Tag Archive for: Construction

You are here: / / Construction

Posts

Linesight’s Commodity Report sees material prices for Singapore’s construction sector to stay at record high levels

/in /by
Reading Time: 2 minutes

Linesight, a global construction consultancy firm, sees construction commodity prices in Singapore to remain at record high levels in 2022, as the  construction sector deals with inflation, high material costs, and shortage of skilled labour.  By the end of this year, Linesight expects that real construction output will surpass its pre pandemic level. The findings are part of Linesight’s 2021 fourth-quarter Commodity Report  and price forecast. 

Metal prices, which include copper, steel rebar, and flat steel are expected to ease slightly  quarter-to-quarter between Q4 2021 and Q1 2022. Owing to higher prices in 2021,  construction companies working on Housing and Development Board (HDB) projects have  been given more support in the form of protected prices for steel, but an improvement in  the global supply-demand balance will support a steady easing of prices in 2022.  

Copper prices spiked at a 50.1% year-on-year increase between 2020 and 2021 and will  remain relatively high moving into 2022 albeit is expected to ease somewhat at a 2.2%  reduction from Q4 2021 to Q1 2022, assuming a recovery in production levels and a  normalisation of the supply chain. On the other hand, prices of cement concrete, lumber,  bricks, and plasterboard are expected to increase marginally from Q4 2021 to Q1 2022 due  to increasing raw material and conveyance costs.  

Lumber prices in Singapore continued to rise over Q4 2021, and although upward pressures  will ease, the ongoing recovery in residential construction will keep prices relatively high in  the coming quarters.  

Michael Murphy, Director at Linesight Singapore, said: “Building material prices have soared  in 2021 and it will stay at high levels in 2022. It will take at least another year, which is in  early 2023, before we see prices of building materials stabilises to pre-COVID levels. This  means that new construction and renovation projects – be it commercial or residential – will  remain higher than those experienced pre-2020. A big reason building material cost more  these days is that supply chains were disrupted during the pandemic. Those supply chains  now need to catch up with demand and we are seeing concerted effort by stakeholders – material producers, port operators, transporters, and government agencies – to clear the  backlog of supplies. Once that happens, the cost of building material could start to decline.” 

Real construction output is expected to reach US$18.4 billion in 2022, and US$19.4 billion in  2023, a year-on-year increase of 15.4% and 5.6% respectively. Meanwhile, Singapore was  ranked 14th globally in terms of ease of doing business, demonstrating a conducive regulatory  environment for business operations. 

The price for metal, lumber, and other building materials rose sharply in 2021, affecting most  international cities across Asia Pacific, and the record high costs will stay for the rest of 2022. 

To read the full report, you can access it here 

Raffles City Chongqing Topping Out

CapitaLand Marks Topping Out of Raffles City Chongqing with Structural Completion of One of the World’s Highest Sky Bridges

/in , /by
Reading Time: 3 minutes

CapitaLand has successfully topped out the eighth and final skyscraper of Raffles City Chongqing as the Group enters the final lap of preparation works to open the highly anticipated 1.12-million-square-metre megastructure in the second half of 2019. This achievement follows the structural completion of the development’s 250-metre-high sky bridge – The Crystal, which enjoys the distinction as the world’s highest sky bridge linking six of Raffles City Chongqing’s eight skyscrapers.

Raffles City Chongqing Topping OutMr Lucas Loh, President (China & Investment Management), CapitaLand Group, said: “The successful topping out of Raffles City Chongqing represents a new milestone in CapitaLand’s track record of building well-designed integrated spaces. Upon Raffles City Chongqing’s structural completion, we are now focusing on the interior fit-out works, including transplanting trees to enliven The Crystal sky bridge, which will feature the tallest observation deck across Western China. Positioned as a must-visit destination for local residents as well as domestic and overseas travellers, Raffles City Chongqing has been garnering strong response from our customers.”

