Construction Business News ME - September 2021

THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO THE REGION'S CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS SEPTEMBER 2021 | CBNME.COM

ARTISTIC APPROACH

THE UAE PAVILION AT EXPO 2020 SANTIAGO CALATRAVA’S UNIQUE ARTISTIC APPROACH AND COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

IN THIS ISSUE

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28 Artistic Approach The UAE Pavilion at EXPO 2020 Calatrava’s unique artistic approach and commitment to sustainable design

16 REAL ESTATE

34 LANDSCAPING

GRADUAL RECOVERY Asteco Report Reveals Gradual Recovery of UAE Real Estate Sector in Q2 2021

SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION Chandra Dake, Executive Chairman and Group CEO of Dake Group, on how sand technology hopes to solve the water-scarcity puzzle

18 OP-ED FROM SMART TO SOCIAL LIVING DEYAAR launches luxury AED 1bn skyscraper ‘Regalia’ in Business Bay

22 EXPO 2020 EXPO 2020 QATAR PAVILION REVEALS MAIN CONTRACTOR AND ARCHITECT Architect and Engineer Santiago Calatrava in collaboration with the Main Contractor ALEC FITOUT Unveil the Design and Delivery of the Qatar Pavilion at EXPO 2020

24 EXPO 2020 AUSTRALIA BRINGS ‘BLUE SKY DREAMING’ TO EXPO 2020 DUBAI Australia’s natural wonder, innovative know-how and fascinating 60,000-year-old cultural history and diversity will be on the world’s stage alongside 191 participating nations at Expo 2020 Dubai

38 PROJECT IDEAL OWNERSHIP EXPERIENCE Eagle Hills Diyar introduces a new concept of beach front residential serviced apartments

40 INNOVATION ANDROID BUILDING Real estate leaders come out in support of Netix Global’s Novus Partner Program, to empower ‘Android Building’ approach in region

54 TALKING POINT REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE BASSEL OMARA, lead design architect at Dorsch Group, on how recycling waste can result in a reduction of carbon footprint and save the environment

CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME | SEPTEMBER 2021 | 3

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EDITOR’S NOTE

A NEW HIGH IN REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

J

uly 2021 was a relatively quiet month, compared to the growth we have seen over the few months in the Dubai Real Estate market, partially due to the Eid celebrations. Despite this, July still managed to have its mark on the industry.

July 2021 had 4,384 transactions worth AED 11.18 billion, making it the best July on record in the past 12 years.

This brings the year-to-date total to 31,757 sales transactions worth AED 73.15 billion. In just 7 months, the value of real estate sales transactions has surpassed 2020. The entire year of 2020 had 35,401 sales worth AED 71.87 billion. Coming to a close 2021 as of July 2021 was 1.78 percent more in Sales Transaction Value when compared to the year 2020.

In July 2021, 59.4 percent of all transactions were for secondary/ready properties and 40.6 percent were for off-plan properties. When we look at the volume of transactions, the off-plan market transacted 1,780 properties worth a total of AED 3.44 billion and the secondary/ready market transacted 2,604 properties worth a total of AED 7.74 billion.

One interesting fact in the numbers is the average transaction value. In July especially we have seen this spike drastically. Overall Average transaction value increased to AED AED 2,550,014 an increase of 10.14 percent when compared to June 2021, Secondary/ready Average transaction value increased to AED 2,973,969.29 an increase of 4.62 percent and off-plan average transaction value increased to AED 1,929,801 an increase of 33.13 percent.

According to proprietary Property Finder demand data, the top areas of interest in terms of transactions for villas/townhouses in July 2021 were the Dubai Hills Estate, Arabian Ranches, Palm Jumeirah, Damac Hills and Mohamed bin Rashid City. As for apartments for the same period, the top areas of interest were Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, Business Bay and Jumeirah Village Circle.

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SUSTAINABILITY

SUSTAINABLE AND HIGH-PERFORMANCE FLOORING Waterborne amine curing agents for high-performance floor coatings and civil engineering applications

W

ater borne epoxy flooring solutions are fast becoming the choice for concrete protection globally and with the specific needs for workability and performance an emerging trend in Middle East.

Low emissions, fast return to service (1 – 3 hours), adhesion on all major substrate’s workability under damp conditions (10°C – 35°C @ 85% humidity), permeability and overall cost savings are driving the use of waterborne epoxy floorings. Evonik’s Anquamine® waterborne curing agents are designed to meet the great variety of industrial flooring applications and requirements for concrete.

Besides meeting increasingly stringent low emission requirements, the flooring industry is asking for improved efficiency and product performance. These two additional key market drivers comprise minimizing downtime to improve costs and productivity, as well as

10 | CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME | SEPTEMBER 2021

improved coating robustness and better aesthetics over the service life. To meet these requirements, significant technology advancements of epoxy curing hardeners have been realized over recent years.

Ultimate product choice will depend on performance requirement and type of flooring layer. Whereas ecoand user-friendliness is a key feature requested for all layers of a floor coating, the importance of the other two market trends depends on the respective layer.

For instance, aesthetics such as UV and color stability are essential for topcoats but of less relevance for underlying coating layers.

Typically, flooring systems are based on two to three layers. The first layer is a primer which closes porosity and capillary, followed by a thicker self levelling or thinner roller coating (Figure 2). These topcoats are responsible for the functional and decorative features of the final coating. For aesthetics reasons sometimes a final clear coat is also used in addition (not shown in Figure 1).

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SUSTAINABLE AND HIGH-PERFORMANCE FLOORING

Figure 1. Typical layers of an epoxy floor coating Primer

Self Levelling Coatings

Roller Coatings

Transparent coating (0.2mm) > Deep penetration into porous substrates > Close porosity and capillaries

Homogeneous pigmented top coat (1-2mm) > Suitable for application over sand dressed primers > Equalize surface roughness

Pigmented top coat (0.3-0.5mm) > To be applied on primer followe surface substrates > For use for ant-slip surface and smooth surface

In this article, we will demonstrate that flooring formulations based on Evonik’s Anquamine® proprietary waterborne technology meet these latest market needs for all three coating layers.

PRIMER Concrete primers are used to close the porosity and capillaries of the surface. In addition, the primer formulation must exhibit a good adhesion to the concrete and has to offer a perfect inter-coat adhesion to the subsequently applied protective or decorative floor coating. Whereas epoxy systems are generally known to show excellent adhesion to dry concrete, flooring systems based on the waterborne hardeners shown in this article also exhibit high adhesion even on damp concrete.

Primer formulations of Anquamine® 721 cured with a standard liquid epoxy resin (LER) and Anquamine® 728 cured with a LER or Ancarez AR 555® as a solid epoxy resin (SER) exhibit 5 - 8 MPa (Mega Pascal) bond strength on dry and wet

Figure 2. Concrete cohesion failure

concrete. The resulting concrete cohesive failure is higher than 95 % (Figure 2). Whereas adhesion is comparable between all formulations, Anquamine® 728 allows a faster curing compared to Anquamine® 721. With a walk on time down to 2 hours on dry concrete and 3 hours on wet concrete at 10°C, these formulations enable the applicators to recoat the primer within one shift and therefore minimizing the down time for the end-user.

SELF LEVELLING DECORATIVE AND FUNCTIONAL FLOORING SYSTEMS. For self levelling applications, Anquamine® 735 based formulations are recommended. They provide a desirable satin or matte finish to minimize the visibility of any floor defects and reduce scratch sensitivity. However, the surface is very adaptable and can be modified to produce highly decorative surface appearances.

A formulation of a LER cured with Anquamine® 735 exhibits a high level of adhesion as well as excellent mechanical and abrasion properties (Table 1). >>>

Table 1. Physical properties of self levelling formulation based on LER/Anquamine® 735

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

SELF LEVELLER 1

Surface appearance

Satin / Matte

Compressive strength (28 days)

40 MPa

Adhesion to dry concrete

4,5 MPa

Adhesion to wet concrete

4,3 MPa

Impact resistance

180-200 kg.cm

Abrasion resistance (Taber C17)

300 mg

CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME | SEPTEMBER 2021 | 11

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SUSTAINABILITY

Figure 4. UV-A resistance of waterborne clear coats 50 40 30 20 10 0 0

100

200

300

400

500

Delta E - Hours exposed to UV-A; 351 nm; 0,89 W/m2/nm; 450c Anquamine 721

TOPCOATS Roller coatings are used for pigmented or clear topcoats. Different waterborne epoxy hardeners have been designed to fulfill the market demands for high product performance and excellent aesthetics. For many applications in the industrial flooring segment, resistance against chemical spills is essential.

Therefore, the chemical resistance of white model top coatings based on LER/ Anquamine® 721 and

LER/ Anquamine® 728 has been evaluated. The results shown in Figure 3 demonstrate that these waterborne systems can fulfill the requirements of the market and must not fear a comparison to solvent free epoxy systems.

CLEAR COAT Highly decorative surfaces can be achieved by applying an additional clear coat layer. The key requirement for this

Anquamine 100

application is an enhanced UV stability and transparency of the cured film.

Clear coats based on Anquamine® 100 exhibit an excellent UV stability and transparency when cured with liquid epoxy resins.

In comparison to a standard hardener UV stability is considerably improved (Figure 4). Furthermore, this clear coat formulation has a long pot life of approximately 8 hours which offers improved working flexibility. >>>

Figure 3. Chemical resistance of white top-coating

50% sodium hydroxide Distilled water Methyl Ethyl Ketone Ethanol 70% sulfuric acid 10% acetic acid 0

5

10

Shore D loss after 96 hours 23 C in [%] 0

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LER/Anquamine ® 721

15

20 LER/Anquamine ® 728

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As builders of the As builders of the future, we work all day future, we work all life day to make your daily to makeBy your daily life better. thinking better. By thinking beyond chemistry. beyond chemistry.

