Posts

Clover and Dime Pte Ltd Launch Panopedia Platform for the Creation of Virtual Property Tours

/in , /by
Reading Time: 3 minutes

Panopedia, by Clover and Dime Pte Ltd, announces the go-to- market launch of its revolutionary platform for property owners, real estate agents and anyone with a space to promote. Developed in mid-2016, and insidiously adopted by tech and marketing- savvy property agents, Panopedia has to date, amassed a total of 6,000 virtual tours of various properties on its portal, making it the world’s largest single repository of PanoTours.

Created as a hobby project with a “why not” from its young developers, the Clover and Dime team took the cool factors associated with anything virtual, anything 360 and anything immersive and combined them into a quirky, but eventually useful tool.

To their surprise, they found ready users and even investors at an early stage, willing to buy over the software and its rights from them. The team finally decided on the name Panopedia once they saw the global potential of their creation.

“Panopedia was coined because we realised that we could become like the encyclopedia of panoramic videos. This definition is so new that it’s not even in the dictionary! At Panopedia, we provide a panoramic, 360 view of the space, making it more realistic and easier for people to visualize the actual space for their needs. In any case, we managed to marry many cool things to create a tangible product that seems to be much sought after in the property industry!” enthuses Randy Png, founder and main developer of Panopedia.

With the many offers to buy over his company, Randy realised that the company could set its sights on something bigger. “Panopedia’s goal right now, is to create a lively, almost living portal, where property can be viewed in as close to their realistic states as possible, and even purchased. This factor alone helps property seekers filter out the unsuitable ones and allows both property agents and property buyers to save time. What you see is almost what you will get, give and take technical limitations,” explains Randy. “More importantly, we save the most expensive premium of all – time – and this helps agents be more productive.”

Panopedia also promotes itself as a marketing tool, to be used by savvy agents and property owners, to present their properties in a more engaging manner. To introduce its functionality as a marketing tool for F&B outlets, Panopedia has tied up with the Dine At Stevens enclave of 11 outlets, and CHUG, the drinking app, to help its F&B merchants create 360 videos of their premises which they may use to promote their venues for corporate events and functions.

“I believe that we can help businesses market themselves better by providing them easy-to-use and inexpensive tools like Panopedia. Technology can help them improve on their bottom line, and be more profitable as a whole,” says Randy, referring to businesses in the F&B and retail industries, notorious for the short runway for shops to turn a profit and stay in business.

Indeed, it is this helpful attitude that has Panopedia to set its pricing a really affordable rates. Panopedia may be accessed through a monthly subscription plan, of which there are 3 tiers, from S$8 per month for five PanoTours to S$19 a month for up to 25 PanoTours and S$25 a month for 100 PanoTours. Visit the website for more information.

Lendlease Recognised For Health And Safety Efforts at WSH Awards 2018

/in /by
Reading Time: 2 minutes

Lendlease continues to be recognised for its exemplary health & safety efforts at the Workplace Safety & Health Council’s Workplace Safety & Health (WSH) Awards 2018. For the third consecutive year, Lendlease’s Retail business is being awarded the WSH Performance (Silver) award. Two construction projects undertaken by Lendlease are also receiving the Safety and Health Award Recognition for Projects (SHARP).

Lendlease’s Retail business manages the malls 313@somerset, Jem and Parkway Parade. While not a sector traditionally associated with workplace safety, Lendlease-managed malls have gone the distance to implement initiatives to keep shoppers safe. For example, the malls’ operations teams regularly engage tenants to raise awareness on fire safety, as well as work with WSHC to bring retailers onboard the bizSAFE journey.

Lendlease’s Head of Environment, Health & Safety, Assurance, Reggie Lim, “We believe everyone has the right to go home safely to their loved ones at the end of the day. As a developer, builder and asset manager, we embrace a proactive and holistic approach to managing risks in relation to design, construction, facilities management and asset management. This includes working closely with all stakeholders within the property value chain to create places with safety as a top priority.”

