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Kutai to Become Model Smart City in Indonesia

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East Kalimantan, INDONESIA – The Kutai Kartanegara district, East Kalimantan province, will be the first smart city model in Indonesia, Head of the district”s Investment and Promotion Office Bambang Arwanto stated on 23 February 2015.

The concept and model of Kutai Kartanegara smart city draws inspiration from the Fujisawa Sustainable Smart Town that was built by the Panasonic consortium, comprising 17 companies.

“The construction of the smart city will be carried out through cooperation between the district administration and the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce for infrastructure. The plan has been conveyed to the president,” Bambang noted.

Kutai Kartanegara has been chosen to be the smart city model as it has shown positive investment growth.

The district can also be practically managed as it has a casino large land area, less population, and is rich in energy resources and also has a good spatial plan.

Besides the Chamber of Commerce, the Kyushu Economic Federation Japan, comprising 970 business members, will also be involved in the construction of the smart city. The business federation has partnered with the Loa Kulu airport management.

Similar to the Fujisawa Sustainable Smart Town (SST) in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, the smart city of Kutai Kartanegara will be built through cooperation between the private and government sectors.

The smart city is being built with the objective of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 70 percent and decreasing water consumption by 30 percent.

The smart city will meet over 30 percent of its energy needs through renewable energy sources, with energy savings for up to 100 years.

“All the facilities and infrastructure, such as housing, commercial, medical, and educational facilities, are designed in detail,” Bambang remarked, adding that a special airport will be built to support the smart city construction project.

Sungai Pulai Wellness Resort Finds Its Perfect Match

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SPWR_Master Plan

Singapore – MB Group is delighted to announce the signing of renowned celebrities, Singaporean-born actress, Fann Wong and her husband Christopher Lee, Malaysian-born Singaporean actor, as Sungai Pulai Wellness Resort’s Ambassadors.

Ms. Cindi Sim, Managing Director of Dimensi Panorama Sdn. Bhd., a member of MB Group, made this milestone announcement at the official opening of MB Group’s Singapore sales office today, revealing that both husband and wife will be advocating Sungai Pulai Wellness Resort – a distinctive self-sustaining coastal development that embraces the convergence of lush nature, wellbeing, and family-friendly architectural design dedicated for multigenerational living.

Developed by Dimensi Panorama Sdn. Bhd., the property market is being redefined with this upcoming development through its holistic concept embedded within the development.

ambassadors“We are thrilled to have Fann and Christopher on board. They are remarkable celebrities who value family, wellness and community living – qualities that embody the Sungai Pulai Wellness Resort development. Fann and Christopher are no strangers in the local and international arena, both being prominent personalities for their talents,” said Ms. Cindi Sim.

Fann Wong and Christopher Lee will begin appearing in the property’s print and broadcast advertisements including brochures and posters nationwide.

“Since giving birth to our baby boy, Zed, we have put even more thought into the environment and community that would be good for Chris and I to raise not only our young family but to take care of our parents too. Chris and I would like every family to know about the Sungai Pulai Wellness Resort development – a place where multigenerational families can live under one roof with every aspect of their needs being taken care of,” said Fann Wong, Ambassador of Sungai Pulai Wellness Resort.

Adding to his wife’s comment, Christopher Lee, Ambassador of Sungai Pulai Wellness Resort said, “It is the attribute of an all-inclusive living reflected by the brand that appeals to me. We took an instant liking to it since my wife and I am strong believer of wellness-oriented lifestyles.”

The Wellness Resort has all the ideal proponents for multigenerational living. It also presents a holistic concept in healthcare services, which includes a world-class concierge medical service (CMS) for longevity-promoting lifestyles for the residents and public.

The Concierge Medical Services (CMS) is an exceptional wellness passport that will be able to assist the residents by recommending and connecting them to specialist physicians as well as hospitals locally or internationally. On top of that, the Resort will have a 24-hour nurse and ambulance standby service for all residents.

