the build. By incorporating sustainable practices into the construction process, we wanted to help ensure that this iconic landmark would stand the test of time.

The Solution 

Holcim helped realize the vision for the GEM by supplying over 320,000m³ of Ultra Durable Concrete (now ECOPact) Artevia, and Agilia, alongside 600,000m² of Morpla mortar. These materials are crucial to realize the design vision and ensure the museum’s structural integrity and longevity, while meeting the project’s ambitious sustainability goals.

Holcim’s Ultra Durable Concrete was chosen for its resilience to Egypt's harsh climate – delivering 100% performance while reducing the embodied carbon of the build by at least 30% compared to standard concrete.

Artevia, our decorative concrete, enhances the building’s aesthetic appeal, ensuring it blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. Agilia – which is ideally suited for complex architectural frameworks – was used to create the museum’s complex architectural features. 

The Result 

With GEM set for a full-scale public opening in late 2024, it stands as a beacon of cultural heritage. Its innovative design, combined with Holcim’s sustainable building solutions, means that the building is as iconic as the artefacts it houses. 

Indeed, GEM is the first building in Africa to receive IFC EDGE Advanced Green Building Certification, for its resource-efficient and climate-smart design and construction. 

Standing on the edge of the desert plateau between the Great Pyramid of Giza – the only surviving wonder out of the seven in the ancient world – and Cairo, this long-awaited GEM forges a visual connection between Egypt’s past and present.