Flowcrete Delivers Level Best At Hong Kong’s New Cruise Terminal

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Flowcrete Group provided specialist flooring solutions for Hong Kong's new Kai Tak Cruise Terminal

Flowcrete Group provided specialist flooring solutions for Hong Kong’s new Kai Tak Cruise Terminal

 

Flowcretehongkong2

 

Flowcrete Group has provided solid foundations for a landmark construction project at Hong Kong’s new Kai Tak Cruise Terminal in East Kowloon.

The USD 1 billion new cruise terminal has been built on the site of Hong Kong’s former airport, which was long regarded as one of the most spectacular flight approaches in the world with a runway that jutted straight out into the sea.

Now, passengers approaching the runway will do so at crawl speed from some of the world’s most impressive and largest cruise liners.

Gleaming silver and representing an area roughly a half-mile long, the new terminal building designed by architects Foster + Partners, features a two berth dock capable of handling liners of up to 220,000 gross registered tonnage and processing more than 3,000 passengers an hour.

Inside, the terminal features airy check-in, immigration and waiting halls as well as retail and dining facilities alongside a vast rooftop garden offering panoramic views of the Kowloon peninsula and Hong Kong skyline.

With Asia increasingly being recognised as a hotbed for cruise industry growth, the new Kai Tak Cruise Terminal is expected to act as the gateway to the East for up to 3.7 million passengers by 2017.

Over 40,000 square metres of Flowcrete’s cementitious subfloor screed system, Isocrete Heavy Duty K-Screed, have been applied by Flowcrete Hong Kong, to serve as a surface underlayment within the main terminal facility prior to the application of floor tiles.

Flowcrete’s heavy-duty screed system, in thicknesses ranging from 40-60mm, has been installed in the customs, clearance and departure halls as well in baggage handling areas, back-of-house maintenance facilities and the spectacular overhead rooftop garden.

Isocrete Heavy Duty K-Screed is a robust, semi-dry cementitious screed system incorporating a proprietary K additive to produce an early drying, high-strength screed allowing for the early installation of moisture sensitive floor finishes or floor coverings.

The material is recommended for areas where heavy foot or wheeled traffic is expected on a continual basis. The system can be laid bonded, unbonded or floating – for weight saving and thermal or sound insulation – and can also be installed in conjunction with sound-proofing systems.

10,000 square metres of a second Flowcrete system, Flowcoat SF41 – a seamless epoxy floor coating material – has also been used to provide a hardwearing and slip-resistant floor finish in specialists back of house maintenance and baggage handling areas.

Representing a soft launch, the new terminal opened its doors to the Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas in June 2013 ahead of the facility’s full opening later in the year. A commemorative park, adjacent to the terminal, with an aviation theme is in the pipeline to pay homage to the former Kai Tak Airport.

The airport, which was moved to a new site at Chek Lap Kok some 15 years ago also featured 250,000 square metres of Flowcrete’s fast-cure Isocrete K-Screed system, representing – at the time – the company’s largest screed project undertaken.

 

For more information please visit www.flowcreteasia.com/singapore

New version of BIM solution for architects

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Germany/Munich, 12 November 2013 – Allplan is setting standards in CAD through collaboration, 3D modeling, Cloud and SaaS.

The claim: The best planning tool for architects

Accuracy, speed and cost-effectiveness are the requirements that architects have to meet. The right software solution enables them to exercise the design flexibility and creativity they need to be successful. Allplan was designed with this in mind: Software that is easy to use, ensures smooth collaboration with planning partners and optimizes work processes.

Location-independent collaboration with Allplan 2014
Thanks to the enhanced workgroup functionality, architects can integrate project partners and employees in their working environment across office and company boundaries as though all were working around the same table on the same design. This means location and time-independent access for virtual teams. No “e-mail ping-pong”, no loss of data – everyone works with the most recent version. Access rights are used to define who has what rights in the respective project. Data encryption ensures additional security.

Faster and easier 3D modeling
Allplan 2014 has a new extrusion function to make work with the 3D modeler even more intuitive. As a result, users can easily move or redraw outlines and extrude this vertically in the next step. This is particularly useful in urban design and for the fast “raising“ and changing of cubic volumes in the design process.

Further steps towards Open BIM, Cloud and SaaS
With Allplan 2014, Serviceplus customers also benefit from bim+ and Nevaris as connected SaaS solutions. The cloud solution bim+ with BIM server and innovative apps also enables the interlinking and visualization of Allplan BIM models on mobile devices. The interface to Nevaris is also new. With web-supported processes and cost control in real time, Nevaris is setting new standards for tender, award and billing.