Sungai Pulai Wellness Resort brings the Seven Dimensions of Wellness – Family Health Care, Preventive and Regenerative Care, Aesthetic and Beauty Care, Physical Care, Holistic Health Care, Fitness Care, and Concierge Medical Services Care, into the 160,000 sq. ft. wellness clubhouse that serves all residents.

With a vast eco-park, the Resort consists of a symbiotic combination of health and eco-tourism – the only one of its kind within a residential project in Malaysia. The eco-park will offer various eco-tourism activities such as boardwalk, bird watching tower, horse trail, and organic farming.

Sungai Pulai Wellness Resort will be applying for the Green Building Index Malaysia and the Green Mark Singapore accreditation. The environmental measures within the development will be reviewed by these parties periodically in order to sustain and preserve the environment within the development.

The low-density residential comprises of 1,351 apartment units and landed properties, a wellness clubhouse and a hotel with low-rise buildings of not more than 12 levels in order to preserve the view of nature. The first phase of the development, Canopus Residence, as well as the hotel and the wellness clubhouse are expected to be completed in year 2018.

The units are set to be opened for sale from March onwards. The selling price of the apartment units and landed properties will also be announced in March 2015.

Northpoint City to Transform Singapore’s Yishun Precinct

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SINGAPORE – Frasers Centrepoint Limited (“FCL”) has awarded the main contract for the construction of Northpoint City to Lum Chang Building Contractors

 

(“LCBC”) and spadework will commence on 15 April 2015. When completed in 2018, Nee Soon’s most iconic integrated development will cap the landmark change envisioned for the precinct, one of the earliest townships developed in the late 1970s.

 

The transformation of Nee Soon involves close collaboration between the private and public sectors. FCL will be working towards amalgamating the development’s residential and retail components with the town’s main transportation network and community facilities.

 

With a gross floor area of about 1.33 million square feet, Northpoint City will include the 920-unit North Park Residences, the largest retail mall in the Northern region of Singapore with over 500 outlets, a first-of-its-kind Community Club within a shopping mall, a vibrant Town Plaza equivalent to the size of 10 basketball courts, as well as an integrated transport hub consisting of an air-conditioned bus interchange and shopping underpass to Yishun MRT Station.

 

“The partnership between the agencies and FCL will create a new Nee Soon. The changes will be exciting. Residents and businesses can look forward to a greener landscape. There will be integration of community and healthcare facilities, transport infrastructure, as well as attractive lifestyle offerings,” said Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister for Law and Member of Parliament for Nee Soon Group Representation Constituency.

 

“The mature precinct’s proud heritage will be assimilated with the new, giving it a vibrancy that will be welcomed by both long-time and new residents,” added Mr Cheang Kok Kheong, CEO of Development and Property at FCL.

 

“We’ve been the developer and mall operator of Northpoint Shopping Centre for more than 22 years and we understand the needs and wants of Nee Soon residents. In our plans, we have been consistently guided by the spirit of community. Northpoint City’s transformation will celebrate and accentuate Nee Soon’s unique personality as a suburban hub with plenty of heart-ware.”

 

 

Making way for more greenery in Nee Soon

 

 

The roof-top Community Garden in the upcoming Northpoint City, which underpins this strong community focus, accordingly takes pride of place in FCL’s blueprint for the development.

 

The size of nearly three basketball courts and readily accessible to Nee Soon residents, the Community Garden will supplement the existing Town Garden and the needs of residents by providing them with an easily accessible green respite that also offers a host of recreational activities. The multi-purpose plaza set amid lush tree formations in the Community Garden offers residents with an expansive area under the cover of green canopy for various leisure activities such as morning strolls, outdoor exercises and picnics.

 

Northpoint City elevates the concept of an integrated development to a new level. Its retail underpasses and covered walkways will give commuters and shoppers comfortable and seamless access to the air-conditioned bus interchange and Yishun MRT Station. This integrated transport hub will bring residents within ‘doorstep’ distance in, around and beyond Nee Soon with seamless connectivity.

