http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=52755

Work on Indocean’s 65-storey tower to commence this August
May 25, 2012, 7:44 pm



Indocean Developers announced that it would commence construction of a 65-storey luxury residential tower with restaurants and entertainment facilities on two acres of prime property in the heart of Colombo in August.



"The Urban Development Authority (UDA) of Colombo, supported by foreign investment, is in advanced stages of developing the shoreline around Beira Lake. Situated in the heart of the Sri Lankan capital, the man-made lake is already surrounded by major productive use buildings such as offices, hotels, shopping malls, apartments, banks and commercial and leisure establishments.



A 10-acre parcel of land originally belonging to the erstwhile Colombo Commercial Company is now being undertaken for redevelopment. Spanning an impressive lakeshore stretch, the waterfront will be converted into an all-pedestrian boardwalk and promenade bordered by fashion, retail, restaurants, spa and entertainment services," the Indian property developer said.



Indocean Developers (Pvt) Ltd, a venture of Indian property group South City Projects (Kolkata) Pvt. Ltd. (SCPKL), has acquired two acres of this land to build a high end, eco-friendly 65-storey condominium tower.



"The exclusive residential tower is looking to target expatriates, Non-Resident Sri Lankans and HNIs among others. In-house facilities will include a swimming pool, gym, lounge, function room, play area for children, tennis courts etc," it said.



"Located opposite Beira Lake, the 400-apartment development with top-of-line finishes, by Indocean is expected to be launched shortly, with piling work commencing in August. It has already created extensive interest in Sri Lanka’s real estate and HNI circles.



"Kolkata-based SCPKL, established in 2000, is one of the largest property groups in India. SCPKL has an impressive track record developing large-scale residential and commercial projects, including the record-making, tallest South City residential tower in Kolkata, and the South City shopping mall covering a million sq.ft, making it the largest mall in the country, also in Kolkata. In addition, the company has built numerous IT Parks, industrial estates and townships in Chennai, Hyderabad, across Gujarat and in Kolkata.



"In their first overseas venture, SCPKL has commissioned world renowned architect Moshe Safdie and his team at Safdie Architects to design an iconic residential tower. At 65-storeys the building will be the tallest in Colombo, and is to be Moshe Safdie’s first project in Sri Lanka.



"Among the recent ‘creations’ by the versatile architect, urban planner, educator, theorist, and author is the much-admired Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort in Singapore. A building which has not only defined the country’s skyline but also has substantially increased visitor arrivals to the island-nation, thereby giving the economy a great boost.

http://www.dailynews.lk/2012/05/28/z_pi-Lanka%E2%80%99s.jpg

http://i41.************/2znq3xs.jpg

Hm... I hope they will change the design - it looks like a monstrosity.

Moshe Safie is from Montreal, and graduated from McGill University! :banana:

Here is some of his latest work which is similar to the small rendering:

Condominium at bishan central

http://www.designboom.com/weblog/images/images_2/lauren/bishan%20condominium/bc01.jpg

http://www.designboom.com/weblog/images/images_2/lauren/bishan%20condominium/bc03.jpg

From another angle:

http://www.nation.lk/edition/media/k2/items/cache/a853f78eb53afa675574aff036afd48b_M.jpg

Pic: The Nation

http://www.lbt.lk/images/stories/biz/New%20Image.JPG

ClicAJ5pnjQ

Architect Moshe Safdie commissioned to design tallest residential building in Colombo......
http://www.infrawindow.com/design-lab/architect-moshe-safdie-commissioned-to-design-tallest-residential-building-in-colombo_665/

June 03, 2012 (LBO) - Sri Lanka has given a series of defunct factories which were expropriated from foreign and local investors in November last year to new investors, with compensation also promised, a finance ministry report said.

The finance ministry said a compensation tribunal was tasked with paying claims within six months of their receipt and they could go to 'Court of Appeal.'
The factories have been built on leased land given by the state mostly in export industrial zones and were expropriated under a controversial law that violated property rights of local and foreign citizens, despite the existence of a constitution guarantee against seizure.