The two SHARP awards are in recognition of Lendlease’s delivery of two projects for biotech giant Amgen – construction of its Next-Gen Workplace building and expansion of an existing manufacturing facility. Lendlease provided engineering, and project and construction management services on the projects.

Mr Lim added, “As part of our operating culture, Safety, Quality and Excellence in delivery go hand-in-hand. Through the use of integrated digital delivery and tools such as BIM (Building Information Modelling) for design coordination, documentation and sequencing, we are able to improve construction, safety and quality outcomes on projects. Another focal area is workplace traffic safety management, where we put in robust measures to segregate vehicles and pedestrians and keep pedestrians safe on our projects.”

HOIANA Integrated Resort Set to Boost Economic Development in Central Vietnam

/in , , /by
Reading Time: 2 minutes

Central Vietnam is fast emerging as the new hot tourist destination in Asia, and its position as a ‘must visit’ destination will be further cemented with the opening of HOIANA in 2019, Vietnam’s first world-class integrated resort (IR). Located between Danang, Vietnam’s third-largest city, and Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site, HOIANA, the giant US$4 billion venture on the outskirts of Hoi An, is now set to join the IR club, with the first phase scheduled to open in 2019.

The opening will be headlined by a world-class casino, an ultra-luxury Rosewood Hotels & Resorts®, a 445-room hotel and 200 buy-to-let condos; and a championship golf course-country club by Robert Trent Jones II. Recreational facilities will include a beach club and entertainment venue for live shows and events, water sports and dive centre, and a promenade packed with bars and restaurants.

Over the next 10 to 15 years, HOIANA’s master development plan envisages a host of complementary tourism and leisure-related projects through subsequent development phases. The ultimate vision is a thriving township of hotels, residential and lifestyle zones, trendy beachfront village, convention centre, hospitality training college, water sports hub, and a giant lagoon for safe year-round swimming. It is estimated that Phase One will create 2,000 jobs for local residents.

“HOIANA is set to rank among Asia’s most renowned resort destinations, offering a self-contained world of entertainment, leisure, pleasure and luxury lifestyle,” says HOIANA’s Head of Business Development, Ms Amy Do. “This unrivalled, world class integrated resort and leisure playground will set a new benchmark for high-end tourism in Vietnam, bringing economic prosperity and opportunity to Quang Nam province.”

The developers have committed to establishing a hospitality school that will train employees not only for HOIANA, but other tourism businesses in this growing region.

“HOIANA is set to be destination for visitors and residents alike. Beyond directly creating thousands of jobs, HOIANA will play an important role in supporting businesses in the community. This development is truly a game changer for the central Vietnam region,” concluded Ms. Do.

SolarPVExchange to Power Cambodia’s First Eco-Friendly Condominium

/in , , , /by
Reading Time: 3 minutes

SolarPVExchange, a subsidiary of Sunseap group, Singapore’s leading clean energy provider, announced today that it has signed an agreement with Spring CJW Development Pte Ltd to build a solar photovoltaic (PV) system which will help power up its first eco-friendly residential development in Phnom Penh. Under the deal, SolarPVExchange will design and construct a 200 kilowatt-peak solar photovoltaic (PV) system across the rooftops of the condominium’s eight blocks of residential units.

The solar PV system will generate enough clean energy at its peak capacity to power Axis Residences’ communal facilities including its huge indoor gym, four swimming pools, multi-purpose rooms, games room and lounge. It will also help the condominium to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by the equivalent of planting 3,222 trees a year.

That amount of energy, for example, can power 14 air conditioning units to cool down Axis Residences’ gym, multi-purpose rooms, children’s playroom and facilities. Alternatively, it can power up to 111 water pumps for the developments’ swimming pools, and supply water into the homes of its residents.

