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[Link] December 2024

Casagrand Caterpillar Updates

Hands Over Compact Track and
673 Apartments in
Skid Steer Loaders
its Kids-Themed
Residential
Community, Tunnel Engineering
Casagrand Utopia Methods of
in Chennai
Tunneling &
Hazards
The Legends Tower
in Oklahoma City
would be 581m
tall..

bird-shaped
Tallest Lishui
building in airport
US faces to spread
delay over
flight safety wings
fears.. this year
Builders line English E Magazine | December 2024 1
2 Builders line English E Magazine | December 2024
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VitrA Introduces the Root Sensor
Faucets, A Smart Revolution for
Water Conservation
V itrA, a global leader in innovative
bathroom solutions, introduces
Root Sensor Faucets, a groundbreaking
advancement in smart and sustainable
bathroom solutions. Designed with
advanced sensor technology, these
faucets ensure a hands-free operation,
minimizing water wastage while enhancing
convenience.
Ideal for both residential and
commercial spaces, the VitrA Root Sensor
Faucets offer a sleek, modern design that
complements any bathroom decor. The
sensor technology automatically detects
the presence of hands, activating the water
flow only when needed, thus contributing

4 Builders line English E Magazine | December 2024

 to water conservation without compromising
on performance or style.
Water conservation is at the core of VitrA’s
philosophy, and the Root Sensor Faucets are
a perfect reflection of this commitment. By
ensuring precise water control, these faucets
not only reduce wastage but also provide a
hygienic, touchless experience for users. The
effortless user experience and innovative
features make these faucets an ideal addition
to any bathroom seeking both functionality
and sustainability.
Website: [Link]
Toll Free Number: 18001231134
Instagram: [Link]
bathroomsindia
About VitrA
VitrA is a leading brand of Eczacıbası Build-
ing Products Division, a prominent Turkish
industrial group with 42 companies and over

12,500 employees. The company’s core

sectors are building products, healthcare,
and consumer products. VitrA is one of the
only brands in global markets offering every
component of the bathroom as well as an
expansive range of ceramic and porcelain tiles
in over 75 countries worldwide.
Designer and manufacturer of every
essential element in the bathroom, the
Eczacıbaşı Building Products Division has an
annual capacity of 6.9 million units of ceramic
sanitaryware, 30 million square meters of
ceramic and porcelain tiles, 2 million taps,
350,000 bathtubs and shower trays, 795,000
modules of bathroom furniture, 1 million
concealed cisterns and 1 million accessories.
Revolutionizing bathroom fittings in India,
VitrA has a strong distribution channel with
more than 130 dealers across the country,
covering all major cities.

Builders line English E Magazine | December 2024 5

Peripheral Areas Outshine Mumbai’s
Prime Locations in Residential Price
Appreciation Report

Mr. Sandeep Sonthalia, CEO, Wadhwa Wise

City said, “Property prices in Panvel and Virar have
been rising rapidly due to significant infrastructure
developments in the region. Projects like the Atal Setu
Bridge, improving connectivity between South Mumbai
and Navi Mumbai and the Navi Mumbai International
Airport (NMIA), set to boost global connectivity,
are making these areas more accessible and attrative
for homebuyers, investors and developers alike.
Additionally, the Virar-Alibaug Multimodal Corridor,
which will drastically reduce travel time between Virar
and Alibaug, is a major factor driving interest in these
areas.”
“The demand for affordable housing in these areas,
M umbai Metropolitan Region’s (MMR)
housing landscape
a paradigm shift, with peripheral areas
is witnessing
combined with improved connectivity to Mumbai, is
fueling the rise in property prices. As commuting times
shorten with better road and rail connectivity, Panvel
outperforming prime city locations in residential and Virar are becoming popular alternatives for
price appreciation over the last six years. According homebuyers looking for more spacious homes, at
to ANAROCK Research, Panvel leads the charge, affordable prices, than central Mumbai. Developers
registering an impressive 58% surge in residential prices are responding by launching numerous projects,
from ₹5,520 per sq. ft. in 2019 to ₹8,700 per sq. ft. by anticipating high demand from a growing middle-class
Q3 2024. In contrast, Worli, one of Mumbai’s most population. With ongoing infrastructure growth and a
prestigious addresses, saw a relatively modest 37% shift toward suburban living, Panvel and Virar are set
increase, with prices climbing from ₹38,560 per sq. ft. to continue as key real estate hotspots in the Mumbai
to ₹53,000 per sq. ft. during the same period. Metropolitan Region,” added Mr. Sonthalia.
The meteoric rise of Panvel, coupled with Virar’s
identical 58% growth, highlights the growing allure The trend of peripheral areas outperforming prime
of peripheral locations. While Worli and Lower Parel locations is not limited to Mumbai. Across India’s
– both prime city locations – recorded appreciations top seven cities, price growth in suburban areas has
of 37% and 49% respectively, the peripheral areas’ surpassed that of city centers. Improved connectivity,
enhanced connectivity and affordability have emerged enhanced infrastructure, and the availability of spacious
as the driving forces behind their price escalation. and affordable housing projects are driving this
nationwide shift toward suburban living.

6 Builders line English E Magazine | December 2024

 locations like Lonavala and Alibaug are fast emerging
as key micromarkets for holiday homes near Mumbai.
The combination of scenic landscapes, enhanced
connectivity, and an evolving lifestyle aspiration has
significantly boosted demand in these regions.
Many affluent buyers are investing in luxury villa
projects in these areas, marking them as prime
locations for a perfect second home. These micro
markets, supported by robust infrastructure growth,
are poised for sustained momentum in the coming
years.”
This rising trend in peripheral growth underscores
the dynamic transformation in India’s real estate
sector,with infrastructure and connectivity acting
as the cornerstone of this evolution. With the
confluence of affordability and lifestyle preferences,
Beyond affordable housing, the demand for the peripheral areas are poised to lead the next wave
holiday homes in peripheral areas is also experiencing of real estate growth, setting the stage for a dynamic
a significant uptick. For instance, with homebuyers and diverse housing market.
increasingly seeking lifestyle-driven second homes,
destinations like Lonavala and Alibaug have emerged
as prime markets near MMR. These locations offer
proximity to the city while providing serene
environments and luxury living options, making
them ideal for weekend getaways and investment
opportunities.
Highlighting the growing preference for holiday
homes in peripheral areas, Mr. Vikas Sutaria, Founder
at Iraah Lifespaces commented, “Peripheral

Builders line English E Magazine | December 2024 7

 Premium
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Hafele
H afele’s Premium Appliances have been
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The steam cooking method ensures that your food
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8 Builders line English E Magazine | December 2024

Combining the best of both worlds is Hafele’s Altius Plus Hobs
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Builders line English E Magazine | December 2024 9

 How France surveyed
45,000 bridges in
18 months

After the Morandi Bridge collapsed in Genoa in 2018, the French government
ordered an unprecedented survey of France’s bridges, led by the public resilience
agency, Cerema. It was a daunting task.
Cerema gave crews access to
F rance has more than 36,000
road authorities responsible for
as many as 100,000 bridges, but no na-
two-year period that finished last
year.
They set up ongoing commu-
Esri’s ArcGIS Survey123, a mobile
GIS app for phones or tablets.
tional inspection programme to survey nication with the 11,500 participat- “The survey included about 150
local bridges. ing municipalities. questions for each type of structure,
and there was also the 12-page
Cerema had only six months to The data challenge
prepare and 18 months to carry out the health diary that required a lot of
Cerema staff and contractors conditionality management,” Plan-
entire census. had to be able to enter data, in- tier said.
“Such a massive programme re- cluding location and images, while
quires a dedicated information system,” In total, the team of 250 field
in the field and possibly offline.
said Thomas Plantier, Cerema’s direc- agents surveyed 45,000 of France’s
In the office, they needed a da- bridges and retaining walls. Office
tor of digital transformation. tabase, a public map, and a health staff created interactive dashboards
Cerema coordinated 250 agents diary of each bridge and its associ- using ArcGIS to display inspection
from 30 different contractors over a ated retaining wall. progress and results.
10 Builders line English E Magazine | December 2024
Builders line English E Magazine | December 2024 11
 Caterpillar Updates
Compact Track and
Skid Steer Loaders
C aterpillar has added four Cat skid steer loaders and two
Cat compact track loaders to its next-generation up-
grades. It also launched its largest CTL: the Cat 285 and 285 XE.
Next-gen skid steers include 250, 260, 270, and 270 XE;
CTLs include the 275 and 275 XE.
The upgrades follow on the heels of the Cat 255
and 265 CTL updates from last fall and complete
the process for this class of loader. They also usher in a new
nomenclature for the machines: skid steer model numbers
now end in “0,” and CTL model numbers in “5.”

12 Builders line English E Magazine | December 2024

 Land Management Package
Cat 275 XE and 285 XE land management packages
include:
• Roof auxiliary hydraulic cooler
• Side-mounted auxiliary fuel tanks
• Debris guarding packages
• XE hydraulic flow and pressure
• Matched with HM416, HM418, BRX418
attachments

Equalizer bar strengthens CTL undercarriage • Rear auxiliary winch option

A Caterpillar slide shows the equalizer bar connected Chris Maroun, Miracle Farms Landscaping, described
to the undercarriage. The 275 and 285 compact track how the E-bar improved stability when loading trucks with
loaders, which incorporate an oscillating undercarriage, heavy loads of dirt or stone. He said the previous CTLs
now have an equalizer bar (E-bar) designed to increase
stability for grading and lifting heavy loads. The company
describes the bar, which is connected near the front of each
undercarriage rail, as a hybrid. It delivers the benefits of a
rigid-style undercarriage design when lifting heavy loads or
using heavy attachments, while simultaneously providing the
benefits of an oscillating undercarriage when encountering
uneven terrain or obstacles.
The bar was designed to optimize the torsion axle

would rock as the machine approached the truck; when

pushing dirt, the tracks would come up off the ground.
“These [next gen] machines are 100% stable. I had two
suspension system of the CTLs in terms of stability, said granite blocks in the air, moved forward, moved backward;
Jayesh Menon, product manager. “The problem we were it was perfectly level,” he said. “[When dozing,] the
trying to solve here is now you’re lifting higher, you’re machines have ample power to push through that and keep
trying to move more dirt with the increased capability of the tracks on the ground.”
the machine,” Menon said. The equalizer bar provides that Tyler Watts, Ironside Forestry, runs the land management
“maximized performance but doesn’t give up on the comfort” package on a Cat 285XE.
of the oscillation features of the undercarriage.
“It’s carrying a 3,000-pound mulcher around, moving
“That bar has a little bit of give so it does provide the up and down constantly,” he said. “It’s exponentially more
suspension aspect,” he said. “But it’s obviously not a stable than any other track loader set up with a mulcher.”
torsion axle system, which is what we have on some of
our other products. It provided the right balance between
What engines are in the next gen Cat skid steers?
performance and ride quality and comfort.” New engine compartment is lower, giving the
machines more stability and improving operator visibility.