Instead of taking action under the terms of contracts signed with investors, Sri Lanka's rulers have justified expropriation under a dangerously neo-feudal doctrine that any firm that received state land grants or tax breaks can be expropriated.

Under feudal rule both in Sri Lanka and elsewhere, property was owned by the king and citizens did not have strong property rights.

Some analysts say British colonial rulers retarded the full development of private property rights by creating 'crown land' which later became state land.

After gaining self-determination from the British in 1948, Sri Lankan citizens were subjected to several rounds Marxist-style expropriations by native rulers, undermining and reversing some of the private property rights already established in the island.

The finance ministry's annual report said Heath Food Products (Pvt) Ltd has been given to a firm called Somlotus (Pvt) Ltd to manufacture home appliances for export.

Continental Vanaspathi (Pvt) Ltd, a firm which had an Indian investor had been given to BCC Lanka Ltd, a state-run firm to make edible oil and soap, Sri Chirag (Pvt) Ltd has been given to Chemsel Lanka (Pvt) Ltd to make carboxy methyl cellulose for export.

Hy - Fashion garments had been given to Concord Apparels (Pvt) Ltd for export apparel making, Sinotex (Lanka) ltd -1 has been given to JAT Holdings (Pvt) Ltd to make paints for the domestic markets, Sinotex (Lanka) Ltd - II has been given to Expo Lanka group.

Plymouth Industries (Pvt) ltd has been given to NIVO International (Pvt) Ltd to process cashew kernels, Jaqalanka Ltd has been given Bachchawat Enterprises Ltd to make snacks, Rican Lanka (Pvt) ltd has been given to Atotech Ltd for engineering services.

Tandon Lanka (Pvt) Ltd has been given to MAS Intimates Ltd to make high value export garments and DC Apparel (Pvt) Ltd has been given to Sterling Jersey Co (Pvt) Ltd to produce knitted socks.

The report also said that two sugar mills would be merged into one state entity, and prime property in and around the capital belonging to Chalmers Granaries, Lanka Tractors, Suchir NEB Projects (Pvt) Ltd and a state-run Cashew Corporation has been transferred to Sri Lanka's Urban Development Authority.

:ohno::ohno::ohno::ohno::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::ohno::ohno::ohno:
Here you gooooo..................

Where is the location of these properties. Is it in downtown Colombo or around Lakehouse adjoining road. We need more details of these projects and whether any media publications been published.

http://www.lbt.lk/images/stories/biz/New%20Image.JPG

Its a beautiful project and its being launched at the right time. We need more similar projects and if possible a URL to reserve any apartments.

Another view of the site...

http://exploresrilanka.lk/wp-content/gallery/colombomyhome/12.jpg

Indocean Developers (Private) Ltd, a company of South City Projects (Kolkata) Ltd. (SCPKL), has acquired two-acres of land opposite the Beira Lake for an upmarket condominium development.

Pradeep Sureka, Sushil Mohta, Jugal Kishore Khetawat and Rajendra Kumar Bachhawat, Directors of Indocean Developers, and architects Moshe Safdie and Charu Kokate of Safdie Architects, USA were present.

Safdie Architects has been commissioned to design Colombo's tallest condominium. Indocean Developers (Private) Ltd. has been floated by SCPKL specifically for the Sri Lanka project.

Pradeep Sureka said, "We were looking to enter the Sri Lanka property market and saw this as an opportunity. The Urban Development Authority, Colombo, offered us the land and we were attracted by the location of the site.

He said, "About selecting the architect, obviously Indocean would only consider the best. The person, naturally, had to be an iconic, global figure having a list of commendable projects in his or her portfolio.

We had no hesitation in deciding on Moshe Safdie. This also comes hot on the heels of his successful Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resorts in Singapore. We were confident Moshe Safdie would do justice to the beautiful lakeside site we had acquired."