Mr Rob Khoo, SolarPVExchange’s Managing Director, said: “We are pleased to partner Spring CJW in providing solar power for its first residential project in Cambodia. Spring CJW has joined a growing list of companies that are environmentally-friendly and prepared to adopt sustainable ways of doing business. As a developer that targets young and trendy homebuyers and entrepreneurs, its green approach will go down well with its target market.

“By tapping solar energy, Spring CJW will also enable residents of Axis Residences to benefit from reduced utility and maintenance bills.”

Mr Anthony Ong, Director of Spring CJW Development Pte Ltd, said: “Spring CJW is passionate about sustainable developments and we are delighted that Axis Residences has cleared the preliminary assessment and will be the first residential development in Cambodia to attain the internationally renowned and recognised Green Mark Gold Accreditation by Singapore’s Building & Construction Authority.”

Mr Ong added that the Singapore-based developer aims to lead the way for other property developers in Cambodia to embrace sustainable green solutions for their projects.

Axis Residences is the first Cambodian eco-friendly condo development project to receive the ‘Highly Commended Award’ at the inaugural Cambodia Property Award 2016 for the Best Condo Development and the first condominium project in Cambodia to be awarded Green Mark Gold Award by Singapore Building Construction Authority.

The condominium is located along Street Doung Ngeap number III in the upcoming western Phnom Penh district, five minutes away from Phnom Penh International Airport. The US$70 million development project comprises 566 units in eight buildings of 10 floors each and is scheduled for completion by next year.

SolarPVExchange is currently in discussion with various clients in Cambodia, including hospitals, banks and factories to bring sustainable renewable energy solutions into Cambodia and the rest of Southeast Asia.

The region enjoys abundance of sunshine all year round, making the harnessing of solar energy highly viable in this region. Currently, Thailand leads the way for solar power in Southeast Asia with more solar power capacity than the rest of Southeast Asia combined.

Cambodia made its first major investment in solar energy in 2016, with the announcement of a US$9.2 million solar power plant by SolarPVExchange’s sister firm Sunseap in Bavet City, Svay Rieng to provide a quarter of the energy needs of the city and cut the country’s emissions by 5,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year.

Tender Closing for Residential Site at Woodleigh Lane

/in /by
Reading Time: < 1 minute

The bidding war for residential sites has escalated further in this tender, driven by bidders’ determination to secure this attractive site in a market that is potentially recovering. Located adjacent to the Woodleigh MRT station and across the road from the future commercial/residential development, in a new housing sub-market that is in strong demand, the subject parcel was just too irresistible to many of the bidders, accounting for their bullish bids.

About half of the bids were above expectations with the top 4 bids within a tight 3.6 percent margin. With the top bid of $1,110 psf/pr by CEL, the break-even is estimated to be close to $1,600 psf, suggesting that units are likely to be priced optimistically when they are launched.

The Warehouse Hotel Gets New Lease on Life

/in , , /by
Reading Time: 2 minutes
A double-volume space greets visitors at the Hotel lobby, complete with the original warehouse trusses.

A double-volume space greets visitors at the Hotel lobby, complete with the original warehouse trusses.

Located along the old Straits of Malacca trade route in Singapore, The Warehouse Hotel boasts an aesthetic that blends the air of a bygone era with modern-day Singapore – featuring exposed ceilings trusses, brickwork walls and mid-century style furniture.

Local architecture studio Zarch Collaboratives and design studio Asylum, commissioned by Singaporean hospitality firm The Lo & Behold Group, chose finishes to reference the industrial history of the building and the culture of the country.

Sited in a conserved building off Robertson Quay, the Warehouse Hotel’s roots extend far back to Singapore’s trading history as early as the late 19th century. Three warehouses have been combined and outfitted, starting a new lease of life as a 37-room boutique hotel.

The Hotel fronts the Singapore River with a distinctive, symmetrical facade and jacked roofs while original design elements like louvre windows, doors, cornices, mouldings and the Chinese characters on the leftmost gable are sensitively retained and restored. These elements have been complemented with restrained touches, including a metallic black canopy on the main entrance. The white facade stands apart from the high glass and steel constructs of the urban context, maintaining its presence and historic importance along the Singapore River.