Whether it’s biotechnology, physics or materials science – we connect areas of expertise perspectives Whetherdisciplines, it’s biotechnology, physics orand materials scienceto– we create sustainable add value partnershiptowith connect disciplines,solutions areas ofthat expertise and in perspectives our customers.

Oursolutions specialtythat additives make difference for create sustainable add value in the partnership with end products becoming more valuable, more durable, more our customers. Our specialty additives make the difference for energy-efficient and in many simply better.

And more that end products becoming moreways valuable, more durable, answers the question why we exist: to make lives energy-efficient and inofmany ways simply better.people’s And that better day in,question day out.of Leading to improve answers the why webeyond exist: tochemistry make people’s lives life, today and tomorrow. better day in, day out. Leading beyond chemistry to improve life, today and tomorrow. www.mea.evonik.com www.mea.evonik.com

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SUSTAINABILITY

CONCLUSION Waterborne epoxy hardeners fulfill the increasing demand for environmentally friendly, non-VOC formulations and are meeting the current trends towards faster return to service and improved surface qualities making waterborne the excellent choice for sustainable and high-performance flooring solutions.

Evonik offers a well-balanced portfolio of waterborne curing agents with their Anquamine® portfolio which are suited for different cure speeds and performance demands in all three flooring layers (Fig. 5).

In summary, the described epoxy curing agents enable floor coating formulators to comply with low emission and sustainability targets while fulfilling the high expectations on processing speed and aesthetics.

IN CONVERSATION WITH SACHIN ARTE, SENIOR BUSINESS MANAGER FOR MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA, BL CROSSLINKERS, EVONIK What are the current trends/drivers in the Civil Engineering market?

The Covid 19 pandemic impact is also influencing the Construction industry and will also shape its future. In the current scenario with low oil revenues slowly rising and travel restrictions still in place, the focus is shifting from long term investments to short term.

Additionally, a few megatrends which resonate prominently in the Middle East Construction market are climate change, urbanization, mobility, demographics, economic diversification, with focus on

“IN THE EVER CHANGING AND DISRUPTIVE GLOBAL BUSINESS CONDITIONS, WE ARE ALWAYS AUGMENTING OUR VALUE PROPOSITION TO MEET THE DEMANDS OF THE INDUSTRY.” reduced dependency on hydrocarbon revenues, energy security and localization of the work force.

On the Industrial and aesthetic flooring scenario in the Middle East, Epoxy Chemistry has the predominant share, with the applicators and end users preferring sustainable, low VOC ready to apply service floorings solutions where Crosslinkers has a pivotal role to contribute in the Industry.

What are the Key innovation opportunities you see in the Civil Engineering Industry?

In the ever changing and disruptive global business conditions, we are always augmenting our value proposition to meet the demands of the industry.

We see future opportunities in the Middle East for Composite Rebars, Aesthetic 3 D floorings, UV resistant and Durable floorings, Low VOC and Waterborne solutions, ready to use low maintenance floorings and Thermal shock resistant floorings. The success of

Sachin Arte, Senior Business Manager for Middle East & Africa, BL Crosslinkers, Evonik

our customers is our own success as we support our partners in offering solutions with our innovative product proposition to challenges, they encounter.

How do you envisage the Construction and Civil Engineering scenario in midterm in Middle East?

Every challenge also offers opportunities and the ME Construction Industry is gearing itself to seize the momentum post pandemic, hence the prospects look bright in mid-term in the region.

Anquamine ® range in a nutshell Topcoat (Clear)

Anquamine ® 100

Excellent transparency & stain resistance

Coating (Filled)

Anquamine ® 721 or 728

Fast & Aesthetics; High quality finishes

Self Levelling

Anquamine ® 735

Cost-effective, No osmotic blistering

Epoxy Cementitious

Anquamine ® 287

Cost-effective, Impr. Concrete longevity

Primers

Anquamine ® 721 or 728

Recoat 3-4 h at 100C, No carbamation

Figure 5. Positioning of waterborne epoxy curing agents for different flooring applications

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REAL ESTATE

GRADUAL RECOVERY

ASTECO REPORT REVEALS GRADUAL RECOVERY OF UAE REAL ESTATE SECTOR IN Q2 2021

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he resurgence of the UAE’s real estate market continued in Q2 2021, with some segments seeing double-digit growth in sales prices. The Q2 2021 UAE Real Estate Report by property management experts Asteco revealed that villa rental and sales rates in Abu Dhabi and Dubai continued to surge, with sales prices in certain segments expanding by almost a quarter in the period under review.

Abu Dhabi Residential and Office Real Estate Market The report said that developers delivered approximately 2,070 apartments and villas in Q2 2021 in Abu Dhabi, particularly within Yas Island, and several buildings in Al Raha Beach.

The report notes that more than 9,350 residential units are set for handover before the end of the year; however, some projects are likely to experience delays and spill over into 2022.

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Apartment rental rates in the capital softened marginally (by 1%) over Q1 2021. Annual declines, however, were more pronounced and averaged 8%.

The report noted that mid and high-end properties were the most affected, with some units registering declines of between 10% and 15%.

The report indicated that villa rental rates recorded an average increase of 1% in Q2 2021, predominantly driven by the rise in interest for well-developed villa communities located on Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, and Al Raha Beach.

Tenant movement was dominated by residents looking to upgrade/upsize, with most shifting to villas and townhouses.

The increased availability of units within the mid to high-end sector facilitated this move, the report said.

Rental rates for office space in the capital remained constant in Q2 2021 WWW.CBNME.COM

GRADUAL RECOVERY | GRADUAL RECOVERY OF UAE REAL ESTATE SECTOR

COVID-19 related restrictions. Most Dubai communities recorded rental rate growth in Q2 2021, resulting in an average increase of 3% and 8% for apartments and villas, respectively. While average apartment rental rates remained in contraction at 3% compared with the same period last year, villa rental rates grew by a robust 10%.

Office rental rates continued their downward trajectory with quarterly and annual drops of 4% and 16%, in line with stunted employment/business growth. As a result, the report said, some landlords are looking at repurposing existing/upcoming office buildings.

Sales prices recorded a significant surge, particularly in the villa segment, with an average quarterly and annual increase of 16% and 23%. Apartment sales price growth was less pronounced, but still expanded at a robust 6% over Q2 2021 and YoY. However, the growth momentum experienced in the first quarter of the year appears to be slowing as pent-up demand resulting from the COVID-19 lockdown/restrictions is absorbed.

However, Expo 2020 and the continued successful rollout of the vaccines and pandemic containment measures by local and federal governments are expected to maintain the positive sentiment. from the first quarter, with landlords offering incentives such as flexible rent period, service charges waiver and/or reduced fit-out cost. Rates for offices in the capital saw an annualised drop of 4%.

Demand for completed villas for sale continued to rise over the quarter, particularly within the upper-end segment, mirroring the rental market.

Villa sales prices increased by 1% on average in Q2 2021, predominantly driven by Al Raha Gardens and Al Reef, which recorded 6% and 2% sales growth rates, respectively.

Al Ain and the Northern Emirates Apartment rental rates across the Northern Emirates softened marginally with average declines of 1% to 2% over Q1 2021 and 6% annually.

Office rental rates in Sharjah remained unchanged over the second quarter of the year, with annual declines averaging 16%.

According to the Sharjah Real Estate Registration Directorate (SRERD), 40,364 transactions valued at AED 12.2 billion were recorded in H1 2021, a surge of over 40% compared to the same period last year. Most of those transactions occurred in the residential sector (49.6%), followed by commercial (37.1%), industrial (11.1%) and agricultural (2.2%).

In Sharjah’s master plan communities, apartment sales prices recorded a marginal increase of 2% on average, whilst the more mature GCC freehold areas showed signs of stabilising.

In Al Ain, apartment rental rates remained unchanged over Q2 2021 from the previous quarter, whilst annual drops were marginal at 3%. Villa rental rates softened by 1% over the last three months and 2% compared with the same period the year before.

While real estate market activity itself continued on a positive note due to active local tenant movement in search for value-for-money properties, elevated vacancy rates necessitated landlords to be flexible and offer discounts and incentives such as rent-free periods (up to 3 months) and flexible payment terms (up to 12 cheques), the report said.

There was limited or no change in the average office and retail rental rates in Al Ain, as incentives somewhat offset net effective rates.

Dubai Residential and Office Real Estate Market The second quarter of 2021 saw approximately 6,650 apartments, 1,500 villas, and 750,000 sq. ft. of office space completed in Dubai, despite CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME | SEPTEMBER 2021 | 17

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OP-ED

FROM SMART TO SOCIAL LIVING SHIFTING THE FOCUS FROM TECHNOLOGY TO QUALITY OF LIFE b y R A J A A L A M E D D I N E , C E O , L O O TA H R E A L E S TAT E D E V E L O P M E N T

D

ubai’s economy, heavily reliant on international trade and tourism was hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic last year. In 2019, real estate activities accounted for 7.2% growth in the GDP, with an added value of AED 29.4 billion, growing by 3.3% compared to 2018.

In the Global Competitiveness Index, which is a way of ranking global cities and their attractiveness, Dubai has moved from 29th place to 6th place within the last few years.

The market is witnessing a real shift in the number of first-time buyers in Dubai; many of them are people who had previously rented, but now see this as the perfect time to invest on the

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property ladder. The lockdown implemented to stop the spread of the outbreak of the pandemic led to reassessing our space and a demand for more, which in turn gave real estate developers a gradual return to confidence in the market. New community developments are now considered a big draw with the buyers and the city is continuing to have some unexpectedly positive results from the real estate industry.