"The 68-storey upmarket condominium will be the tallest in Colombo. We will set the precedent of development in the Beira Lake district as we understand the fabric of the area, and will create a showpiece on the lake frontage. This will certainly be lauded as the first of its kind in luxurious, yet environmentally-friendly residential living," said Jugal Khetawat.

Moshe Safdie said, "My first visit to Sri Lanka was three years ago. I was fascinated by the city and was amazed to see what a wonderful architectural disposition it has. Colombo is transforming. They are urbanising rapidly, and it is probably a good time to have a project that will set a benchmark for future development.

"The client was very ambitious about doing something cutting edge, so the combination of the client's ambition and my fascination with Colombo was good enough reason for us to come together."

"The project we are doing is a landmark high density urban housing. It's at a very beautiful location and there is a lot of outdoor life at the ground level that the building will lend itself to. What we wanted to do was first of all take advantage of the orientation and the views and have apartments with roof terraces open to the sky.

http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2012/06/10/fin09.asp

http://static.worldarchitecturenews.com/news_images/19929_3_colombo3.jpg

http://static.worldarchitecturenews.com/news_images/19929_2_colombo2.jpg

http://static.worldarchitecturenews.com/news_images/19929_1_colombo1.jpg

http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/index.php?fuseaction=wanappln.projectview&upload_id=19929

Thanks for the courtesy images. They look outstanding and filling a void. Hope this project will propel in resounding success with more similar or better projects. Has anyone come across a detailed website and pricing structure. This would be a great investment. Some friends of mine have shown a BIG interest.

Thanks for the courtesy images. They look outstanding and filling a void. Hope this project will propel in resounding success with more similar or better projects. Has anyone come across a detailed website and pricing structure. This would be a great investment. Some friends of mine have shown a BIG interest.

Nope, no website yet... An apartment here would be a good investment I think :)

Don't know the exact day these were taken but it shows the cleared land where the apartment complex is going to be built...

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/561316_10150979371883301_1393368615_n.jpg

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/560993_10150979372213301_1210178255_n.jpg

Any ground updates or action. Further any URL for this project to make bookings.

went past the site today, saw some ground work happening. clearing of the grassy areas and also saw some trucks and workers doing some prep work on the site.

went past the site today, saw some ground work happening. clearing of the grassy areas and also saw some trucks and workers doing some prep work on the site.

Can we get some pictures of the current status of this project and if possible others alike...

Just found out the project name - Altair. (found articles on LMD and Explore Lanka).

Also found a link for information - www.altair.lk

Went past the site today and I saw a lot of activity with some rigs. Looks like construction has started!

Thanks so much Vedant. The url looks great.

Just found out the project name - Altair. (found articles on LMD and Explore Lanka).

Also found a link for information - www.altair.lk

Went past the site today and I saw a lot of activity with some rigs. Looks like construction has started!

Just found out the project name - Altair. (found articles on LMD and Explore Lanka).

Also found a link for information - www.altair.lk

Went past the site today and I saw a lot of activity with some rigs. Looks like construction has started!

Thanks for the link!

some pics from the website:

http://www.altair.lk/gallery/images/background/1.jpg

http://www.altair.lk/gallery/images/background/4.jpg

http://www.altair.lk/gallery/images/background/6.jpg

http://www.altair.lk/gallery/images/background/5.jpg

http://www.altair.lk/gallery/images/background/3.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8313/8050860413_ae05848d91_b.jpg

here is a present ground situation.some piling machinery were there. ill get a clear one later for you all.

Hey guys,

I am hearing that the pricing of the project for the straight tower is around US$265psf plus $10 floor per floor after floor 6 and the size of apartments are from 1467-2047sqft.

Given this, does anyone have an idea if this is quite steeply priced for an apartment in Colombo? I thought it is.

The pricing structure not seen it on their URL. Probably on request. Anyways quality has a price and this will create a niche market and could be meant for a discerning few. Probably with competition the prices will drop.

http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y394/premkandasamy/IMAG0198_zpsf43aa2b9.jpg

As per my information pricing is $300 per sq.ft. with a $1 floor rise.

