Jubail Island Investment Company awards villa and townhouse design contract for Jubail Island Phase 1 to Ramón Esteve Estudio
Jubail Island Investment Company (JIIC) has awarded a contract to design 16 villa and townhouse typologies to be constructed within Phase 1 of the AED5 billion Jubail Island project. The unique designs will cater to discriminating and diversified buyer demands; and include a myriad of differing floor plan layouts, and serviced plots ranging in size from 1,200 to 2,205 square metres – meeting market demand particularly addressing Emirati household preferences.
The project will be designed by Ramón Esteve Estudio (REE). Established in 1991, REE was founded by Ramón Esteve with the premise that architecture is a global discipline. His training as an architect became a transversal vision where architecture and design form one single concept.
The units will blend seamlessly into the adjacent natural environment which completely surrounds and meanders through the communities. The impressive design themes embrace modern and traditional styles; and the villas will range in size from 145-square metre two-bedroom offerings to unparalleled 820-square metre six-bedroom designs. The homes will be interlaced and nestled within a tranquil, very low-density realm as highlighted in the celebrated vision behind the overall project master plan.
With AED400 million in infrastructure works already underway – having already started in early January 2020, home construction is on schedule to start in Q1 2021 with completion slated for 2023. In addition, a mix of serviced plots will also be available for buyers to build their custom dream homes from as early as Q3 2021.
Speaking on the announcement, Richard Russell, Chief Operations Officer of Lead Development – the development management firm overseeing Jubail Island, said: “Following the on-schedule start of infrastructure works on Phase 1 of Jubail Island, we are delighted to announce the appointment of Ramon Esteve Estudio (REE) and EHAF Consulting Engineers for this prestigious design assignment. We are confident that buyers looking for a premier community in Abu Dhabi; providing unparalleled quality of lifestyle for discriminating residents, as well as outstanding and world-class home designs will find residential sanctuary on Jubail Island.”
For his part, Architect Ramón Esteve, added: “We are delighted to ink our partnership with JIIC, bringing our housing design expertise to Jubail Island. Currently we are developing new residential varieties with distinct and distinguishable adaptations; using wood, metal, and stone materials to create a diversity of residential ambiences integrated with the surrounding nature. We are excited to bring our recognised work to the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi.”
Jubail Island will also feature spacious and well-appointed outdoor areas, including parks, walking tracks, kayaking stations and cycling routes to provide a welcome venue for nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts. Located within 4.6 million square metres, very low-density development, entwined within pristine natural environment, the community will also offer all amenities.
Construction of IMKAN’s Rabat-based flagship project—Le Carrousel advances with first phase
IMKAN, makes strides in the construction of Le Carrousel; a mixed-use project located on the Moroccan capital, Rabat’s, stunning waterfront.
A high-end destination on the coast of the capital city; construction of Le Carrousel began early this year with its first phase due for completion in the third quarter of 2022. The 300-million-dirham construction contract for the first phase was awarded to SOGEA MAROC, the subsidiary of the French Group Vinci, who has been entrusted to build the residential areas, seafront promenade including over 40 retail outlets across the coastal development.
A key player in the Moroccan construction industry, SOGEA MAROC has finalised the earthworks of the Le Carrousel project and has begun laying the foundation of the development. The project’s model residential apartment is also under construction and is on track to be delivered by September 2020.
Along with the development’s first phase on track for completion in 2022, the French construction company has seen all milestones delivered timely so far as per IMKAN’s construction pipeline. Continuing this steady progress, SOGEA MAROC remains a vital partner to the seamless delivery of Le Carrousel.
As part of the health and safety measures in place to combat the spread of COVID-19 in Morocco, the Le Carrousel construction site has been equipped with all of the necessary safety and hygienic protocols aligned with local government regulations.
Situated off the Atlantic coast covering 10 hectares, the sea-side destination provides a unique 360-degree experience for both its residents and visitors with only 50% density and more than 30% of the development’s land reserved for green spaces.
Featuring refined residences within an exclusive private community including a seafront promenade, boutique hotel and the first open-air shopping mall in Morocco, Le Carrousel is set to become one of the leading destinations in the country and has become an integral part of the development of the Rabat Corniche.