The rooms are suffused with natural light.

The rooms are suffused with natural light.

A double-volume space greets visitors at the Hotel lobby, with the original warehouse trusses, now re-finished in black spanning the lobby. Natural light filters in through the jack roofs in the daytime, while new portal frames serving as discreet structural interventions fringe the lobby space, providing a clear access and line of sight to the waterfront.

The spatial configuration of the Hotel sets the entryway in the middle of the volumes, while the rooms are split into two wings, with high-ceilinged corridors leading to the double-volume rooms on the second storey. The rooms are suffused with natural light through a combination of the existing fenestration, skylights and the use of glass blocks; the trusses and portal frames are kept in sight throughout the circulation spaces as well as the rooms, puncturing walls and lines of sight, creating a curious spatial dialogue while accentuating the character of the warehouse’s former life.

A new extension complements the strong silhouette of the main wing, housing an elevated infinity pool as if hovering just above the Singapore River, provoking visual interest at the corner of the street. Extending the visual (and tactile) connection to the waterfront, consideration was also given to the selection of finishes surrounding the development including the pavers at street level – selected to match those along the promenade of the Singapore River, and the salmon pink tiles used in the pool – serving as a visual metaphor for the relationship between the pavement and the River.

Laguarda.Low Architects Unveils Designs for Tokyo’s Grandberry Lifestyle Centre

/in , , , /by
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Laguarda.Low’s design removes an existing street to unify Grandberry Centre with nature.

Laguarda.Low’s design removes an existing street to unify Grandberry Centre with nature.

New York City-based architecture and urban planning firm, Laguarda.Low Architects, recently unveiled the design for Grandberry Centre, a new 750,000-square-foot transit-oriented development in Machida, Tokyo. Set on the city’s Tokyu Denen-tonshi train line, Laguarda.Low designed Grandberry Centre to be the centre of commerce and activity for Machida – a city in the west section of the Tokyo Metropolis.

The new Grandberry Centre development replaces an existing mall and train station and creates a modern, landscaped shopping village with a direct connection to the newly-designed Tsuruma Park. The new train depot, with its undulating roof, tiered gardens, and waterfall, creates a dramatic sense of arrival. From the platform, a grand stair leads visitors to the multi-level shopping Centre experience, inclusive of a local food market, retail stores and a cinema. The retail village is organised as a simple loop, referencing a European town typology, with parking positioned in the Centre. Throughout the loop, visitors traverse a series of open and covered plazas that provide dynamic spaces for socialising, leisure and entertainment.

The buildings are composed of a mix of stone, steel, wood, glass and green walls. The form, scale, and materiality of the buildings were designed to create variation within the development and to blend with the surrounding residential neighbourhood.

The main promenade features lush cherry blossom trees, and a designed new landscape plan with designated spaces for a skate park, urban farm, a sculpture garden and more.

The main promenade features lush cherry blossom trees, and a designed new landscape plan with designated spaces for a skate park, urban farm, a sculpture garden and more.

“Grandberry Centre provides a warm and modern ambience with sophisticated design that enlivens the surrounding neighbourhood for local residents and visitors,” said Pablo Laguarda, Principal of Laguarda.Low. “Its location as an entertainment and lifestyle destination is unique and we look forward to showcasing this development to the Machida community.”

Situated amidst Tsuruma Park, Laguarda.Low’s design removes an existing street to unify Grandberry Centre with nature. To combine the two parcels, a new park entrance transforms the natural slope in grade into a dramatic stair, with the ground rising to create a green roof for a new restaurant at the threshold of the park. The firm also designed the main promenade, which features lush Cherry Blossom trees, and a designed new landscape plan with designated spaces for a skate park, urban farm, sculpture garden, children’s playground, expansive lawn and library.