Conclusion: Project work is easier, faster and more cost-effective. Errors are reduced. “With the Allplan BIM solution, our aim is to make the exchange of data and the collaboration between all those involved in the building process as flexible as possible, in the spirit of Open BIM,” says Dr. Jörg Rahmer, CEO Nemetschek Allplan Systems GmbH.

About Nemetschek Allplan
Nemetschek Allplan, with headquarters in Munich/Germany, is one of Europe’s leading BIM (Building Information Modeling) solution providers. A wholly owned subsidiary of Nemetschek AG, Nemetschek Allplan develops powerful software for architects, structural/civil engineers, contractors and facility managers. The core product Allplan provides a flexible and efficient toolset for the seamless planning of visionary architecture and innovative engineering projects. Currently available in 19 languages worldwide, Allplan covers every usage level of a BIM focused CAD system: from straightforward 2D drawings to 3D modeling including quantity take off and cost calculation. It also supports the OpenBIM initiative and the IFC standard to assure interoperability throughout the building life cycle.

For more information, visit www.nemetschek-allplan.com.

Inaugural urban greenery exhibition in Asia

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Singapore, 7 November 2013 – GreenUrbanScape Asia, the first dedicated urban greenery exhibition in Asia, will be running from 7-9 November at the Singapore EXPO Convention and Exhibition Centre. Over 130 international brands from 19 countries will be exhibiting at GreenUrbanScape Asia, and they will be showcasing innovative solutions aimed at improving productivity in all aspects of landscape and urban greenery, including planning, design, construction and management.

The inaugural event runs alongside the second edition of the International Skyrise Greenery Conference. Jointly organised by the National Parks Board (NParks), Landscape Industry Association Singapore (LIAS), Singapore Institute of Landscape Architects (SILA), and Singex Group, the three-day trade exhibition and conference will facilitate the sharing of ideas and solutions with a cross-section of industry stakeholders on a global platform. It is expected to attract over 4,000 participants, including 650 conference delegates and speakers from 25 countries around the world, making it the first time an event of such scale and range has been organised in Asia.

Running in parallel with the trade exhibition is a business forum on 8 November, where regional experts will discuss key global trends, potential opportunities and case studies. A public forum on 9 November will share the latest technology and best practices in urban greenery. Admission to these events is free.

2nd International Skyrise Greenery Conference will feature renowned international thought leaders and local experts

With the theme of Density & Greenery: Evolving into Collaborative Cities, the 2nd International Skyrise Greenery Conference will feature the following:

(i) A list of internationally acclaimed distinguished speakers, including Kathryn Gustafson from the USA. She is best known for her award-winning projects in Europe and casino the United States, such as the Princess Diana memorial fountain at Kensington Palace Gardens. Italy’s Stefano Boeri is also one of the speakers; he is renowned for his role in ‘Bosco Verticale’, the highly-anticipated, first vertical forest in Milan.

(ii) Home-grown industry luminaries behind some of the region’s pioneering greening projects, including Singapore’s Dr Liu Thai Ker, best known for spearheading major revisions to the Singapore Concept Plan and key directions for heritage conservation; and WOHA’s founder, Wong Mun Summ, the award-winning architect behind Singapore’s PARKROYAL on Pickering.

(iii) Technical tours for on-site exposure to industry-acclaimed and award-winning projects in Singapore. The tours will include guided visits to sites such as PARKROYAL on Pickering, 158 Cecil Street, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, ITE College Central, 6 Battery Road, Nanyang Polytechnic and Punggol New Town, where green roofs, green walls, and other forms of greenery have been fitted seamlessly into the built environment.

 

For more information, please visit http://greenurbanscapeasia.com

New Changi Airport Terminal 4

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Singapore, 6 November 2013 – The new concept for the highly anticipated Terminal 4 (T4) at Singapore Changi Airport has been unveiled at the T4 groundbreaking ceremony on 5 November 2013.

Appointed by Changi Airport Group (CAG), Singapore’s award-winning SAA Architects, the lead consultant and executive architect of the Architect & Design Consortium (Consortium), collaborated with UK-founded design firm Benoy Limited on the concept and interior design of the new terminal.

Set to redefine the travel experience, Changi Airport’s new terminal will be located along Airport Boulevard, and will accommodate up to 16 million passengers a year.