Builders line English E Magazine | December 2024 13

 A redesigned engine compartment places the
• Cat 270 and 270 XE: With 6.4 inches more lift
engine and cooling package lower into the frame for
height than the 272D3, the CTLs have a maximum lift height
improved stability and greater visibility. The four CTLs
of 133.5 inches; plus 11% and 5% increases in tilt and lift
are powered by the Cat C3.6TA engine. The 250 and
breakout forces, respectively.
260 skid steers have the Cat C2.8T engine, and the 270
and 270 XE are powered by the Cat 3.6TA. The new • Cat 275 and 275 XE: Lift height is 134.4 inches, 8
engines maintain horsepower across a wider rpm inches higher than the 299D3. Other improvements include
range compared to the previous engines powering a 37% increase in tilt breakout force and 19% increase in
the D3 series. The engines also provide more torque: ROC.
13% more for the 250 and 260, 35% for the 270, and • Cat 285 and 285 XE have a lift height of 146 inches
50% for the 275 and 285. and tilt breakout force of 13,920 pounds. The 285 has an
All next-gen loaders are vertical lift, which Cater- ROC of 4,719 pounds with counterweight, and the 285 XE
pillar says reflects the move of the market away from has an ROC of 4,816 pounds with counterweight.
radial-lift machines. Increase in lift height, breakout
Hydraulics beefed up
force, and rated operating capacity result.
Next gen loader standard hydraulics provide 3,500 psi
• Cat 250: Lift height of 124 inches is 3 inch-
and 23 gpm.
es more than the 242D3; tilt increased 36% and lift
breakout force increased 26%; and ROC increased Their new closed-center auxiliary hydraulic system
21%. allows these machines to operate all Cat Smart Attachments
with the standard hydraulics provided. Standard hydraulic
• Cat 260: Maximum lift height of 132 inches
system pressure increases 5% to 3,500 psi.
is 7 inches more than the 262D3. Other improve-
ments include 27% increase in tilt and 24% increase
in lift breakout forces, and a 17% increase in ROC.

14 Builders line English E Magazine | December 2024

 The E313 JLG electric telehandler
complements its diesel-powered 313. Lift
capacity is 3,500 pounds, and lift height is 13
feet 1 inch. Forward reach is 5 feet 8 inches.
The telehandler has an 18.6-kW/h
electrical system with six maintenance-free
48V lithium-ion batteries that provide up
to four hours of continuous operation, or
extended intermittent use. Dual on-board
battery chargers have 110V and 220V
charging adapters.
Two-speed electric transmission provides
high-speed, two-wheel drive and low-speed,
four-wheel drive. Two-wheel rear pivot
power steering reduces ground disturbance.
Load Stability Indication (LSI) system en-
hances job site safety by mitigating the risk
of accidents during load handling.
A universal skid-steer coupler system is
standard, and an integrated hitch enables
the hauling of tools around the job site.
JLG E313 Electric Telehandler Specs
• Lift capacity: 3,500 lb.
• Lift height: 13’ 1”
• Reach: 5’ 8”
• Lift capacity at full height: 1,800 lb.

JLG E313 •
•
Lift capacity at max reach: 1,415 lb.
Drive system: 8.6kW electric motor

Electric
Telehandler
An 18.6-kW/h
electrical system
has six
maintenance-free
48V lithium-ion
batteries.

Builders line English E Magazine | December 2024 15

 Definition and Types of
Structures and Structural
Members Strut
A compressive member of a structure is called strut.
Beam-Column
Definition:
A structural member subjected to compression as well
A combination of members connected together
as flexure is called beam column
in such a way to serve a useful purpose is called
Grid
structure.
A network of beam intersecting each other at right
Types of Structure:
angles and subjected to vertical loads is called grid.
Rigid Frame
Cables and Arches
Its is that type of structure in which the members
Cables are usually suspended at their ends and are
are joined together by rigid joints e.g. welded joints.
allowed to sag. The forces are then pure tension and are
Truss (Pin connected joints)
directed along the axis of the cable. Arches are similar to
A type of structure formed by members in triangular
cables except hath they are inverted. They carry compressive
form, the resulting figure is called a truss. In truss joints
loads that are directed along the axis of the arch.
are pin connected and loads are applied at joints. No
Plates and Slabs
shear force & bending moment are produced. Only
Plates are three dimensional flat structural components
axial compression and axial tension is to be determined
usually made of metal that are often found in floors and
while analyzing a truss.
roofs of structures. Slabs are similar to plates except that
Structural Members:
they are usually made of concrete.
Those members that are interconnected in such a
way so as to constitute a structure are called structural
members.
Beam
Beam is a flexure member of the structure. It is
subjected to transverse loading such as vertical loads,
and gravity loads. These loads create shear and bending
within the beam.
Columns
A long vertical member mostly subjected to
compressive loads is called column

16 Builders line English E Magazine | December 2024

Builders line English E Magazine | December 2024 17
 Tunnel Engineering
| Methods of
Tunneling and Hazards

Modern Tunneling Methods

Tunneling machines, sometimes called moles, make
an initial cut into rock with a cutter-head. Individual
T unnel, passage, gallery, or roadway beneath
the ground or underwater. Tunnels are used for
highway traffic, railways, and subways; to transport
disc-shaped cutters are set into the face of a powerful, rotating
head, which may be more than 5.5 m (18 ft) in diameter. As
the machine bores through rock, conveyor belts transport
water, sewage, oil, and gas; to divert rivers around dam rock particles, and any other refuse away from the head.
sites while the dam is being built; and for military and Concrete segments are erected to line and protect the
civil-defense purposes. Subterranean galleries are a tunnel as each area is hollowed out. The segments also
series of horizontal passageways on different levels, as offer a firm surface for the machine to grip as it continues
in a mine. Construction sites of powerhouses, blasted out through the rock, sometimes at rates of more than 5 m
of solid rock near dams, are also in the tunnel category. (16.4 ft) an hour.
18 Builders line English E Magazine | December 2024
 gases and can clear away broken rock without stopping for
blasting intervals. A mole can advance about 76 m (250 ft)
a day, depending on the diameter of the tunnel and the type
of rock being bored.
Despite these advantages, moles have some drawbacks.
They are very costly, and the cutting head must be the
same diameter as that required for the tunnel. They are
useless in soft ground and mud, which collapse as soon as
the machine digs in, and, until recent years, when improved
cutting surfaces came into use, extremely hard rock quickly
wore out cutting discs.
In addition to blasting and boring machines, several
other methods are used to dig tunnels. The cut-and-cover
method involves digging a trench; building the
concrete floor, walls, and ceiling, or installing pre-cast tunnel
sections; and then refilling the trench over the tunnel.
This method is not usually chosen for building tunnels in
built-up areas in cities.
The building of a tunnel is known as driving a tunnel
and involves advancing the passageway by blasting or In soft earth or mud, a large-diameter pipe-like device
boring and excavating. Tunnels through mountains or can be driven through the ground by jacks or compressed
underwater are usually worked from the two opposite air. Workers remove the earth as the pipe moves
ends, or faces, of the passage. In the construction of a forwards, its edge cutting into the earth. Underwater
very long tunnel, vertical shafts may be dug at convenient sunken tube tunnels, such as the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel
intervals to excavate from more than two points. in the United States, have been built by fabricating short
Improved boring and drilling machinery now allow a tunnel tunnel sections in a trench in the riverbed or seafloor. Each
to be driven four or five times faster than was possible section, after sinking, is attached by oversized bolts to the
with older techniques. previously sunk section in line. Heavy, thick concrete walls
prevent the tunnel from floating.
The rock drill that is driven by compressed air has
helped most in reducing the time of tunnelling in recent Another method of underwater tunnel construction
years. A number of these drills may be positioned on uses a caisson, or watertight chamber, made of wood,
wheeled vehicles, called jumbos, and rolled to the face concrete, or steel. The caisson acts as a shell for the building
of the tunnel. Many holes are then drilled concurrently of a foundation. The choice of one of three types of caissons,
in predetermined places on the rock face. Blasting the box caisson, the open caisson, or the pneumatic caisson,
material is inserted into the holes, the area cleared, and depends on the consistency of the earth and the circum
the explosives detonated. Broken rock is then removed stances of construction. Difficult conditions generally require
and the process repeated. the use of the pneumatic caisson, in which compressed air
is used to force water out of the working chamber.
Another recently developed tunneling machine is the
mole, a long machine with a circular cutting head that Hazards of Tunnel Construction
rotates against the face of the tunnel. Attached to the New tunneling techniques have not eliminated all the
cutting head is a series of steel disc cutters that gouge hazards of tunnel digging. Water, sometimes as much as
out the rock on the face as the machine rotates and is 72,000 liters (about 19,000 gal) a minute, can pour into
pushed forwards by hydraulic power. tunnels not yet lined with concrete or plastic sealers. The water,
which must be pumped out continuously, inconveniences
Moles provide several advantages over drilling and
workers, causes tunnel roofs and walls to collapse, damages
blasting. The tunnel can be bored to the exact size
equipment, and causes delays in digging. In recent tunnel
desired, with smooth walls, thus eliminating the
projects, attempts have been made to freeze the tunnel
condition called overbreak, which results when
area before blasting or digging to prevent flooding before
explosives tear away too much rock. The use of moles
the walls can be sealed and lined. With the exception of
also eliminates blasting accidents, noise, and earth
some water and sewer tunnels, in which water seepage
shocks. Workers are less troubled by fumes and noxious
is not a problem, most tunnels are lined permanently with

