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Egypt Wooing Property Investors
Investors in the property market may be financially better off looking outside the Eurozone, it has been suggested. Egyptian property developer, West Side Village, suggests that the north African country is a good example of how better value can be achieved, noting that at present the Euro is trading at EUR1.26 per GBP1.
Armani in Villa Design Project
Giorgio Armani’s next project with Emaar Properties will be the Armani Residences in Marassi, the Dubai-based developer’s massive master-planned project in Egypt.
A US$1.74 billion residential development on the north coast, about a two hour drive from Cairo, Marassi will eventually cover more than 1,500 acres and include a marina, golf course, retail space and 3,000 hotel rooms.
FMB Signs Up to 2012 Construction Commitments
The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has formally signed up to the 2012 Construction Commitments in Australia.
The President, Ron Storer and Director General, Richard Diment , signed the commitments which aim to ensure that the construction industry delivers high quality projects, safely and on time. These principles are a statement of intent from the industry on standards and best practice in construction. Although they are called the 2012 Construction Commitments in reference to the Olympics, they are intended for the whole industry, not just the contractors working on the games.
Record Drop in British House Prices
British house prices have fallen by a record 14 per cent over the past 12 months, according to the latest survey by the UK's biggest mortgage lender.
The Halifax house price survey showed house prices fell by another 2.2 per cent in October - with the average UK home now costing £168,176, almost £30,000 less than a year ago - the ninth successive fall after September's 1.3 per cent drop. The building society said the drop means house prices are now in line with what they were in October 2005.
Kenya’s Road Construction Policy Weak
While Kenya’s road network has improved, its operating condition has suffered from inadequate maintenance, repair and rehabilitation, says a report.
The Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (Kippra) report also cites the institutional framework within which roads are managed as a key setback.
"Clearly, the overall road policy framework is not integrated to promote a positive impact and generate cumulative positive externalities," says the report.
It does not provide a balanced approach to strengthening and rehabilitating existing assets, on one hand, and constructing new roads and bridges, improving low-grade sections and widening roads to four lanes, on the other.
Multimedia
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1. Construction Review Intro |
2. Construction of Burj Dubai |
3. Worlds Tallest Buildings |
4. The Turning Torso |
Construction Review: November 08
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Beijing International Airport’s Terminal 3 Holds the Record
Man-made lagoon in the San Alfonso del Mar resort attracts international attention as it is certified as the largest in the worldContent:
Kenya
Marvel of Mavji Construction’s Growth in Construction Industry
From humble beginnings involving construction of low cost projects in remote areas of Kenya, Mavji Construction has grown to a category A contractor with a portfolio of multi-billion shilling projects
Mavji Construction Company is the brainchild of the founder, the late Mavji Ratna Kanbi. It was incorporated in 1971 with headquarters in Mombasa and a branch office in Nairobi. However, the Mombasa office was closed in 1985 and the headquarters moved to Nairobi. The company is currently headquartered at Mavji House, off Mombasa Road.
P
rogress towards Final Phase of NSSF’s Housing Project
On completion, the project will go a long way in alleviating the scarcity of quality housing in Nairobi
NSSF (National Social Security Fund) Nyayo Estate Embakasi, arguably the largest housing project in Kenya in the recent past, is located approximately 20km east of the Nairobi City Centre. It comprises 4,774 medium level housing units in a mix of 3-bedroom apartments, 3-bedroom maisonettes, and 3-bedroom duka- maisonettes, on a site measuring approximately 200 acres. In addition, public utilities like a shopping centre, schools, hospitals and recreation facilities have been planned within the scheme. The entire development is divided into three phases- Phase I, Phase II and phase III.
The project was commissioned in 1995. Phase I comprising 1,156 housing units was completed in 2001. In 2005, NSSF commissioned the current design team to embark on completion of the project.
Uganda
New Home for Ericsson
By Manmit Jabbal
The building is a three-floor structure with a parking level and extends over an area of 1,400 square metres
A formerly bare and vast terrain is now the site of the Ericsson Building at Nakasero. The site was selected in late 2007 due to its strategic location, right size for Ericsson’s requirements, and easy accessability. Brief for the design of the building called for the establishment of a head office for Ericsson in line with their strict international standards, while incorporating a touch of Ugandan culture.