The 195,000m² building has been designed to celebrate both physical and visual transparency. The arrival experience will be surrounded by lush vertical landscaping and an impressive double-storey glazed façade. Inside, the concept is dynamic, vibrant and colourful with feature skylight lanterns illuminating the terminal. Gardens have been incorporated to enliven the airport interiors with green walls and an abundance of elegant tall trees growing beneath the natural light.

Yeo Siew Haip, Managing Director of SAA Architects, explained the complexity of the large-scale project, ‘Since winning the project in mid February 2013, the SAA-led Consortium worked hand in hand with CAG and Benoy to bring the design of T4 from concept to commencement of piling works on-site. SAA provided the Consortium leadership in managing concept refinement, stakeholder engagement, fast-track scheduling and value engineering.’

‘Finalising the overall design of T4 for the Main Contract Tender within the time frame we had is a feat in itself for the industry, especially with over ten consultants and specialists collaborating intimately in the intricate work scope, keeping the project on schedule.’

‘The planning agenda has centred on introducing efficiency and comfort to the travel experience’, explained Meeta Patel, Director at Benoy. ‘State-of-the-art facilities including self check-in kiosks and self bag-drops will provide travellers with a quick and easy airport journey. To shape the boutique atmosphere of T4, Benoy has created walk-through retail zones, Peranakan-inspired shop fronts and mezzanine dining hubs which will offer views over the central interior gardens.’

The main focal point of the building is the ‘Central Galleria’; a glazed, open space that visually connects the departure, check-in, arrival and transit areas across the terminal.

David Buffonge, Director at Benoy said, ‘We are extremely excited about Terminal 4 at Changi Airport. We believe in the concept that has embraced energy and motion; creating a dynamic yet timeless design in a welcoming environment. The terminal has been designed to provide visitors access to a new level of travel comfort outside their traditional airport experiences’.

‘SAA’s role as lead consultant and architect is not unlike a music conductor in orchestrating all processes to bring the design of Terminal 4 at Changi to reality. With CAG and Benoy, we strive to create a unique T4 experience that pushes the boundaries and inspires the traveller like never before,’ said Yeo Siew Haip.

The Consortium comprises a number of members responsible for various aspects of T4 including: architecture, design, civil & structural engineering, mechanical & electrical engineering, landscaping, acoustics and safety.

MEMBERS OF THE CONSORTIUM

  • SAA Architects Pte Ltd – Lead Agency
  • Benoy Ltd
  • AECOM Singapore Pte Ltd
  • Beca Carter Hollings & Ferner (SEA) Pte Ltd

PROJECT FACTS

  • Project location: Changi, Singapore
  • Developer: Changi Airport Group
  • Size: 195,000m²
  • Consortium Leader/Executive Architect: SAA Architects Pte Ltd
  • Concept Design Architect: Benoy Ltd
  • Interior Designer: Benoy Ltd
  • Completion: 2017

Kiosks

 

 

Departure Transit

 

Cultural Shops

 

Picture credits to SAA Architects

Keppel Land China acquires prime residential site in Tianjin Eco-City

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China – Keppel Land China Limited (Keppel Land China) has acquired a 10.37 ha prime residential site in the Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City (Tianjin Eco-City) for RMB241.1 million (approximately S$49.1 million).

The land acquisition agreement was signed between Mr Ho Cheok Kong, President of Keppel Land China, and Mr Ho Tong Yen, CEO of Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City Investment and Development Co., Ltd. (SSTEC), at the 6th Singapore-Tianjin Economic and Trade Council meeting in Singapore this morning. It was witnessed by Singapore’s Minister for National Development Mr Khaw Boon Wan and Mayor of Tianjin Municipal Government Mr Huang Xingguo.

Keppel Land China plans to develop about 350 landed homes on the new site, which is located within the Start-Up Area and close to the future city centre in the Tianjin Eco-City. Situated along the historic Ji Canal, the new development is also near the Commercial Sub-centre.

Targeted at the upper-middle income homebuyers, the new landed homes will be launched progressively, starting from the second half of 2014.

Residents can look forward to easy and direct access to major locations including one of China’s fastest growing regions, the Tianjin Binhai New Area, which will be a 15-minute drive from home. The new site is also a 30-minute drive from the Tianjin Binhai International Airport, 20 minutes to the Beijing-Tianjin Expressway I and 10 minutes to the Beijing-Tianjin Expressway II.

In line with Keppel’s commitment to the vision for the Eco-City, the new homes will be developed according to the Tianjin Eco-City’s Green Building Evaluation Standard, which is a combination of China and Singapore’s green building standards.