Builders line English E Magazine | December 2024 19

wood, concrete, or steel, or a combination of the three. 5. An immense road-header machine drills out clay
Dust from blasting is another serious hazard, causing during the construction of the Channel Tunnel, which runs
illness among workers and delay in digging. A machine for 50.4 km (around 31 mi) beneath the English Channel
that sprays a fine curtain of water to settle the dust and became operational in May 1994. Completed at a cost
following a blast has recently been used. Despite extensive of £10 billion, it was the largest construction project ever
safety precautions, accidents in tunneling are common, undertaken in Europe.
such as a blasting accident in Japan in 1960, which killed 22 6. Yerba (1936), through Yerba Buena Island, San
workers. Francisco Bay, California, 165 m (540 ft) long, 23 m (76 ft)
Famous Tunnels of the World wide, and 15 m (50 ft) high; the world’s largest-diameter
bore tunnel, carrying two decks for traffic.
Chesapeake Bay features a piece of construction that
may startle unprepared travelers. The 28.2-km (17.5-mi) 7. Delaware Aqueduct (1944), in New York State, 137
crossing between Norfolk and Cape Charles, Virginia, km (85 mi) long; starts at Roundout Reservoir in the Catskill
begins as a bridge, but disappears into the water midway. A Mountains and ends at Hillview Reservoir, Yonkers; the
combination structure, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel world’s longest tunnel.
combines two bridges with two tunnels that pass under 8. Mont Blanc (1965), highway tunnel through the Alps
major shipping channels. between Chamonix, France, and Courmayeur, Italy, 11.6
[Link] Tunnel,in Japan, which links the islands of Honshu km (7.25 mi) long.
and Hokkaido across the Tsugaru Strait, 53.8 km (33.4 mi); 9. Snowy Mountains Scheme (1972), in Australia, a
the world’s longest rail tunnel. complex of tunnels totalling about 145 km (90 mi), linking
2. Channel Tunnel, the 3-bore railway tunnel beneath reservoirs and powerhouses; among the complex,
the English Channel from Calais to Dover, 50 km (31 mi); Eucumbene-Snowy (1965), 23.5 km (14.6 mi) long.
the world’s longest underwater rail and road tunnel and Eu- 10. Fréjus Tunnel (1980), through the Fréjus Pass in the
rope’s largest ever civil engineering project. Alps, 12.8 km (8 mi) between France and Italy.
3. Mont Cenis (1871), through the Alps between France 11. Laerdal Tunnel (2000), in Norway, 24.5 km (15.2
and Italy, 13.7 km (8.5 mi) long; the first rail tunnel built; first mi), the longest road tunnel in the world. Previously, the St
use of compressed-air drills. Gotthard Pass Tunnel (1980), in Switzerland, 16.9 km (10.5
4. Simplon (1922), railway tunnel through the Alps mi), had been the longest.
between Switzerland and Italy, 19.8 km (12.3 mi) long; the
world’s deepest tunnel.

20 Builders line English E Magazine | December 2024

 M odel RTH 10.37 Magni telehandler
is a rotating model, with a lift height
of 120 feet 5 inches and maximum capacity
of 22,700 pounds. Capacity at its maximum
height is 17,600 pounds.
The patented outrigger system provides
the machine with an intuitive automatic lev-
eling function accessible through the digital
display. The technology dynamically adjusts
the load chart based on outrigger configura-
tion, ensuring operators operate within safe
limits during rotation and lifting tasks, ac-
cording to the company.
The digital Load Moment Indicator (LMI)
system uses RFID-tagged attachments to
update the load chart digitally for precise
load management. Load-Limiting Technol-
ogy prevents operators from surpassing
safe operating parameters, according to the
company.
Full-color touchscreen display provides
Magni RTH 10.37 Telehandler Specs
access to machine-management software. • Lifting capacity: 22,700 lb.
• Lifting height: 120’ 5”
• Capacity at max height: 17,600 lb.
• Reach: 100’

Magni RTH 10.37 •

•
Power: 238 hp @ 2,300 rpm
Operating weight: 74,516

Telehandler
Capacity at
maximum height
is 17,600 pounds.

Builders line English E Magazine | December 2024 21

 Tallest
building in
US faces
delay over
flight safety
fears
Work on the tallest
building in the US
has been delayed
over fears that it
may pose a danger
to aircraft,

22 Builders line English E Magazine | December 2024

 T he Legends Tower in Oklahoma City would
be 581m tall, 40m taller than the World
Trade Centre in New York, the present holder of the
tallest-building title.
It is designed by Californian architect AO and is
being developed by Matteson Capital.
Jeff Mulder, airports director of Oklahoma City,
wrote a letter to the Federal Aviation Administration
warning that the proposed tower would “increase
travel time” for passengers, cause “adverse changes”
to departure schedules and create “safety of flight
issues”.
He said the tower would increase the “minimum
vectoring altitude” in the city, which would change
the way planes approached Will Rogers World
Airport, as well as smaller facilities such as Tinker Air He added that the tower could be “a little short-
Force Base, Wiley Post Airport and Max Westheimer er” if necessary, although it currently has “unlimited”
Airport. height approval from the city authorities.
Mulder said his letter was a routine intervention Legends is a mixed-use development planned for
and not directed against the project. downtown Oklahoma City.
But the FAA has yet to respond, which is causing It’s one of four towers planned for the Boardwalk
the delay. at Bricktown development. Two of the buildings will
Scot Matteson, Matteson Capital’s chief executive, be apartment blocks. The commercial offering will
told local broadcaster News on 6: “We’re waiting for include a 480-key Dream Hotel and a 350-key Hyatt
the full report from the FAA, which we are supposed hotel. The first phase of the project is to begin in
to get by the end of this month.” early 2025.

Builders line English E Magazine | December 2024 23

Hafele Showcases
their Lighting
H afele’s Loox Range has been meeting the
demands for lighting in furniture as well as the
growing needs for networking and digitalization since
the last 10 years. The solutions offered within this range
maximize simplicity and flexibility as well as assure
high reliability. The range presents itself as a unique
combination of elegant design and state of the art technology
making it the perfect choice for any home furniture
application, be it Task Lighting for Kitchen cabinets and
plinths, Decorative Lighting for Living Room Showcases,
Mood Lighting for Bedroom Applications or pure
Functional Lighting in Wardrobes.
With the ever-increasing demands for quality and
specialized lighting solutions not just for furniture but also for
rooms, Hafele in 2019 expanded its range offering to include
ceiling cove lighting which incorporates our high-quality
strip lights. It was during this period that we realized “Maximising the Value
that among the numerous ceiling light types available of Space. Together.”
in the market, interior architectural lighting had a huge
demand, however there weren’t many prominent brands
that offered these solutions.

24 Builders line English E Magazine | December 2024

 in ordering components, luminaire
finishes, and availability of glare reduction
accessories provide an overall customized
option tailored to your specific
requirements. Engineered on the same
philosophy of ‘easiness’ and ‘flexibility’
as the Loox furniture lighting system,
Hafele can now be your holistic lighting
solutions provider, delivering premium
ambient, task and accent lighting for
your living spaces.
15o Linear Lens Profiles
With Hafele’s 15° Linear Lens, your
surroundings have never looked brighter!
The commitment to continuous innovation
and technological advancement has
led to the birth of Hafele’s linear lens
On one side, there existed local market players that offered technolgy which provides a revolutionized
these solutions without effective quality assurances, while approach towards both functional and accent lighting alike,
on the other there were international brands that only in any area where enhanced illumination is desired.
catered to projects with no stable price offering or service Made in Germany in compliance with Hafele standards, the
support. This left majority of the customers without a viable new 15° Linear Lens helps achieve brighter lighting over
choice in the market. Identifying this distinct gap early larger distances. The narrower angle of the lens makes it
on as an opportunity, Hafele initiated the research and possible for the light to have a higher intensity and a better
engineering for a range of lights that enhances the design reach with minimum scatter loss. This makes it perfect for
of architectural spaces as well as provides opportunities of high ceiling applications in homes and other large spaces
achieving different illumination techniques and functionalities. like shopping malls, airport terminals and offices. Dramatic
As a brand, Hafele understands design and is known light and shadow effects with wall and curtain grazing can
for its bend towards innovation. It also understands the be achieved in order to add depth to your surroundings
importance of home ergonomics, lifestyle conveniences be it accentuating the texture of a stone or brick wall in
and ease of mobility within your surroundings. Our efforts a particular area of the house or attaining selective focus
towards this exercise led to the development of a versatile on valuable artifacts and paintings in homes, museums or
range of architectural lights; Hafele Architectural Lights galleries; the possibilities are endless.
was brought into existence. The 15° Linear Lens can be easily controlled via the Hafele
With Hafele’s New Architectural Lighting Range, you will find Connect Mesh Box through the smartphone application or
all your lighting needs taken care of. Whether it is lighting with the Loox Range of Switches. Quick assembly, easy
up a small area, highlighting a wall texture, emphasizing on configuration and straight forward operation make this lens
a work of art, illuminating the floor space at night or simply a must have product for your interiors.
ensuring even distribution of light across the entire space Delft Series Architectural Lights
these lights have got you covered. The range, consisting of Recent preferences among architects in the industry have
9 series, covers various applications, installation techniques evolved more in favour of having compact, minimal light
and design themes. Each series comes with a comprehensive fixtures that do not interfere with the overall design theme.
offering of the different types of interior lights, be it Additionally, there is a strong inclination towards installing
downlights, spotlight or wall washers, which allows you fewer luminaires that cover a significant portion of the
to implement a consistent design theme (in terms of the ceiling space and illuminate a given area effectively. The
lighting fixtures) across the space available, even with Delft Series Architectural Lights was developed to cater
differentiated illumination techniques. The biggest advantage to higher illumination in the downlight and spotlight series
this range carries is the absolutely low Unified Glare with its small and exquisite design.
Rating (UGR). The lower the UGR rating, the lower the glare
from the light fittings which therefore results in comfortable Hafele now introduces the 10W light engine to this series.
illumination in your living spaces. The convenient plug and Available in two colours, black and white, the Delft Series is
play assembly, impressive product specifications, flexibility best suited for dining rooms, hotel rooms, bedrooms, living