. Joinery work, electrical and air-conditioning, network cabling, fire suppression system, art, and security system, among others, were elaborately incorporated in the project. It boasts of well spaced corridors in each floor.
Ministry Makes Strides in Improving Water Supply and Sanitation
Urban areas have particularly benefited greatly since the mid 1990’s, which saw an increased coverage and improved performance in the supply of water and sanitation services
The Ugandan water supply and sanitation sector has made great progress in urban areas since the mid 1990s. There has been a substantial increase in coverage, as well as in operational and commercial performance. The sector has been reformed through several laws since 1995, leading to decentralisation and increased private participation.
The successful turnaround of the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) in that period, as well as innovative service contracts in small towns, have attracted significant international attention. However, 40 per cent of the population still had no access to an improved water supply and 57 per had no improved sanitation in 2004. Generally, access in rural areas is much lower than in urban areas. Low access to urban sanitation and wastewater treatment also are areas of concern.
South Africa
22 Long Street is Changing with the Times
The address now reflects a more welcoming character, with a brightness expressed by the steel and glass finishing in the interior, reflecting the time in which the building now finds itself
Cape Town’s renowned Long Street is a record of the city’s architectural heritage. Some of its residents still relish the late 18th century and live in the bohemian lifestyle of an earlier age. Further down the same street, the atmosphere changes into one of modern office blocks of regimented fenestration, complete with the contrasting austerity and feisty mannerism of corporate South Africa.
512 on Second Changing Living Style in Parktown
The apartments have the latest offerings in upmarket lifestyle such as Wi-Fi technology, video-on-demand, high quality finishes, and modern appliances and fittings
A new upmarket residential apartment complex is making its presence known in the Parktown north suburb of Johannesburg. This is 512 on Second. Etching its niche among the residential houses in this historical precinct, this complex is unlike any of the neighbouring residential homes dominating the area. Contemporary South African designs influenced the shape and architectural language of this single block development which is nestled among older houses in the area.
Manhattan High-Rise Apartments Adding to Century City’s Elegance
On completion in November 2008, residents of the apartment block will have at their disposal modish amenities such as a gymnasium, rooftop spa, and an exclusive executive lounge and breakfast room Nestled in the popular Century City precinct, Manhattan is 7,200 square metres of sophistication. Rising 15-storeys high into Cape Town’s skyline, this cosmopolitan high-rise comprises 82 apartments with commercial and restaurant components situated on the ground floor. On completion in November 2008, residents of the apartment block will have at their disposal amenities such as a gymnasium, rooftop spa, an exclusive executive lounge, and breakfast room.
Taking full advantage of its location at a pivotal pedestrian and vehicular corner, the Manhattan tower block comes with 1150-sq. m of 13 single and double storey apartments on the banks of the Grand Canal, know as Manhattan Wharfside. About 30 of the tower apartments have been incorporated into a new boutique hotel, Manhattan Suites which is to be operated by Platinum Places.
Mellow Lifestyle at Melrose Arch Piazza
The Piazza is inspired by international models such as Regent Street (London), Grafton Street (Dublin) and the Piazza del Campo (Sienna)
Melrose Arch has become Johannesburg’s premiere location for business, pleasure and living. In its latest development plan, the mega mixed-use precinct has begun construction of the much anticipated Melrose Arch Piazza. Renowned for creating new and cutting-edge spaces, Melrose Arch is owned by Southern Palace, a Property Partners and Amdec Property Development joint venture. Amdec is also the appointed development manager for Melrose Arch, driving the roll out of all development projects on the prestigious destination.
Melrose Arch Shopping, Melrose Arch Offices on the Piazza and the new hotel confluences forming Melrose Arch Piazza, a dynamic fusion of street-level shopping, upper-level offices, plus hospitality and lifestyle ingenuity; is inspired by other international models such as Regent Street (London), Grafton Street (Dublin) and the Piazza del Campo (Sienna). The R2.27 billion (US$283 million) development will add a total 76,700 square metres of retail, hotel and commercial office space to the popular development. Phases 1- 3 will be completed in October 2009 and phases 4 -11 will be completed in 2012.