 

FCL and Lum Chang renew long-standing partnership

FCL has awarded the main contract for the construction of Northpoint City to LCBC. The award builds on FCL and LCBC’s established partnership. The contract is the third to be awarded by FCL to the local contractor, with the first being Tangerine Grove in 2007. This was followed by Esparina Residences in 2013 – also a joint development with LCBC. Currently, FCL and Lum Chang are also joint venture partners for Twin Fountains, an executive condominium development in Woodlands.

A wholly-owned subsidiary of Lum Chang Holdings Limited, LCBC has amassed a portfolio of construction projects worth over S$8 billion since 1970. These projects span healthcare facilities, key infrastructure amenities, institutional and commercial buildings, and residential developments for both public and private sectors, including the Ang Mo Kio Integrated Transport Hub.

 

Construction of the integrated development will commence on 15 April 2015, with the whole project slated for completion by 2018.

CIT to acquire 160A Gul Circle for S$16.2 million

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Cambridge Industrial Trust Management Limited (“CITM”), the Manager of Cambridge Industrial Trust (“CIT” or “the Trust”), announced today that the proposed acquisition of 160A Gul Circle (the “Property”) in Singapore for a
purchase consideration of S$16.2 million. The acquisition will be funded by existing debt facilities and cash  is expected to be completed by 2Q2015.

Mr. Philip Levinson, CEO of CITM, said, “We are pleased to have acquired 160A Gul Circle. This is a strong-yielding and quality asset that will provide a steady income stream and enhance our overall portfolio. The acquisition is in line with CIT’s strategy to acquire yield-accretive assets that support オンライン スロット our objective of creating sustainable growth and value.”

About the Property

The Property comprises an existing single-storey factory and a newly completed four-storey factory with a gross floor area (“GFA”) of approximately 86,075 square feet.

Situated within the mature and established Jurong Industrial Estate, the Property has remaining land tenure of approximately 26 years. Upon completion of the acquisition, the Property will be leased to Unicable Pte Ltd (the Vendor) for five years, ensuring stability of income.

The Property is accessible via the Pan Island Expressway, Ayer Rajah Expressway, Joo Koon MRT station, and the upcoming Tuas West Extension MRT line which is scheduled to complete in 2016.

The total GFA – Approximately 86,075 sq ft

Purchase price – S$16.2 million

Remaining Land Tenure – Approximately 26 years

Tenant – Unicable Pte Ltd

Lease Tenure – Five years.

Nine Suppliers Recognized for Commitment to Johnson Controls’ Global Standards for Quality, Cost and Leadership

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SINGAPORE – Johnson Controls, a global multi-industrial company, presented nine partners with the Supplier Excellence Award at its 15th annual Asian Supplier Conference held in Guangzhou, China. The suppliers were conferred the award in recognition of their outstanding achievements in the area of quality control, cost, service, supply chain management, sustainable development and social responsibility. The conference was attended by more than 250 representatives from the Asia Pacific region.

“A critical factor to our success is expanding close partnerships with suppliers committed to excellence and world class manufacturing standards. All nine winning suppliers have multiple international certifications in the areas that are most important to us – quality, cost and sustainability,” said Soren Bjerg, vice president and managing director of Johnson Controls Building Efficiency Asia.

Winners of the Johnson Controls Building Efficiency Group Supplier Excellence Award:

  • Zhejiang Yilida Ventilation Co., Ltd.
  • Wolong Electric Group Co., Ltd.
  • Zhejiang Sanhua Trading Co., Ltd.
  • Allied Machinery (Hangzhou) Co., Ltd.
  • AQ Electric (Suzhou) Co., Ltd.
  • Sichuang Chengfa Prima Machinery Co., Ltd.
  • Jiangsu Cuilong Copper Industry Co., Ltd.
  • Wincell (Jiangsu) Insulation Co., Ltd.
  • Suzhou Xintaitong High Efficiency Tube Co., Ltd

 

The inaugural Johnson Controls Asian Supplier Conference was held in 2000. It is an annual gathering of key suppliers of Johnson Controls to exchange and learn how to optimize procurement processes for uncompromised quality, cost control and timely delivery cycles.