. Set on the city’s Tokyu Denen-tonshi train line, Grandberry Centre will be the centre of commerce and activity for Machida.

. Set on the city’s Tokyu Denen-tonshi train line, Grandberry Centre will be the centre of commerce and activity for Machida.

Construction of Grandberry Centre will begin in May 2017, with an estimated completion of September 2019. Grandberry Centre is expected to officially open in November 2019. Granberry is one of seven Laguarda.Low-designed developments in Japan. Most recently, the firm was the silver award winner of International Council of Shopping Centres (ICSC) New Development category for their design of AEON Mall Okinawa Rycom, the largest multi-story commercial facility in Western Japan.

SilverNeedle Collection Unveils New Boutique Riverside Hotel

/in /by
Reading Time: 2 minutes
The Riva Arun, Bangkok.

The Riva Arun, Bangkok.

SilverNeedle Hospitality recently welcomed the iconic Riva Arun Bangkok hotel to its boutique collection of luxury handpicked properties ‘The SilverNeedle Collection’.

Riva Arun, uniquely positioned on the Chao Phraya river, is located in Bangkok’s preserved Rattankosin Island, the historic heart of the city. Nestled in a captivating neighbourhood of traditional houses, shops and warehouses, tastefully converted into stylish guesthouses, cafes and galleries, the architecture and interior design of Riva Arun Hotel reflect influences of “Chino Colonial” culture with a contemporary twist – displayed throughout the property in the carved wooden interiors and ornate ironwork.

Surrounded by some of Bangkok’s most treasured sites; Wat Pho, the temple of the reclining Buddha, Wat Arun, temple of dawn, the Museum of Siam and the Grand Palace, Riva Arun offers the the city’s most sought-after river views. The 25 guest rooms range in size from comfortable studios to expansive Jacuzzi suites – each with panoramic views of either the Chao Phraya River or old city.

The rooftop restaurant Above Riva serves a superb Thai menu – an infusion of local flavours, market fresh ingredients and a variety of creative influences handpicked from across the globe, against a backdrop of stunning scenes of Thai history and culture. Waterside dining is also offered at the soon to launch Riva Café – a stunning private pier, café and open-air bar serving cocktails into the evening.

Above the Riva Arun Bar in Bangkok.

Above the Riva Arun Bar in Bangkok.

A boat connects the new Riva Arun to it’s sister neighbouring property, Riva Surya. Also a SilverNeedle Collection hotel, Riva Surya boasts 68 beautifully designed rooms, adding a touch of style and charm to the once dubbed ‘Venice of the East’. The hotel has elegant dining options, a riverside swimming pool and multiple leisure facilities, all of which are accessible and exclusively available for guests of Riva Arun.

Francis Zimmerman, Managing Director of SilverNeedle Hospitality, SouthEast Asia, says: ‘Thailand is a primary growth country for SilverNeedle Hospitality and Bangkok is a continuously growing destination for international tourists. We’re delighted to apply the SilverNeedle management expertise to Riva Arun and welcome guests to this one-of-a-kind property – Riva Arun offers business and leisure travellers a unique, refined and authentic Thai experience.’

Opening offer: Riva Arun rooms and suites start at $75USD a night. Learn more by clicking HERE.

Joint Venture Between BPE Asia Real Estate and National Properties Sees Construction of Seven Luxury Properties

/in , , /by
Reading Time: 2 minutes
The houses will have an exclusive access road and impressive unobstructed panoramic sea views.

The houses will have an exclusive access road and impressive unobstructed panoramic sea views.

BPE Asia Real Estate (“BPE Asia”) and National Properties, a subsidiary of National Electronics Holdings Limited (HKSE Stock Code: 213) announced recently a joint venture for the construction of luxury detached houses in Tai Tam, the Island South District of Hong Kong.

