HelloParks Páty PT1 was named Commercial Development of the Year at the Real Estate Awards. The prestigious Hungarian real estate competition recognises the year’s most notable developments and operators. The modern industrial hall, with the largest contiguous floor area in Budapest, is one of the most sustainable warehouses in Hungary
Hilton today announced the signing of Home2 Suites by Hilton Dublin City Centre, signalling the market-leading brand’s debut in Western Europe, as part of a franchise agreement with JMK Group. Home2 Suites by Hilton Dublin City Centre will be located only 100m from the vibrant O’Connell Street, home to the
By crafting tailor-made solutions like a 21-metre Table Lifting System, Doka caters customers’ specific needs and boosts the efficient construction of the second highest building in Detroit. Doka is playing a key role in shaping tomorrow’s Detroit today by acting as an all-in-one supplier for the 209-metre (685-ft.) skyscraper and
Design-led revitalisation of Hatay province underway with international consortium developing masterplan, spearheaded by Türkiye Design Council Internationally renowned Bjarke Ingels Group also appointed architects, alongside Turkish practices DB Architects and KEYM Following the devastating earthquake on 6 February 2023, Türkiye Design Council (TDC) has brought together the world’s best architects
Organizations partner to connect the origination of sustainability with the future of building technology In a landmark effort to preserve architectural history and inspire the future of sustainable construction, the R. Buckminster Fuller Dome Home Not-For-Profit and Mighty Buildings jointly announced the design and development of a new visitor center
HelloParks was named as the Best Warehouse and Industrial Developer and Best BTS Developer of the Year at the CRE Awards for the real estate industry. HelloParks, member of the Futureal Group, came first in two separate categories at the awards organised by EuropaProperty for the fifth time. HelloParks is
A Spanish-Norwegian consortium, supported by a large group of industry stakeholders, will conduct a feasibility study on an EU database defined in the Construction Products Regulation. The objective is to define a system for a digital product passport which considers the digital information needs of regulators, manufacturers and other actors
Essentra, a leading provider of essential components and solutions, has furthered its commitment to making direct operations net zero by 2040 with its manufacturing site in Jiangxi, China, now being powered by solar panels. Supporting its emissions reduction targets, aligned with science-based thinking, the solar array installation is a significant
According to the new development program until 2027, Thailand will revise its tourism development strategy. The authorities of the Kingdom decided to set a new world record for the number of foreign tourists in the country. Thus, in March, Mr Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Tourism and Sports of Thailand, called
Wrapping a surge shaft in the Andes mountains of South America Accessing hard-to-reach locations is not a new challenge faced by installers of Fyfe’s Tyfo structural strengthening solutions, but one project, located deep in the Andes mountains of South America, proved to beat all other projects when it came to
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
HelloParks Páty PT1 was named Commercial Development of the Year at the Real Estate Awards. The prestigious Hungarian real estate competition recognises the year’s most notable developments and operators. The modern industrial hall, with the largest contiguous floor area in Budapest, is one of the most sustainable warehouses in Hungary today. Oliver Treiber, Chief Investment Officer and Partner of HelloParks, has been awarded the Rising Talent of the Year. HelloParks’ 58,000 sqm Big Box industrial building, inaugurated in the summer of 2023, is the company’s first development in the Paty megapark, West of Budapest. PT1 has been built to the highest Outstanding rating in the BREEAM New Construction category, which it has already obtained for Design Stage. The offices in the building will operate with zero primary energy consumption thanks to the solar panels to be installed on the roof. Even the rainwater falling on the roof of the hall will be used to irrigate the green space around the building. Smart-ready lights will be installed around the warehouse, and electric car chargers will be available in the car park. Only three per cent of buildings worldwide meet the Outstanding level, and only HelloParks is developing industrial buildings of this high quality, with all its current projects under construction aiming for this level. HelloParks’ proprietary mobile app also supports energy-efficient operation, providing tenants with valuable information by connecting to the hall’s intelligent building automation and monitoring system. The app provides remote access to the rented areas’ technical data, utility consumption monitoring, and the ability to adjust heating, ventilation, and lighting settings. Almost 90 per cent of the PT1 hall has already been leased. The industrial facility has already won two previous awards from the international industry, winning the prestigious European Property Awards 2023 for five-star investments, and in early 2024, it was awarded the title of Best Commercial and Manufacturing Development Europe at the International Property Awards Gala. The Real Estate Awards competition jury awarded HelloParks’ Chief Investment Officer and Partner Oliver Treiber the Rising Talent of the Year award. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Hilton today announced the signing of Home2 Suites by Hilton Dublin City Centre, signalling the market-leading brand’s debut in Western Europe, as part of a franchise agreement with JMK Group. Home2 Suites by Hilton Dublin City Centre will be located only 100m from the vibrant O’Connell Street, home to the world-famous St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Offering easy access to Dublin’s main attractions, including Trinity College, Temple Bar and the harbour, as well as being close to the headquarters for major companies like Google and Facebook, the hotel is the ideal base for those wanting to immerse themselves in the capital’s rich heritage or thriving business scene. The property will feature 290 rooms, including 214 king studio suites and 76 one-bedroom suites. Guests will enjoy signature Home2 Suites features and amenities, which are ideal for extended stays, including complimentary hot breakfast, flexible suite configurations with a full kitchen, multi-functional community spaces and combined fitness and laundry facility. Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, EMEA, Hilton, said: “We are excited to announce the debut of Home2 Suites by Hilton in Western Europe, marking a significant milestone for the brand as it gains momentum in the region. As we explore opportunities for further expansion, the growing demand for extended stays presents an exciting opportunity to cater for the evolving needs of travellers in the region. We look forward to welcoming guests to this new property and redefining the extended stay experience.” Zain Kajani, director at JMK Group added: “We are thrilled to collaborate with Hilton once again to introduce the first Home2 Suites property to Western Europe. The signing marks a significant milestone in JMK Group and Hilton’s close partnership. The decision to open a hotel under the Home2 Suites brand aligns with JMK’s vision to provide exceptional accommodation which caters to both short stay and long stay travellers. We have full confidence that the property will deliver a unique and comfortable experience for domestic and international visitors, whether travelling for leisure or business.” With over 650 open hotels worldwide, the brand has emerged as one of the fastest growing in Hilton’s prestigious portfolio. Offering stylish and customisable accommodations designed to make travellers and their pets feel at home regardless of their length of stay, Home2 Suites by Hilton Dublin City Centre will also feature the brand’s trademark amenities, including: Home2 Suites by Hilton Dublin City Centre will participate in Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest-loyalty programme for Hilton’s distinct hotel brands. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount, free standard Wi-Fi, as well as digital amenities that are available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app, where Honors members can check-in, choose their room, and access their room using a Digital Key. For more information, visit stories.hilton.com/home2suites. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
By crafting tailor-made solutions like a 21-metre Table Lifting System, Doka caters customers’ specific needs and boosts the efficient construction of the second highest building in Detroit. Doka is playing a key role in shaping tomorrow’s Detroit today by acting as an all-in-one supplier for the 209-metre (685-ft.) skyscraper and providing one of the fastest self-climbing formwork solutions on the US market. The Hudson’s Site project is a mixed-use development located in downtown Detroit, Michigan, USA. The project includes two buildings: a 209 meter (685-ft.) high-rise tower and a 70 meter (232-ft) mid-rise building separated by a through-cut. The tower will house modern offices, event venues, high-tech residences, and a luxurious 5-star hotel. It is expected to be completed in 2024 and will be the second tallest building in Detroit after the Renaissance Center. Experts are expressing high anticipation for this project, considering it a potential game-changer for the city. The Hudson’s Site project on Woodward Avenue is considered a bold and even iconic project. Its scale, prime location and the rich history of the neighborhood make it a colossal undertaking. Doka’s role in crafting a 49-storey masterpieceTo meet the special requirements of the project with limited on-site space in this urban area of Detroit, Doka developed a key to eliminating the need for traditional crane lifts between level-to-level transitions. Doka’s engineers came up with a self-climbing Table Lifting System solution, spanning a total of 21-metres (68,9-ft.) that is exclusively designed to lift slab formwork across six levels of the Hudson’s Site Tower. The hydraulic Table Lifting System not only increases efficiency by strongly improving the speed of material hoisting but also helps ensure safety – a paramount aspect in every Doka endeavour. Additionally, the adaptability of Doka’s Framed formwork Frami S Xlife system proved essential in navigating the project’s 112 different column cross-sections. Brian Gulick, Superintendent