According to the recent statistics by UN, there has been a gradual shift in residence of the human population from rural to urban areas and today 55% of the world’s population lives in urban areas, a proportion that is expected to increase to 68% by 2050. High - rise and apartment housing WWW.CBNME.COM

FROM SMART TO SOCIAL LIVING

“THE PREVALENCE OF HIGH-RISE AND MODERN APARTMENTS AS MASS HOUSING IN THE COUNTRY HAS BROUGHT PEOPLE FROM DIVERSE SOCIAL AND CULTURAL BACKGROUNDS TOGETHER.” has become the predominant type of housing. The comfort of urban life, the glamour, the job opportunities, the greater earning potential, education, healthcare, and other such benefits increase its charm and is projected to continue growing.

As the world continues to urbanize, sustainable development is considered to be a key factor to determine the pace of urbanization and to address the challenges in meeting the needs of the growing urban populations with regards to housing. Under the influence of the comprehensive modernization of the country, the new developments accommodate a distinct form of culturally defined patterns of privacy and social interaction. Research has suggested that happiness and well-being tend to be higher in areas where people stay connected.

The residential environment is composed of physical and social elements, residents’ lifestyles, and experiences. Influenced by Le Corbusier’s

promotion of high-rise architecture and trying to imitate his ideas of ‘inclusion’, modern apartment buildings were to include features that would foster desired forms of resident interaction, known as ‘streets in the sky’. The introduction of high-rise residential buildings and apartment blocks has significantly changed the social environment of modern cities, affecting everything from cultural traditions, to lifestyles, neighborhoods and personal relationships. Since the mid-fifties there

has been a growing interest in recreation, open space, beautification, and a myriad of other ways to improve the “quality of life”.

The UAE is one of the developing countries which has undergone rapid population growth and high level of urbanization. The prevalence of high-rise and modern apartments as mass housing in the country has brought people from diverse social and cultural backgrounds together. Despite our expanded digital connectivity, urban dwellers seemed to be more removed from their local community than ever. It seems the only means of interaction within buildings are brief hellos or nods of acknowledgement in the elevators. The effects of COVID and remote working have caused further distancing from people, less interactions with colleagues, and fewer social events to attend, all lending to a more isolated life. Although technology has changed how we interact with others in our daily lives, it hasn’t affected our basic need to form supportive bonds with other people. Unfortunately, with less and less of an opportunity to see people on a recurring basis – other than at work – forging new friendships as an adult has proved to be challenging. >>>

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OP-ED

This brought us to the question - How significant are socio-cultural living patterns in the design of modern apartments?

As one of the long-standing trusted real estate developers in the region, Lootah Real Estate Development is always on the lookout for opportunities that will help us strengthen our position in the market and set us apart from our competitors. There are more than 30,000 residences currently available in Dubai alone and hence we always aim at creating and offering a development that is highly tailored towards specific needs and towards a specialized audience. This introspection led us to create a space that delivers innovative tech led solutions but also an environment that gives a sense of community, a place that delivers not only a home, but a social life.

Our Innovative Social Living project is designed to encourage interaction, thereby increasing a sense of community.

With the hugely popular 90’s sitcom Friends serving us an instance of a simpler time, before smartphones, social media, and apps consuming our time, attention, and friendships. It was important to us that people have the advantage of centralized areas to interact with one another and to gather and enjoy themselves. Therefore, we are designing a neighborhood with pedestrian-oriented environments such as retail shops, food and beverage establishments, and services, all within walking distance of their homes. Having landscaped park areas not only allows people to experience the outdoors on their doorstep but also inspires walking

or cycling. Walkways and stairs stimulate the likelihood of informal, casual meetings, leading to impromptu meet ups, all of which help build bonds with others in the area.

These shared areas empower all to safely display their culture and identities and to become more aware of diversity and difference, all significant elements that help create local attachments, and all at the heart of community.

And when it comes to the wellbeing

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of tenants, LRED understands that technology, when wisely selected and applied, helps to ensure environmental sustainability and security. AI-driven solutions will now understand the movements of the tenants and will adjust their environments according to their preferences. This not only creates the perfect space for our tenants but increases the energy efficiency of the property. With a design lead approach, we will use the latest in intelligent architecture to cool key areas of the building yet harness the energy of the sun in others. And with an almost waste free construction, we will ensure that the cost to the environment is net zero.

In today’s day and age, integrating facilities to improve the social factors can positively affect the residents’ satisfaction and the quality of their lives. Our aim has always been to bring ultimate value to our tenants and investors by delivering a truly desired product to satisfy its audience. In turn, the tenants enjoy an incredible space that is built to foster a sense of community and a more social life.

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EXPO 2020

EXPO 2020 QATAR PAVILION

REVEALS MAIN CONTRACTOR AND ARCHITECT ARCHITECT AND ENGINEER SANTIAGO CALATRAVA IN COLLABORATION WITH THE MAIN CONTRACTOR ALEC FITOUT UNVEIL THE DESIGN AND DELIVERY OF THE QATAR PAVILION AT EXPO 2020 22 | CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME | SEPTEMBER 2021

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Qatar Pavilion Rendering, photo credit - Calatrava International

EXPO 2020 QATAR PAVILION REVEALS MAIN CONTRACTOR AND ARCHITECT

D

ubai, United Arab Emirates – August 24, 2021 – Santiago Calatrava has unveiled the design for the Qatar Pavilion at EXPO 2020, fusing sculpture and structure to create an architectural beacon for Qatar’s pioneering vision of the future, while paying tribute to the nation’s rich cultural heritage.

The construction of the Qatar Pavilion, which is being carried out by Main Contractor, ALEC FITOUT, is already at an advanced stage and is expected to be completed next month. Given that the site works began in May 2021, the project

represents a benchmark in efficient design and expeditious construction scheduling.

The Pavilion’s design draws inspiration from the four elements represented on the Coat of Arms of Qatar; two crossed and curved swords, encompassing a Dhow and Island with palm trees. The expressive form of the Pavilion eloquently combines and translates these cultural elements to capture movement, mobility, strength, and tradition. Calatrava’s design envisages a modern interpretation which symbolizes Qatar’s progressive outlook of the future while remaining true to its culture and heritage.

The Pavilion will take guests on an immersive experience through Qatar’s rich history and culture. Located within the sustainability district of EXPO 2020, the building is an architectural symbol, depicting a nation rising and transforming through a harmonious balance of Qatar’s traditional roots and innovative spirit.

Calatrava’s principal collaborators on the project are Aurecon, the multi-disciplinary engineer and design development, and ALEC FITOUT, the Main Contractor specialised in luxury fit-out and cultural immersive visitor experiences. The close collaboration, flexibility and open communication between all parties has facilitated the rapid design and construction progress which will culminate in an impressive construction period of just 5 months from start to finish.

The iconic, intersecting structures of the main building will ascend upwards to nearly 15 meters in height, with an adjacent sculptural monument rising at 20meters in height. Internally, the Pavilion will consist of two main galleries and exhibition spaces, providing highly engaging, inclusive, and experiential environments for visitors.

More on the design of the Qatar Pavilion

Calatrava’s philosophy is grounded in the belief that each innovative design must emanate from its cultural context, conveying traditional sensibility through modern architecture to create truly inspiring structures. Micael Calatrava, CEO of

Calatrava International has described the design process for the Qatar Pavilion as follows: “Inspiration is derived from Qatar’s national emblem to truly capture the essence and vision of the nation. The architectural gesture and structural form of the Pavilion, which houses the entire visitor experience, mirrors the shape of the Dhow and its grand sails. The sculptural monument at the entrance of the Pavilion represents an abstract translation and fusion of two intertwined Palm trees, while the reflective pools and integrated water features surrounding the Pavilion, represent the Arabian Gulf which encompasses the nation of Qatar.”

Once visitors enter the Qatar Pavilion, they are guided through an immersive experience whereby a deeply symbiotic relationship between the visual arts and the internal spaces engage, inspire and inform them about the past, present and future of Qatar.

Expedited Construction

Construction on the project is at an advanced stage and with the expedited schedule of five months, the Qatar Pavilion will be ready for the greatly anticipated opening of the Expo 2020 on October 1st, 2021.

Through dedication, hard work and close collaboration, the project team led

by Micael Calatrava is able to apply an integrated design and accelerated construction strategy for the Qatar Pavilion at EXPO 2020. The approach follows a non-linear, non-traditional design methodology ensuring project delivery in a very aggressive timeline of 5 months.

In keeping with the architectural and engineering philosophy of Santiago Calatrava, the Qatar Pavilion is designed as a sustainable and functional structure, utilizing efficient processes which enable procurement and construction to proceed as the design develops. This approach facilitates fast-track project delivery and ensures all aspects of the design intent are preserved while ensuring the quality of erected works meet Client’s expectations.

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EXPO 2020

AUSTRALIA BRINGS

‘BLUE SKY DREAMING’TO EXPO 2020 DUBAI Australia’s natural wonder, innovative know-how and fascinating 60,000-year-old cultural history and diversity will be on the world’s stage alongside 191 participating nations at Expo 2020 Dubai 24 | CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME | SEPTEMBER 2021

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AUSTRALIA BRINGS ‘BLUE SKY DREAMING’ TO EXPO 2020 DUBAI

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he Australian Pavilion will showcase key trade, economic, export and education opportunities while celebrating the nation’s highly unique natural and cultural attractions, from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022.

Justin McGowan, Australia’s Commissioner General of Expo 2020 Dubai, said the Expo represents an exciting opportunity for Australia to play a leading role at what is being referred to as the ‘global business Olympics’.

