"BRETT SIEGEL IS ONE OF THE MOST KNOWLEDGEABLE PEOPLE IN MIDDLE EAST REAL ESTATE. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND READING UAE MEGA PROJECTS." Khizer Schon Husain, VP, Schon Properties, Dubai

Sunday, June 23, 2013

Cayan Tower - A New Dubai Masterpiece

Dubai has just completed another architectural masterpiece to add to its ever expanding portfolio of amazing Mega Projects. Cayan Tower, located in Dubai Marina and developed by Cayan Real Estate Investment and Development Company, is the worlds tallest twisted tower. It stands 307 meters high and cost Dh1 billion to build. It is one of the most amazing towers I have ever seen!

President and Chairman of the Board of Cayan Group Ahmed M. Al Hatti described the project's quality standards saying: "Cayan Tower(formerly known as Infinity Tower) has been built according to the highest international standards for towers and that won it several international awards. The Tower has received 'Best Architecture' award in London's International Property Awards as well as four Arab Real Estate Awards in Dubai."

"The Tower was designed by Skidmore Owings and Merrill, otherwise known for projects such as Burj Khalifa in Dubai, Trump Tower in Chicago and Jin Mao in Shanghai. It is a 75-storey tower, rising at approximately 307 meters which makes it the highest twisted tower in the entire world," he added.

The project is characterized by its magnificent architecture, giving residents stunning panoramic views of the Palm Dubai  or Dubai Marina thanks to its 90 degree curve from top to bottom. In addition  construction and architectural plans have been put in place specifically for the development of the internal design which complements the exterior design of the tower.

> From Skidmore Owings Merrill:

'The Skidmore Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM)—designed Cayan (formerly Infinity) Tower in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, was inaugurated by its developer, Saudi Arabia-based Cayan Investment & Development. The dramatically rising helix of the 75-storey building provides a distinctive landmark on the city’s storied skyline. The 1,010-feet (307-meters) tall reinforced concrete structure rotates a hexagonal floor plate around a circular core—with the top offset 90 degrees from the base. The shift maximizes views for each of the 495 apartments. “The lower portion of the tower is oriented toward the exciting waterfront promenade of Dubai Marina, while the upper floors are rotated to face the Gulf,” SOM Design Director Ross Wimer says.

'“Cayan Tower adds to SOM's significant impact on Dubai's 21st century skyline,” SOM Consulting Partner George Efstathiou says. “Its elegance, technological innovation and sustainability are hallmarks of our storied 75 year history. It takes its place with our finest designs, including the nearby Rolex Tower and Burj Khalifa.”

'Deep concrete exterior columns clad in a metal skin with perforated screens help shield the building’s interior from the intense desert sun. The tower’s innovative shape required equally innovative engineering. The corner and interior columns twist as they ascend, but most of the perimeter columns have an identical shape and tilted relationship to the floor plate. They are simply shifted, a bit more than a single degree, from floor to floor—resulting in a standardized construction method typical to most concrete structures.

'Mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems are located in the core or within a zone between the central circulation corridor and the residential units, allowing straight vertical paths for these systems as the relationship between the apartments served varies between floors.

'The shape of the tower is not only aesthetically unique but it serves a structural function as well. Its twisted shape greatly reduces wind forces on the tower and “confuses the wind” in a way that wind forces cannot organize themselves.'

> Design and Amenities:

Each unit enjoys contemporary internationally styled interiors, marble and wood finishes, and premium fixtures and fittings. Every unit has fully fitted kitchens with appliances from such leading brands such as Bosch or Siemens, bedrooms with built-in wardrobes, as well as high-speed Internet facility and access to digital/satellite TV, state-of-the-art air conditioning, and a comprehensive automation system to control lights, air-conditioning and other functions from a central handset. The building has 7 elevators, for convenient access to each floor.

The building’s residential amenities include a fully landscaped podium with a rooftop park, outdoor infinity pool, whirlpool and children’s pool, located on the 7th floor. Other amenities include a health spa with treatment rooms, a gymnasium, conference rooms, a fully-equipped nursery, an outdoor tennis court and a fully enclosed parking garage with state-of-the-art security. At street level, there will be designated shopping and retail outlets for both residents and visitors.

Cayan Tower also provides 5-storey secure parking behind the building, as well as a 24-hour concierge and security.

++ Cayan Tower is a true Mega Project masterpiece. I think it will become a world landmark for incredible architecture!

Cayan Real Estate Investment and Development:
http://www.cayan.net/

Skidmore Owings Merrill:
https://www.som.com/

Sunday, June 2, 2013

Libya Could Be Next Mega Project Hub - Libya Projects 2013

Libya is expected to invest $140 billion in projects over the next decade as the country embarks on building a sustainable future. Among these projects include Gecol’s capacity building programme in the power sector which will see installed capacity rise from about 13,000MW in 2012 to 19,000-20,000MW by 2020.

In aviation, the newly-installed government has planned a $2.5 billion upgrade of the state’s busiest airports aimed at expanding capacity to about 28 million passengers a year from an estimated 5 million.

The housing sector is another critical investment focus. The government estimates that the country will face a housing shortfall of 500,000 units by 2020. The Housing & Infrastructure Board (HIB) has been tasked to deliver 200,000 new homes, with supporting infrastructure in the next seven years.

A major business conference, Libya Projects 2013, is being organised in Tripoli to provide local and international stakeholders an essential guide to the developments and projects across critical infrastructure, energy, utilities and industry sectors that will accelerate rebuilding efforts in Libya.

“There is currently a dearth of accurate and reliable information on the opportunities in the projects market in Libya which the conference hopes to address. Attended by leading authorities and key stakeholders, Libya Projects 2013 offers the best opportunity for companies to correctly access Libya’s projects market,” said Edmund O’ Sullivan, Chairman, MEED Events, organisers of Libya Projects 2013 in cooperation with Business Mirror (BM) Libya, and supported by the General National Congress.

Under the patronage of the General National Council, Libya Projects 2013 will gather key government officials and entities as well as leading private sector companies who will provide an expert overview of the wide-ranging political and economic reforms currently being implemented in Libya and the impact of these initiatives on the projects sector.

Confirmed speakers include Juma Attiga, Vice President, General National Congress; Awad Elbarasi, Deputy Prime Minister, Libya; Ali Hussein Al- Sharif, Minister of Housing and Utilities; and Dr. Khalil El-Arroudi, Chairman, GECOL.

The conference, scheduled to take place on June 3-5, 2013 at the Corinthia Hotel in Tripoli, will also focus on the government’s programme to promote and attract foreign direct investments in Libya, as well as provide a critical update on existing and stalled projects.

At Libya Projects 2013, delegates can also expect to gain invaluable insights on the government’s anticipated spending plans in the infrastructure and energy sectors; as well as learn how to establish JVs with local firms to take advantage of massive opportunities in the projects market.

Libya Projects 2013 is being supported by such top tier companies as: Ernst & Young, Drake and Scull, Electrical Industries Co, Hill International, Keller, Jeddah Cables Company, Saint Gobain Glass, Libya Holdings, Shapoorji Pallonji , Dar Al Handash, Phillips, Corodex Industries, Parsons & Afriqiyah Airways.

Further information:
http://www.meedlibyaprojects.com/homepage.asp

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