with Barton Malow, recognizes Doka’s professional support, saying: “It was crucial for us to have Doka on board. Doka’s personalized Table Lifting System enabled us to operate the construction site without the use of crane lifts between level-to-level transitions, which helped us to optimize construction speed.” Doka’s cutting-edge BIM Revit model is designed to analyse potential suspension points of the climbing systems of the core and slabs and to detect and prevent possible clashes on site by re-coordinating the schedule in advance. Doka ensured early on that the right solutions were in place for this complex project by collaborating closely with all stakeholders, which enabled the project to stay on track and meet its ambitious schedule. Global expertise, local precision in engineeringDoka’s engineering services for the Hudson’s Site project epitomize the global fusion of expertise of the engineers in the Austrian headquarters and the Doka team in the US. This dual approach ensures that the project benefits from cutting-edge solutions provided by Doka that are tailored to meet the specific demands of the local construction environment in Detroit. Doka’s engineers faced further challenges, such as providing the right formwork solutions for the skyscraper’s unequally-shaped core. Doka crafted a custom-made formwork solution featuring the large-area formwork Top 50, and the Super Climber SCP, which is recognized as one of the fastest self-climbing formwork solutions on the US market. A mini crane mounted at the top level of the Super Climber, supported the installation of heavy steel embeds, which significantly reduced the crane’s period of use. This tailored solution achieved an average five-day cycle time instead of the usual seven-day cycle time, resulting in significant acceleration of the construction while increasing efficiency and safety. What’s more, an integrated concrete placing boom facilitated the concrete pouring of the core, slabs and columns. A self-climbing Xclimb 60 Protection screen was designed for slab edge protection, as were several screens with integrated storage platforms as an extra feature. Project: Hudson’s Site TowerLocation: 1200 Block of Woodward Ave – Detroit, MIType of structure:High Rise, Residential & CommercialHeight: 209 m (685 ft.)Storeys: 49Developer: BedrockGeneral Contractor:Barton Malow CompaniesConcrete Contractor:Downtown Concrete Partners (JV between Barton Malow Concrete & The Colasanti Companies)Architect: SHoP ArchitectsStart of construction: 2017Overall completion: 2024Cycle time: 5 daysSq. Ft: 1,500,000 ft2 Products used:Core: Super Climber Platform SCP, Large-area formwork Top 50 SFacade: Xclimb 60 Protection Screen with integrated storage platforms & stair towers, self-climbing Table Lifting SystemSlabs & Shoring: Dokamatic S Table, 10k Shoring, SuperDekWalls & Columns: Framed formwork Frami S XlifeServices provided: DokaCAD 9 for AutoCAD, DokaCAD 9 for Revit, BIM with Doka, Doka Manuals, Engineering and Pre-Assembly Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Design-led revitalisation of Hatay province underway with international consortium developing masterplan, spearheaded by Türkiye Design Council Internationally renowned Bjarke Ingels Group also appointed architects, alongside Turkish practices DB Architects and KEYM Following the devastating earthquake on 6 February 2023, Türkiye Design Council (TDC) has brought together the world’s best architects and designers to start the long-term process of revitalising the historic province of Hatay, situated in southeast Türkiye. TDC has convened 13 design practices composed of leading experts in architecture, design, engineering, environmental sustainability, culture, heritage, and archaeology, including Foster + Partners and Bjarke Ingels Group. Collectively they are working towards a vision for the next era of Hatay that ensures it is resilient, sustainable and liveable for generations to come, while preserving its 2,300-year-old cultural heritage and identity. At the heart of the initiative is a visionary new masterplan for the city of Antakya (known to antiquity as Antioch), which is being developed under the leadership of internationally acclaimed Foster + Partners, alongside renowned Turkish practices DB Architects and KEYM (Urban Renewal Center), that will lay the foundation for its future. The masterplan is expected to be revealed fully in 2024. Over the coming months and years, Türkiye Design Council aims to create a new global approach to rebuilding cities after natural disasters that brings together the world’s best architects whilst giving the local community of Hatay a voice in their city’s recovery. Hatay will become a global exemplar for earthquake recovery, taking best practice principles from around the world and applying them to its truly unique context. With an estimated 80% of the central city of Antakya destroyed during the earthquake, there is an urgent need and opportunity to reimagine the city for future generations with improved climate resilience, connectivity, and social and environmental wellbeing. The location of central districts, administrative buildings and new infrastructure must all be considered. Described as a mosaic of archaeological and historic religious features, it is the site of two significant ancient cities: Seleukeia Pieria and Antiokheia. Plans will be reflective of this, incorporating the