All the suppliers are assessed on quality control, cost, service, supply chain management, sustainable development and social responsibility. The assessment criteria are benchmarked against global standards including Six-sigma Quality, Lean Production, Material Best Business Practices and Johnson Controls Manufacturing System. The last five years saw the score of Johnson Controls suppliers improve by some 14 percent. The continuous improvement will benefit customers not just in China and Asia but also rest of the world.

Asia continues to be one of the major growth markets for Johnson Controls and the company has demonstrated its commitment to the region with the announcement of its new corporate headquarters to be located in Shanghai, China. The campus is expected to open in 2017.

JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts To Open First Luxury Hotel In Shenzhen’s Bao’an District

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Hong Kong, China – JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts continues to expand its luxury portfolio in China with the opening of the 356-room JW Marriott Hotel Shenzhen Bao’an offering magnificent views of Qianhai Bay and the Pearl River Delta. A stunning modern landmark designed by globally acclaimed architecture firm — John Portman & Associates and interior design company — HBA (Hirsch Bedner Associate), the hotel boasts elegant, contemporary interiors complemented by premium services and amenities for business and leisure guests.

Developed by OCT Group who has signed a long-term management agreement with JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts, the JW Marriott Hotel Shenzhen Bao’an is the first international luxury hotel in Bao’an District and is conveniently located in Shenzhen’s booming Qianhai development zone. Its location being the nearest luxury hotel to Shenzhen International Airport provides easy and quick access for arriving guests.

“Shenzhen is a vibrant city that kick-started China’s opening its doors to the world so we are proud to introduce the ninth JW Marriott Hotel in China, and the second JW Marriott Hotel in Shenzhen,” said Henry Lee, Greater China Chief Operations Officer for Marriott International. “We look forward to providing the exceptional service and one-of-a-kind experiences that the JW Marriott brand is known for – both inChina and around the world.”

The magnificent interiors combine contemporary design with elegant cultural references and local artwork. The mythical Chinese phoenix is the inspiration for the hotel’s sleek, fluid curves and the pale blue guest room palette. Guests will be greeted in the lobby by an eye-catching artwork “Paradise of Materials” depicting the energy of the Shenzhen landscape by Chinese artist Zhan Wang.

The hotel offers 356 luxurious guest rooms and suites. Each room is designed in a chic, modern style featuring abundant natural light. Room amenities include high-speed Internet access, multi-media panel, mini bar, capsule coffee maker and organic herbal tea, and a 42-inch HDTV with satellite TV channels. Spacious bathrooms with a city or bay view feature Aromatherapy Associates bath products, and complimentary Nightly Refresh amenities will be provided in all guest rooms.

Guests are invited to explore two specialty restaurants and one lounge on property. Located on the top floor of the hotel, Bayview Restaurant treats diners to a fine selection of Chinese and Western cuisines with the superb panoramas of Qianhai Bay. A glass ceiling creates an exclusive, romantic private dining experience illuminated by the moon and stars. At the helm of Bayview Restaurant is Executive Chef Lim Chuan Seng. A revered Chinese master chef, Chef Lim previously worked at the Burj Al Arab Dubai and China World Summit Wing in Beijing, and was the winner of CCTV2’s Greatest Chef Cooking Show in 2013.

 

 

The Shenzhen Kitchen is a timeless yet contemporary all-day dining restaurant with an outdoor terrace, offering authentic specialties from China, India, Japan and Europe prepared in live open kitchens. The Lounge will be the perfect venue to meet friends or business contacts over a cup of tea, a glass of wine or a perfectly mixed cocktail accompanied by delicious local snacks. Afternoon tea will be served with live piano music accompaniment.