Builders line English E Magazine | December 2024 25

26 Builders line English E Magazine | December 2024
Builders line English E Magazine | December 2024 27
Hafele’s
Small Domestic Appliances
T he recreational experience of cooking your
favourite delicacies is often spoiled due to all the
time and effort spent in mundane pre-cooking activities
like chopping, grinding, grating or blending. Hafele’s
professional range of Small Domestic Appliances makes
prepping fun while giving you more time to enjoy what
you like doing the most – cooking your favourite dishes
or experimenting with new ones! As an extension to
our comprehensive offering of cooking appliances from
the Hafele Appliances Range, Hafele’s Small Domestic
Appliances come in modern designs, attractive colours
and long-lasting, sturdy materials; coupled with superior
functions that will make your pre-cooking tasks a
breeze. These handy appliances are super easy to use,
provide accurate prepping results and can make even
the most boring tasks in the kitchen, fun!
NOIL Air Fryer
Hafele’s NOIL Air Fryer provides a healthier
alternative to cooking food – now fulfil your deep-fried
food cravings without any guilt! As the name suggests,

28 Builders line English E Magazine | December 2024

 this air fryer prepares food with little to NO-OIL. The
smart Rapid Air Technology intuitively adjusts the
temperature so that the food cooked is crisp on the
outside and tender on the inside all while using 90% less fat.
What’s more, with this air fryer you can bake, grill, roast,
and even reheat food as per your preference! With an
attractive design, touch panel with 8 pre-set programmes,
aerodynamically designed non-stick fry basket,
NOIL guarantees a reimagined cooking experience:
one where taste equals health.
NOIL Lite Air Fryer
A healthier lifestyle often compromises on the
deep-fried food carvings. While having deep fried food
gives your taste buds a treat, such food also gives you
an equal amount of guilt. Hafele’s NOIL Lite Air Fryer
offers a healthier alternative to cooking food, in a compact
package. Now fulfil your deep-fried food cravings without
any guilt! True to its name, this air fryer prepares food
with little to NO-OIL. The smart Rapid Air Technology
intuitively adjusts the temperature so that the food
cooked is crisp on the outside and tender on the in-
side, all while using 90% less fat. What’s more, with
this air fryer you can bake, grill, roast, and even reheat
food as per your preference! With an attractive design,
touch panel with 8 pre-set programmes and an aerody
namically designed non-stick fry basket, NOIL Lite
guarantees a reimagined cooking experience: one
where taste equals health.
NOIL Steam Air Fryer
Discover a new era of culinary excellence
with the Hafele NOIL Steam Air Fryer. Be
the first to experience the revolutionary
Steam Fry function, a groundbreaking feature
exclusive to Hafele. This innovative technology
combines steam with Smart Rapid Air
Technology, ensuring your dishes boast a perfect
balance of crispy exteriors and tender, juicy
interiors. Dry and bland meals can now
be a thing of the past as our steam feature
preserves moisture and nutrients, delivering
delectable results every time.
But that’s not all – the NOIL Steam Air
Fryer also excels at baking, grilling, roasting,
and reheating, allowing you to create gourmet
meals with minimal effort. Designed with
sophistication in mind, it features an intuitive
touch panel with 8 preset programmes and a

Builders line English E Magazine | December 2024 29

 non-stick fry shelf optimised for perfect
airflow. With NOIL Steam Air Fryer, cooking
becomes a seamless blend of taste and
health.
Magnus Cold Press Juicer
It is often said that following a healthy
lifestyle is an extremely expensive affair
and why should it not be! Whether it is
a pre-packaged cold-pressed juice or a
vacuum blended smoothie, a whole lot of
advanced technology and science goes
into the machines that make creating
them possible. Instead of having weekly
subscriptions with health companies to
send you these bottled juices / smoothies
at a premium, wouldn’t it be better if you
could prepare them fresh at home at a
fraction of the cost.
Hafele brings to you this technology
right at your doorstep with the addition
of the Magnus Cold Pressed Juicer to
its range of Counter-top Appliances by
The Magnus Cold Pressed Juicer is designed to Hafele.
work at a much slower pace as compared to your
regular juicer. It is hence able to extract fruit and
vegetable juices without applying heat, the absence
of which helps retain maximum number of nutrients,
vitamins and enzymes, and prevents oxidation. The
inlet tube, MagnaFeed, comes with a diameter of 83
mm and can take in whole fruits like apples, pears
and oranges without the hassle of cutting or peeling
them. The Magnus Juicer by Hafele ensures that it
extracts as much juice as possible from the fruits
and vegetables put in, providing an extraction rate
of more than 80%.
Magnus Prime Cold Press Juicer
Cold press juicers are your gateway to a healthier
lifestyle. These juicers use a slow process to extract
juice, preserving essential nutrients. This method
not only retains the natural flavours of fresh fruits
and vegetables, but also gives a higher yield of juice
with minimal waste.
Experience the quintessence in juicing with the
Magnus Prime Cold Press Juicer by Hafele. Unlike
traditional juicers, the Magnus Prime operates at a
slow pace of 50 RPM, ensuring that it extracts juice
generating less heat. This gentle process retains

30 Builders line English E Magazine | December 2024

the maximum number of nutrients, vitamins, and Log onto [Link]
enzymes, making the juice healtier and more nutritious. vice/contact-us/410/ to find the nearest
This juicer gets the most out of the fruits and Hafele showroom or design centre.
vegetables, with its ability to extract maximum juice, Website: [Link]
while the cold press technique maintains the original Customer Care Toll Free: 1800 266 6667
properties of your produce, offering unparalleled Customer Care WhatsApp: +91 97691 11122
nutritional value. Customer Care Email ID: customercare@hafelein-
Embrace the versatility of this technology by [Link]
experimenting with various ingredients to create Established as a wholly owned subsidiary of Hafele
blends that suit your lifestyle. Whether you are seeking Global network, Hafele India has been operating in
an instant energy boost, a detoxifying cleanse, or India since 2003. An authority in the field of architectural
you are on a quest to make that perfect mocktail, hardware, furniture and kitchen fittings and accessories,
the possibilities are endless. the company also has a strong presence in synergized
U-Kaffee Plus product categories like Home Appliances, Interior and
Today’s fast paced world has our mornings Furniture Lighting, Sanitary Solutions, and Surfaces
rushed, and days filled with endless tasks. A steaming positioning itself as a complete solution provider for
cup of coffee has now become more than a casual interior solutions in India and South Asia. Hafele India
beverage - it has become a ritual, a moment of has a strong nation-wide presence through its offices
tranquility and a catalyst for productivity. From the and design showrooms spread across the country. The
rich aromas to the comforting warmth that envelope showrooms function as a one-stop-shop for all home
your senses, coffee, for most, proves to be a loyal interior and improvement needs - from providing
companion through your daily routine and the in-depth technical advice to kitchen and wardrobe
special moments of life. designing services through a team of experts.
Getting you through the day, giving you the daily
coffee fix with rich flavours and aroma is Hafele’s
new U-Kaffee Plus! This coffee machine brews the
most delectable coffee at the comfort of your home.
With its sleek design and unparalleled convenience,
Hafele’s U-Kaffee Plus integrates into any lifestyle,
offering the perfect cup of coffee at the push of a
button.
Whether it is a quick latte to kick start the morning
or a cup of cappuccino to make your breakfast
complete or an espresso to push through those
lazy afternoons, U-Kaffee Plus can do it all, thanks
to the removable milk tank and the adjustable milk
frothing system which lets you make your coffee
as per your liking. The 15 bar pump pressure ensures
optimal extraction by exposing every grind of
coffee to precise pressure and temperature
conditions creating intense and flavourful espresso
shots. Adding a touch of luxury is its sublime matte
black finish and offering an unparalleled coffee
experience is the classic analogue temperature
dial and soft tactile buttons that take your
coffee brewing experience to a whole new level.

Builders line English E Magazine | December 2024 31

32 Builders line English E Magazine | December 2024
Builders line English E Magazine | December 2024 33
 India’s
Afflent
Buyers Fuel
Luxury
Housing
Boom