From www.altair.lk , apartment sizes seem to range from 1415-3428 sq.ft. with 3-4 bedroom apartments.

Seems like a fair price for the location and building design!

Is it just me or do those impressions make it look around 300 meters high? :nuts:
How high is it, really?
And when will it be finished?

:applause:

The project seems to be taking off. Piling is also kicking in..

Any updates or pix of this project.

So how come no one is complaining that this is an Indian project, hmm?
As we apparently like to do.
XD

So how come no one is complaining that this is an Indian project, hmm?
As we apparently like to do.
XD

Well the project seems very attractive n seems to hv gone thru the hands of a famed architect. The indians wont be foolish this time round.

I seen some piling being done by San Piling. Its not been properly made visible with a large bilboard. The only ad is at decayed Roxy theatre in Welawatte. The website doea not give much info. Hope the developers will make a heavier presence.

I seen some piling being done by San Piling. Its not been properly made visible with a large bilboard. The only ad is at decayed Roxy theatre in Welawatte. The website doea not give much info. Hope the developers will make a heavier presence.
Lol, NO.
I've seen about 3 billboards around Colombo advertising the thing. As for construction, its still awaiting approval.

So how come no one is complaining that this is an Indian project, hmm?
As we apparently like to do.
XD

I checked out the parent website www.southcityprojects.com. They seem to have an extremely strong track record with some great developments.

The website says that Altair will be 240 metres high.

It looks like they are starting piling.

I saw the piling in progress.

I checked out the parent website www.southcityprojects.com. They seem to have an extremely strong track record with some great developments.

The website says that Altair will be 240 metres high.

It looks like they are starting piling.

Finally know the height XD
Its not 300, but its the only known planned building in the 200 range that we have, so yay!:lol:

Looks like there is some activity at the site:

DECEMBER 1 2012 pics: Shihara Rodrigo, facebook

http://sphotos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/61888_448702421859920_2108461719_n.jpg

http://sphotos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/395054_448700975193398_1605047682_n.jpg

http://sphotos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/29615_448701155193380_1032953140_n.jpg

Having seen enough of sticking in the range of 100m - 150m... hope this will be the ignition for investors to build mega sky scrapers. heard this in the range of 240m....:)

probably Krissh Square will be higher than 300, i think it will be at least 350m high, twice the height of WTC :banana::cheers:

Looks like there is some activity at the site:

-CUT-

Wait, was it even ever approved? I thought it was still in proposal stage? If its U/C, whats the completion date?

Anyone know what that is being built in the background?

Having seen enough of sticking in the range of 100m - 150m... hope this will be the ignition for investors to build mega sky scrapers. heard this in the range of 240m....:)

probably Krissh Square will be higher than 300, i think it will be at least 350m high, twice the height of WTC :banana::cheers:
I swear, you just posted this in the Krrish square thread....

I swear, you just posted this in the Krrish square thread....

Yes i did... so?
as far as i know this project will be finished by 2016

Yes i did... so?
as far as i know this project will be finished by 2016

Sooo...why are you posting it here, too?

Any renders of the new project?

Any renders of the new project?

......:?

There have been plenty of renders, and they are posted all over this thread...

ah yes, my bad. I confused this project with another one.

Wait, was it even ever approved? I thought it was still in proposal stage? If its U/C, whats the completion date?

Anyone know what that is being built in the background?

The piling is in fullswing thus approval must hv been given.

At the background is the Keells condo project. Further the Dawson Grand standing idle. The Access Tower 2 will b built around the vicinity.

The piling is in fullswing thus approval must hv been given.

At the background is the Keells condo project. Further the Dawson Grand standing idle. The Access Tower 2 will b built around the vicinity.

So construction has started?

Well its piling only.Anything can happen after o during the process. Lets wait and see.

Any more info on Access Tower 2?
There is hardly any, only a slight description in their site http://www.accessengsl.com/subsidiaries.php

Any more info on Access Tower 2?
There is hardly any, only a slight description in their site http://www.accessengsl.com/subsidiaries.php

I'm not sure what that has to do with Altair.......