 

 

JW Marriott Hotel Shenzhen Bao’an promises to be a coveted destination for successful meetings, conferences, weddings and events. Ten multi-function venues offer 2,600sqm of cutting-edge meeting and banquet space. The highlight is the impressive 1,758sqm Grand Ballroom, which is the largest hotel ballroom in Shenzhen, featuring a striking ceiling with LED changing lighting, RCF line-array speakers, a private access elevator and spiral staircase, plus a specially designed lift capable of transporting cars and heavy props. The Grand Ballroom’s 500sqm Foyer with floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor terrace with exquisite bay views make it the perfect venue for cocktail receptions and private functions. Seven other fully equipped spaces ranging from 75sqm to 315sqm provide flexible venues for meetings, incentive events, seminars, product launches and social gatherings.

 

 

The 4,000-sqm WATERFALL Spa & Wellness offers an unforgettable spa experience and holistic wellness journeys in nine private spa suites, each with private steam rain-shower, Jacuzzi and dressing room. Wellness services for pregnant women will be a unique specialty at JW Marriott Hotel Shenzhen Bao’an, including pre- and post-natal yoga classes, professional pregnancy exercise coaching and spa massage treatments.

The 300-sqm high-tech fitness center provided a full range of premium fitness equipment by PRECOR, a leading commercial fitness brand. Facilities include PRECOR’S revolutionary new PREVA health and fitness program; a hot yoga studio, a 40-metre heated indoor infinity pool and a landscaped outdoor pool and terrace affording scenic views.

 

 

“We are very excited about the opening of this new JW Marriott hotel in Shenzhen. With our superb location, excellent facilities plus a talented and dedicated team, JW Marriott Hotel Shenzhen Bao’an promises to provide business travelers and leisure guests with truly memorable experiences each time they stay,” said Mr. Nicholas Tse, General Manager of JW Marriott Hotel Shenzhen Bao’an.

 

 

For more information, visit jwmarriottshenzhenbaoan.com.

The Institution of Engineers, Singapore (IES) Launches IES-SG50 Campaign to Commemorate Singapore’s 50th Birthday and Celebrate Engineers’ Nation-Building Contributions

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The Institution of Engineers, Singapore (IES) announced the launch of IES-SG50, an IES initiative to commemorate Singapore’s 50th birthday in 2015 and IES’ 50th anniversary in 2016, celebrate contributions by engineers to Singapore’s economic, infrastructural and societal development and 50 years of engineering achievements in Singapore.

Mr Lim Swee Say, NTUC Secretary-General and IES Honorary Fellow and Er. Chong Kee Sen, IES President, unveiled the IES-SG50 Golden Jubilee Logo, which will adorn all IES-SG50 collaterals and mementos, at the U Associate Convention 2015 today. Keynote speaker and IES Lifetime Engineering Achievement Award 2014 winner, Professor Lui Pao Chuen, kicked off the launch event delivering the first of a series of 50 engineering talks with an address providing insights into the future of engineering in Singapore.

 

5) logo

IES-SG50 Golden Jubilee Logo

To be held from January 2015 to July 2016, IES-SG50 comprises an entire line-up of exciting activities for the engineering community, students and the public. Its aim is to raise awareness of the work, prospects and contributions of engineers and to inspire more students to join the profession.

As part of the IES-SG50 campaign, IES will be producing the exclusively-minted IES-SG50 Golden Jubilee Medallion, which carries the IES logo on one side and the IES-SG50 Golden Jubilee logo on the other, to recognise the individual efforts of engineers towards society. The funds raised from the medallion will go towards the IES-SG50 Golden Jubilee Scholarship Fund, to support needy students with a passion for the engineering field.

IES will also organise an unprecedented series of 50 engineering talks, offering a rare opportunity for the public to go behind the scenes to gain a better picture of the work of engineers. The series will cover interesting topics such as the evolution of engineering in Singapore, the role of engineers in the nation’s growth and engineering education today.