Second phase of The District Al Faisaliah redevelopment project in Riyadh begins
Al Khozama Company, the luxury hospitality and property management company, has confirmed the start of the second phase of its ambitious The District Al Faisaliah redevelopment project, incorporating Al Faisaliah Tower, Al Khairiah Towers, Al Faisaliah Hotel, Al Faisaliah Suites, Hotel Al Khozama and the Mode Al Faisaliah Mall in the Olaya District.
The visionary project will further strengthen the global recognition of Riyadh as the ultimate Middle East destination city linking true Saudi heritage with world-class hospitality, retail and entertainment.
The first phase of The District project announced in 2017 saw the refurbishment and expansion of the Mode Al Faisaliah Mall, extending its square-metre footprint by 20 percent to offer premium retail space of 35,400m², and to introduce internationally renowned restaurant brands to the Kingdom, including Yauatcha, Meraki, Mamo Michelangelo, La Petite Maison and La Brasserie.
In close proximity to the mall, the world-renowned Al Faisaliah Hotel, which has welcomed global leaders and high-profile guests for more than 20 years, is also currently undergoing renovation as part of this phase and is scheduled for completion in 2021.
The second phase of The District transformation incorporates futuristic architectural design with intelligent urban planning, to create the perfect integration of contemporary retail, commercial, entertainment, hospitality, well-being, and residential living.
The redevelopment includes a cinema complex with 9 movie screens, and fully landscaped outdoor green areas with water features and leisure amenities. Direct access to the Riyadh Metro, and a five-level underground parking facility for more than 1,000 cars, ensures the ultimate in convenience, safety and easy accessibility for Riyadh’s residents and visitors.
As part of the redevelopment, the historic Hotel Al Khozama – one of the first hotels to open in Riyadh more than forty years ago – will close in August 2020, and will be replaced with a new contemporary 5-star hotel that will deliver the hospitality brand’s exemplary customer service for a new generation.
Commenting on the significant role the company continues to play in real estate development in the Kingdom, and particularly in Riyadh, H.H. Prince Bandar bin Saud bin Khalid Al Saud, Chairman Al Khozama said: “The strategy followed by Al Khozama Company is aligned with the Kingdom’s 2030 Vision in creating new benchmarks and opportunities for excellence, and contributing to the country’s long-term success. The District is one such example.”
The SAR 2-billion The District redevelopment project, designed by award-winning USA based architectural firm Gensler, is scheduled for completion in 2024.
ISG completes phase I of University of Wollongong Dubai’s new campus
ISG announced the completion of phase one of University of Wollongong Dubai’s new campus at Dubai Knowledge Park.
The first phase of the new high specification 200,000sqft, seven floor campus development, has seen ISG hand over levels one, three, four, and six to the university. These key areas house UOWD’s renowned English Language Testing System (IELTS) Centre, alongside students’ lounges, laboratories and lecture theatres, and the university’s leadership, management, and administration offices.
Commencing on site in November 2019, this first phase handover is fully aligned with the fast-track programme, that will see ISG deliver the new campus, ahead of the start of the new academic year in September.
With an absolute focus on the health, safety, and well-being of every operative across its sites, and strict compliance with UAE Government’s health and safety guidelines, ISG worked diligently to successfully mitigate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on productivity. Comprehensive measures have included the review of safe travel to and from site, one-way site route planning, agile shift patterns and flexing the number of operatives on site to conform with strict social distancing regulations. ISG has also recruited dedicated occupational health first responders and introduced daily temperature checking of operatives, as part of a robust package of measures to maintain consistently high productivity rates.
Scott McCulloch, general manager, Middle East, ISG, said: “Celebrating this key programme milestone for the UOWD has extra resonance during this unprecedented global crisis. By adopting a smart, agile and above all a robustly safe approach, and working in full collaboration with every project stakeholder, we have collectively risen to the challenge of operating in this ‘new normal’ and achieved an outstanding result.”
“Technology has certainly played an important role in maintaining our productivity rates on site, and our strong tech-led credentials have helped us to deploy smart innovations quickly to generate immediate efficiency benefits. I would like to thank our outstanding project team for demonstrating the creativity, drive, and professionalism to operate under the most demanding of circumstances. And our client UOWD, Woods Bagot, Cundall, C&B, other project consultants and our valued supply chain partners, who have supported us tremendously, in our strive to deliver this project safely,” further added McCulloch.