restoration of important sites such as the Uzun Bazaar, churches, mosques, bathhouses and synagogues to reassert its skyline and reputation for religious tolerance, while also being attuned to its natural geography, including the plains of the Asi River. Türkiye Design Council’s revitalisation planning is being supported by the Turkish Ministry of Environment, Urban Planning and Climate Change, and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Mehmet Kalyoncu, Chairman of the Türkiye Design Council, said: “Following the earthquake, we experienced the biggest ever global co-operation for the relief effort. Now, we want this to be the biggest ever global collaboration of experts to shape the next era of Hatay. This province, and its centre Antakya, are places of great significance to humanity, both culturally and historically. It is a centuries-old place, and we have an enormous responsibility to its people and to honour its rich past while ensuring its vitality as a modern city continues for generations to come. “As the relief effort continues, this is the first step towards Hatay’s next chapter and with the support of our project partners we can ensure it becomes an example for the world of design-led revitalisation. If we are successful in Hatay, we can integrate this spirit of collaboration into other Turkish and international recovery and revitalisation efforts where local people most need them.” Nigel Dancey, Senior Executive Partner at Foster + Partners, commented: “Following the terrible tragedy that occurred on the 6th of February, we are looking forward to working with local communities and collaborating with architecture, planning, urban design and engineering experts in Turkey, to help develop plans for the historic city of Antakya.” Cem Yılmaz, Founding Partner of Keym Urban Renewal Center, said: “Through our partnership, we embarked on a journey to transform Hatay into a beacon of hope. In this journey, I can say that our national and international collaborations will teach both our country and the world to work and live together, addressing one of the most significant urban problems of our time – disconnected public spaces. First, we will revive the city of hope, Hatay, and then it will in turn revive our hopes.” Bünyamin Derman, Founding Partner of DB Architecture, said: “Hatay has been destroyed by major earthquakes at least seven times in history – some experts suggest as many as 33. In February, 80% of the city was devastated, putting Hatay in a unique position. Its archaeological and religious mosaic features require special urban planning, which needs to be combined with the creation of self-sufficient, resilient structures. “Being a city within walls, Hatay requires a pedestrian-centric approach. Our planning will also revolve around water, forestry, olive cultivation, and livestock, as we retain the prevalent agricultural courtyards incorporated throughout the city while addressing challenges related to global warming, such as emerging flood issues necessitating the restructuring of riverbeds.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Organizations partner to connect the origination of sustainability with the future of building technology In a landmark effort to preserve architectural history and inspire the future of sustainable construction, the R. Buckminster Fuller Dome Home Not-For-Profit and Mighty Buildings jointly announced the design and development of a new visitor center and museum at the site of the legendary architect’s iconic “Bucky Dome” home. Located in Carbondale, IL, this architectural marvel has earned its rightful place on the National Register of Historic Places, and has captivated visitors for decades. The joint project is intended to connect Fuller’s impressive legacy to innovations that represent the future of sustainable building, thanks to Mighty Buildings’ new materials and groundbreaking offsite 3D printing construction methodologies. R. Buckminster Fuller, celebrated as a pioneer in architectural innovation, called the Bucky Dome “home” from 1960 to 1971. Today, it stands as a symbol of his visionary work, with a recent restoration breathing new life into this historic gem, ensuring that future generations can appreciate its significance. An exciting next phase of the restoration project is the construction of a state-of-the-art 2,400 square-foot visitor center and museum, designed by architect Thad Heckman of Design Works, that will be erected adjacent to the Bucky Dome. The museum aims to educate visitors about the profound legacy of Buckminster Fuller while exploring the future of architecture and sustainable building. “Preserving Buckminster Fuller’s legacy while pushing the boundaries of sustainable design has been an incredible honor,” said Thad Heckman. “Through our collaboration with Mighty Buildings, this project represents a bridge between the past and the future, inviting visitors to explore the rich history of architectural innovation and the endless possibilities that lie ahead.” Mighty Buildings, a trailblazer in 3D printing construction technology, has worked alongside Mr. Heckman to create parametric panels that pay homage to the Dome Home’s original design. These panels, which emulate the geodesic geometry Fuller pioneered, will be 3D printed offsite and assembled on location next to the Dome. This innovative approach highlights the unique capabilities of Mighty