Another key highlight of the campaign is a book entitled ‘50 Years of Engineering’, jointly produced by IES and World Scientific Publishing Company, that will feature the most significant engineering contributions to Singapore’s nation-building. The project is headed by Professor Cham Tao Soon, IES Honorary Fellow and IES Past President, as the Editor-in-Chief.

A U-Associate Partner of the Labour Movement, IES will be sponsoring three-year complimentary NTUC U Associate Memberships from April 2015 to March 2017 for IES members. IES members who qualify for the complimentary U-Associate Memberships will be eligible for subsidised professional development seminars, networking events and privileges with affiliated merchants. Members will also receive training vouchers worth $50 for courses conducted by the IES Academy.

Other IES-SG50 initiatives include the Engineering Feats @ SG50 competition to identify 50 engineering projects, via votes from Singaporeans, that have made economic and social impact to Singapore; and the contribution of Vantage Views II, a collection of the thoughts and perspectives on a wide range of contemporary issues by Er. Lim Soon Hock by donors to the IES Redevelopment Project to school libraries. IES-SG50 will culminate with the IES-SG50 Golden Jubilee Gala Dinner in July 2016.

“As Singapore reaches a significant milestone this year, it is opportune to honour engineers who have moulded our nation into the vibrant, thriving city it is today,” said Er. Chong. “IES-SG50 will not only celebrate the achievements of our pioneer engineers in the past five decades, it will also enable us to reach out to the next generation as we look towards Singapore’s next fifty years. As the national society of engineers, IES will continue our effort to create more platforms for them to unleash their full potential and work towards building Singapore’s future.”

At the launch seminar, Er. Chong joined Mr Chak Kong Soon, President of Singapore Computer Society; Mr Erman Tan, President of Singapore Human Resource Institute; Mr Gilbert Tan, CEO of Employment & Employability Institute (e2i) and Mr Kimmis Pun, President of Financial Planning Association of Singapore for a panel discussion on building winning professional associations of the future.

Which Market is the Most Expensive for Construction?

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Singapore — Hong Kong is the most expensive market in Asia for construction, followed by Macau and Singapore. Singapore has seen significant relative cost reductions over the last year and has moved down 5 places in the global ranking compared to the previous global ranking. Switzerland and Denmark overtook Hong Kong to become the top 2 most expensive markets in the world, according to the International Construction Costs Report released today by Arcadis.

The annual study, which benchmarks building costs in 43 markets across the globe, found that relative construction costs have been affected by currency fluctuations, commodity prices and increasing demand for development in some recovering economies. These changes have seen the relative cost of building in Asia markets decrease significantly compared to markets in other regions.

In contrast to last year’s index, European countries dominate the top ten. This is due, in part, to the ongoing economic recovery in the likes of Germany and France which is gradually translating into contractors demanding more for their services.  Meanwhile, currency devaluation in many emerging markets like India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam has caused the relative costs to drop considerably.

Alan Hearn, Head of Buildings Solutions, Asia, said: “Singapore saw strong growth throughout the year, driven by a combination of robust housing markets and high levels of infrastructure spend. For 2015, the growth rate for the construction cost is estimated to be 2 to 4 per cent.”

 

Asia Ranking Global Ranking Market Global Ranking Change from previous report Expected Cost Change in 2015 (%)
1 3 Hong Kong -2 6-8
2 11 Macau -6 N/A
3 14 Singapore -5 2-4
4 18 Japan -9 N/A
5 19 South Korea 3 1-1.5
6 31 China -1 2-3
7 35 Brunei -8 0-2
8 36 Philippines 1 4-6
9 38 Thailand 1 3-5
10 39 Malaysia 4 4-6
11 40 Indonesia 6 7-8
12 41 Taiwan N/A N/A
13 42 Vietnam 3 1-3
14 43 India 4 6-8

 

In China, the gradual shift to a consumption-based economy means that the huge growth in construction that we have witnessed over the last ten years is unlikely to continue in the long term. Elsewhere in Asia, construction markets had another strong year, particularly in Japan, where the stimulus associated with one of the three ‘arrows’ of Abenomics has had オンライン カジノ a significant impact.