Keppel Land China’s first eco-homes in the Tianjin Eco-City, the 1,672-unit Seasons Park, was launched in 2010. As at end-September 2013, about 77% of the 1,105 launched units have been sold. Phase 2, Seasons Garden, comprises about 1,190 homes and was launched in August 2013. The commercial development, Seasons City, will comprise three office towers and retail premises with a total gross floor area of 162,000 sm. The first phase will feature one office tower and a retail complex, and is expected to be completed by 2017.

The above transaction is not expected to have any significant impact on the net tangible asset per share or earnings per share of Keppel Land Limited for the current financial year.

Keppel Land breaks ground for phase two of Sedona Hotel Yangon

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Singapore – Travellers to Yangon can soon look forward to more quality hotel rooms when phase two of Sedona Hotel Yangon is fully completed in 2016.

Keppel Land broke ground for the new 29-storey hotel wing in a ceremony this morning in the presence of His Excellency U Hla Myint, Mayor of Yangon City. The event was witnessed by His Excellency Mr Robert Chua, Singapore Ambassador to Myanmar; His Excellency Dr Tin Shwe, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Hotels & Tourism; Mr Ang Wee Gee, CEO of Keppel Land; officials of the Yangon Regional Government; and business associates.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Ang said, “The opening up of Myanmar has seen the number of visitors, both corporate and leisure travellers, to the country increase significantly in the last three years. The upgrading and extension of Sedona Hotel Yangon is timely to meet the corresponding rise in demand for quality hotel rooms, which is currently in short supply in Yangon.”

In the first eight months of 2013, local authorities reported that Myanmar has already received more than one million foreign visitors, about 60% higher than the same period last year. Tourist arrivals are forecasted to reach between 1.8 and 2 million by end-2013, almost double that for the whole of 2012.

Sedona Hotel Yangon is part of only a handful of international-grade five-star hotels in Myanmar. Phase one of the hotel was completed in 1997 and comprises 366 rooms. The hotel has established itself as the accommodation of choice for business and leisure travellers alike.

Phase two of the development will see an addition of about 420 rooms, bringing the hotel’s total room capacity to 786. At 29 storeys tall, the new tower block will be one of the tallest structures in Yangon when completed in end-2015. The total development cost for the new hotel wing is about US$80 million, and when completed, will be fully integrated with the existing Sedona Hotel Yangon.

At the same time, phase one of Sedona Hotel Yangon is undergoing refurbishment works to feature a modern look and feel, whilst maintaining the original heritage character of the hotel. Areas that will be upgraded include the rooms and common areas such as the lobby, main entrance and common corridors. The renovation works, which will cost about US$25 million, are expected to be completed by end-2013.

Keppel Land will also be commencing renovation works to Sedona Hotel Mandalay, its second hotel property in Myanmar, early next year. The works, which includes the upgrading of rooms and common facilities such as the ballroom and restaurants, is expected to cost about US$7 million.

Mr Ang added, “Through the operation of our hotel over the years, we have participated and contributed to the creation of jobs in the country’s economy. We are confident that the expansion of Sedona Hotel Yangon, as well as the refurbishment of both Sedona Hotel Yangon and Mandalay, will continue to have a positive impact on the country.”

The Keppel Group’s relationship with Myanmar began as early as the 1980s when Keppel FELS, the Group’s offshore division, supplied tin dredgers to the Ministry of Mines. Through its marine division, Keppel Shipyard has also upgraded and repaired a diverse range of vessels for the Ministry of Ports.

In property, Keppel Land entered Myanmar in 1993 and currently owns and manages two hotels – Sedona Hotel Yangon and Sedona Hotel Mandalay. Over the years, both hotels have established themselves as the choice accommodation provider in the country, garnering numerous awards, including the titles of Myanmar’s Leading Hotel 2013 (Sedona Hotel Yangon) and Myanmar’s Leading Resort 2013 (Sedona Hotel Mandalay) at the recent World Travel Awards.

Sitting majestically on eight acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, Sedona Hotel Yangon is a 15-minute drive away from the Yangon International Airport and the city centre. With commanding views of the Inya Lake, Sedona Hotel Yangon is also close to the famous Shwedagon Pagoda.

In April 2013, Keppel Land co-funded the Water for Life (Yangon) project, a joint initiative between the Singapore International Foundation and non-profit organistion, Mingalar Myanmar. The three-year project will provide more than 7,000 villagers in the townships of Kaw Hmu and Kungyangon better access to clean drinking water. Beyond monetary contributions, Keppel Land employees will also volunteer time and effort to be part of this worthy cause.