Mumbai leads the

T he luxury housing market in India is witnessing
a remarkable surge, driven by a growing
preference for exclusivity, enhanced lifestyles, and
Luxury Housing Surge
premium living spaces. Despite global economic
uncertainties, the demand for high-end properties
with Rs. 114,529 crore
in India has shown resilience, underscoring the
confidence of affluent buyers in the long-term value
sales in first half of
of premium real estate.
A Market on the Rise
FY 2024-25: Report
Recent data from CREDAI-MCHI reveals an 18% Luxury Housing: A Lifestyle Statement
increase in total sales value across India’s top seven The surge in demand for luxury housing is more than just
property markets, amounting to ₹279,309 crore a trend; it reflects the evolving aspirations of homebuyers
in the first half of FY 2024-25. Notably, this growth seeking to elevate their lifestyles. According to a report
comes despite a 3% dip in the number of units sold, titled India Market Monitor Q3 2024 – Residential by CBRE
highlighting a clear shift in consumer preference South Asia Pvt. Ltd, sales of luxury units priced above
toward luxury homes. The average price per home ₹4 crore rose by 37.8% YoY during Jan-Sep 2024. In terms of
has risen sharply to ₹1.23 crore, compared to quantum luxury residential unit sales, Delhi-NCR topped with
₹1 crore during the same period last year. sales of around 5,855 units, a 72% Y-o-Y increase, followed
Cities like Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, and Bengaluru have by Mumbai at around 3,820 units, recording 18%
emerged as frontrunners in this segment. Mumbai Y-o-Y growth, the CBRE report noted.
Metropolitan Region (MMR) maintained its leadership “The luxury housing market in India is evolving beyond just
in premium property sales, with a stable average offering homes; it’s about curating an unparalleled lifestyle
ticket size of Rs 1.47 crore and a 2% growth in sales that resonates with the aspirations of discerning buyers.
value to Rs 114,529 crore, followed by Delhi-NCR The steady rise in demand for luxury housing
and Bengaluru. Other cities like Hyderabad, Chennai, underscores the growing preference
Pune, and Kolkata also registered substantial increases for quality, exclusivity, and convenience among
in average ticket sizes, showcasing the nationwide homeowners. This trend not only reflects an upward trajectory
demand for premium housing. in buyer aspirations but also a robust confidence in pre-
34 Builders line English E Magazine | December 2024
 Mumbai alone sold 21 units collectively worth₹2,200
crore an 84% share of the total deals in this segment
across the top cities.
Looking ahead, the luxury housing market is poised
for sustained growth, fueled by a robust demand
from NRIs, HNIs, and affluent domestic buyers.
Developers are responding with innovative
projects that not only meet but exceed buyer
expectations.
As Mr. Anil Mutha, Chief Visionary
and Co-Founder of Nandivardhan Group aptly
put it, “The rise in luxury housing
in South Mumbai signifies a transformation
in buyer aspirations, where opulencese
amlessly blends with heritage and modernity.
Our latest offering in Dadar, South
Central Mumbai is set to redefine family living
mium real estate as a valuable and long- by combining contemporary design with the
term investment,” said Mr. Nishant Deshmukh, timeless charm of the area’s iconic architecture.
Founder and Managing Partner of Sugee With cutting-edge amenities and a strong focus on
Group. “At Sugee Group, we recognize this shift and sustainability, we cater to the discerning tastes of today’s
are committed to blending modern architectural elite residents. As the real estate market continues to
excellence with thoughtful amenities to craft bespoke evolve, our homes reflect the aspirations of those who
living experiences through our premium developments seek a lifestyle of luxury, comfort, and connection to the
such as Sugee Sea Krest and Marina Bay in Worli, in South city’s rich cultural legacy.”
Mumbai. We aim to create spaces that resonate with the Speaking on the evolving luxury housing market,
evolving preferences of our clientele, delivering not just [Link] Jandial, Chief Business Officer, Omkar
homes but experiences that epitomize sophistication Realtors & Developers remarked, “The growing demand
and style.” for luxury homes reflects a significant transformation in
New Horizons in Luxury Living consumer behavior, driven by a preference for quality
and exclusivity. This surge in interest highlights how
Developers are increasingly catering to this shift in
homebuyers today are willing to invest in homes that
buyer preferences by introducing unique, high-end projects.
redefine living experiences, offering bespoke amenities
Data from Anarock suggests that holiday homes,
and a sense of community. In a competitive market like
farmhouses and villas have seen a rise in demand,
Mumbai, we have always stood for delivering exceptional
particularly among buyers seeking spacious properties
value through our premium offerings such as Omkar Alta
that can accommodate remote work setups and long-term
Monte at Malad.”
investments. Approximately 25% of luxury buyers are
investing in holiday homes, while 20% prefer farmhouses. “Luxury housing in India is no longer confined to the idea
Speaking about this trend, Mr. Vikas Sutaria, Founder of owning a premium property; it is a gateway to an
of Iraah Lifespaces, stated, “We believe luxury is not just elevated lifestyle. We see a strong and consistent
owning a premium property but about curating an experi- demand for high-quality homes that blend modern
ence that elevates one’s lifestyle. The growing demand in design with functionality and exclusivity. With a focus on
India’s luxury housing market reflects a shift in consumer location, innovative design, and world-class amenities,
aspirations, with homebuyers seeking more than just a we aim to redefine urban living while ensuring enduring
home. They are seeking an integrated lifestyle that blends value for buyers through our luxury projects. Our flagship
comfort, sophistication, and exclusivity. As premium projects in Mumbai and Goa embody this ethos, creating
realty players, it’s our responsibility to offer not just beautiful spaces that resonate with the aspirations of the modern
designs, but spaces that embody tranquility, well-being, homebuyer,” said Mr. Vedanshu Kedia, Director, Prescon
and status. Our recently launched collection of bespoke Group
ultra-luxury villas in Alibaug and Lonavala caters to this The luxury housing market in India is no longer just about
evolving mindset, offering unparalleled craftsmanship homes—it’s about crafting lifestyles, experiences, and
and a distinctive living experience.” legacies. As the segment continues to evolve, it remains
Mumbai: The Hub of Ultra-Luxury Real Estate a lucrative and aspirational investment avenue, setting
A report by Anarock showed that of the 25 ultra-luxury new benchmarks in real estate.
properties sold across the top cities in 2024 so far,

Builders line English E Magazine | December 2024 35

 Amara Series Washing Machines
by Hafele
H afele’s Premium Appliances have been catering
to the demands of its audience since the year
2014 by offering innovative technologies and compre-
hensive solutions. Hafele has also introduced many new
technologies to India over the years.
The product range to come with the first ever fully
sealed hob design in India is the Altius FS hobs range.
Another product to come with the filter-free technology
for the first time in India is the Teresa cookerhood which
revolutionized the cookerhood market in India.
Hafele now introduces a new range of Fully Auto-
matic Front-Loading washing machines – the Amara
Series, where timeless endurance meets contemporary
sophistication. Derived from the word “Amara,” meaning
“eternal” or “everlasting,” our premier range of washing
machines embodies the essence of longevity and reli-
ability.
Just as the name suggests, the Amara Series is
synonymous with durability and endurance, promising
to stand the test of time in the realm of household ap-
pliances. With sleek design elements and cutting-edge
technology, each machine in the Amara Series is a tes-
tament to our commitment to excellence and our belief
that exceptional quality should last a lifetime.

36 Builders line English E Magazine | December 2024

Builders line English E Magazine | December 2024 37
Central Suburbs:
Mumbai’s Key Hotspot
for Real Estate Investments

M umbai’s real estate landscape is witnessing

a notable shift, with the Central suburbs
emerging as a sought-after hotspot for residential
are rapidly transforming into a coveted investment
destination, driven by significant infrastructure
developments such as the Metro expansions and
and commercial developments. This growth is driven improved road connectivity. The area's evolution is
by factors such as available land for development, marked by an influx of upscale residential projects
competitive affordability, and superior connectivity of large scale where community living is the biggest
to key areas within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region focal point which western suburbs have limited projects
(MMR), Thane, and Navi Mumbai. which also offer a lucrative blend of luxury and
As per Knight Frank India, Central Suburbs saw a convenience. Central suburbs have close proximity to
growth in market share in October 2024, rising from BKC, Navi Mumbai and South Mumbai via the Freeway
29% to 31%, reflecting a shift in buyer preference has helped the location immensely. In particular,
towards these areas. According to the data, the Mumbai Mulund and Nahur in eastern suburbs stand out as a
Central Suburbs recored 1,18,537 property registrations micro-market with its unique blend of urban charm and
during the first ten months of 2024 (January to October green living. We recognized the untapped potential
2024), marking a 13% increase compared to 1,04,916 here, making it a focal point for our future developments.
registrations in the same period last year (January to As infrastructure enhancements and lifestyle amenities
October 2023). continue to evolve, the region's appeal is increasingly
Mr. Navin Makhija, Managing Director of The Wadhwa becoming synonymous with both luxury living and
Group, remarked, "The Central Suburbs of Mumbai promising investment opportunities."
The Central suburbs’ affordability, compared to the
skyrocketing prices in South Mumbai and western
suburbs,has positioned the region as a preferred

38 Builders line English E Magazine | December 2024

choice for middle-income homebuyers and investors. Mr. Govind Krishnan Muthukumar, Managing Director
Properties in Mulund and Chembur, for example, offer & Co-Founder of Tridhaatu Realty highlighted, "The
significant value at more reasonable rates, making the transformation of the Central Suburbs into a premier
area accessible for first-time buyers and attractive for real estate investment destination is fueled by the area’s
rental investments. continuous infrastructural enhancements and its
Mr. Nishant Deshmukh, Founder and Managing Partner strategic location. This suburb offers a compelling blend
of Sugee Group, shared, "The emergence of the Central of cultural heritage and contemporary lifestyle, making
Suburbs as a prime investment hub is a testament to its it an excellent choice for real estate investments. Our
robust growth in both the residential and commercial developments, especially in Chembur, are centered
sectors. The region's transformation, fueled by around creating communities that are self-sustaining,
comprehensive redevelopment projects, is turning it with ample amenities and facilities that cater to the
into one of Mumbai's most desirable investment diverse needs of our customers, making every investment
destinations. Our redevelopment initiatives, especially worthwhile."
in Mulund, not only enhance the housing stock but Mr. Samyak Jain, Director of Siddha Group commented,
also bolster the region's real estate value, making it an "Central Suburbs' rise as a prime investment hub in
attractive investment hub for long-term growth." Mumbai is driven by its evolving landscape and the
A spokesperson from Chandak Group commented, burgeoning demand for quality housing. The area's excellent
"Mumbai's Central Suburbs are increasingly becoming connectivity to the commercial hubs and upgradation
a sought-after real estate destination, offering of social infrastructure, with spacious apartments at
excellent connectivity, modern infrastructure, and competitive prices, make it ideal for families and
significant growth potential. Areas like Chembur with professionals alike. This makes it not just an ideal place to
their strategic location and robust development stand live, but a prudent investment opportunity that promises
out as a promising micro-market. As demand for substantial appreciation in the near future."
residential and commercial spaces rises, we are excited With continued infrastructural enhancements and
to be part of this dynamic transformation, delivering government focus on developing economic corridors, the
quality developments that cater to the evolving needs Central suburbs are on the brink of further growth. Their
of the market." strategic location and robust connectivity make them
Connectivity remains a cornerstone of the Central ideal for investors looking for high returns and home
suburbs' appeal. The area is well-integrated with rail, buyers seeking value-driven living options. As infrastructure
road, and metro networks, offering seamless access projects materialize and lifestyle amenities flourish, the
to commercial hubs such as Bandra-Kurla Complex Central suburbs are positioned to become the nucleus of
(BKC), Lower Parel, and Nariman Point. Upcoming proj- Mumbai's real estate growth
ects like Metro Line 4 promise to further enhance this
accessibility.