I'm not sure what that has to do with Altair.......

Read and see the earlier posts in this thread and you will i guess

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8497/8345634171_4d8c818143_z.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8364/8346685214_d95aaafa20_z.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8216/8346687442_95b673efe9_z.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8497/8345634171_4d8c818143_z.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8364/8346685214_d95aaafa20_z.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8216/8346687442_95b673efe9_z.jpg

:cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers::banana::banana::lol::)

Edit;But how do you know thats the Altair? XD

:cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers::banana::banana::lol::)

Edit;But how do you know thats the Altair? XD

There is a Sign board which mentioned about this pilling works... It has clearly mentioned that... :cheers::cheers:

This piling contractor is not the Altair, this is one of the Sri Lankan leading piling contractors "San Piling". They have mobilized two Baure(made) Piling rigs BG28 and BG24 to exicute the job. However only they have done some test piles and the structural piles. It looks there is some issue in the jobsite; still no structural piling work is commenced.

Has it even been approved? XD

:cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers::banana::banana::lol::)

Edit;But how do you know thats the Altair? XD

The blue board by the construction site says 65 story tower by Indocean Developers.

http://oi49.************/2n3w9t.jpg


[http://oi48.************/2ll1x7d.jpg


http://oi46.************/309ssi0.jpg

Hmmm....Lets see now...
When Altair is completed, it will be alongside the Lotus Tower, (3) Onthree20 towers, Jaic Hilton, the (2) Empire Towers and possibly the (2) Dawson Grand towers.

On the other hand, we have the Emperor, Hyatt Regency, the Monarch, Crescat Residencies, Cinammon Grand Hotel, (2) Iceland Residencies and that Old Bambalapitiya tower pretty close to one another, on the Southern side of Galle Face Green.

Then on the Northern Side, we have the BOC Tower, the (2) World Trade Center Twin Towers, and (4) Krrish Square Towers.

And then there's the Destiny on the Eastern Side of GFG.

Talk about scattered skylines....

http://s7.postimage.org/pv7e5n9t7/IMG_1953.jpg

:cheers::cheers::cheers:

FB page is up! - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Altair/473696626022316

Altair Videos:

Moshe talks about Altair - http://youtu.be/nCX36egE2LE

Film - http://youtu.be/GC31MeStV6Q

some test pile images are up on www.facebook.com/altair.lk

Altair Videos:

Moshe talks about Altair - http://youtu.be/nCX36egE2LE

Film - http://youtu.be/GC31MeStV6Q

some test pile images are up on www.facebook.com/altair.lk

GC31MeStV6Q&feature

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/553039_474812139244098_862205511_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/483010_474812192577426_185113866_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/484849_474812662577379_670298294_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/44682_474812715910707_1081877392_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/379725_474812729244039_1414216158_n.jpg

2 Test piles have been tested:
Piles reached a depth of -33.00 meters
Piles diameter was 1.2 meters
They were tested twice the design working load which equals to 2200 metric tons
Such challenging test load (2x) is a first in Sri Lanka for Buildings
Test results proved that both piles are able to safely carry even twice their design load.
Test results determined that the settlement incurred for both piles are within Local and International codes.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/484849_474812662577379_670298294_n.jpg



Interesting that Safdie is not listed as the Architect of this project.

It seems that Safdie Architects might have created the basic design concept for this project, but the actual detail design was done by Athula Amarasekera and Design Team 3 Singapore.

http://www.thearchitect.lk/2010/04/local-talent-is-being-harnessed/

GC31MeStV6Q&feature
Thats some nice detail. They've also portrayed the location accurately. (Except Beira Lake, which should have a green tint XD)

GC31MeStV6Q&feature

Kick ass! :D

Didn't get 75% of what Safdie said, tho.

http://sphotos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/582376_473712759354036_853357218_n.jpg
http://sphotos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/408405_473712722687373_360816683_n.jpg

Interesting that Safdie is not listed as the Architect of this project.