“Expo 2020 Dubai is an unmissable opportunity for Australia to build on existing relationships and identify new trade and investment opportunities. Global collaboration is integral to the world’s economic and social recovery. With 191 nations participating, Expo 2020 Dubai offers a gateway not only to the Middle East but to the whole world,” Mr McGowan said.

Australian companies have already secured over A$170 million worth of Expo related contracts. To support additional business opportunities, the Australian Trade & Investment Commission, in collaboration with Australian states and territories, industry bodies, research institutions, and partner nations are delivering an extensive trade and investment program across priority sectors – Educa-

tion, Food & Agribusiness, Water, Sport, Healthcare, Infrastructure, Mining & Resources, Space, and Digital Technology.

“Throughout the six-month-long event, the best of Australia will be on show to the world. We will be showcasing the strength of our economy and world-class capabilities through a combination of inperson and virtual events.

The first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, Expo 2020 Dubai will bring together nations, communities and millions of visitors in the spirit of hope and collaboration, for a six-month celebration of creativity, innovation and human progress.

“Australia is proud to be participating in Expo 2020 Dubai. The United Arab Emirates is one of Australia’s most important and long-standing trade and investment partners with annual trade links valued at A$ 9.8 billion per year. Approximately 15,000 Australians live in the UAE and 250 of our companies operate here. As a nation, we are excited to be able to join >>>

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EXPO 2020

our Emirati friends for this significant global event,” Mr McGowan said.

Alongside its trade program, the Australian Pavilion will offer an outstanding visitor experience and is expected to be one of Expo 2020 Dubai’s must-see pavilions.

The pavilion’s theme of Blue Sky Dreaming celebrates Australia’s spirit of innovation and its history as one of the world’s oldest continuous civilisations, highlighting the nation’s infinite opportunities.

The Australian Pavilion is in the Mobility District, directly opposite Alif, Expo 2020’s Mobility Pavilion. Standing 21 metres tall, the Australian Pavilion will be among the largest at Expo 2020 Dubai and will offer an immersive and exciting exhibition experience.

Meaningful art touches all aspects of the pavilion, helping to relay the story of Australia’s vibrant and long-lived culture.

Visitors go through three distinct sections – the Welcome Stories tunnel, the Star Dreaming planetarium-style experience and an immersive storytelling exhibition space dubbed Annika’s Journey- before reaching the open forecourt where visitors can come together to dine, reflect, and celebrate true Australian culture and hospitality.

“In developing the design for the Australian Pavilion, we wanted a venue that captured not only the Blue Sky Dreaming theme, but the welcoming spirit and re-

laxed, multicultural society for which Australia is renowned,” Mr McGowan said.

“Brisbane-based architectural team bureau^proberts has designed a space which embodies the Australian spirit and persona; relaxed and laid back, yet dynamic, lively and courageous. The Australian Pavilion will be a place of gathering where everyone is welcome and will leave feeling inspired, having experienced a taste of what Australia has to offer the world.”

A key element of the design of the Australian Pavilion is its roof, a gleaming white canopy inspired by the large fluffy white cumulus clouds that make up Australia’s iconic big blue skylines.

“The large white cumulus cloud is a common feature of Australia’s expansive horizons and is a clear and a recognisable sign of good weather,” Mr McGowan said.

“Agile and ever-changing, visitors to the Australian Pavilion will find the cloud central to their pavilion journey. By day, it provides cooling shade over the forecourt.

At night, it comes alive with a dynamic display of light and sound designed to mimic the ancient and rugged landscape of Australia.

“We are confident that the combination of the building and the breadth of the visitor experience will ensure that the Australian Pavilion is one of the highlights

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“THE AUSTRALIAN PAVILION WILL BE A PLACE OF GATHERING WHERE EVERYONE IS WELCOME AND WILL LEAVE FEELING INSPIRED, HAVING EXPERIENCED A TASTE OF WHAT AUSTRALIA HAS TO OFFER THE WORLD.” of Expo 2020 Dubai and a powerful representation of Australia on the world stage that we can all be proud of.”

The Australian Pavilion enjoys strong support from the Commonwealth Government, along with all Australian states and territories and leading public and private sector organisations. The Victorian Government is a platinum partner, with major partners including the New South Wales Government and The Hermal Group, a diverse enterprise comprising several business interests and investments.

“Presenting an event on this scale is a truly collaborative undertaking. We are proud to be joined at Expo 2020 Dubai by all of Australia’s state and territory governments, as well as our many public and private sector partners,” Mr McGowan said.

“Together, we can ensure that Expo 2020 Dubai is both an economic and cultural success for our nation.”

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COVER STORY

ARTISTIC APPROACH

The UAE Pavilion at EXPO 2020 Calatrava’s unique artistic approach and commitment to sustainable design

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ARTISTIC APPROACH | THE UAE PAVILION AT EXPO 2020

Shaped like a falcon in flight, the pavilion tells the story of the UAE as a global hub, and the vision of its leaders to create a peaceful and progressive society with ambitious plans for the future.

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panning across an area of 15,000 square meters, the UAE Pavilion at EXPO 2020, designed by renowned architect and engineer Dr. Santiago Calatrava, offers a symbolic interpretation of the flow of movement. Through the articulation of carefully planned lines and crafted spaces, the UAE Pavilion serves as a national monument and an iconic destination, creating immersive experiences for guests to discover the UAE’s rich history and dynamic future.

From the first sketch to execution, Calatrava designed the UAE Pavilion to harmoniously mesh with its interactive surrounding landscape, drawing visitors towards the shaded arcade wrapping along the perimeter wall and nestled beneath the floating and movable wings, that make up the Pavilion’s roof.

Images courtesy of Calatrava

STRUCTURAL INSPIRATION: WINGS THAT DEPICT THE FLOW OF MOVEMENT The most impressive element of the UAE Pavilion is the roof structure that displays a hybrid system between a shell and a portal frame, composed of 28 wings. The wings can be opened within 3 minutes, completing a range of movements, between 110 and 125 degrees. The rotation of the wings is driven by a total number of 46 specialized and synchronized hydraulic actuators, functioning as pistons. When they are activated, hydraulic oil is pushed through the actuators, extending the pistons, and opening the wings to their full capacity.

THE ENERGY-CONSCIOUS ELEMENTS AND PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS AT THE UAE PAVILION “We are committed to ensure that the leading practices of environmental sustainability are embedded at the heart of the design process,” shares Calatrava. “Accordingly, the UAE Pavilion is energy-conscious and integrates a range of elements and qualities of sustainable design, ensuring the longevity of the structure, to withstand the test of time,” he adds. >>> CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME | SEPTEMBER 2021 | 29

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COVER STORY

“THE UAE PAVILION IS ENERGY-CONSCIOUS AND INTEGRATES A RANGE OF ELEMENTS AND QUALITIES OF SUSTAINABLE DESIGN, ENSURING THE LONGEVITY OF THE STRUCTURE, TO WITHSTAND THE TEST OF TIME.”

Sustainable elements such as photovoltaic (PV) panels that have been produced in the UAE, have been integrated into the roof structure bringing the entire building to life, with the opening of the wings. Beyond the notion of aesthetics, the wings shelter and protect a composition of curved and straight PV panels when they are closed from rain and sandstorms and upon opening up, the panels are able to absorb as much sunlight as possible to harvest energy which is returned to the main power grid.

The UAE Pavilion has been designed and built to meet LEED Platinum Certification (based on LEED 2009 standards for New Construction). In addition, respecting ecological limits and natural resource constraints, it will also be compliant with the Dubai Green Building Regulations and Specifications (DGBR).

THE OCULUS – AN ARCHITECTURAL FEATURE The Oculus skylight at the apex of the roof of the UAE Pavilion mirrors the form of the Expo 2020 logo and is a fixed insulated glazing unit system, with a diameter of 12 meters, placing the UAE Pavilion at a height of 27.8 meters. As an architectural feature that offers a skylight opening, the Oculus also has a functional quality where its surrounding grilles open for smoke extraction (in case of an accidental fire).

AN AUDITORIUM AT THE CORE OF THE UAE PAVILION At the heart of the UAE Pavilion is a faceted sphere with an outer diameter of approximately 25 meters and an overall height of approximately 20 meters which houses an Auditorium.

A specialist lifting platform supports the interior seating of the Auditorium and transports the au-

Architect and engineer Dr. Santiago Calatrava

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ARTISTIC APPROACH | THE UAE PAVILION AT EXPO 2020

dience from one floor to another while experiencing audio-visual shows.

The Auditorium serves as both a centerpiece and a functional space, with a capacity that accommodates 200 people.

LANDSCAPED AREAS OF CULTURAL IMPORTANCE TO THE UAE Surrounding the UAE Pavilion, and integrated throughout the space, are landscaped areas, with over 5,600 plants from 12 different species, of which 2,350 are considered to be of cultural importance to the UAE, as well as over 80 trees, with approximately 45 of the trees holding cultural importance for the UAE. EVOKING A SENSE OF PRIDE IN A MULTISENSORY SETUP Calatrava sought to evoke an array of emotions, as guests immerse themselves in the UAE Pavilion’s architectural structure and landscaped areas. They then enter the Pavilion and move through the designed spaces, where they are surrounded by multisensory experiences, both from an architectural standpoint, as well as integrated cinematic features.

A CLOSE COLLABORATION BETWEEN FATHER AND SON, FOR THE UAE PAVILION Collaborating to envision and complete the UAE Pavilion, Dr. Calatrava and his son, Micael, who is based in the UAE, work closely together.