To date, Raffles City Chongqing has launched three residential towers with a total of 772 units, out of which 72 percent have been sold. The development’s five-storey shopping mall will house some 450 retailers offering a great variety of fashion, dining, lifestyle and entertainment options. We will continue to engage homebuyers, retailers and companies who are keen to be a part of this prestigious development.”

Anchor retail tenants committed to date include Chinese electric vehicle company NIO, which will open its largest NIO House in Chongqing at Raffles City. More than just a showroom, the 1,500-sq m NIO House also serves as an exclusive clubhouse for NIO car owners. Leading movie theatre chain CGV will operate its national flagship at Raffles City Chongqing. Spanning a massive 5,600 square metres, the multiplex will feature state-of-the-art screens with superior sound quality.

Popular bookstore chain Yanjiyou will open a regional flagship at the mall, packed with a lifestyle café and other creative and experiential offerings catering to bibliophiles. In addition, well-known purveyor of fine foods Ole’ will operate a gourmet supermarket with a food hall serving a wide range of fresh produce and international specialties.Raffles City Chongqing Topping Out

Fulfilling its role as an advocate of Chongqing’s rich local culture with more than 3,000 years of history, the mall will feature a dedicated zone to promote authentic Made in Chongqing products such as local delicacies, handicrafts and souvenirs. This is in line with the wishes of local residents, who provided enthusiastic feedback about the development during the popular preview tours conducted by the Raffles City Chongqing project team.

Occupying 9.2 hectares of site area, Raffles City Chongqing brings together a 235,000-square-metres shopping mall, 150,000 square metres of Grade A office space, about 1,400 residential apartments, Ascott Raffles City Chongqing serviced residence and InterContinental Raffles City Chongqing hotel. It has a total construction floor area of 1.12 million sq m and gross floor area (excluding car park) of about 817,000 square metres. The development is strategically located on Chaotianmen at the confluence of Yangtze and Jialing rivers in Yuzhong District. It is also sited at the nexus of three Central Business Districts, namely Jiefangbei, Jiangbeizui and Danzishi.

Raffles City Chongqing comprises eight skyscrapers. Two of these are 350-metre-high supertall skyscrapers known as Chongqing’s tallest buildings; one of which also holds the honour of China’s tallest residential tower. The other six skyscrapers are about 250 metres tall each. Known as Raffles City Chongqing’s ninth “horizontal skyscraper”, The Crystal is an enclosed sky bridge nestled above four of the 250-metres-tall skyscrapers and links two adjacent skyscrapers by cantilevered bridges. Measuring 300 metres in length, 32.5 metres in width and 26.5 metres in height, it is the world’s highest sky bridge linking the most number of towers. Designed by world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie, Raffles City Chongqing’s form is inspired by the historic images of great Chinese sailing vessels and pays tribute to Chongqing’s noble past as a trading centre.

Raffles City Chongqing has received an Honourable Distinction for the China Tall Building Innovation Award. It is also Chongqing city’s largest development to be accorded the LEED-CS pre-certification (Gold Level) by the United States Green Building Council, which recognises best-in-class building strategies and practices.

Grundfos Launches New CR Product That Achieves New Efficiency Heights

/in , , /by
Reading Time: 2 minutes

Pump manufacturer Grundfos has launched its new generation of CR pumps – which exceeds current energy efficiency limits for multi-stage in-line pumps. Grundfos’ renowned range of CR pumps are the world’s first vertical multistage centrifugal inline pumps, which line up pump pressure and pump suction port in a straight pipe.

The centrifugal CR pumps can transport corrosive, hot, and high-pressure liquids used across various applications including water supply, water treatment and almost all industrial solutions.

The new generation of Grundfos CR pumps introduces three new flow sizes (CR95, 125 and 155) and increases the maximum water flow to 220 cubic metre per hour.

Gary Flanagan, Regional Product Manager – Multistage, Grundfos Asia Pacific Region said the pump manufacturer is dedicated to continuous development and innovation to ensure that this new generation of CR pumps is meeting the evolving needs of industries in Asia and globally.