Mark Fogle, Managing Director & Head of Real Estate for BPE Asia said, “Along with my partners Charles Lam and Malcolm Lai, we have previously completed two projects with National Properties (110 Repulse Bay Road and 56 Peak Road), which were very successful developments. Hong Kong is one of the most robust financial centres in the world and there remains strong demand for luxury housing against a background of limited new supply. In our view, National Properties has created some of the highest quality landmarks on Hong Kong Island and we are honoured to be partnering once again.”

The proposed development includes seven luxury detached houses located on a site of approximately 32,390 square feet (3,009 square metres) each to be constructed with an elegant classic design including basement carports, private infinity pool and internal elevator. The property is located in the prestigious Tai Tam area in close proximity to the beach, the American Club and the Hong Kong International School.

Loewe Lee, Managing Director of National Electronics Holdings Limited said, “The Tai Tam project exemplifies the hallmark characteristics of National Properties’ developments including spectacular views, exceptional design, a superior level of refinement and an elegant living environment. We are very pleased to once again be partnering with members of the BPE Asia team in this initiative.”

Site formation and foundation works for the project have been completed and the construction of superstructure works is ongoing. Completion of the first show house is expected in 18 months’ time (mid 2017).

Charles Lam, Managing Director of BPE Asia said, “The Hong Kong residential property market is unlike any other gateway city in Asia. Hong Kong has a population of approximately 7.5 million people of which approximately 1.4 million live on Hong Kong Island, yet there are less than 750 single family detached or semi-detached houses located within developments of eight homes or less. Furthermore, we estimate that there is an average supply of just 15 such houses coming to the market per annum over each of the next three years.”

Faithful+Gould Share How Hong Kong is Once Again Attracting Commercial Property Investors

/in /by
Reading Time: 2 minutes
A view of the Hong Kong city scape.

A view of the Hong Kong city scape.

Hong Kong’s real estate development opportunities can be challenging. New opportunities are opening up in Kowloon, but how do you ensure your building is fit for purpose?

Following a somewhat stagnant commercial property market in 2015, Hong Kong is now attracting investors once again. Change of use is a key driver, with many properties being purchased or leased with a view to converting to hotels or offices. The hospitality market remains healthy, creating ongoing demand for hotels.

Grade A office space, in the central business district of Hong Kong Island, tends to have long leases and rarely changes hands. Today’s available property is frequently snapped up by mainland financial institutions looking to build a bigger footprint in the city due to Beijing’s ‘going out’ strategy. According to Colliers International, the 11 state-owned banking giants each occupy at least 100,000 square feet in Central.

Away from land-hungry Central, however, ongoing redevelopment across the harbour is presenting interesting real estate opportunities. Kowloon’s lower rents are attracting prospective tenants, many of whom are keen to downsize and relocate to escape high Central rents. Kowloon East is becoming a popular location for the city’s insurance and shipping sectors, with overseas investment banks also showing interest.

Back office functions, especially, are straightforward to accommodate here. Media and creative companies are also favouring the district, with its mix of traditional and warehouse/loft spaces.

In Kowloon East, government land supply has the potential to release another 13.6 million square feet of commercial floor space onto the market. Much of this will be at Kai Tak, where occupants will also benefit from the new rail infrastructure linking into Central.

The first challenge for prospective investors outside of Central is to accept the location. A company’s staff will typically prefer the prestige of Central, with its good transport links. However, the corporate cost benefits are significant, so selling the idea to staff may be a necessary part of the plan.

Financial companies will need specific infrastructure, which is sometimes seen as a stumbling block, though in reality, this is relatively easily organised. Change-of-use compliances are complex, with inward investors typically unfamiliar with Hong Kong’s complicated system. The main pitfall is ending up with an unsuitable building, not fit for purpose.

For many clients, Faithful+Gould is with them from project inception to completion and relocation/occupation, offering a full turnkey package. Faithful+Gould performs due diligence, checking the technical suitability and fitness of purpose of the building. We provide a full detailed report including costs and expert analysis. Visit Faithful+Gould for more information.