“We shared similar visions with the stakeholders involved, and many sug-

gestions that were brought to the table were deciphered and integrated to the overall design. This heightened the diversity of viewpoints in the creative process, allowing us to push the limits and challenge one another, to ensure that every angle, line and detail was accounted for and that the result is the best it can be, both for our client and for the visitors of the UAE Pavilion,” shares Micael.

With a growing office in the UAE, the Calatrava team believe that close proximity to the country and the client allows for the channeling of the true intended nature of the project from the first sketch.

“Our design process is similar to a journey that continuously unfolds with every sketch. Every creative journey we embark on, is unique for us, and this is demonstrated through the diverse portfolio of our architecture and design practice. Each project draws inspiration from the neighboring urban fabric from which it rises, to serve as an extension of the cosmopolitan city, as we have done with the UAE Pavilion,” he shares.

Above: UAE Pavilion, Dubai Expo 2020 Left: Al Wasl Plaza, Dubai Expo 2020

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FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

SERVEU EXPANDS SERVICES IN ABU DHABI TO INCLUDE B2C SEGMENT

Lucy Elizabeth Jones, Head of Department, ServeU Essentials (B2B)

B2B services hit a record revenue of over AED 50 million in the emirate

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ollowing the success of its business-to-business (B2B) services in Abu Dhabi, ServeU announced its expansion through the launching of its business-toconsumer (B2C) segment in the emirate. Named Home Essentials, the new offering will enable customers to avail cost-effective facilities management (FM) services for their residence. The announcement comes after ServeU recently achieved a record revenue of over AED 50 million in the emirate through B2B services alone.

Gary Reader, General Manager, ServeU, said: “We are looking forward to enabling individuals and companies in Abu Dhabi experience the quality of facilities management service that ServeU has long been known for. This expansion reflects our dedication to offer the best standards of service and constantly innovate using the latest technological solutions to meet and exceed our client expectations through highly trained and experienced staff. With this new achievement, we aim to bridge industrial gaps and broaden our reach by offering a vast array of specialized facilities management solutions to enable more clients in the emirate to manage their own spaces and facilities more efficiently.”

Recognizing the increase in demand for facilities management services with the recent expansion, ServeU has an Abu Dhabi-based workforce composed of more than 600 technical and soft services staff. These professionals attend to various facilities management needs including mechanical, electrical and

plumbing (MEP), cleaning, security, landscaping, pest control, duct cleaning, and more.

Lucy Elizabeth Jones, Head of Department at ServeU Essentials (B2B), commented: “We have been receiving numerous requests from our clients, and this recent expansion reflects our commitment to ensuring our customers receive the best solutions for their homes.

By integrating machine learning and other technologies into our services, we will provide the latest facilities management solutions to guarantee customer satisfaction. Customers will be able to access modern home facility services such as seamless smart home installations and connectivity through mobile apps that is part of our innovative ServeU Home Essentials.”

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Home Essentials comes under ServeU Essentials, which offers a suite of FM solutions such as annual maintenance, cleaning services, and home automation. Other segments of ServeU Essentials include Business Essentials, which caters to tailored needs of company clients, and Retail Essentials, which provides part-time and mobile facilities services.

ServeU has been serving the needs of businesses in Abu Dhabi for more than a decade through exclusive contracts with private companies worth AED 7-9 million yearly. The FM company also provides services to UAE government entities and corporate clients across the country. The company holds multiple contracts of over AED 20 million for cleaning services.

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LANDSCAPING

SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION F

Chandra Dake,

Executive Chairman and Group CEO of Dake Group, on how sand technology hopes to solve the water-scarcity puzzle 34 | CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME | SEPTEMBER 2021

ollowing the pandemic outbreak, the use of the term “sustainable construction”, which had been on the back burner for many years, has gathered a sense of urgency. This development is a result of people’s newfound awareness of sustainability and wellness, particularly within the context of the built environment. Even the UN has escalated its push for sustainable construction, defining it as developments that meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.

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SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION | HOW SAND TECHNOLOGY HOPES TO SOLVE THE WATER-SCARCITY PUZZLE

“Sustainable construction is about achieving water-wise landscaping as much as it is about conserving water wherever possible. And the search for answers has led to sand technology and affiliated products, which are poised to solve the Middle East water scarcity puzzle.” effective conservation strategies. But these strategies cannot connote compromises, or neglect of other “needs” - particularly natural greenery, gardens, and green cover.

The pandemic has fuelled ecoconsumerism and green practices.

Especially in multi-family facilities and community-driven developments. Natural greenery has shifted from being a unique value proposition to becoming a “musthave”. So, sustainable construction is now about achieving water-wise landscaping as much as it is about conserving water wherever possible. And the search for answers has led to sand technology and affiliated products, which are poised to solve the Middle East water scarcity puzzle.

However, the needs in question are not uniform across geographies. Every location has issues that require more attention than others. In the Middle East, sustainable construction has an acute need-gap in terms of water usage - from the early construction phase to day-today community use later on. This calls for

Breathable Sand enabled water-wise landscaping By definition, water-wise landscaping revolves around practices aimed at reducing the irrigation required for landscaping. However, in the Middle East, landscaping runs into even more challenges; including soil salinity, arid climate, and high fertilizer requirement.

Taking stock of these challenges, Breathable Sand based products have been developed to make water-wise landscaping a reality in the Middle East.

So what is Breathable Sand? It is a water-retaining, air-permeable medium that enables landscapers to grow lush natural greenery, while reducing their water input by nearly 80% compared to conventional practices. Additionally, its “breathability” function translates to efficient oxygen supply to plant roots, enabling optimal yield. In other words,

Breathable Sand-powered water-wise landscaping consumes significantly less water, can also be implemented as organic gardening, and is affordable due to the primary material - typical desert sand - being abundantly available in the region. Therefore, it ticks all the sustainability boxes (social, economic, and environmental), in line with the UN’s sustainable development goals (SDGs). >>>

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LANDSCAPING

Breathable Sand based gardening can be implemented at any location, at any scale, and by developers of all sizes. Early adopters include individuals who have achieved sustainable home gardens, as well as institutional practitioners who have grown large swathes of greenery in parks, playgrounds, and near commercial establishments - all gaining an earlymover advantage in green construction.

A few have taken their sustainability initiatives to another level, by also embedding Breathable Sand technology based rainwater harvesting systems into their projects - particularly those under construction.

Decentralized rainwater harvesting The “air-permeability” function of Breathable Sand makes it ideal for the development of decentralized rainwater harvesting systems - structures built using air-permeable products available in the form of tiles, pavers, and kerbstones.

These are used to build underground reservoirs of any size. During rainfall, the porous surface absorbs rainwater, filters out sediments, and stores the water inside. The built-in “air-permeable” functionality helps keep the water fresh for years, without requiring chemical or electricity-based treatment.

Unlike expensive, centralized rainwater harvesting systems, which require periodic maintenance and

occupy vast over-ground space, these decentralized systems can be deployed under construction sites and common areas, as per convenience and at low cost. In application, developers can not only avoid flooding, and the associated damage and repair costs, but also harness the purest form of water in nature: Rainwater.

With effective sloping and redirection mechanisms, developers can harvest large amounts of rainwater, for initial construction use and thereafter for community usage including landscaping.

Surface runoff, after watering the gardens, can also be redirected to the underground reservoirs, thereby inducing circularity in the system.

So, all in all, Breathable Sand technology helps achieve water-wise landscaping, as well as enabling rainwater harvesting through decentralized systems - offering end-to-end solutions that reduce water usage for stakeholders across the construction value chain, while enhancing the value of the property.

Such comprehensive solutions are of great consequence to the Middle East, where the construction industry is expected to grow by 4.1%(1) by 2022. And considering the majority of developments are greenfield – with a wide scope for early adoption of Breathable Sand technology and its affiliated products - the Middle East’s

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chances of bringing its entire construction industry in line with its sustainability goals are looking bright. Since the rise in eco-consumerism, and emphasis on wellness are global phenomena, the shift to sustainable construction could have a knock-on impact on FDI flows, and the overall competitiveness of the sector, in the regional market.

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handra Dake is the Executive Chairman and Group CEO of the Dake Group, and an advocate of Innovation and Sustainability, with a Food Security and Water Conservation focus. Mr. Dake reconciles a strong entrepreneurial drive with a philanthropic spirit, which has helped him conceptualize and implement socially conscious and sustainable business models, over a 21 year career as a successful entrepreneur. From beginnings in IT consulting and niche Medical AI, Mr. Dake’s business interests have blossomed to include sectors such as Agriculture, Energy, Commodity Trading and Sustainable Technologies. His business approach is anchored in strong ethics and values, which is evident in his efforts to implement inclusive growth models for underprivileged community farmers, and scaling transformative Desert Farming and Water Conservation solutions.

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PROJECT

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IDEAL OWNERSHIP EXPERIENCE | EAGLE HILLS DIYAR

IDEAL OWNERSHIP EXPERIENCE EAGLE HILLS DIYAR INTRODUCES A NEW CONCEPT OF BEACH FRONT RESIDENTIAL SERVICED APARTMENTS

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agle Hills Diyar (EHD), the provider of quality lifestyle communities, announced the latest addition to its Marassi Al Bahrain portfolio – ‘Address Residences, Marassi Vista’ - a unique concept of serviced apartments.

This exclusive development would be the ultimate hassle-free property investment seamlessly managed on behalf of investors, from leasing to furnishing, ensuring the ideal ownership experience.

With a built-up area of approximately 33,000 sqm, ‘Address Residences, Marassi Vista’ comprises of 210 units, ranging from studio to 3-bedroom apartments, and designed to meet the expectations of guests for quality residences.