Johnson Controls Annual Survey Shows that Building Owners in Asia Make Energy Efficiency Decisions Based on Savings and Government Policy

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SINGAPORE – Building owners in Asia markets are motivated by savings and government programs to drive energy efficiency decisions, according to the 2013 Energy Efficiency Indicator (EEI) study by Johnson Controls, the global leader in delivering solutions that increase energy efficiency in buildings. The survey revealed a 10 percent increase in interest in energy efficiency since 2010 in Asia, and a lack of capital and insufficient payback as key obstacles to implementing energy projects.

 

This is the seventh annual EEI study of global building leaders that tracks key energy efficiency trends, drivers for action, and barriers around the world. More than 3,000 decision-makers in 10 countries participated in the survey this year. In Asia, 1,263 executives who manage energy decisions for buildings from Australia, China, India, and for the first time, Singapore, were surveyed.

 

“Findings from this year’s study show a growing interest in energy efficiency in Asia, but also suggests that public policies and private investment must work together to transform interest into action in Asia,” said Soren Bjerg, vice president and managing director of Johnson Controls Building Efficiency Asia.

 

Drivers in Asia Markets

Interest in energy efficiency and the importance of energy management is growing in Asia. The study showed that respondents from China and India have the greatest interest levels in energy efficiency globally, with 61 percent and 58 percent respectively saying that their organizations are paying a lot more attention to energy efficiency. In Australia and Singapore, which have a more mature market in this area, a majority of respondents (71 percent and 73 percent respectively) indicated that energy management is either extremely or very important.

 

The top energy efficiency driver for Asia is energy cost savings, consistent with businesses globally. Government incentives, rebates, and policy are also deemed important. Other notable findings include the criticality of energy security to China and India; as well as India and Singapore being the only countries surveyed worldwide to rank enhanced brand or public image as one of the top five drivers.

 

Possible Areas to Address

The study identified that barriers which hinder energy efficiency adoption are similar around the world. In Singapore and India, respondents cited online casino barriers such as the lack of available capital; insufficient payback; uncertainty regarding savings/performance; the lack of technical expertise to evaluate or execute projects; and the lack of awareness about opportunities as being equally challenging in their pursuit for energy efficiency. For organizations in China, insufficient payback as a barrier was significantly higher, while in Australia access to available capital was the top challenge.

 

Globally, a quarter of the respondents cited lack of funding as a top barrier to energy efficiency projects, declining from 30 percent in 2011 to 26 percent in 2012. Uncertainty about savings and performance in energy efficiency projects increased globally, from 12 percent to 15 percent.

 

Despite the diverse nature of the markets across Asia, the countries surveyed generally favored the use of tax credits or incentives as the energy policy for greatest impact, with Australia showing a particularly high preference at 30 percent. For China, stricter building codes as well as green appraisal standards are on par with tax credits or incentives. Singapore also accords a notably high level of importance to carbon pricing compared to the other countries in Asia.

 

The seventh annual survey of more than 3,000 building owners and operators around the world was led by the Johnson Controls Institute for Building Efficiency, the International Facility Management Association, and the Urban Land Institute.

 

For a comprehensive report of the 2013 Energy Efficiency Indicator study, please visit www.institutebe.com/Energy-Efficiency-Indicator

Hilton Kuala Lumpur Redefines Itself with a New Urban Park Design Concept

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Kuala Lumpur, October 13, 2013 – Hilton Kuala Lumpur, an award winning flagship hotel for Hilton Hotel and Resorts in Asia, continues to push the envelope with a new urban park design concept  that is inspired by themes and motifs from nature.

 

This new design language totally transforms the entire lobby area of the hotel and infiltrates into its five new concept dining outlets. With a bold and contemporary modernist approach,

it is a complete departure from traditional hotel design with its open concept, alfresco like environment.

 

Taking inspiration from the wonderful green vista of the Lake Gardens that acts as a backdrop to the hotel, the urban park concept is designed to bring the serenity of this natural landscape into the hotel’s main public areas and new concept dining outlets, creating an oasis of serenity and calm for hotel guests, a sanctuary from the hectic frenzy of urban existence.

 

Motifs, colours, patterns and textures inspired by nature along with organic shapes and structures are used to create a holistic design language. However, they are interpreted and expressed in different ways so each area in the オンライン カジノ hotel still has its own distinct character.