 

Alan Hearn, continued: “In 2015, we expect construction investment in China to continue to diversify across both project types and geographies, which will sustain strong growth. Meanwhile, Malaysia has seen strong growth of late and this looks set to continue. As for emerging markets such as the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam and India, fluctuations in commodity and currency markets, along with wider economic trends, may also affect the ability of these markets to fund projects or attract PPP (Public Private Partnership) investment.”

 

The full report can be downloaded here: Arcadis International Cost Construction Report.

About Arcadis

ARCADIS is the leading global natural and built asset design & consultancy firm working in partnership with our clients to deliver exceptional and sustainable outcomes through the application of design, consultancy, engineering, project and management services. ARCADIS differentiates through its talented and passionate people and its unique combination of capabilities covering the whole asset life cycle, its deep market sector insights and its ability to integrate health & safety and sustainability into the design and delivery of solutions across the globe. We are 28,000 people that generate €3 billion in revenues. We support UN-Habitat with knowledge and expertise to improve the quality of life in rapidly growing cities around the world. Please visit: www.arcadis.com

Turkey’s Tallest Structure Relies on Platform SCP for Faster Construction

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Project : Skyland Office Tower, Istanbul / Turkey

"Skyland – All-in-One at the Heart of Istanbul": at 284 m height each, the Skyland Office Tower (image r.) and Residence Tower will be Turkey's tallest buildings upon completion. Photo: Eroğlu

“Skyland – All-in-One at the Heart of Istanbul”: at 284 m height each, the Skyland Office Tower (image r.) and Residence Tower will be Turkey’s tallest buildings upon completion.
Photo: Eroğlu

Scheduled to reach 284 m height upon completion, construction of the Skyland Office Tower under way in the heart of Istanbul Building contractor of what will be Turkey’s tallest structure selected Doka’s Platform SCP for construction. Known to provide a significant edge when going head-to-head against other systems available in the market, the highrise-core forming machine ensures rapid construction progress. Doka also provides protection screen Xclimb 60 for both, the Skyland Office and Residence Towers.

Istanbul / Turkey — A new project of superlatives under the slogan “All-in-One at the Heart of Istanbul” is creating a buzz in the Turkish metropolis. Builder Eroğlu selected the evocative name “Skyland” for his three skyscrapers: at 284 m height each, the Skyland Office and Residence Towers will be Turkey’s tallest buildings upon completion. The Skyland Hotel completes the highrise-triad designed to meet the requirements of modern living, working and playing in the European part of the city that is home to millions.

Formwork technology is also expected to live up to all demands with respect to speed and safety during the construction process. For this reason, the building contractor Alcen decided on a global leader among formwork suppliers for erecting the Skyland Office Tower: Doka.
Best engineering solution wins out.
The challenge presented by the office tower in terms of formwork technology is twofold: For one, the architects decided on a triangular ground plan and therefore also building core. For another, the risk of earthquakes in Istanbul presents special challenges related to static engineering. Thus, lower level walls are 1.5 m thick, at 100 m they measure 1.1 m, with the wall thickness reduced to 60 cm in the final storeys. Additional stability is created thanks to monolithic construction, where walls and floors are reinforced in one go. Given these demands, Doka’s sophisticated formwork concept and the self-climbing Platform SCP came in ahead of the competition. “We got introduced to this system during the Ağaoğlu Maslak 1453 project; now we are using it to erect the entire primary core of this skyscraper. Doka submitted a better engineering solution”, so Alcen Owner Alparslan Sabanci: “The head-to-head comparison proves us right. The construction progress shows that we made the right decision when selecting the Platform SCP.” As the Skyland Office Tower is continuing to grow taller, the adjacent Skyland Residence Tower built with an alternative commercial system available in the market, is noticeably lagging behind.
Optimised platform for highrise cores.
Doka’s self-climbing Platform SCP is virtually predestined to meet these challenges. Any ground plan can be formed quickly and flexibly with the new version of this modular highrise core forming machine. A few high-performing hydraulic cylinders raise the wall formwork – in this case Doka’s large-area formwork Top 50 – along with the working platform in one lift to the next casting section. With its newly developed lifting unit, the Platform SCP now adapts even more flexibly to complex layouts. As well as anchoring the lifting units to the structure on both sides (like in shafts), there is also an extended solution which makes it possible to transfer the forces on one side only. This makes it easy to use the system where there would not otherwise be enough walls, or where there are openings in the opposite walls.