It seems that Safdie Architects might have created the basic design concept for this project, but the actual detail design was done by Athula Amarasekera and Design Team 3 Singapore.

http://www.thearchitect.lk/2010/04/local-talent-is-being-harnessed/

Nice find! Safdie probably acts as consultants/publicists for the project. It would probably cost an arm and a leg to have him as the main architect. Maybe when the new casinos are built (since they should be minting money)!

BTW the guys in that article seem to have created airports as well. Hope the govt taps into their expertise for the new BIA terminal.

At least this one is off the ground and its going to be the tallest among them all and will redefine the skyline :)

At least this one is off the ground and its going to be the tallest among them all and will redefine the skyline :)

Naah, just because it got off the ground doesn't mean the others won't. Between Krrish Square and the Lotus Tower, and possibly any other projects to be finished before/by 2016( finishing date of Altair), it won't be the tallest. It will be one of, though.

Won't the height of this building affect the security of the temple trees?

Won't the height of this building affect the security of the temple trees?
That's pretty old school.. I don't think there will be such risks unlike in war times. Even there is a risk, there should be another mechanism to address the security issues and safe guard the skyscraper as well as the other important locations.

Won't the height of this building affect the security of the temple trees?

Security is not very important nowadays. 'Sides, they were supposed to move all of those to Kotte long ago. :bash:

guys can you tell me how to upload pics from my computer here !!!

guys can you tell me how to upload pics from my computer here !!!

First, upload them onto an image hosting site like photobucket or flickr. Then right click on one of these sites with the picture open, and select "open image in new tab" then, copy the url of the resulting tab, and do this:
url from image tab here

guys can you tell me how to upload pics from my computer here !!!


Post the picture on a pic sharing site like flickr. Copy the url of the image only.
On skyscaraper city thread, click on the post reply tab. A box will open up and from that choose insert image icon and enter the url.

Looking forward to seeing your pic's

holly crap .. is it that hard to upload here. i dont have flickr or other image sharing account. i have few pics of celestial residencies, onthree20(??) and preparation works of altair which i took from my phone today.

i think preparation work for construction of altair is nearing the end. it seems real construction will start soon .. on the back ground , u can see celestial residencies which is shaping up pretty well http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8102/8486587280_c52c064dc4_b.jpg

i think preparation work for construction of altair is nearing the end. it seems real construction will start soon .. on the back ground , u can see celestial residencies which is shaping up pretty well http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8102/8486587280_c52c064dc4_b.jpg

Wow Celestial has come really far, and Altair looks to be starting up/getting ready to start up ground work. Thanks for the pics!

Lovely design. Quite refreshing as opposed to the council flat looking apartments we get here most of the time. But wouldnt this be more viable as a commercial property ?

Lovely design. Quite refreshing as opposed to the council flat looking apartments we get here most of the time. But wouldnt this be more viable as a commercial property ?

How so?

How so?

Im thinking along the line of a skyscraper that houses offices. It would seem very practical as its in the heart of Colombo, but on the other hand the question is whether we have enough companies willing to set up office at a premium space like this. A majority would say be more than willing but might be held back because of financial constraints

What say you popthepuff ?

Im thinking along the line of a skyscraper that houses offices. It would seem very practical as its in the heart of Colombo, but on the other hand the question is whether we have enough companies willing to set up office at a premium space like this. A majority would say be more than willing but might be held back because of financial constraints

What say you popthepuff ?
I agree with you in that we need more office skyscrapers, as opposed to endless amounts of residential ones, however, someone, noted on a thread that it is common practice is Sri-Lanka to sell units before construction starts, which simply isn't easy in regards to office blocks, but if in regards to apartments, hence why there are more apartment buildings in Sri-Lanka.
Although in regards to notable office high rises and skyscrapers:
Iceland Residencies is building an Office Tower right next to the Residencies.
Krrish Square will have a single tower that houses offices.
The Tallest Building of Havelock City, the commericial building, also includes office blocks.
So as you can see, out of dozens of skyscraper construction projects, only a few are office buildings. It is an emerging thing in Colombo, and I soon hope to see more. :cheers:

Altair Site from Hilton Residencies-23/3/2013 The site looks awfully small to me.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8246/8581408011_3e1129591a_c.jpg

omg too smalll

I know the building sits on a base, but it is possible the foundations of the tower are treated differently, and so they may be working on that first?

