- Architects: Omrania
- Team/Partners: Omrania, iDC (Interiors)
- Status: Under construction
- Size: Site: 265,000 sqm | Built-up Area (BUA): 122,685 sqm
- Budget: SR 1,900,000,000
Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) Headquarters: A Model for Sustainable and Healthy Workplace Design.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
The Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) Headquarters in Riyadh, now Saudi Energy Headquarters, is a people-focused campus designed by Omrania to support employee well-being, efficiency and environmental performance.
Client
Saudi Electricity Company (SEC)
Timeline
Design completed, construction began, expected completion 2019
Scope
High-performance office campus, sustainable workplace
Key Features
Sustainable materials, high-performance energy systems, innovative workplace design
This is where the storytelling begins.
The Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) Headquarters, now known as Saudi Energy Headquarters, was conceived as a transformative workplace that would enhance employee well-being, sustainability, and operational efficiency. As the national electricity provider, SEC sought a headquarters that would reflect its commitment to innovation, energy efficiency, and modern workplace standards.
The project’s relevance extends beyond its function, serving as a benchmark for sustainable office design in Saudi Arabia. Omrania was selected through a competitive bidding process due to its holistic approach, expertise in integrated architecture and engineering, and ability to create a design that balances aesthetic appeal with practical efficiency. The result is a forward-thinking corporate campus that prioritizes environmental responsibility and sets a new standard for the region’s office developments
The challenge.
At the outset of the project, the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) faced several critical challenges in designing its new headquarters. A key concern was creating a modern, high-performance office campus that would not only meet operational needs but also prioritize employee well-being and sustainability—goals often seen as competing rather than complementary. The company needed a flexible workspace capable of evolving with future organizational changes while maintaining efficiency across multiple departments.
Additionally, SEC sought to integrate sustainable building technologies in a region with extreme climatic conditions, requiring innovative solutions for energy efficiency, water conservation, and thermal comfort. Given Riyadh’s rapid urbanization, minimizing the project’s environmental footprint and utilizing local materials were also pressing concerns.
Furthermore, SEC aimed to provide a workplace that would help attract and retain top talent by fostering a healthier and more engaging work environment—an emerging priority in the region’s corporate sector.
The sheer scale of the project, involving multiple interconnected buildings and shared amenities, introduced complexities in planning, circulation, and infrastructure integration. Lastly, balancing cultural and social expectations, such as the provision of prayer spaces and gender-sensitive design, required thoughtful architectural and programmatic solutions.
Our added value.
The SEC headquarters redefines workplace architecture by integrating sustainability, flexible planning, occupant well-being, and high-performance environmental systems. Omrania’s design creates a forward-looking campus that supports both operational efficiency and long-term adaptability.
Sustainability & Environmental Performance
Designed for Riyadh’s extreme climate, the building envelope incorporates high-performance glazing and shading devices to minimize solar heat gain, reducing cooling demands. Rooftop photovoltaic and wet-solar arrays generate 1.2 megawatts of electricity, supplemented by an off-peak ice-making system that optimizes energy use. A graywater recycling system treats and reuses water for landscape irrigation, preserving municipal resources. Locally sourced materials minimize the project’s carbon footprint while supporting regional industry.
Programming & Planning The master plan organizes the campus into four cube-shaped office buildings linked by a central podium, balancing departmental independence with interconnected functionality. Open-plan, horseshoe-shaped floorplates maximize flexibility, daylight penetration, and collaboration, while the central atria serve as dynamic social hubs. The podium houses essential shared spaces—including an auditorium, exhibition hall, and an academic center—fostering interaction, learning, and corporate identity.
Health & Amenities
Employee well-being is central to the design. The site features extensive green spaces, shaded outdoor areas, and walking and jogging paths, promoting physical activity. The adjoining staff amenity building includes a gym, swimming pool, health clinic, and dining facilities, ensuring a comprehensive approach to wellness. Internally, low-VOC, toxin-free materials create a healthy indoor environment, while advanced ventilation systems maintain high air quality.
A Model for the Future
By integrating sustainable design, intelligent programming, and user-centered amenities, the SEC headquarters establishes a benchmark for energy-efficient, health-conscious, and adaptable office environments in Saudi Arabia. Through close collaboration with SEC, Omrania has delivered a workplace that not only meets immediate needs but also anticipates future growth and technological advancements.
One last thought.
Omrania delivered a transformative headquarters for the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC), setting a new standard for workplace design in Saudi Arabia. From concept to execution, the firm integrated sustainability, flexibility, and human-centered design to create a future-ready campus that enhances both operational efficiency and employee well-being.
Key milestones included the development of an interconnected office complex with adaptable workspaces, a central podium fostering collaboration, and a landscape designed to promote a healthy lifestyle. Innovative environmental strategies—such as high-performance shading, photovoltaic energy generation, and graywater recycling—reduce the building’s ecological footprint while ensuring long-term efficiency.
More than just an office, the SEC headquarters empowers employees with a dynamic, engaging environment that supports learning, interaction, and productivity. As the company grows, the flexible design will allow the headquarters to evolve, ensuring it remains a benchmark for sustainable corporate architecture and a catalyst for future innovations in Riyadh’s urban landscape.