In order to even further optimize and accelerate the construction progress, Doka experts pulled out all the stops during planning and divided the forming jobs between two platforms. They can therefore be climbed independent of each other to the next casting section and add more flexibility to the processes. Thus, the planned weekly cycle is within close reach.

Safety is the deciding factor.
Apart from that, the self-climbing Platform SCP offers a high level of safety on the entire site. The all-round enclosure of working surfaces allows work to take place safely and unaffected by weather conditions. Giant platform surfaces are ideal for depositing reinforcement and site equipment.

It is not only the building core that benefits from Doka’s safety systems. The building contractors put their trust in the protection screen Xclimb 60 with trapezoidal sheet enclosure at both, the Skyland Office Tower and the Residence Tower. This flexible enclosure for all highrise projects consists of a hydraulically climbed system that can also be quickly repositioned by crane if sufficient crane capacity is available. Protection screens can be dimensioned very flexibly, permitting last-centimetre adjustment to any layout. This Doka System ensures safe working conditions at any height on 15 tower constructions in Istanbul.

Doka Formwork Instructors deployed on the construction site see to it that the Platform SCP is assembled properly and the construction crew receive instruction. Formwork planning was executed by Competence Center Highrise experts at Doka Headquarters in Austria in cooperation with the engineering team of Doka Turkey.

Project Facts:

Skyland Office Tower
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Builder: Eroğlu
Construction company: Alcen
Construction start: 2013
Scheduled completion: 2016
Type of structure: Office building
Height of structure: 284 m
Storeys: 65 + 5 basement levels
Used: Products: Platform SCP, Large-area formwork Top 50, Column formwork Top 50, Protection screen Xclimb 60, Framed formwork Framax Xlife
Services: Formwork planning, Competence Center Highrise, Formwork Instructor

 

KONE expands in East Malaysia with new Sabah office

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KONE, a global leader in the elevator and escalator industry, recently opened a new branch office in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. This latest investment in Malaysia is to enhance the service level to its existing customer’s base and poises itself for growth in the East Malaysia.

KONE’s Malaysia operations, KONE Elevators (M) Sdn Bhd., wholly owned by KONE Corporation in Finland, has its new branch office situated at Cybersquare Commercial Centre, Kota Kinabalu.

“With increasing foreign and domestic investments, developments in East Malaysia is growing in tandem with the other states in the country and this expansion enables us to better serve and meet the needs of existing and new customers,” says Mr. Lim Chong Hoe, Managing Director, KONE Elevators (M) Sdn Bhd.

KONE’s innovative people flow solutions, best-in-class energy efficiency elevators offerings and People Flow Intelligence solutions like the destination operating panel, enhance the user experiences, contributing to development of smarter cities and buildings.

In June 2014, KONE Malaysia was awarded the contract to supply elevators, escalators and KONE People Flow Intelligence solutions including KONE highly innovative Destination Control System to KL118 Tower (Warisan Merdeka), a 118-storey mixed use tower developed by PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn Bhd in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. KL118 is expected to be the tallest building in Malaysia upon its completion. KONE is also the provider of people flow solutions for Hatten City, a mixed-use development in Malacca, Malaysia. Its residential tower, Silverscape is among one of the highest building in the State of Malacca.

KONE has operated in the Malaysia since 1985 and acquired Fuji Lift & Escalator in 2006. Today, KONE is one of the fastest growing elevator and escalator companies in the Malaysia. Globally, KONE has over 1,000 offices in some 50 countries.