“The world has changed in many ways since the CR was first introduced many years ago. But our drive to set new standards for our customers has always remained the same. That is why we are so proud to announce the launch of this new generation of Grundfos CR pumps.

“Today, our new CR pump design features a full range of sizes and literally millions of customised solutions to suit the specific needs of companies and engineers.”

Based on extensive research, development and testing of new hydraulic designs, the CR pump is engineered using state-of-the-art production methods – including a fully automated and flexible production line.

Gary Flanagan added, “As industries in Asia expand to meet the growing consumption demand of the region, they need to take a smarter manufacturing approach to make sure their industrial processes are able to produce more with less, while reducing energy consumption and limiting their carbon footprint.

“Sustainability is a very important part of Grundfos’ DNA and we aim to create cleaner and more energy efficient technologies to help our customers reduce their carbon emissions, in line with the Paris Agreement commitments.”

Multivista and Procore Announce Partnership

/in , , , /by
Reading Time: 2 minutes

Multivista, a leading global provider of documentation and software services for the construction industry, recently announced a partnership with Procore, a leading provider of cloud-based apps for construction.

Through an advanced integration, users of both services can immediately attach and reference Multivista-captured visual data to perform critical project functions within Procore.

“We’re excited to launch the Multivista integration to all users on our Procore App Marketplace,” said Laura Paciano, Senior Manager, Partner Programs, at Procore. “With this integration we are providing direct access to critical information that will allow Procore users to deliver quality projects, safely, on-time, and within budget.”

Desktop, tablet, and mobile functionality included
The complimentary integration directly enables more robust and efficient processes for Procore and Multivista users. By leveraging comprehensive as-built project photo and webcam feeds, provided by Multivista, users can quickly respond to RFIs and change orders on Procore. Additionally, project teams in the field can use the visual data to quickly complete quality and safety items, like daily logs, observations and punch lists.

The partnership enhances workflows for the entire team, from the field to the board room, through all phases of construction. “An RFI that previously would have required a costly site visit and taken days or weeks to respond to can now be handled in minutes,” says Russ Bollig, Multivista’s Product Manager responsible for the integration. “Users just select a relevant photo from their Multivista database, click the new ‘Add to Procore’ button, and the image, precise location, and any comments they include appear in their Procore RFI within seconds.”

For maximum workflow efficiency, Multivista and Procore developers have ensured the functionality of this integration is the same on both the desktop and mobile versions of their respective platforms.

IDS Georadar Unveils Ground-Penetrating Radar to See Through Concrete Structures Before Beginning Work

/in , , , /by
Reading Time: < 1 minute

IDS GeoRadar, a leading provider of multi-frequency, multi-channel Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and interferometric technology solutions worldwide, today launched C-thrue, a radar-based technology solution specifically developed to support construction and service companies as well as civil and structural engineers to locate rebars, voids, post-tension cables, cavities, conduits and any other objects buried in the structure before cutting or drilling into the concrete.

The solution is suited for all construction sites and operations including building renovation, overpasses, bridges and tunnels surveys, as well as for detailed analysis of the original engineering project and comparison with the as-built structure.

The C-thrue software enables visualisation of 3D images to simplify data interpretation. Rebar/void automatic insight capabilities improve safety before cutting or drilling into the surveyed structure. The system also features augmented reality for data visualisation and sharing across operators – in real time or intervals after acquisition.

Data displayed on the C-thrue’s multi-touch display are not obscured by the handle and clearly displayed, highly increasing interaction with the product and overall user experience.

“C-thrue provides clearer, faster detection of both first and second levels of rebars. An automatic positioning and navigation system for assisted data acquisition supports users, eliminating the need for manual, error-prone paper grids, and further increasing data accuracy. As a result, their daily surveys become easier and more productive,” said Paolo Papeschi, manager of the IDS GeoRadar GEO business unit.

KLRCA Becomes First Arbitral Institution to Launch Standard Form Building Contracts

/in , , /by
Reading Time: 3 minutes

The Standard Form of Contracts (SFC) is aimed at filling the gaps of existing standard form building contracts.