Buildings’ next generation Mighty Kit System, an easy-to-configure platform that features rigorously tested and internationally certified building materials that are designed to be sustainable, climate resilient, and offer significant improvements over prior 3D printed technologies. These innovations can significantly reduce onsite construction timelines and enable building sites with near-zero waste. Additional essential services that are critical to the success of this project have been selflessly donated by W. Gray Hodge, P.E., S.E., of Hodge Structural Engineers, and Civil Engineer Sean Henry, P.E., of Klingner & Associates, P.C. Local student construction assistance is provided by the Construction Management Program at John A. Logan College. Scott Gebicke, CEO of Mighty Buildings, commented, “We are proud to partner with the R. Buckminster Fuller Dome Not-for-Profit in creating a sustainable future in harmony with Fuller’s masterful vision. The design of our parametric panels pays tribute to his groundbreaking work while showcasing the capabilities of 3D printing in construction. Together, we are advancing the cause of sustainable architecture combined with advanced construction technology.” The City of Carbondale, IL, has been instrumental in providing approvals and support for the project, with City Manager Gary Williams adding, “The City Council’s decision to invest in the R. Buckminster Fuller Dome Home restoration reinforces the City’s commitment to sustainability and embodies Fuller’s assertion that ‘to change something, you have to build a new model that makes the old model obsolete.’ We believe that this 3D printed visitor’s center does just that.” For more information about the Bucky Dome project, please visit https://fullerdomehome.com/index.html. About Mighty Buildings Founded in 2017, Mighty Buildings is committed to transforming the housing construction sector through the development of beautiful high-quality, sustainable, and climate-resilient prefab homes. By leveraging 3D printing, advanced material science and automation for offsite prefabrication, Mighty Buildings can build houses up to 3-4 times faster than the industry standard, with near zero waste, and significantly reduced environmental impact. Mighty Buildings works with compliance and regulatory agencies to develop future-forward materials that are tested and certified to the most rigorous standards, and have been certified for high-velocity hurricane, earthquake and water damage resistance. Mighty Buildings is actively collaborating with developers to build communities of single-family homes in various configurations, based on its unique, panelized and patented Mighty Kit System. For more info, visit www.mightybuildings.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
HelloParks was named as the Best Warehouse and Industrial Developer and Best BTS Developer of the Year at the CRE Awards for the real estate industry. HelloParks, member of the Futureal Group, came first in two separate categories at the awards organised by EuropaProperty for the fifth time. HelloParks is an industrial real estate developer and investment company offering a full range of solutions from site development to building construction and facility maintenance. Founded just three years ago, the company has already delivered more than 260,000 sqm of industrial space in three locations: Fót, Maglód, and Páty. Construction is ongoing on a 42,000 sqm hall in Páty, and a 60,000 sqm building is being developed in Alsónémedi as well. The former is due completion in Q2 2024, and the latter in Q3 2024. HelloParks’ buildings, completed this year and currently under construction, are built to the highest, Outstanding BREEAM sustainability standards in New Construction category, and are EU Taxonomy aligned. HelloParks is the only developer building industrial halls in Hungary meeting such rigorous requirements. Energy-efficient operation being another essential factor in the industrial real estate sector, HelloParks places particular emphasis on this aspect. This is supported, among other things, by the company’s proprietary mobile application, which provides valuable information to tenants in connection with the intelligent building automation and monitoring system of the halls. The app provides remote access to technical data of the rented areas, and allows monitoring of utility consumption and adjustment of heating, ventilation and lighting settings. Solar panels, to be installed on the roofs of the buildings make it possible to operate the offices with zero primary energy consumption. Additionally, rainwater falling on the halls’ roofs is collected and used to irrigate the buildings’ green areas. The common areas are well-lit with smart-ready lights, and electric car chargers are available in the warehouse car park. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A Spanish-Norwegian consortium, supported by a large group of industry stakeholders, will conduct a feasibility study on an EU database defined in the Construction Products Regulation. The objective is to define a system for a digital product passport which considers the digital information needs of regulators, manufacturers and other actors in the construction value chain. The consortium of Cobuilder, TECNALIA and UNE will deliver a technical assessment for different solutions of an EU database or system for construction products to the European Commission. This system is envisioned in the Construction Products Regulation (CPR), which is currently still under development. The expected changes will have both a practical and legal impact for the construction industry, through the potential implementation of Construction Digital Product Passports, as well as detailed documentation of environmental data. “The revised CPR aims to make the construction industry contribute to the digital and green transition and promote efficiency in the value chain,” says Aitor Aragón, responsible for Sustainable construction and BIM at the Spanish Association of Standardization (UNE), one of the consortium participants. A first step will be to decide on the future data infrastructure to support the changes needed. This is where the creation of an EU database for construction products becomes important for the EU market and member states. The goal is to ensure that all stakeholders in the industry across different regions can share construction product data in a standardised way. “We need to understand and decide how product data should be structured, shared and managed on a cross-industry level. The reason why we haven’t succeeded with this earlier is the fragmented nature of the construction industry and its complexity. The push and sense of urgency now coming with the European Green Deal and the need for digitalisation, will definitively take us to the next level,” says Lars Chr. Fredenlund, CEO of Norwegian tech company Cobuilder. Feasibility study for a digital product passport and registry for construction productsThe main objective of the project is to do a feasibility study on five different options for setting up a database or system at EU level, storing information regarding construction products. TECNALIA, a centre of Applied research and technological development in Spain, is the third partner in the consortium. “The study will evaluate combinations of centralised and decentralised solutions, analysing pros and cons from the technological point of view, and from the perspective of different stakeholders such as the EU Commission, manufacturers, market surveillance authorities and information consumers,” says Amaia Castelruiz Aguirre, senior researcher at TECNALIA. Industry partners on board In addition to the contracted consortium participants, the bid is supported by a broad group of industry stakeholders across Europe, including Construction Products Europe, FIEC, Construction SMEs Europe, GS1, BuildingSMART International, and more. Figuring out how a common EU database or system for construction products can be set up, how to exchange data via a digital declaration of performance (smart CE-marking), and how to use data dictionaries, represents an opportunity and an important step towards solving how ambitious legislation and regulative initiatives can be merged and implemented in practice. This will be instrumental in helping the industry to meet the European Green Deal targets. The work on the study is already underway and a start-up meeting with the European Commission has been carried out on 5 October. COBUILDER is a privately-owned international company located in Oslo with wholly-owned subsidiaries in England, France and Bulgaria. The company offers a software platform that employs all relevant international standards for data management to help the construction industry unlock the potential of product data. Fit-for-purpose and accurate product data improves quality and reduces time-use, cost and environmental footprint. Cobuilder is a major driver for the digitization in construction and is a strategic contributor to ISO, buildingSMART, CEN and CENELEC. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Essentra, a leading provider of essential components and solutions, has furthered its commitment to making direct operations net zero by 2040 with its manufacturing site in Jiangxi, China, now being powered by solar panels. Supporting its emissions reduction targets, aligned with science-based thinking, the solar array installation is a significant step towards realising Essentra’s sustainability goals. The site will generate up to 1,650,000 kWh of energy annually, reducing its reliance on fossil-fuel generated electricity and avoiding the unnecessary generation of an estimated 1000 tCO2e of emissions each year. The installation comes only three months after commissioning a 6000m2 solar array at Essentra’s manufacturing site in Rayong, Thailand, as part of a company-wide pledge to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 25% by 2025. Jennifer Spence, Head of Sustainability Strategy at Essentra PLC says the panels are a step forward in reducing direct emissions: “The solar array reflects our overarching aim to reduce carbon emissions and practice sustainability in manufacturing across all of our global sites,” she says. “With ESG targets in mind, and the rising costs of energy prices, being energy independent and efficient not only helps us positively impact the environment, but also saves money in the same process.” The installation of solar panels is just one part of a comprehensive programme of measures to reduce carbon emissions and make better use of energy, including the use of more efficient equipment and carrying out regular energy audits to identify where further improvements can be made. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