Environmental Management Key in Tsitsikamma Road Project
Project presented unique environmental challenges and opportunities for innovative solutions, as well as remarkable demonstration of collaboration between the various parties involved
The section of South Africa’s N2/9 artery being upgraded commences at km 22.4 at the intersection to the Storms River Village, which is approximately 4 km west of the Storms River Bridge, and ends at km 37.6 near the Elands River. The road is part of the extended Tsitsikamma Toll Road and is therefore funded through toll funding.
The project addresses the need for upgrade intervention that was identified from a road safety perspective and a structural pavement upgrade requirement. It is the only section of the N2 between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth without surfaced shoulders and fatal accidents occur on a regular basis on the section.
Botswana
Lobatse Mental Hospital
Design aims at opening the institution to the public by nullifying stereotype that mental hospitals are solely for the insane
Construction works on one of Southern Africa’s most unique projects are nearing completion having started early in 2005.The US$60 million project is located 75kilometers south of Gaborone and it has been described by Goitsemodimo Manowe, the technical director and project architect at Pinagare Architects, as a major project of national significance.
Stone Thatch Designs
Services rendered by the company include design of roof plans, lodge construction, installation of lightning conductors, thatch roof maintenance, thatch roof fire retardants, and stone paving
Stone Thatch Designs, a subsidiary of Mookami Investments (Pty) Ltd, is a 100 per cent, Botswana citizen owned company under the directorship of Tumo Pheto and came into existence in 2003. Services rendered by the company include design of roof plans, lodge construction, installation of lightning conductors, thatch roof maintenance, thatch roof fire retardants, and stone paving. Stone Thatch Designs was inspired by the African culture and heritage. The unique thatches are designed to offer a blend of the new and old in the gardens, backyards and variety of buildings by creating a unique impression of relaxed style and elegance.
Nigeria
Brick Integrals is the Preferred Contractor for Banking and ICT Sectors
The company aims at becoming a first class construction company offering high value services to the satisfaction of its clients in Nigeria and beyond
The construction industry in Nigeria has been expanding rapidly over the past few years. This can be explained by an expanding economy that the country is currently witnessing. Recently, there has been increased floating of mortgage institutions with new estates springing up at very fast rates. Even banks and telecommunication firms are competing with each other to build spectacular buildings to house their operations. Visits to major cities like Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kaduna will testify to this.
Tanzania
Exim Towers Giving Refreshing Look to Dar Skyline
Tower’s location is akin to a giant canvas upon which the landscape designers are creating a tropical environment, which will no doubt positively impact on the area’s microclimate
Construction of Exim Towers is already reshaping Dar-es-Salaam’s rapidly changing skyline. The development is designed to offer top-of-the-range office accommodation for the rapidly growing city. The project’s site is ideally situated at the heart of the city centre, close to Tanzania’s international airport. Exim Towers has a unique design with projecting terraces that give the building a distinctive profile.
Its unique design has already turned the building into a landmark along Ghana Avenue where it is holding its own against such names as Barclays House, PPF Tower, International House, and the Movenpick Hotel. In order to exploit the space between existing buildings, the tower is positioned out of kilter to the city’s grid, thus pronouncing its presence along the street’s front. The design and positioning of the building will afford tenants a commanding view of the Indian Ocean and surrounding landscape.
AED Mulls over Infrastructure as a Socio-Economic Tool for Development
Objectives of the Annual Engineers Day include the enablement of the public to recognise the valuable contributions made by Tanzanian engineers towards socio-economic development of the country
The Annual Engineers’ Day (AED) is an event that is intended to showcase the various activities being undertaken by engineers in Tanzania; to recognise and award engineers and other personalities for their outstanding contributions to engineering; and to hold a learned discourse on a theme which is centered around the fields of engineering or other topical issues of national interest.
The AED was first held in 2003, and from then on, the event has become an annual forum looked forward to by the industry.
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