I agree with you in that we need more office skyscrapers, as opposed to endless amounts of residential ones, however, someone, noted on a thread that it is common practice is Sri-Lanka to sell units before construction starts, which simply isn't easy in regards to office blocks, but if in regards to apartments, hence why there are more apartment buildings in Sri-Lanka.
Although in regards to notable office high rises and skyscrapers:
Iceland Residencies is building an Office Tower right next to the Residencies.
Krrish Square will have a single tower that houses offices.
The Tallest Building of Havelock City, the commericial building, also includes office blocks.
So as you can see, out of dozens of skyscraper construction projects, only a few are office buildings. It is an emerging thing in Colombo, and I soon hope to see more. :cheers:

Agreed.. atleast we have several office buildings coming up. Thats definitely a step in the right direction.

omg too smalll

Yes it certainly looks a little constricting.. im still a sucker for the design:banana:

can any one get a pic on
our skyline plz

Altair completes first 100 piles for Lanka’s tallest condominium


Construction work on Altair, Sri Lanka’s tallest luxury condominium, is on track with the completion of 100 of 288 piles targeted for March 2013, INDOCEAN Developers, the promoter of t he iconic project reports.


Announcing the milestone, the company said the four test piles, carried out at the Sir James Peiris Mawatha site overlooking the Beira Lake at 200 per cent of t he design load, showed that each pile can successfully bear a load of 2,200 tons, which is twice the load required by the structural design.

From the Daily Mirror 04/04/2013.
(I cant seem to get a link for the full article (which has pictures) because it opens with a viewer and the link I get is for the viewer- If anyone can post it much appreciated)

Altair completes first 100 piles for Lanka’s tallest condominium


Construction work on Altair, Sri Lanka’s tallest luxury condominium, is on track with the completion of 100 of 288 piles targeted for March 2013, INDOCEAN Developers, the promoter of t he iconic project reports.


Announcing the milestone, the company said the four test piles, carried out at the Sir James Peiris Mawatha site overlooking the Beira Lake at 200 per cent of t he design load, showed that each pile can successfully bear a load of 2,200 tons, which is twice the load required by the structural design.

From the Daily Mirror 04/04/2013.
(I cant seem to get a link for the full article (which has pictures) because it opens with a viewer and the link I get is for the viewer- If anyone can post it much appreciated)

Altair completes first 100 piles for Sri Lanka’s tallest condominium

April 3, 2013, 8:55 pm

http://www.island.lk/modules/modPublication/article_title_images/761505976b1-5.jpg

Construction work on Altair, Sri Lanka’s tallest luxury condominium, is on track with the completion of 100 of 288 piles targeted for March 2013, INDOCEAN Developers, the promoter of the iconic project said.


Announcing the milestone, the company said the four test piles, carried out at the Sir James Peiris Mawatha site overlooking the Beira Lake at 200 per cent of the design load, showed that each pile can successfully bear a load of 2,200 tons, which is twice the load required by the structural design.


"This kind of project demands vision, strength and determination," said Sushil Mohta, Director of INDOCEAN Developers (private) Ltd., who visited the site during the piling. "It’s about testing oneself, always pushing to the limit. That is why INDOCEAN went out and tested the piles to twice their designed capacity."


The Altair team that inspected the site also comprised of Directors Jugal Khetawat and Pradeep Sureka, the Structural Engineer Predrag Eror and the Vice President – Projects Iraklis Andreakis. "The structural integrity of all our projects is paramount among our values," Pradeep Sureka said.