According to the new development program until 2027, Thailand will revise its tourism development strategy. The authorities of the Kingdom decided to set a new world record for the number of foreign tourists in the country. Thus, in March, Mr Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Tourism and Sports of Thailand, called on all ministries and departments involved in tourism to prepare places to accommodate 80 million foreign travellers by 2027. Thailand-Real.Estate can draw the following conclusion that it is high time to invest in hotel properties in Thailand. Tough challenges Thai media write that the Minister of Tourism and Sports stresses that it is extremely important to learn more from previous mistakes, when local tourist destinations were overcrowded and failed to receive 40 million foreign visitors. Although Thailand expects to receive about 30 million tourists from all over the world this year, the minister reminded that these ministries and departments should work together to cope with the task of receiving a lot of tourists in the future. That sounds short and sweet. Of course, this means that hotel properties in Thailand will be in greater demand among foreign nationals in 2023-2027. The media emphasize that Mr Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn also intends to get the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers to stimulate the recovery of the Thai economy through a brand-new and adapted program to develop and promote tourism in the country. Three steps to make Thailand more attractive for tourists and investors According to the National News Bureau of Thailand news agency, the goals set by the Minister of Tourism and Sports will be achieved in three stages: • The first one will be implemented between 2023 and 2024 and focused on the safety of travellers and environmental protection. • The second one will be realized between 2023 and 2025: during this time, the authorities of the Kingdom plans to improve the country’s tourist infrastructure. • The third and most difficult stage will be from 2025 to 2027: these two years are devoted to correcting and improving the processes previously launched. The National News Bureau of Thailand reports that the National Council for Economic and Social Development (NESDC) plans to increase the contribution of the tourism industry to the country’s economy from 17.8% (as it was in 2019) to 25% of GDP by 2027. High time to invest in hotel real estate in Thailand Thailand attracts investors and buyers of real estate from many countries. The local market is famous for its competitive property prices for sale in Thailand. It is recovering from the pandemic, and the influx of foreigners played a huge role in 2022. This trend keeps growing, including the new tourism development program in the country. For example, investors can take a closer look at Phuket. This island is a great option for investment in the current circumstances. Phuket has various profitable areas with profitable hotel properties. In addition, the authorities have plans to make a premium holiday on the island. Therefore, there are no low prices in Phuket right away. What should investors pay attention to? Investors should pay attention to the location, distinctive features and infrastructure of the resort island’s hotel real estate. As for the infrastructure, the island is well-developed. There are various shopping malls, entertainment venues and leisure activities for tourists. Choosing a location is an important investment experience. The most promising place is considered to be the north of Phuket. The areas are well-maintained and technologically advanced. This means that hotel real estate is more prestigious for customers. Here, investors can receive 7-8% of the total value of real estate per year when renting it out. The average payback period is about 10-12 years. The most affordable and comfortable investment option is to buy branded residences in a hotel complex with professional management from well-known hotel market leaders and developers. This option can bring maximum income and help investors get rid of maintaining their properties. Investment-attractive hotel property in Thailand Hotels are one of the successful options for investing money and making a profit. This property appeals to tourists because it is located in favourable areas with all modern amenities. Their beach areas and developed internal infrastructure make it a successful acquisition. The hotels have gyms, swimming pools and first-class service. The hotel complexes are located a few minutes from the promenade near the sea and the beach. Such places attract a huge number of tourists and expats, so there is a large selection of shops, gourmet restaurants, bars, coffee shops and other entertainment. Apartments in hotel complexes consist of various options: from studios to multi-room residences with views of the sea, the tropics or the pool, with a private Jacuzzi or private access to the pool. We will help you purchase the most profitable property in Thailand Another major factor is the choice of a reliable agent who will help you purchase the most beneficial property in Thailand. In this case, Thailand-Real.Estate and its qualified brokers can offer you first-class support and service when making a good deal. In addition, they will perform a comprehensive analysis of all options throughout the Kingdom and offer you the most liquid options.