Builders line English E Magazine | December 2024 39

 Luxury
Appliances by
Hafele H afele’s ASKO and Falmec Luxury Appliances
are the perfect balance between state-of-the-art
technology, elegance and attention to detail. Falmec’s new
Elements collection transcends the usual boundaries of
aspiration, transforming the fundamental function regarding
the quality of the environment and everyday life into a
modular, innovative, multifunctional structure that is fully
integrated into the kitchen. Attention to detail is what sets
ASKO appliances apart. Be it design or functionality, a careful
consideration to every detail in these appliances elevates the
user experience and leaves a long-lasting impact. Ranging
from Quattro Construction washing machines to the 8 Steel
concept dishwashers and the Celsius Cooking system,
ASKO appliances offer innovative solutions for a modern
living.
Asko Style Series Laundry Solutions
Hafele’s ASKO Luxury Appliances are the perfect
balance between state-of-the-art technology and elegance.
Attention to detail is what sets ASKO appliances apart. Be
it design or functionality, a careful consideration to every
detail in these appliances elevates the user experience and
leaves a long-lasting impact.
The Style series from ASKO encompasses the entire
range of laundry care solutions which includes washing

40 Builders line English E Magazine | December 2024

 Asko Pearl Grey Series
Hafele’s ASKO Luxury Appliances are the
perfect balance between state-of-the-art
technology and elegance. Attention to detail is
what sets ASKO appliances apart. Be it design
or functionality, a careful consideration to every
detail in these appliances elevates the user
experience and leaves a long-lasting impact.
Manufactured using advanced technology, the
Elements range by ASKO is a new interpretation
of craftsmanship. Seamless designs
with clean lines and graphic divisions
are apparent from a distance, whereas
the rich details with exceptionally
high-quality finish are noticeable from
a close distance. This unique range
offers state-of-the art appliances for
machines, tumble dryers, drying cabinets and hidden the modern home chef.
helpers. These appliances have a full-size front panel made
Inspired by the volcanic rocks and majestic fjords of
from a single piece of solid steel that surrounds the stylish
Scandinavia, ASKO introduces the Pearl Grey Series to its
horizontally brushed aluminium panel. The front panel,
Elements range. This versatile series not only comes with
display and other visible components boast a perfect fit
a fine colour, but also exudes luxury with its special finish,
and finish and the full colour high-definition TFT display
highlighting the design and technology of the appliances.
provides the best possible overview of the available functions
With the new Combi Steam Oven, Warming Drawer, Combi
and modes, without compromise. Laden with advanced
Microwave Oven, 5-in-1 Combi Oven and Integrated
technologies, the style series laundry solutions exude style,
Coffee Machine, the Elements Pearl Grey Series offers a
sophistication and operational perfection.
comprehensive cooking solution which elevates the kitchen
aesthetics and delivers enhanced functionality.
OCS8678GG - Combi Steam Oven: This combination steam
oven has been designed to add another dimension to cooking,
with steam. Now, you can combine traditional convection
with steam in a single cooking program or simply cook
using hot air and steam. Healthy and natural, cooking with
steam preserves the full flavour of foods as well as vitamins
and nutrients. This is the best of both worlds.
OCM8478GG - Combi Microwave Oven: The key to great
cooking is the freedom to express yourself. With our combi
microwave ovens, you are free to explore four different
cooking methods: microwave, fan-forced convection cooking,
grilling and combined traditional oven cooking with the
aid of microwaves. You can even defrost, use traditional
convection and finish with a short grill in the same program.
OCSM8478GG - 5-in-1 Combi Steam Oven: Modern living
is all about making the most of your time and the world
around you. Flexible with a sleek finish, ASKO 5-in-1 combi
ovens come with five different heating methods – full
steam, microwaves, hot air, combination hot air/steam and
combination hot air/ microwaves. This saves valuable
space, time and adds more flexibility to be creative.
ODW8128GG – Warming Drawer: The ASKO Elements
Pearl Grey warming drawer is very practical and adds

Builders line English E Magazine | December 2024 41

 dismantle and clean. There is also an automatic cleaning
program to make your daily coffee taste even better.
However, good taste is characterised not only by what
it delivers but also by its exterior. The Elements coffee
machine is perfectly co-designed with the other products
in the Elements range and is nicely integrated with both
the 45 and 60 cm ovens. The Elements coffee machine is
the smart way to explore new coffee types or simply enjoy
the same perfect coffee day after day. And the best thing is
that you don´t need to know anything about making coffee
– only what you are craving for.
Falmec Shelf Cookerhood
Hafele’s Falmec Luxury Appliances are a perfect
balance between state-of-the-art technology, elegance and
attention to detail. The new Elements collection transcends
the usual boundaries of aspiration, transforming the
fundamental function regarding the quality of the environment
and everyday life into a modular, innovative, multifunctional
structure that is fully integrated into the kitchen.
Shelf cookerhood incorporates a very thin suction
element in a shelf structure of only 100 mm thickness,
equipped with a removable vane to increase smoke suction
capacity. This element with hood function can be enhanced
with additional modules to create a versatile hanging
furniture system on the wall. Winner of the 2023 Germany
Design award, this innovative cookerhood is the icon of
a lot of functionality in a small space. Use them for slow concept, high quality of design, innovation and accessibility.
cooking food, keeping food warm, defrosting, warming Log onto [Link]
crockery or as simple storage. All ASKO warming drawers contact-us/410/ to find the nearest
are designed to integrate with the ovens and are meticulously
Hafele showroom or design centre.
crafted to fill out the space under a 45 cm or 60 cm oven or
for integration with a coffee machine.
CM8478GG – Coffee Machine: Imagine having your own
barista right there in your own kitchen, making your perfect
cup of coffee at any time you like and as often as you like.
Sounds like a dream, doesn’t it?
Professional baristas demand perfection in each detail
when making coffee. Dosage, grinding, brewing pressure
and temperature are parameters that need to be exact to
make that perfect cup of coffee. With the Elements coffee
machine we have transformed the barista’s expertise into
techniques and algorithms, all designed to brew the perfect
coffee for you. It is just like a dream come true. A true barista
always takes great care to keep their equipment clean.
The design of the Elements coffee machine minimises the
residual coffee inside the machine and improves the taste of
your freshly brewed coffee. It is easy to pull out the coffee
machine to access the bean and coffee powder compartments
and the milk jug, as well as the cleverly designed cup shelf
on the side of the machine. All parts that come in con-
tact with coffee beans, coffee powder or milk are easy to
42 Builders line English E Magazine | December 2024
Casagrand
Hands Over
673 Apartments in
its Kids-Themed
Residential
Community,
Casagrand Utopia
in Chennai

R aising the bar for family-friendly living,

Casagrand, one of the leading real estate
developers of South India, hands over, Casagrand
Utopia, its kids themed residential community in
Manapakkam, Chennai. Staying true to its commitment
of delivering homes as promised, the company has
meticulously crafted a vibrant, safe, and engaging post-handover, supporting residents as they settle into
environment, handing over 673 spacious 2, 3, and 4 their new homes. The team will also assist residents in
BHK apartments alongside a suite of 80+ thoughtfully establishing a dedicated association to manage future
designed amenities, tailored to create an enriching needs and maintain an on-site associate desk for
experience for families and children alike. ongoing support. To foster a connected, lively
Spread across an expansive 10.19 acres, community, Casagrand will organize regular
Casagrand Utopia embodies a unique low-density family-friendly events, festivals, and activities, nurturing
layout that provides ample open space, combined an environment that is engaging, inclusive, and full of
with family-focused amenities that redefine the life.
concept of community living. From Funcity and Kids The project is registered under Tamil Nadu RERA
Science City to an innovative VR Games & Robotics (TN/29/building/240/2020).
Station, each amenity has been crafted to inspire About Casagrand
curiosity, imagination, and active engagement in Founded in 2003, Casagrand is a leading real
young residents. Beyond its kids-focused amenities, estate developer based out of Chennai. We offer a wide
the development is equally equipped with world-class range of properties, from apartments to independent
facilities for all generations, ensuring there is villas, all equipped with lifestyle amenities. Our projects
something for everyone in the family to enjoy. cover luxury, mid-range, and affordable categories,
Moreover, the development boasts a 35,000 sq. ft., meeting the needs of different customers. Beyond
clubhouse offering recreational and wellness spaces Chennai, we’ve expanded into other major cities like
for residents to relax and unwind. Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Coimbatore. We also plan
In a continued commitment to seamless living, to expand to Pune. Our international sales are driven
Casagrand offers six months of free maintenance by our office in Dubai.