INDOCEAN Director Jugal Khetawat added: "We recently completed Wind Tunnel Tests for Altair in London by the wind-engineering experts RWDI whose project portfolio includes the tallest buildings in the world, the Burj Khalifa, Taipei 101 and Petronas Tower."


Altair’s 288 driven piles will be connected to a raft foundation so as to distribute the building loads. The Piling Contractor for the project is San Piling, a sister company of the leading construction company Sanken Lanka. Piling work is expected to be complete by June this year.


Comprising of two tower blocks, one of which leans on to the other, Altair, with an address of 127, Sir James Peiris Mawatha, will rise to 68 stories, offering its 410 apartments spectacular views of the Beira Lake and the Indian Ocean. The building has been designed by the globally recognized celebrity architect Moshe Safdie. Besides its 1.5 million square feet of high-end eco-friendly living space, the development will also offer 40,000 square feet of up-market retail space.


INDOCEAN is a venture of South City Group, which brings together over 150 years of cumulative development experience. The Group has, till date, completed 10 million square feet of real estate developments worth more than USD 350 million and currently has 20 million square feet of space worth USD 1.1 billion under construction.


Pioneering large-scale urban developments, with the collaboration of international consultants and development professionals, is the track record of South City Group which has pledged to deliver a superior and landmark development for Sri Lankan and expatriate residents.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.509349975790314.1073741826.473696626022316&type=1

Yes

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.509349975790314.1073741826.473696626022316&type=1

Thanks for those pix HKn. They are great and happy to see something is kicking off. Hope we see more projects in similar manner. Less criticism and more development drive would help the country to garner more "right" investments.

1/3rd of piling work over at Sri Lanka’s tallest condominium

View(s): 10

Construction work on the Altair, said to be Sri Lanka’s tallest luxury condominium, is on track with the completion of 100 of 288 piles last month.


Pic. shows artist’s impression of the proposed condominium.
INDOCEAN Developers, promoter of the project, said the four test piles, carried out at the Sir James Peiris Mawatha site overlooking the Beira Lake at 200 per cent of the design load, showed that each pile can successfully bear a load of 2,200 tons, which is twice the load required by the structural design. The project valued at US$200 million is equal to the Mattala airport which cost $209 million in its first phase.

“This kind of project demands vision, strength and determination,” noted Sushil Mohta, Director of INDOCEAN Developers (Pvt) Ltd. “It’s about testing oneself, always pushing to the limit. That is why INDOCEAN went out and tested the piles to twice their designed capacity.”

INDOCEAN Director Jugal Khetawat said the company recently completed Wind Tunnel Tests for Altair in London by the wind-engineering experts RWDI whose project portfolio includes the tallest buildings in the world, the Burj Khalifa, Taipei 101 and Petronas Tower.

All piling work is expected to be complete by June this year. Comprising of two tower blocks, one of which leans on to the other, Altair will rise to 68 stories, offering its 410 apartments spectacular views of the Beira Lake and the Indian Ocean. The building has been designed by the globally recognized celebrity architect Moshe Safdie. Besides its 1.5 million square feet of high-end eco-friendly living space, the development will also offer 40,000 square feet of up-market retail space.

http://www.sundaytimes.lk/130414/uploads/Altair-condo-artists-impression-279x300.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/p206x206/149029_10151554664713560_1083501281_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/559010_10151554665098560_1029467849_n.jpg

26/04/2013http://i1284.photobucket.com/albums/a579/aravindasing/DSC_1472_zps0af51259.jpg (http://s1284.photobucket.com/user/aravindasing/media/DSC_1472_zps0af51259.jpg.html)

26/04/2013http://i1284.photobucket.com/albums/a579/aravindasing/DSC_1472_zps0af51259.jpg (http://s1284.photobucket.com/user/aravindasing/media/DSC_1472_zps0af51259.jpg.html)

Yikes!! Those ugly street lamp posts should definitely go...

http://www.ft.lk/2013/05/07/pradeep-moraes-joins-indocean-developers-on-altair-project/

any update pics? been over a month since last post here.