The Kuala Lumpur Regional Centre for Arbitration (KLRCA) launched its suite of Standard Form of Building Contracts on August 15, 2017 at the Majestic Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. Its Standard Form of Contracts (SFC) is a suite of standard form contracts inspired by the prevalent issues plaguing the Malaysian construction industry. It is aimed at filling the gaps of existing standard form building contracts in governing relationships, rights and duties of parties to a building construction project.

KLRCA’s SFC is Malaysia’s first ever CIPAA-compliant suite of building contracts and contains more mechanisms for parties to resolve disputes and deadlocks including mediation, encouraging parties to continue work despite disputes, while preserving parties’ rights till completion –making continuity of works and working relationships its highest priorities. KLRCA is the first arbitral institution in the world to launch a suite of this kind – it is suitable for all building construction projects in Malaysia, which will be customisable and complimentary.

The half-day event commenced with remarks by the Director of the KLRCA, Datuk Professor Sundra Rajoo and presentations on the Introduction to the Contracts, Advantages of the Contracts and Key Features of the Contracts Website. Key industry players comprising architects, lawyers, quantity surveyors, contractors, property developers, engineers nationwide were in attendance to witness this monumental milestone.

At the launch, Datuk Professor Sundra Rajoo touched on KLRCA’s existing relationship with the construction industry. “The players of the construction industry have already benefited from the efficient dispute resolution processes and acknowledge our continuous efforts to further tailor the legal framework to their needs. There is no better illustration than our recent statistics; as of today, we have more than 1100 registered cases (as compared to 22 cases in 2010),” he said.

He acknowledged the issues surrounding the construction industry in Malaysia and added, “Although the numbers are impressive, the problem runs deeper – and rather than just hacking at the leaves it would be better to dig at the roots instead. We have come to realise that the problem goes beyond simple payment issues and stems from the contracts used by the parties.”

Honourable Azalina Othman Said backed the need for the SFC.

Offering KLRCA’s SFC as solution to these issues, he explained, “KLRCA’s SFC were engineered in a way to become a hybrid that bridges and fills the gaps of local and foreign standard form contracts with due consideration given to current laws and judicial precedents impacting the Malaysian construction industry while simultaneously maintaining a recognisable model.”

Gracing the launch was the Honourable Azalina Othman Said, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department. The Minister backed the need for KLRCA’s SFC in stating, “In the short space of just three months, led by the Government of Malaysia’s vision of improving the nation’s construction industry, Datuk Professor Sundra Rajoo and his KLRCA team together with a line-up of dedicated industry experts making up the advisory committee embarked on a tedious and arduous journey to produce a more complete, refined and easy to use suite of Standard Form of Building Contracts; the ‘KLRCA Standard Form of Contracts (SFC).”

“While several Standard Form of Building Contracts already exist in the market today, there remain noticeable gaps that require addressing and bridging. KLRCA saw the need to address this. The role of an ADR Centre has gone beyond the days of just merely resolving disputes. It now also extends to dispute avoidance,” she said.

More than 600 participants of the various disciplines involved in the construction industry and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) scene were gathered in Kuala Lumpur to attend the long-awaited launch, which introduced a solution to the myriad of challenges faced throughout the nation’s construction industry to pave the way to a truly effective and comprehensive regime.

The Malaysia-centric contracts will be tweaked in the coming months to meet and suit international standards for projects outside Malaysia. KLRCA’s SFC is the Centre’s second significant product launch for the year 2017. It was only in May, during the Kuala Lumpur International ADR Week (KLIAW) 2017 that the Centre introduced its 2017 Arbitration Rules. Included in the new rules were many new provisions to ensure expeditious and cost-effective administration of arbitration proceedings.

Sustainability Stays at Top of the Agenda for Construction

/in , , /by
Reading Time: < 1 minute

Over 250 industry executives from across the industry including contractors, surveyors, civil engineers and architects from across the industry contributed to the survey results, captured in a new report Trend Insights: Sustainability in Construction.

