Imre man, do your thing :cheers:

Thanks for the info guys about the heights of the two blocks between The Torch and the sea. My sea-facing unit is 6508 - 71st floor or thereabouts - so hopefully will have the right views... unlike the two 'marina-facing' ones.

Having now walked the site, I think the plot in front would, if used for three supertalls, actually be less intensively developed than much of the marina. IHMO if Select Property genuinely believed nothing above 18/19 floors was going to be built there, then their naivety astounds me. I'm sure they were aware of the risk all along but chose not to tell those of us who bought off-plan from afar.

Anyway, here's a selection of images:

http://i37.tinypic.com/sobqyv.jpg


http://i35.tinypic.com/315mn3a.jpg


http://i35.tinypic.com/2r1zmah.jpg


http://i38.tinypic.com/2prfxwj.jpg


http://i35.tinypic.com/oqiv81.jpg


http://i34.tinypic.com/28ulpgg.jpg


http://i33.tinypic.com/5wa3pt.jpg


http://i35.tinypic.com/156y4vn.jpg


http://i38.tinypic.com/25yvluw.jpg


http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/8003/p7150240el0


[IMG]http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/2442/p7150231dm9.jpg


http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/9126/p7150230yk1.jpg


http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/9963/p7150225xd4.jpg


http://img373.imageshack.us/img373/3601/p7150222ys1.jpg


http://img362.imageshack.us/img362/6297/p7150221bf6.jpg


http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/4741/p7150220rf9.jpg


http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/4430/p7150217vk0.jpg


http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/3879/p7150220ys5.jpg


http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/410/p7150214sk4.jpg


http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/5646/p7150213oy6.jpg


http://img377.imageshack.us/img377/7914/p7150198lo1.jpg

Thanks for the images Mistermark. Seems to be alot of workforce on the plot in front of the Torch. Any clues to what may be going on there and whether MST is going ahead ?

^^^ Apologies but half the pictures are on Tinypics and half on Imageshack and they've come out different sizes. I found Tinypics much more robust, and faster, but the pics are indeed tiny...

here's another one taken an hour ago.

http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/1967/p1000074xy0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Thanks mark and joannides. Great Pics, :applause:

Thanks for the images Mistermark. Seems to be alot of workforce on the plot in front of the Torch. Any clues to what may be going on there and whether MST is going ahead ?

It looks like they're using the plot in front of The Torch to park the old buses that take the workers back to their compounds at night. That's why they were walking around - the time I was there it was coming to the end of the working day. So no clues to the future of MST...

Thanks for the info guys about the heights of the two blocks between The Torch and the sea. My sea-facing unit is 6508 - 71st floor or thereabouts - so hopefully will have the right views... unlike the two 'marina-facing' ones.

I hope your right, but dont bank on it yet. The reason i say this is that it would appear that floor heights are different between towers.

Some are 2.6m and ive seen some are 2.9 etc. So two towers with the same floor count of 70, in theory could be 21 meters in height difference or 7-8 floors.

Perhaps a construction expert could advise.

Mistermark - great pictures - especially 2nd picture - i don't quite know how you got that aspect it's very differnet to what I have seen before (almost "index" like in some ways) Grosvenor House was good I presume

Excellent pictures Mistermark..... looking at your height theory and viewing your 8th picture, i know this is not at all scientific, but lets say they are working on floor 29 then count up 29 on Emirates Crown, then these appear to be much of a muchness in height so who knows you might be lucky, fingers crossed. p.s you seemed to enjoy shooting the boats, did you notice what brand that silver boat named Zen was??

Definitely slowed down again - i suspect a mechanical floor

I hope BC has not stolen our DCE workers!

Tractor is right. When you look at the last render, there is the first big mech floor after the 24th floor above podium. Maybe 1 month, then it should rise again.

Mistermark - great pictures - especially 2nd picture - i don't quite know how you got that aspect it's very differnet to what I have seen before (almost "index" like in some ways) Grosvenor House was good I presume

Thanks :). I took the second picture from the edge of the sandy area that might or might not be the MST plot, using a very wideangled lens and including lots of foreground to avoid converging verticals. I wanted to show The Torch next to Marina Heights Tower, partly to be able to do another comparison shot when the former is finished but also because, having now seen the towers' relative positions, I actually regret not buying in MHT.