‘Address Residences, Marassi Vista’, guarantees fully equipped, high-quality interiors and furnishing complemented with various amenities; including a barista and café lounge available on the ground floor as well as a state-of-the-art gymnasium. The building also features a children’s play area, in addition to a separate adult and children’s swimming pool and a barbeque area. The beach front project is the most recent addition to the Marassi Al Bahrain community, short walk from Marassi Galleria and directly on a vibrant beach promenade and Marassi Hearts gardens.

Commenting on the project, Chief Executive Officer of Eagle Hills, Ms. Low Ping, stated: “We are extremely pleased to launch our latest development at Marassi Al Bahrain, in partnership with Address Hotels and Resorts. We have designed a new serviced residences project that complements and enhances our Eagle Hills portfolio and is aligned with our aspirations of providing customers with the ultimate comfort, convenience and 5-star living experience.”

Dr. Maher Al Shaer, Managing Director of Eagle Hills Diyar, said: “Address Residences, Marassi Vista adds another layer to Marassi Al Bahrain’s comprehensive project mix, and is a welcome addition to Bahrain’s growing real estate sector, boosting the provision of residential options in the Kingdom and posing as a lucrative investment opportunity. Our new serviced residences are envisioned to offer high end, fully furnished units complete with ample facilities and stunning sea views, all complemented further by access to all the nearby attractions and conveniences that Marassi Al Bahrain has to offer including exceptional waterfront retail and F&B.” Mr. Eng Gim Hwee, General Manager of Eagle Hills Diyar, also added: “We look forward to adding a new project to the Marassi Al Bahrain skyline. A project with the prestige of Address Residences Marassi Vista will create a new market niche of investor friendly products, a welcomed addition to the exciting and unique residential solutions that are available within the Bahrain Real Estate Market”.

Address is a premium luxury hotel group that has positioned itself as a perfect choice for business, leisure and group travellers. As the first brand launched by Emaar Hospitality Group with properties situated in some of the most sought-after locations, it brought a fresh identity to the global hospitality and service sector by setting new benchmarks with its gracious and exceptional standards. Staying true to its tagline ‘Residences Redefined’, the new project, managed by Address, is set to bring a new concept of beach front residential serviced apartments.

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INNOVATION

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ANDROID BUILDING | NETIX GLOBAL’S NOVUS PARTNER PROGRAM

ANDROID BUILDING

Real estate leaders come out in support of Netix Global’s Novus Partner Program to empower ‘Android Building’ approach in region

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etix Global BV - a subsidiary of SB Group International, and leading vendor-neutral iIBMS automation solutions provider has been acclaimed for its Novus Partner Program, by top Middle East real estate industry stalwarts.

The initiative aims to lead the Brownfield Revolution in Middle East Real Estate, and empower an ‘Android Building’ approach, in the region.

Sanjeevv Bhatia, Chairman of SB Group International and CEO of Netix Global BV; Priyesh Bhatia, General Manager of ODS Global; Ganesh Khanolkar, Managing Director of Exenture India & ODS India, DOS of Teknoware and Netix; Jehad Abu Shamiyeh, CEO of Electro Power Systems, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Vivek Wagh, Business Development Director, SB Group International, Oman, Africa & South East Asia; and Jagdish Rajan, CEO, Garnet Technologies, part of JBK Qatar; have come together as Platinum Partners, as part of the newly launched Netix Novus Partner Program.

IoT, AI and cloud-based applications are rapidly transforming Middle East real estate.

Research indicates(1) that digitalization efforts will grow the KSA smart cities market to $14.75 billion by 2027, at a CAGR of 19.6%. In the past, this potential has been limited – for all practical purposes – to Greenfield developments.

The Netix Novus Partner Program aims to create digital parity across the real estate sector, through an ecosystem of tech-empowered service providers, to implement these technologies in Brownfield projects as well.

Research released by Ernst & Young(2) believes automation can double the KSA economy of the KSA to $1.6 trillion, by adding an additional $293 billion by 2030. But, in the past, this potential was undermined by legacy, vendor-locked, OEM-led BMS. The Netix Novus program overcomes these limitations with an interoperable, open-protocol ecosystem, based on a new generation of IoT, AI, and Machine Learning, enabled building automation and management systems. In addition, Netix is also bringing the 7 Series line of centralized emergency lighting control panels, from Finnish vehicle and emergency lighting manufacturer Teknoware Oy, to the region; to enable features such as remote monitoring and control, automatic status reports, selectable output circuits, and a universal diagnostics portal. >>>

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Priyesh Bhatia, General Manager, ODS Global

INNOVATION

Vivek Wagh, Business Development Director, SB Group International

“The pre-launch response to the program has been great, and partners across Saudi, Oman, Qatar, UAE and India have already come on-board”, says Sanjeevv Bhatia, CEO of Netix Global BV. “Netix has already shaken hands with Garnet, part of JBK - a market leader in Qatar with 27+ years of experience in ELV, BMS and Security Services; as well as Electropower, a market leader in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with a strong presence of 20 years in the Gulf region, across Yemen, Qatar, Jordan, Dubai, and Bahrain, as well”.

The Novus Partner Program was inspired by the successful implementation of Netix’s by Dubai-based ODS Global – who are now the program’s first Platinum Partner. ODS has won the maintenance of the Building Management System (BMS) 18 properties and 5 vertical communities by Emaar, across Downtown Dubai and Dubai Creek Harbour. Netix’s retrofit solutions enabled ODS Global to avoid replacing the entire system and help Mazaya save 75% of costs. Netix’s IoT and AI-based open protocol solutions also played a crucial role in ODS Global being awarded a three year maintenance contract for the building automation systems of 24 DAMAC Properties towers; the upgrade and maintenance of 3 Mazaya Towers’ buildings; and system integration projects at the Jafza Convention Centre, the BVLGARI Resort in Jumeirah Bay, the Pullman Hotel, and the Emirates Airlines Staff Accommodation in Dubai.

Set in the backdrop of major regional initiatives - such as the KSA’s Vision

Jehad Abu Shamiyeh, CEO, Electro Power Systems

Ganesh Khanolkar, Managing Director of Exenture India & ODS India

2030, which identifies real estate as an important sector – real estate stakeholders are backing the shift to the kind openprotocol models that the Novus program will enable. “We are very excited to join forces and accelerate the revolution of the industry. Netix Global’s open protocol, plug and play approach offers the

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Jagdish Rajan, CEO, Garnet Technologies, part of JBK Qatar

perfect solution to the inflexible systems the building automation industry is struggling with currently. Netix’s ‘Android Building’ approach will empower continuous innovation and improvement, and transform the real estate landscape in the Kingdom”, says Jehad Abu Shamiyeh, CEO of Electro Power Systems, KSA.

About

Sanjeevv Bhatia A

ceaseless and ambitious serial entrepreneur, Sanjeevv Bhatia is the CEO of Netix Global BV, a vendor neutral iIBMS automation solutions provider, with a strong focus on solutions for sustainable smart buildings, smart cities and energy efficiency, including an intelligent Integrated Command & Control Center (iICCC) for remote monitoring & management of facilities. He is the force behind an impressive portfolio of companies, offering cutting edge products and services across the Middle East, Europe, Asia Pacific and the USA. Managing Director and Partner at Teknoware Middle East, and CEO of ODS Global DMCC, Exenture Global BV, Netix Global BV and Exenture Films India Pvt Ltd, Sanjeevv’s urge to address unmet needs through innovation has found expression in an array of market leading ventures. A Master of

Business Administration (MBA, Marketing and Finance) from the Southern New Hampshire University, Sanjeevv’s career of more than 20 years has been a meteoric rise, built on a strong work ethic, vision, and focus on people and partnerships.

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ANDROID BUILDING | NETIX GLOBAL’S NOVUS PARTNER PROGRAM

“We are very excited to join forces and accelerate the revolution of the industry. Netix Global’s open protocol, plug and play approach offers the perfect solution to the inflexible systems the building automation industry is struggling with currently.”

About Netix Global BV

Headquartered in Schiphol-Rijk (Netherlands), Netix Global BV is a vendor-neutral iIBMS automation solutions provider, with a strong focus on sustainable smart buildings, smart cities, and energy efficiency. The company’s global presence currently extends from Europe to the Middle East, USA, India, Singapore, with upcoming debuts in the United Kingdom, Egypt, Qatar, KSA, Canada and Australia, as well as active opportunities being pursued in broader markets. Building on the strengths of an open framework and IoT technology driven approach, Netix Global BV is a premier provider of bestin-class building automation systems, solutions and services.

The company’s comprehensive industry expertise ranges from design, engineering, integration, connectivity, testing, commis-

sioning, and maintenance of smart building eco-systems, and their components. Netix Global BV’s products and services include an Integrated Control Command Center (ICCC); NETIX Uniview SUPRA, a feature-rich supervisory software suite built on the Niagara platform; Managed services offering predictive maintenance for both buildings & machinery; Push to Talk global Mobile Apps that replace traditional Walkie Talkies; Smart Metering solutions and more. Underscoring the confidence that Netix Control Solutions stands out, as a class part, are the team behind this promising venture, who boast a collective experience featuring stints with Honeywell, Johnson Controls, Siemens, and Delta Controls.

For more information please visit: https://www.netixglobal.com/

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INTERVIEW

FUTURE OF FM OPERATIONS AND DATA-DRIVEN SERVICE DELIVERY

T

he 2020s are an era we have approached with apprehension, excitement, uncertainty and ingenuity as technology races forward at breakneck speed. While the professional landscape has changed in the recent past, we still do the same work, but in a different environment and under different circumstances. As a result of this change, we see the role of FM service delivery and property operations as a whole, become more and more prominent, transitioning from an operational level to a data-driven strategic path.