Wrapping a surge shaft in the Andes mountains of South America Accessing hard-to-reach locations is not a new challenge faced by installers of Fyfe’s Tyfo structural strengthening solutions, but one project, located deep in the Andes mountains of South America, proved to beat all other projects when it came to testing access and logistics. A 100-year-old, 130-ft tall and 16-ft diameter rivetted steel surge shaft, which forms part of a hydro power facility was identified as suffering from corrosion. The owners commissioned engineers to analyze the structure which they found to be deficient under seismic demands and full of water. To resolve the issue, it was identified that additional bending strengthening was needed in order to meet current seismic code requirements, and Fyfe was called upon to design a solution. The Tyfo System was engineered to provide the required vertical tension reinforcement which provides additional bending capacity on the vertical shaft structure. It included the application of horizontal FRP material to confine the vertical tension reinforcement for proper detailing and anchorage. The installation team were faced with several challenging situations which required innovate solutions. Initially all materials had to be delivered to the project site via helicopter and then transported up a steep incline in a rail cart to the tower location. The remote location left the installation team with a one-hour journey just to reach the site and then they worked at height on scaffolding in wind speed of up to 25 km/hr. Fyfe’s local certified applicator, CAFI, has a 20-year history of working with Fyfe FRP and the Tyfo Systems. The company was commissioned to carry out the rehabilitation work which included the installation of FRP to the bottom 65 ft of the shaft and a polyurethane finish coating applied on entire 130-ft tall structure. The application process included surface preparation – sand blasting the shaft to achieve a steel surface profile of SP-10 – to a near white metal surface profile. The 15-person crew then carefully cleaned away dust and debris created from the abrasive blasting process. They then immediately primed the surfaces with neat Tyfo S epoxy to maintain the prepared surface ready for bonding. The corrugations were treated with thickened Tyfo S epoxy to ensure gradual transitions for the fiber application were provided at a minimum slope of 4:1. Tyfo WEB and Tyfo SCH-41-2X materials were applied with the wet lay-up method. The Tyfo SCH-41-2X was designed to provide the required vertical tension capacity for the shaft to meet the seismic bending requirements. Tyfo SCH-41-2X material was then applied horizontally to confine the vertical material, and finally an exterior grade polyurethane coating was applied. And the Tyfo WEB bi-directional glass system acted as the dielectric barrier between steel and carbon fiber wrap. Fyfe recommends that all FRP applications include a proper finish coating – this being an exterior and remote location, the most durable and robust finish coating was suggested for optimal protection and to minimize maintenance requirements. To ensure the best possible quality installation a Fyfe trained third party inspector conducted daily quality reviews including a list of employees per shift, surface temperatures during each shift, material lot numbers used each shift, defect identification and repair summary, and recorded adhesion test results. The project itself took 12 months of planning due to the logistical challenges of transporting materials and the need to correctly protect the crew who had to work in short shifts due to the job site’s altitude. The work program had to coincide with the dry season (Spring & Summer) and avoid the rigorous weather conditions in the Chilean`s Andes Mountains during winter. The FRP scope of work including surface preparation, FRP application and finish coat application took four months. CAFI’s Operations Manager, Gonzalo Carrasco said: “This project is a one of its kind in the region and it was the result of CAFI Ltda. and Fyfe FRP’s teamwork, who during the entire project process provided us with the necessary technical assistance and engineering support to develop a solution for the project in an optimal manner.” Fyfe FRP’s VP of Sales, Tomas Jimenez said: “Despite the challenging location the CAFI team managed to complete the installation of our Tyfo system to the high standard we have come to expect. This was an exciting project for all involved and I’m pleased to say that the structure will remain sound and secure for years to come.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals About Fyfe Fyfe was founded in 1988 to strengthen failing bridge columns using aerospace materials. It is a pioneer in the fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) structural strengthening industry. Today it is a world leader in designing and manufacturing Tyfo®, a system of specialized carbon and glass fabrics, which we combine with polymers to strengthen a wide range of masonry, concrete, steel, and timber structures. The Tyfo FRP system is also being used to rehabilitate potable, and non-potable piping systems. www.FyfeCo.com About Critica Infrastructure Critica Infrastructure is shaping the future of critical infrastructure through highly-engineered and proven composites, insertion valves, geopolymer materials, and fiber-reinforced polymers, and associated engineering support and training services. Critica Infrastructure solutions are used to construct, maintain, strengthen, protect, and rehabilitate energy transmission and distribution lines, high-consequence industrial pipework, water pipelines, tanks, storm and sanitation systems, and civil/structural assets. Critica Infrastructure solutions are safer and more sustainable, easy to install, cost effective to deploy, and durable for decades. www.CriticaInfra.com