74 percent of respondents put sustainability at the forefront of the global construction industry. The report reveals that growth of sustainable construction is viewed as inevitable, with client demand the main driver among contractors, followed by internal company policy and targets. Contractors offering the most sophisticated range of sustainable services will be ideally positioned to benefit.

Currently cost and lack of government support are perceived to be the key obstacles to growth in the sustainable sector; however 85 percent of respondents thought that sustainable construction methods should be used despite the increase to the cost of projects. Key report findings include:

  • 68 percent of contractors report a growth in demand for sustainable methods from clients in the last five years.
  • 85 percent stated that sustainable construction methods should be used despite the increase in cost of projects
  • 64 percent of contractors stated that sustainable construction capabilities are now very important or important when competing for clients
  • 72 percent of contractors in the survey were members of a sustainable business group or a green certification body

The full report, titled as “Trend Insight: Sustainability”, is available from timetricreports.com.

Navigant Names New Leader of Global Construction Practice in APAC

/in , /by
Reading Time: < 1 minute

Jon Prudhoe, Managing Director. Image courtesy of Navigant.

Navigant, a specialised, global professional services firm, announced on May 16, 2017 that Jon Prudhoe, managing director, will assume leadership responsibility for the Asia Pacific region of Navigant’s Global Construction practice. As a result of the appointment, Jon will now be a member of the practice’s leadership team.

Prudhoe is one of the few experts worldwide equally capable of opining on matters of both delay and quantum. Based in Singapore for the past 16 years, he has been appointed as an expert witness on many of the region’s largest and most complex disputes. Jon will continue to actively deliver expert and advisory services to our global clientele in the building, civil engineering, infrastructure, transportation, petrochemical, utility, shipbuilding, and on and offshore oil and gas sectors.

“Jon is a key asset in the marketplace and we are fortunate to have his assistance in our collective effort to grow the practice for the benefit of our clients,” said Darin L. Buchalter, managing director and leader of Navigant’s Global Construction practice.

Navigant’s Global Construction practice offers expert and advisory services that address execution risks throughout the lifecycle of capital investment and strive for the best possible outcomes for contractors, owners, architects and engineers, insurers, investors, lenders and their counsel.

Singapore Construction Productivity Week 2017

/in /by

Attend the Singapore Construction Productivity Week (SCPW) and get ideas on the latest productive technologies you can adopt to grow your business and stay ahead of technological advancements. With more than 20 events lined up, including the new ProTech live demo showcasing prefabrication of MEP modules and Good Quality Practices Workshop, be treated to an engaging experience while learning about the latest innovations and best practices from international and local industry experts.

 

Visit www.scpw.sg for more information.

Buildtech Yangon 2017 Goes Green with Special Focus on Quality Finishes

/in , , , /by
Reading Time: 4 minutes
BuildTech Yangon is Myanmar’s leading trade exhibition platform for the construction and development sector.

BuildTech Yangon is Myanmar’s leading trade exhibition platform for the construction and development sector.

The latest in green building technologies as well as quality and interior finishings are some of the key features at the 4th edition of BuildTech Yangon, Myanmar’s leading trade exhibition platform serving the fast-growing construction and development sector. Held at the Myanmar Convention Centre from 18 to 20 May, this highly anticipated trade show will bring together 4,000 visitors and 80 exhibiting brands from across the world in an expansive 10,000-square-metre space.

Organised by Sphere Exhibits, a subsidiary of Singapore Press Holdings (SPH), and co-organised by the Myanmar Construction Entrepreneurs Association (MCEA), leading companies from China, India, Italy, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand will showcase the latest equipment, machinery and solutions in a wide selection of exhibits catering to the construction, machinery, building materials and mechanical engineering segments.

According to BMI Research, the Asia construction sector’s growth is expected to hit 5.3 percent this year, with growth in emerging and frontier South and Southeast Asian markets, supporting the soft demand in China and many developed countries. Increased efforts by governments to encourage private participation in infrastructure projects will also boost the sector, with Myanmar being one of the brightest spots for construction in the world.