This raises many questions on the future of facility operations and how operatives can stay nimble and flexible enough to respond to these changes?

Will COVID-19 mean the end of the firefighting mode in operations? How will relationships with service providers change? Will the pandemic alter the way we measure O&M (operations and maintenance) SLAs and KPIs? How do we design an operational roadmap that can help overcome these challenges?

Together with four facility experts from leading ecosystem organizations, we investigated the future of strategic dataled facilities management.

44 | CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME | SEPTEMBER 2021

We asked Prabhu Ramachandran, Founder & CEO, Facilio Inc., a leading AI-based property operations platform that manages over 70m sq. ft of commercial real estate portfolio globally, to weigh in on how technology is reshaping the future of real estate operations through powerful outcome-focused solutions.

What are the barriers to innovation in real estate operations & FM services today?

Legacy CaFM software has evolved considerably since their inception; expanding in scope to include inventory and asset management, cost analysis, and vendor management, etc. At a rudimentary level, CaFM adopters have successfully pivoted from paper-based systems, to cloud-supported digital applications as much as possible. However the new reality of property operations demands products and services that are more flexible, scalable, and interoperable. Property operations are left grappling with time to switch between tools, chasing people for information exchange, dealing with multiple contractors and subcontractors, and receiving outdated reports. >>> WWW.CBNME.COM

FUTURE OF FM OPERATIONS AND DATA-DRIVEN SERVICE DELIVERY

“PROPERTY OPERATIONS ARE LEFT GRAPPLING WITH TIME TO SWITCH BETWEEN TOOLS, CHASING PEOPLE FOR INFORMATION EXCHANGE, DEALING WITH MULTIPLE CONTRACTORS AND SUBCONTRACTORS, AND RECEIVING OUTDATED REPORTS.”

CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME | SEPTEMBER 2021 | 45

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INTERVIEW

With a unified software platform that enables the basic requisites of maintenance management, a modern integrated O&M approach enables portfolios to set up unique workflows and approvals—algining provider services with end customer’s business processes, offering mobility, service desk, visitor management, contractor management, budget, stakeholder portals, real-time executive insights, and more.

Many of the legacy solutions are horizontal solutions, and not really built specifically for real estate. As a result, they are often underutilized. Commercial real estate portfolios can be complex, often involve multiple asset types, and frequently leverage single purpose automation technologies utilized in a siloed manner, which can result in a fragmented view of the portfolio and a lack of useful information. The cost of leaving this issue unaddressed is that O&M leaders are left dealing with blind spots, having to resort to reactive firefighting, and limited ammunition for innovation In contrast, imagine the ease of automating & digitizing multiple interactions, workflows, processes, and information exchange; within a single platform and a single place - without the integration bottlenecks and heavy price tags, typically associated with legacy and regular market solutions. The emerging data-driven O&M software platforms are designed to address issues for all stakeholders and optimize all functions at the same time, while creating results where they matter most, which is the delivery of exceptional customer experiences

by stakeholders anytime, anywhere, with complete mobility. This real-time and across-the-board access creates optimal and multi-party stakeholder engagement, and with good data, benchmarking becomes easier, resulting in significantly improved service quality and delivery.

We can see the difference that access to quality, realt-ime data has made to sectors like e-commerce—in which players like Amazon have redefined the standards of delivery services; ride-sharing apps like Uber—which created immediate and quantifiable value for both end-users and drivers. The commercial real estate industry has a similar opportunity to introduce unprecedented services, efficiencies, and operational agility, by leveraging data.

Drivers of this change The sudden and dramatic nature of the COVID-19 pandemic was a wake-up call for O&M teams, making them realize the limitations of the legacy tools and processes they were using. At the same time, building occupants also became aware of the flexibility and adaptability limitations they were dealing with, leading to them wanting greater control over their environment, as well as up to the minute information and frictionless services. Transformationally, the spotlight was on operational resilience, and O&M teams emerged as a foundational strategic function, to empower building owners and operators, and create a mechanism to address the concerns of tenants and occupants.

The industry has realized that it needs to shift to a more proactive and agile model, with nimble and empowered FM teams as a fundamental building block in a strong operations strategy. Earlier, owners would keep on acquiring new buildings to gain customers, and a huge focus was on the >>>

How will a data-driven approach bridge this technology gap?

The new generation of data-driven FM software takes a workflow-driven approach to the O&M lifecycle. It creates a real-time and targeted context for maintenance schedules, which is easily accessible 46 | CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME | SEPTEMBER 2021

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INTERVIEW

the value unlocked becomes exponentially greater. So, such a centralized Command Center allows businesses to optimize resources, operate with greater flexibility, and identify innovation gaps, through a single-window and granular real-time view, of their operations.

sales side of real estate. The focus is now on increasing the square feet leased by becoming more operationally efficient, and ensuring that tenants are happy, at a lower cost to the business. Owners also have a need to be more agile, to differentiate themselves, with end-user experience firmly at the core of measuring service quality, and brand identity.

From an innovation standpoint, how can you take this to the next level for larger efficiency gains across a portfolio?

Real estate portfolios are also setting themselves up for smart building success, when they choose a connected approach to CaFM operations. In its current form without real-time information from buildings, CaFM is vastly underutilized and at the risk of becoming redundant. The key is to create a Connected Ops environment where the software platform provides a hardware-agnostic approach to connect real-time building data, with core O&M functions. Besides streamlining workflows, you can now optimize them for maximum performance.

Failure to do this will relegate CaFM to its most basic version - that of keeping maintenance-related logs. If the value of the technology is to be optimized, it must have access to a common database that includes systems data points; like asset performance, energy usage metrics, FDD data, etc. The data quality - or the lack thereof - will have a direct bearing on deep-dive analysis, maintenance schedule, and therefore on service quality and associated cost.

Such transparency in building operations favours multiple stakeholders, and O&M leaders most of all; giving them real-time access to vital information - such as asset health, vendor accountability budget versus cost analysis, a single record of information, resource utilization, and overall gaps in operations - paving the way for fundamentally improving property operations.

Centralized and connected operations are another key area that will take portfolio scale efficiency gains to the next level. For instance, if a CRE business has procured 10 different applications, this constitutes a huge investment. By contextually integrating these functionalities onto a common centralized platform,

48 | CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME | SEPTEMBER 2021

Benefits of a data-driven approach to customers Putting it simply, a data-driven approach is just the smarter and more cost-efficient way to operate properties. And this is measurably apparent across the entire spectrum of metrics and business outcomes. Our customers have reported workforce productivity improvements of up to 15 percent; a reduction in complaint escalations of up to 90 to 95 percent; and an up to 50 percent reduction in asset downtime.

The reliance on a modern O&M solution for decision-making has increased significantly in recent years. And considering a major chunk of building life cycle costs can be attributed to workflows around maintenance, approvals, service requests, and occupant experience, this is not in the least bit surprising. The consensus around adopting integrated, data-driven O&M software has now crossed the tipping point within the industry; and the impact on operational bottom lines, asset performance, and end-user experiences, will be profound.

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CBNME

MACHINERY

SMART ROAD CONSTRUCTION OPTIMUM COORDINATION AND MAXIMUM EFFICIENCY WERE REQUIRED FOR PAVING A WIDTH OF 11.5 M IN THE GUBRIST TUNNEL: AS A DRIVER OF DIGITAL JOB SITES, CONTRACTOR MARTI AG SOLOTHURN BAUUNTERNEHMUNG PUT ITS MONEY ON VÖGELE’S WITOS PAVING PLUS SOFTWARE-BASED PROCESS OPTIMISATION SOLUTION. THIS NETWORKS ALL THOSE INVOLVED IN THE PROCESS IN REAL TIME AND DELIVERS NUMEROUS BENEFITS, ESPECIALLY ON BIG CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS.

I

t is one of the most complex infrastructure projects in Switzerland: 2022 sees the opening of the third bore of the Gubrist tunnel, 3.2 km long, as part of Zurich’s northern by-pass. With a diameter of 16 m, it is the largest tunnel bore in the country and is intended to relieve the chronic congestion of this section of road by providing three extra carriageways towards St. Gallen/Bern.

The demands on the road construction process were correspondingly high: despite the complex tunnel logistics, parallel working and heavy traffic, approximately 20,000 t asphalt had to be paved within a tight schedule and meet stringent quality standards.

This was why contractor Marti AG

Solothurn Bauunternehmung decided to approach the project using a digital road construction solution. “As one of the largest contractors in Switzerland, the Marti Group has been active in driving digitalisation in all areas of construction for years - from structural to civil engineering. For a project of this scale, it was obvious that we should use a solution which enables us not only to visualise planning digitally, but also to control job site processes actively,” says Cedric Berrut, civil engineering operations manager.

NETWORKED SYSTEM SOLUTION FROM THE PAVER MANUFACTURER Vögele’s WITOS Paving Plus product was the one selected. This software-based process optimisation solution networks

50 | CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME | SEPTEMBER 2021

all those involved in the project from the construction manager to the mixing plant manager to the paving supervisor and on to the paver operator and consists of a total of five modules: these allow job site planning, provision of mix, transport of mix, asphalt paving and subsequent process analysis to be managed by one single system in real time. Among other things, this facilitates just-in-time delivery to the site and continuous paving with no paver stoppages. The paving team can react specifically to disruptions to the process. “One advantage from our point of view is that as an integrated solution from the manufacturer of the machine, WITOS Paving Plus matches the paver perfectly,” adds Berrut. “This gives us immediate access to all the machine data.”