Builders line English E Magazine | December 2024 43

 rooms, and display areas with its deep baffle design enhances the visual clarity and provides comfortable
which equally distributes the light toward the center. aesthetics in the living spaces. With easy installation and wide
With the help of a simple plug-and-play concept, the customization options, the Stanford series is your ideal
luminaires from the Delft Series have an entirely solution for contemporary aesthetics.
tool-free installation.
Stanford Series Architectural Lights Log onto [Link]
Designed on the concept of modularization, contact-us/410/ to find the nearest
Hafele’s Stanford series offers you customization
options like never before. The ordering process involves Hafele showroom or design centre.
selecting the type of Light Engine, Baffle and Website: [Link]
Mounting Bracket, enabling the series to offer 42 Customer Care Toll Free: 1800 266 6667
different luminaire combinations. Selections in terms Customer Care WhatsApp: +91 97691 11122
of wattage, beam angle, tilt angle and shape give you
Customer Care Email ID: customercare@[Link]
unmatched possibilities in ensuring a unified look for
your interiors.
The 7 trendy baffle colour options provide
creative flexibility for incorporating elegant pops
of colours that effortlessly highlight your ceiling
or provide a seamless look that immaculately
blends with your interior design. Enhancing this
experience is the addition of Mutiwhite Light
Engine to the series which offers unmatched
flexibility in tuning the colour temperature to suit
your needs.
The luminaires from the Stanford Series are
suitable for use as spotlights and downlights. They
have a low UGR (Unified Glare Rating) which
44 Builders line English E Magazine | December 2024
 Phases in a Structural
Engineering Project
1. Planning Phase in a Structural Engineering Project
The planning phase involves a consideration of
the various requirements and factors that affect the
general layout and dimensions of the structure. This
leads to the choice of one or perhaps several alternative
types of structures that offer the best general solution.
The primary consideration is the function of the
structure, whether it is to enclose or house, to
convey, or to support in space. Many secondary
considerations are also involved, including as aesthetic,
sociological, legal, financial, economic, environmental,
or resource conservation factors. In addition, there
are structural and constructional requirements and
limitations that also may affect the structural type
selected.
2. Design Phase
The design phase involves detailed considerations
of the alternative solutions, evolved in the planning
phase. It leads to the determination of the most

T he structural designer usually acts in service to

the functional designer, who normally provides
the leadership in carrying out an engineering project. In
suitable proportions, dimensions, and details of all the
alternatives being considered for the construction of
structural elements and connections. Usually, before
the civil engineering field, he assists the transportation the final design stage is reached, the best solution
engineer, hydraulic engineer, or sanitary engineer by has been identified and final construction plans are
providing the structures needed to implement their prepared for this selection. Occasionally, the choice is
projects. In building construction, he is one of the dependent on economic and constructional features
architect’s principal collaborators. In a similar that can not be accurately evaluated except by
way, the structural engineer assists mechanical, competitive bidding, so final bid plans have to be
chemical, or electrical engineers in designing the prepared for the competitive alternatives.
heavy machinery or facilities required for their High Rise Structures Planning, Design and
projects. He may shift his entire expertise and activity Construction
into naval architecture or aeronautical engineering
3. Construction Phase
and become a specialist in the design of ship or
airplane structures. Hence, a structural engineer The construction phase involves procurement of
must have a diverse experience to utilize his full materials, equipment, personnel, shop fabrication
potential. Phases of a structural engineering project of the members and sub-assemblies. It also includes
are described below in detail. their transportation to the site, the actual field
A structural engineering project can be divided construction and erection activities on site. During
into three phases: this phase, of course, some redesign may be
1. Planning, required. Reasons for this redesign can be unforeseen
2. Design and foundation difficulties or if specified materials cannot
3. Construction be procured, or for any other reason.

Builders line English E Magazine | December 2024 45

 Kitchen
Fittings
by Hafele

T he MatrixBox Premium+ drawer

system features a fully flushed
design which enables a visual aesthetic
that is seamless and in sync with your
overall design theme. Our patented
runner design ensures an enhanced
soft close experience and a smoother
installation process. The Push-to-open
technology for handle-less drawers is
Metallic Silver and White finishes, offering a enabled by the MatrixBox Premium
versatile solution that caters to a wider range of drawer system.
application requirements. Suitable for installation This system supports 35 kg and
in kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms and home 50 kg applications, whereas the
offices, as well as commercial and industrial MatrixBox Premium+ drawer system
environments, the MatrixBox drawer system is supports 40 kg and 70 kg applications and
a robust, functionally efficient and a seamlessly are available in Metallic Anthracite,
aesthetic solution.
MatrixBox Slim Drawer System
The MatrixBox Slim Drawer System with
13 mm thin drawer sides, features simple
assembly as well as unrivalled design and flexibility
in application. It is suitable for installation in
kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms. MatrixBox
Slim comes with 3 height options, 2 side design
options (Solid & Décor) and 2 weight carrying
capacities (40 & 60 kg); giving you the widest
choice for a host of applications. With integrated
Soft-Close and Synchronized Runner Technology,
the movement of these drawers is smooth,
stable and precise. The attractive Graphite Grey
finish and the 2 new finishes of Stainless Steel
and Midnight Black, offer elevated sophistication
and elegance to your home design.

46 Builders line English E Magazine | December 2024

 Log onto [Link]
contact-us/410/ to find the nearest

Hafele showroom or design centre.

Website: [Link]
Customer Care Toll Free: 1800 266 6667
Customer Care WhatsApp: +91 97691 11122
Customer Care Email ID: customercare@hafeleindia.
com
Established as a wholly owned subsidiary of Hafele
Global network, Hafele India has been operating in
India since 2003. An authority in the field of architectural
hardware, furniture and kitchen fittings and accessories,
Free Space the company also has a strong presence in synergized
The fittings of the Free family give flaps new freedom product categories like Home Appliances, Interior and
in movement. This opens up more opportunities in the Furniture Lighting, Sanitary Solutions, and Surfaces
visual and technical design of furniture and has tangible positioning itself as a complete solution provider for
benefits compared to hinged doors. But above all, it interior solutions in India and South Asia. Hafele India
gives the furniture and the room undreamt elegance and has a strong nation-wide presence through its offices
lightness. With the new Free Space, Hafele offers an and design showrooms spread across the country. The
innovative stay flap fitting which, with its strong features showrooms function as a one-stop-shop for all home
and universal aesthetics, can be used in furniture across interior and improvement needs - from providing
interior spaces. It immediately provides added value and in-depth technical advice to kitchen and wardrobe
more efficiency when working. designing services through a team of experts.
Almost 100 years of experience with furniture fittings,
engineering expertise, and a close connection to the
market and the people who work with furniture fittings
on a daily basis led to the development of Free Space.
Inspired by the requirements of the market of tomorrow
Free space fulfils all demands for creative freedom
and choice of material, design, ease of installation and
con­venient operation on a whole new level.
Project 2 Aluminium Profiles
A unique modular Aluminium profile system, Project
2 offers both structural stability and seamless aesthetics
for your kitchen islands. Crafted in line with the latest
design trends, this Aluminium profile system comprises
of multiple components that enable a flexible installation
experience along with various design possibilities, elevating
your kitchen aesthetics.
Vauth Sagel Flex Larder System
The VS Flex Larder from Vauth-Sagel offers a flexible,
modular storage solution for organizing cabinet interiors.
Whether in the kitchen or utility room, it enables customized
storage arrangements to meet typical needs around the
hob, oven, sink, or washing machine areas

Builders line English E Magazine | December 2024 47

India’s Office Real Estate
Market on Track to Hit
Record 85 Million Sq Ft Leasing
in 2024
I ndia’s office real estate sector is poised for
unprecedented growth in 2024, with gross
leasing volumes expected to rise by 14% to touch
a historic high of 85 million square feet, according
to a report by Cushman & Wakefield. This marks
a significant leap from 74.6 million square feet
recorded in 2023, underscoring the sector’s strong
recovery and sustained momentum.
The robust performance is driven by increased
activity in sectors such as IT-BPM, BFSI,
engineering and manufacturing, and the rising
influence of Global Capability Centres (GCCs). With
fresh leasing accounting for nearly 70% of the
projected gross leasing volume (GLV) in 2024, the
report highlights growing business confidence and
expansion by both global and domestic players.
Commenting on this milestone, Mr. Navin
Makhija, Managing Director, The Wadhwa Group
48 Builders line English E Magazine | December 2024
said, “The robust momentum in India’s office real as new supply pipelines become concentrated in prime
estate leasing reflects the strength and resilience of the business hubs. Despite consistent supply influx helping
country’s business ecosystem. With increased activity maintain a tenant-favorable sentiment, rents are
in sectors like IT-BPM, BFSI, and manufacturing, we expected to rise steadily in 2025.
are observing sustained demand for high-quality office Mr. Abhishek Jain, COO, Satellite Developers
spaces, particularly in prime micro-markets. This not Private Limited (SDPL) added, “The record gross leasing
only underscores the confidence of global and domestic projections for 2024 are a testament to the steady
players in India but also indicates a long-term positive growth and recovery of India’s office real estate sector
outlook for commercial real estate, driven by infrastructure post-pandemic. The rising contribution of GCCs and
developments and new supply pipelines.” domestic firms expanding their operations showcases
The January-September period of 2024 alone has the vibrancy of our economy and the evolving
already seen 66.7 million square feet of office leasing, workspace dynamics. With consistent demand for
signaling strong year-end numbers. The upward trend Grade A assets and a moderate upward trend in rents,
also aligns with occupiers’ growing preference for we foresee sustained opportunities for developers
Grade A, well-located office spaces equipped with to cater to the growing need for flexible, tech-driven
modern amenities. office spaces.”
Ms. Shraddha Kedia-Agarwal, Director, Transcon Cushman & Wakefield’s report predicts that GCCs
Developers noted, “The office real estate sector’s will account for nearly 30% of the total gross leasing
expected milestone of 85 million square feet this year volume, further solidifying their role as a key driver
highlights the buoyant market sentiment and increasing of demand. Tenant representation experts highlight
business activity. As occupiers prioritize top-grade, that India’s office sector is not only recovering but
well-located office spaces equipped with modern transforming to meet the evolving dynamics of workspace
amenities, we are seeing heightened interest from both requirements, driven by technology, flexibility, and
global entities and domestic businesses. This momentum sustainability.
is further propelled by sectors such as IT-BPM and The future outlook for India’s commercial real estate
BFSI, signaling a strong demand for sustainable and remains optimistic, with prime micro-markets continuing
innovative office solutions that meet evolving occupier to attract both occupiers and investors. As the sector
needs.” marches towards a record-breaking year, the steady
Key micro-markets are witnessing moderate growth of office leasing reflects the resilience and
upward pressure on rents due to this demand, particularly long-term potential of India’s real estate landscape.

Builders line English E Magazine | December 2024 49

 Rate of Strength
Gain of Concrete

S trength can be defined as ability to resist change.