U Tha Htay, President of Myanmar Construction Entrepreneurs Association (MCEA), said, “Myanmar’s construction industry is forecasted to grow at an annual average rate of 10.37 percent over the next five years, with a total worth of US$13.5 billion by 2020. This is driven by the government’s commitment to updating essential services and infrastructure, and providing better housing as the country re-engages the international community and the global marketplace.”

“This presents a tremendous opportunity for companies looking to participate in Myanmar’s growth and BuildTech Yangon 2017 provides an ideal platform in Yangon where international firms can meet the important decision makers driving Myanmar’s building boom.”

Myanmar’s Growing Focus on Green Buildings and Sustainability
2017 will also see the launch of the inaugural Green Building Conference which will bring together keynote speakers and thought leaders such as Tai Lee Siang, Chair of the World Green Building Council as well as subject matter experts from Myanmar and around the world.

Dr. Swe Swe Aye, Chairman of the Green Building Committee, Building Engineers Institute of Myanmar and co-organiser of the Green Building Conference, said: “As Yangon’s construction activity continues to expand, there is a desire by developers, government agencies and the public to build buildings and facilities that are able to leverage new thinking for green building technologies and materials to be better for the environment and the people who work, live and play in them. The Green Building Conference is a good opportunity for learning new ideas and technologies and I look forward to learning and exchanging experiences and knowledge with many experts and practitioners who will be attending.”

This highly anticipated trade show will bring together 4,000 visitors and 80 exhibiting brands from across the world.

This highly anticipated trade show will bring together 4,000 visitors and 80 exhibiting brands from across the world.

Mr. Chua Wee Phong, Chairman of Sphere Exhibits Pte Ltd, said, “Sustainable and green development is key to the construction industry as we help create homes and work spaces for the growing urban population. It plays an essential role in building a vibrant, creative and productive city – by ensuring healthy living and reducing the impact on the environment. As the leading trade show in Myanmar for the construction sector, we believe that BuildTech Yangon 2017 has an important role in sharing the best practices and knowledge from green developments around the world as an extension to its ongoing efforts supporting the development of Yangon as a mega city.”

Recognising Innovators and Leaders of the Construction Industry
This year, a special brick laying competition will be introduced to the trade floor. This project is open to construction companies and will showcase a live assembly of a set prototype of a model building.

MCEA will also be hosting its annual Gala on the 19 May, where a select group of delegates and luminaries of the construction sector will come together to network and celebrate the achievements of their peers in the 3rd Construction Entrepreneur Awards.

The Awards were conceptualised to recognise the best and brightest of construction professionals who have succeeded in raising local standards and skills, and in incorporating the latest construction technologies into the entire ecosystem. Sphere Exhibits & MCEA will jointly award four main awards: Best Contractor Awards, Best Project Awards, Individual Awards and Builder of the Year Awards.

This year's exhibition will showcase the latest in equipment, machinery and solutions.

This year’s exhibition will showcase the latest in equipment, machinery and solutions.

BuildTech Yangon 2017 is supported by the Association of Myanmar Architects, International Facilities Management Association, Singapore Chapter, Italian Chamber of Commerce (Singapore) Green Building Committee, Building Engineers Institute of Myanmar, Myanmar Engineering Council, Myanmar Engineering Society, Myanmar Industries Association, Malaysia Heavy Construction Equipment Owners Association, Master Builders Association Malaysia;; Malaysia Timber Council, Singapore Business Federation, Singapore Green Building Council, Singapore Institute of Building Limited, Vietnam Building Ceramic Association, Vietnam Electronic Industries Association and the Vietnam Federation of Civil Engineering Association and WSH (Asia).

Visitors can click here to pre-register before May 9, 2017 to attend the trade show or the Green Building Conference. Delegates attending the conference are entitled to continuing industry development points by the Myanmar Engineering Council.

For more information, click HERE.

Events

Nothing Found

Sorry, no posts matched your criteria