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SMART ROAD CONSTRUCTION | VÖGELE’S WITOS PAVING PLUS

INTELLIGENT PROCESS CONTROL AND THE LATEST MACHINE TECHNOLOGY For the contractor, there was another new feature about the job site: at 11.5 m, this was the widest paving project without joints ever completed in Switzerland.

As a consequence, Marti also added two more Vögele machines to its vehicle park: the MT 3000-2i Offset PowerFeeder and the SUPER 2100-3i Road Paver in combination with the SB 300 Fixed-Width Screed.

Combined with the Highway Class paver, the second-largest screed from this manufacturer achieves pave widths of up to 13 m and was therefore ideal for paving this three-lane section without joints. Over a stretch of road totalling 3.2 km, an 8 cm-thick foundation, base and binder course and a 4 cm-thick surface course were to be paved in two sections. “So on the one hand, we had to use a powerful combination of machines (feeder, paver and screed) which delivers an absolutely even result even across a large width, whilst on the other hand relying on intelligent

process control to guarantee the smoothest possible processes,” says Berrut.

WITOS PAVING PLUS SIMPLIFIES LOGISTICS Paving the Gubrist tunnel required planners, construction managers and the paving team to take account of a number of logistical challenges: the mixing plant for Marti AG Solothurn Bauunternehmung is in Walliswil bei Niederbipp, some 100 km away. In order to avoid jams on this busy stretch of road and to minimise delays due to parallel working in the tunnel, Marti decided to pave at night. Vögele’s process optimisation solution simplified the logistical coordination of this process: the planning and control module allows planners to record and monitor all the key parameters, the machines required, quantities of material and their scheduling.

The system transmitted to the mixing plant the number of trucks calculated, then compared this number with the data at the plant and calculated from this the

cycling of the trucks and their arrival times on site.

“Planning and production of mix were much more accurate,” reports Berrut.

“This enabled us to match paving and compaction processes perfectly to suit material deliveries.”

CONTINUOUS PAVING, BETTER UTILISATION The job site module gave paving supervisor, construction manager and paver operator a real-time overview of paving progress, laydown rate and mix delivery throughout the entire project.

The tablet PC or paver operator’s console enabled them to detect deviations from the plan in terms of paving time, paving distance or mix quantities and react if

necessary. “This enabled us to ensure continuous paving and thus the appropriate quality,” says Berrut. Evaluation in the analysis module furthermore resulted in a significant reduction in waiting times as a result of cycling, as well as in fewer mix trucks than on comparable job sites. “Ultimately, this means reduced material and transport costs, fewer emissions, better utilisation and at the same time, better quality.”

PRACTICAL SYSTEM WITH GREAT POTENTIAL Another benefit of WITOS Paving Plus: the system can be used even under difficult conditions such as those prevailing in the Gubrist tunnel. In order to ensure reliable data transmission, Marti used a GSM network which was routed into the tunnel by additional antennas. “The project showed that WITOS Paving Plus is a practical solution with great potential for us,” adds Berrut. “It integrates well in our digital infrastructure and provides data we can use for our BIM models. This is a key point which we are going to expand on in collaboration with Vögele.” In future, Marti intends using the system for all projects involving regional and national roads and relatively large projects.

CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME | SEPTEMBER 2021 | 51

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MACHINERY

THE NEW JLG 860SJ HC3 FOR HEAVY LOADS AT GREAT HEIGHTS HAS ARRIVED IN GERMANY JLG INDUSTRIES, INC., AN OSHKOSH CORPORATION COMPANY [NYSE:OSK] AND THE LEADING GLOBAL MANUFACTURER OF MOBILE ELEVATING WORK PLATFORMS AND TELESCOPIC MATERIAL HANDLERS, DELIVERS 860SJ HC IN GERMANY 52 | CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME | SEPTEMBER 2021

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SMART ROAD CONSTRUCTION | VÖGELE’S WITOS PAVING PLUS

“We were always looking for another machine that would close the gap between our existing telescopic platforms up to 26.3 m working height and those with 38.5 m working height. A machine that also has something special and is made for heavy loads at great heights. That’s exactly what we found in the new JLG 860SJ HC3.”

P

rofessional access technology has had a successful home at Rehm in Munderkingen for more than 30 years. Well-known companies successfully carry out their construction pro-jects with the company’s working platforms, whether purchased or rented.

Today, the long-established BadenWürttemberg company has a wide range of self-propelled working platforms with working heights from 6.60 m up to

43.15 m. The range includes platforms with electric, hybrid or diesel drive. JLG’s current range at Rehm includes the SL 153-22 DSP scissor lift, the Toucan 10 E-L and Toucan 12E+ vertical mast lifts and the 460SJ, 1200 SJP and 1350 SJP telescopic lifts.

“And yet,” says Uwe Rehm, Managing Director at Rehm Arbeitsbühnen, “we were always looking for another machine that would close the gap between our existing telescopic plat-forms up to 26.3 m working height and those with 38.5 m working height. A machine that also has something special and is made for heavy loads at great heights. That’s exactly what we found in the new JLG 860SJ HC3.”

the 860SJ HC3 for more flexibility and significant time savings: with its high load capaci-ty in the entire working area, up to three people including tools can be transported in one op-eration. For safe working at height, various components are reinforced for stability and durability purposes. All HC3 models also have an automatic load sensor (“loadsensing system”) that limits the range of use if the platform is overloaded. The control panel has also been im-proved.

The displays detect the ambient light conditions and adjust the brightness accordingly for better visibility. And if the machine reaches the maximum side tilt of more than 5 degrees, a tilt alarm warns the operator.

LIFTING WITH NEW CAPACITY: UP TO 450 KG PAYLOAD ON THE PLATFORM With the new all-wheel heavy-duty telescopic platform, Rehm is up to date with today’s re-quirements. The new, powerful JLG 860SJ HC3 meets the increasing demand for more lifting capacity. In addition, this highperformance boom has maximum horizontal and vertical reach when difficult work around corners is required or confined work sites present a challenge. “We have had JLG machines in our rental programme since 1999. The decisive factor for choosing the new HC3 type was the increased payload of up to 450 kg. This is a real as-set for the customers and for us,” explains Uwe Rehm.

The HC3 strength lies in the “high capacity”, the “3” stands for three different platform loads to which the machine automatically adjusts. Working space and possibilities are expanded with

A SUCCESSFUL COLLABORATION IN EVERY ASPECT Rehm Arbeitsbühnen has been working closely with JLG for over 20 years and trusts the continuous product innovations that JLG develops as a pioneer in the industry. “We are pleased that our customers always find the right, convincing solution for their numerous tasks in our range. JLG access platforms are extremely reliable, there are hardly any repairs or breakdowns. And regardless of whether it’s technology or sales, the contact is very cordial and reliable. And with the JLG 860SJ HC3, we already have the next rental trump card in our hands,” says Uwe Rehm.

As a long-standing customer, Rehm was one of the first to receive the new JLG 860SJ HC3. For Ute Schnalzger, Sales Manager Rental JLG Germany, this is the best basis for continuing the longstanding Rehm business relationship in the future.

CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME | SEPTEMBER 2021 | 53

CBNME

TALKING POINT

Reduce Reuse Recycle Bassel Omara, lead design architect at Dorsch Group, on how recycling waste can result in a reduction of carbon footprint and save the environment

The building of LLFP Meydan School by Dorsch Group has simple masses and blocks that provide visual harmony with the open spaces between them. With well-shaded open areas, the design is climate-responsive and energy-efficient.

W

hy should more architect firms turn to recycling materials to reduce the carbon footprint in construction projects?

As the need for sustainability becomes more urgent, architects are increasingly turning to recycled materials. On a larger scale, cities are implementing strategies to reduce the carbon footprint of construction and development. This approach encourages "degrowth" by

54 | CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME | SEPTEMBER 2021

focussing more energy into the renovation and rehabilitation of spaces through adaptive reuse projects, as opposed to the development of new structures.

“The whole world is changing to more sustainable approaches.

It is shifting from being a trend to a fundamental requirement that respects our environment and planet.“ Alarmingly, the new report released by the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction shows that buildings and constructions generate nearly 40% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. By 2060, construction energy demands might rise by 50% which is a disturbing fact in my humble opinion. Reacting to these threats is overdue and started to cause implications towards our urban fabric and structure.

Despite the whole world is one connected hub, yet material manufacturing and transportation contributes significantly to the carbon footprint. Regardless of the advanced technology yet we tend to go to new manufacturing rather than recycling. Recycling materials is a necessary starting point that can save from 4090% of the energy compared to making those from virgin materials. When it comes to

identifying materials, one of the major key points considered if this material is recycled/ recyclable or not. We, as architects, have a big role in directing the suppliers to innovate more towards recycling technologies. Yet the regulations need to be more rewarding to increase the use of recycled and regional materials. During our design for the LLFP Meydan School, we considered recycled content to meet at least 10-15% of the material volume. Example of these materials is reinforced steel, aggregates, concrete blocks, insulation materials, and ceramic/porcelain tiles.

On the other hand, a sustainable way is to reuse existing abandoned buildings rather than demolishing them.

I have taken the initiative with UNICITI along with a group of volunteers to do deeper research on repurposing and improving the quality of the existing building stock reutilize and improve upon the existing urban fabric. This will help to look at various tactical interventions towards the existing urban fabric to make it more liveable. Understanding to what extend restoring or repurposing these abandoned buildings before demolishing.

With these strategies, it is eye-opening towards a more humane environment and reduction of carbon footprint.

Overall, concentrating further on more efficient ways to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle our conventional methods will help shape our perceptions of space designing for new structures. Specifications will be standardized to respect the environment more and shift from economical concentric to functional orientation.

Net Zero Energy Cities will be common norms and not an achievement for high-quality sustainable living.

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