One of the most valuable properties of the concrete
is its strength. Strength is most important parameter that
gives the picture of overall quality of concrete. Strength
of concrete usually directly related to cement paste.
Many factors influence the rate at which the strength of
concrete increases after mixing. Before coming toward
the factors that influence the strength gain of concrete,
it is important to have concept of these terminologies:
Hardening is the process of growth of strength. This
is often confused with 'setting' but setting and hardening
are not the same.
Setting is the stiffening of the concrete after it has
been placed. Hardening may continue for weeks or
months after the concrete has been mixed and placed.
Water/cement ratio
Factors affecting strength gain & rate of strength
gain of concrete This is defined as the mass of water divided by the
mass of cement in a mix. The water/cement ratio may
Concrete porosity be abbreviated to 'w/c ratio' or just 'w/c'. In mixes where
Rapid Set Compressive Strength GainVoids in con- the w/c is greater than approximately 0.4, all the cement
crete can be filled with air or with water. Broadly speak- can, react with water to form cement hydration products.
ing, the more porous the concrete, the weaker it will be. At higher w/c ratios it follows that the space occupied by
Probably the most important source of porosity in con- the additional water above w/c = 0.4 will remain as pore
crete is the ratio of water to cement in the mix, known space filled with water, or with air if the concrete dries
as the 'water to cement' ratio. out.

50 Builders line English E Magazine | December 2024

 Consequently, as the w/c ratio increases, the porosity of setting(rapid hardening of freshly mixed
the cement paste in the concrete also increases. As the po- cement paste with minimum heat evolu-
rosity increases, the compressive strength of the concrete tion)
will decrease.
Some physical parameters of cement
Soundness of aggregate also play role in strength gain of concrete
like Cement surface area and particle size
If the aggregate in concrete is weak, the concrete will
distribution.
also be weak. Rocks with low strength, such as chalk, are
clearly unsuitable for use as aggregate. Fineness is often expressed in terms of
total particle surface area. More fine is ce-
Aggregate paste bond
ment; greater will be its hydration rate. Par-
The compactness of the bond between the paste and ticle size distribution is also very important
the aggregate is critical. If there is no bond, the aggregate prospect in strength gain of concrete. Cement
effectively represents a void & voids are a source of weak- with very finely-ground gypsum and clinker
ness in concrete. particles results in slower hydration.
Tests To Determine The Strength Gain &
Rate of Strength Gain Of Concrete
In concrete practice the strength of concrete
is characterized by the 28 day value and some
other properties are also related to the 28 day
strength. After 28 days, different tests are usu-
ally performed to determine the strength gain of
the concrete. These are as under:
For Strength Gain:
Compressive Strength Test
Cylinder test
Cube test
Tensile Strength Test
Split cylinder test
Cement-related parameters
Flexural Strength Test
Many parameters relating to the composition of the
Two point loading test
cement constituents and their proportions in the cement
can affect the rate of strength gain and the final strength Three point loading test
achieved. These include:Cement Chart Graph Rate of strength gain of concrete:
Alite content (Tri-Calcium silicates) & Belite contents (Di-
calcium silicates)
To determine the rate of gain of strength of con-
Alite & belite reactivity crete, there is a need to select period shorter than 28
Sulfate contents day, as 28 day is considered to be the reference time.
In concrete practice, it is accepted that after 28 days
Alite is the most reactive cement mineral that contrib-
concrete usually gains most of its strength. Strength de-
utes significantly to concrete strength. More Alite should
termined at an early stage say after 7th day of placing of
give better early strengths ('early' means up to about 7
concrete can be compared to strength determined after
days).
28 days, which is considered to be the reference time.
Sulfate in cement, both the clinker sulfate and added In this way, rate of gain of strength of concrete can be
gypsum, retards the hydration phase. If there is insufficient determined.
sulfate, a flash set (rapid hardening of freshly mixed ce-
ment paste with noticeable heat evolution) may occur. on
the other hand too much sulfate contents can cause false-
Builders line English E Magazine | December 2024 51
 After 10 years’ work, China puts
finishing touch to world’s longest
pipeline
China has completed its East-route natural gas pipeline,
which runs for 5,111km from the Russian border to
Shanghai, seven months ahead of schedule

T he final phase was between Jiangsu and Shanghai.

The project is now in its commissioning
phase. When this is complete, the line will begin Power of Siberia was built to export the gas output
providing 38 billion cubic metres (bcm) of gas a year, of the Kovykta and Chayandinskoye fields in east-central
or enough to supply to 130 million households in three Siberia. Altogether, the programme of works was
provinces. thought to have cost up to $70bn.
The pipeline has been gradually extended over the The completion of the East-route comes as
past five years, and has been in operation during that negotiations continue between Russia and China over
time. Power of Siberia 2, a 2,600km project that may carry
It is being undertaken by the National Oil and Gas more than 50bcm a year.
Pipeline Network Group, better known as PipeChina. In June, the Financial Times reported that talks had
It forms an extension of the Power of Siberia line, failed to reach an agreement because China wanted a
a 3,000km project that was begun in September 2014 price level similar to Russia’s domestic market, which
and completed in December 2019. is well below the international market rate.

Including the Chinese section, the line stretches for A second bone of contention was China’s
roughly the distance between London and Los Angeles. unwillingness to commit to buying the line’s full
capacity.
52 Builders line English E Magazine | December 2024
 Vanair EPEQ
Mobile
Support Kit
T he EPEQ system features two 48 V,
100Ah lithium iron phosphate
(LiFePO4) batteries with 5,000-charge
cycle life.
Vanair’s Electrified Power Equipment
(EPEQ) Mobile Support Kit is an all-in-one,
zero-emission mobile power solution
for both automotive and commercial
applications.
The EPEQ Mobile Support Kit is a
battery-powered, fully self-contained,
“bolt and go” system. It combines Vanair’s
EPEQ mobile power technology with the
growing demand for sustainable, efficient
maintenance solutions for the automotive
and commercial vehicle aftermarket,
according to the company.
The EPEQ system features two 48 V, 100 Ah
lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries
with 5,000-charge cycle life. Includes a
3 kW 120 vac inverter and two 5 kW 240 vac
inverters, offering pure sine wave energy
for various electronic devices.
It also features an EPEQ AIR20 compressor
delivering 20 cfm at 150 psi maximum, with
dual-speed capability.
A 7-inch, IP67 rated Smart LED display
with monitoring key metrics like state of
charge, voltage levels and temperature.
The EPEQ Mobile Support Kit is
designed with mobility and efficiency in
mind. Its compact enclosure measures
60 inches x 24 inches x 30 inches, making
it suitable for installation in pickup trucks
or vans without compromising space. The
entire package weighs 550 pounds.

Builders line English E Magazine | December 2024 53

 Poland’s uprising museum
is “tribute to origins” of the
country
T he museum is intended to
provide “a space for shared
memory”, made up of permanent
nities. There will be a circular, open
space at the core that can be adapted
for multiple uses, such as extending
and temporary exhibition spaces, the main hall, dining area or tempo-
an auditorium and library, all rary exhibition foyer. It can also hold
supported by conservation rooms, lectures, concerts and an ice-skating
technical facilities and workshops. rink and has a “water mist” installation.
The collection to be curated Multiple sloped roofs, varying in
includes photography, drawing, height and gradient, are described by
painting, sculpture, documents, WXCA as the project’s “fifth façade”.
uniforms, banners and medals that The museum is due to be open to
chart the course of Poland’s struggle the public in 2026.
to regain its independence from Szczepan Wroński, an architect
the Russian Empire, culminating in with WXCA, said: “As with any complex
the 1918 uprising. public-use facility of this kind, we
The development will be laid had to balance diverse functions and
out in the style of the fortified needs, all while remaining mindful of
settlements and villages that the site’s context and the museum’s
formed the country’s first commu- core mission.”

The 1918-19 Greater Poland Uprising Museum

in Poznan, designed by local architect WXCA, has
broken ground.

54 Builders line English E Magazine | December 2024

 T he Smart Accommodation for
Residential Complexes Company
(SARCC) will offer its services to public and Saudi Arabia forms
company to
private projects. Its aim is to increase the
standard of accommodation offered to
the level set by the International Finance
Corporation and European Bank for
Reconstruction and Development. accommodate
SARCC hopes that this move will
help to attract more foreign talent to the
kingdom’s numerous megaprojects.
employees working
The company plans to enable
long-term investment throughout the
construction industry, as well as areas
on large projects
such as catering, transport and retail.
Khalid Johar, PIF’s co-head of
Saudi Arabia’s Public
local real estate, said: “SARCC will play an
important role in meeting the increasing
Investment Fund (PIF) has
need for accommodation solutions in
Saudi Arabia, creating new opportunities
created a company to act
for companies in the private sector.
“As we see the rise in construction
as a property developer
projects across the country, PIF is playing
a key role in developing and transforming
and landlord for workers
the underlying infrastructure of the nation.” at major construction sites
Builders line English E Magazine | December 2024 55
MAD’s bird-shaped Lishui
airport to spread wings
this year
T he airport is located in Lishui’s foothills, 15km
southwest of the city. It runs along a 100m
contour, and has a stepped terrace layout, with terminal,
The 2,267ha project will handle domestic flights, with an
initial capacity for 1 million passengers a year, rising to 5
million by 2050.
parking and office spaces occupying different layers. The wood-lined interior transitions from 4.5m height at
The 12,000 sq m terminal is covered by a silver-white its lowest point to 13m at its highest. A landscaped walkway
aluminium roof that gives the appearance of a bird ready extends from the parking area into the terminal.
to take flight. This is supported by 14 umbrella-shaped Ma Yansong, MAD Architect’s founder, said: “Lishui is a
columns with a 30m cantilever creating a light-filled garden city, and her airport should also be in a garden. As
concourse below a shuttle-shaped skylight. a feeder airport, Lishui shows another attitude as a public
The wood-lined interior transitions from 4.5m height transportation facility in the city: not greedy for big, but
at its lowest point to 13m at its highest. A landscaped pursuing convenience and humanity, and pursuing a dialogue
walkway extends from the parking area into the terminal. with the natural environment.”

“ Lishui Airport in China’s eastern

Zhejiang Province, designed by
MAD Architects, is due to open
by the end of the year. ”

56 Builders line English E Magazine | December 2024

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