 

In addition, in keeping with its reputation as a leading hotel for the international business traveler, all the redesigned public spaces feature data points to support electronic devices and internet access.

 

The new design concept was part of a major refurbishment the hotel underwent in the first half of this year to create a dynamic new environment in its main public areas for it hotel guests and to introduce five new F&B concept dining outlets.

 

Picture (top to bottom):

1) Lobby KL Hilton

2) Chambers Grill

3) Vasco

Lobby Hilton KL Chambers Grill Vasco Image 03

For more information, visit www.hiltonworldwide.com

Flowcrete develop sustainable car park flooring using Deckshield ID

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Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – As part of a Property developer MRCB (Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad) was approached to build and develop a new parking facility with flooring that would stand the test of time, meeting the performance criteria that the client’s former car park hadn’t.

Not only would the coating need to withstand the sustained traffic and footfall, providing a safe anti-slip surface underfoot but it would also need to be water tight and protect the concrete structure by resisting extreme weather conditions as well as corrosive oils and acids.

After a careful selection process, Flowcrete Asia was selected to install over 20,000m2 of Deckshield, its colourful car park decking and line-marking system, owing to its expertise in developing and installing superior specialist flooring solutions.

Installation of Deckshield

The internal decks of the seven-storey car park were coated with Deckshield ID, Flowcrete’s Singapore Green Label certified flexible polyurethane decking system.

The low VOC Deckshield ID coating delivers excellent abrasion resistance to withstand heavy vehicular traffic as well as superior anti-slip properties to ensure the safety of visitors.

What’s more, the system helps to maintain the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of the car park オンライン カジノ by preventing cracks appearing over time, protecting the structure against water ingress as well as petrol, oil, battery acid and other chemicals associated with motor vehicles, and offering bright, light-reflective finish with a vibrant colour palette.

To improve safety, 3,635m of Deckshield UV Linemarker, Flowcrete’s demarcation system, was applied to spaces and directional markings throughout the facility’s seven storeys.

MRCB praised Flowcrete Asia on their ability to deliver a high quality finish ahead of schedule and the project has set a benchmark for car park flooring installations in the surrounding area.

 

Click to find out more about Deckshield Car Park Systems, or find out more about their other flooring solutions at Flowcrete Asia

 

An ‘Invisible’ Tower?

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invisible skyscraper 2

 

(above) How the building will appear when the LED facade system isn’t activated; then lit with 30% power; on the far right, 100% power.

 

South Korea- For architecture buffs numbed by the ongoing global battle to crank out record-breaking tall buildings, here’s something innovative to spark the imagination. The South Korean government has granted approval to begin construction on the world’s first “invisible” tower.

Designed by U.S.-based GDS Architects, the glass-encased Tower Infinity will top out at 450 meters (1,476 feet) and have the third highest observation deck in the world. The project is backed by Korea Land & Housing Corporation, a state-owned land and public housing developer.

The invisibility illusion will be achieved with a high-tech LED facade system that uses a series of cameras that will send real-time images onto the building’s reflective surface. It will be built just outside of Seoul near the Incheon International Airport.

The development will reportedly be used primarily for leisure activities. It will include a series of observation decks, a movie theater, roller coaster, water park and numerous food and beverage outlets. Though height isn’t its main selling point, Tower Infinity is no slouch in the vertical department. When completed, it’s expected to come in sixth on the list of the world’s highest towers at 450 metres high, behind Tokyo SkyTree, Guangzhou’s CantonTower, Toronto’s CN Tower, Moscow’s Ostankino Tower and Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl.

Neither the developer nor GDS have released a target completion date.

 

How it works

Tower Infinity’s invisible face is essentially just state of the art camouflage.

Cameras will be placed at three different heights on six different sides of the building to capture real-time images of the surroundings; three other sections, each filled with 500 rows of LED screens, will project the individual digital images.

Through digital processing, images will be scaled, rotated and merged to create a seamless panoramic image that appears on the LED rows to create the illusion of invisibility.

In essence, whatever is going on behind the building will be projected onto the front of the building.

According to GDS, managers will be able to alter the level of power used to give the building different levels of invisibility.

“Instead of symbolizing prominence as another of the world’s tallest and best towers, our solution aims to provide the world’s first invisible tower, showcasing innovative Korean technology while encouraging a more global narrative in the process,” said Charles Wee, GDS design principal, in a statement.

In 2011 GDS, in collaboration with firms Samoo Architects and A&U, was awarded first prize in a National Design Competition sponsored by the Korea Land & Housing Corporation to provide design and engineering services for the observation tower.