Not only did they build it at a pace compared with many Dubai developers but I reckon those on the front and left (when facing the building) will still have decent views along the length of the Marina, even if MST or similar goes ahead...

Excellent pictures Mistermark..... looking at your height theory and viewing your 8th picture, i know this is not at all scientific, but lets say they are working on floor 29 then count up 29 on Emirates Crown, then these appear to be much of a muchness in height so who knows you might be lucky, fingers crossed. p.s you seemed to enjoy shooting the boats, did you notice what brand that silver boat named Zen was??

I see where you're coming from with the building heights - a hopeful sign :).

The boats are all along the stretch of marina right in front of The Torch and the ?MST plot. Assuming DS can be taken at their word, those of us with marina-facing apartments will be seeing these vessels from our balconies...

I could be wrong but Zen looks like an Azimut to me. Italian, at any rate.

thanks a lot :cheers:

Oh yes Mistermark, fingers crossed, those are the views I definately bought into.. haven't seen the torch since I think when it was about just 8 floors high, so the progress does cheer me up somewhat..

Definitely slowed down again - i suspect a mechanical floor

I think they are at the floor where the floorplate reduces slightly. So thats why i think they have slowed to make adjustments ready for the skyward journey.

Why would a mechanical floor slow things down. Isn't it just another floor but with mechanics in it instead of units ??

I think they are at the floor where the floorplate reduces slightly. So thats why i think they have slowed to make adjustments ready for the skyward journey.

Why would a mechanical floor slow things down. Isn't it just another floor but with mechanics in it instead of units ??

Thanks MisterMark.

TrueBlue63 any more details on the mechanical floor.

Also didn't we expect a slower rate of progress over the summer months.

The mechanical floor could be significantly different. It will be a lot stiffer with integrated beams and damper plinths. There are likely to be many hatches and cast in fire collars etc. A completely different rebar schedule and lots of problems getting the correct rebar looked out.

DS should hire me, I'm great at excuses :lol:

The mechanical floor could be significantly different. It will be a lot stiffer with integrated beams and damper plinths. There are likely to be many hatches and cast in fire collars etc. A completely different rebar schedule and lots of problems getting the correct rebar looked out.

DS should hire me, I'm great at excuses :lol:

Thanks for the explanation TB.

:wtf: is a damper plinth and fire collar ? In English. (or Scottish if its easier) :)

Cheers.

I am sure TB just combines random words.

http://i33.tinypic.com/5p1jzt.jpg

First one absorbs vibrations from things like air handling units water pumps etc. (has little shock absorbers fixed to a concrete plinth) second one allows pipework through the floor and closes in the event of a fire.

Try googling True Blue, it goes on for ages like you know who:)

First one absorbs vibrations from things like air handling units water pumps etc. (has little shock absorbers fixed to a concrete plinth) second one allows pipework through the floor and closes in the event of a fire.

Try googling True Blue, it goes on for ages like you know who:)

Great info True Blue......we might see a slowdown in the floors going up for a little while then.

What a loads of bollox :bash:

What a loads of bollox :bash:

Makie1964, thats no way to talk to a 1963 model. please refrain :ohno:

Excellent pictures Mistermark..... looking at your height theory and viewing your 8th picture, i know this is not at all scientific, but lets say they are working on floor 29 then count up 29 on Emirates Crown, then these appear to be much of a muchness in height so who knows you might be lucky, fingers crossed. p.s you seemed to enjoy shooting the boats, did you notice what brand that silver boat named Zen was??

^^ "The Zen Of London" is a Pershing 88. Nice craft.

Pershing 88 is about £2.3m to buy a second hand 2002 model.

http://i35.tinypic.com/fbdcfq.jpg

No wonder owners are talking about moving their yatchs if MST goes ahead.

I know, when your 50ft yacht is almost the same price as a studio in MST, it's not worth it.

Pershing 88 is about £2.3m to buy a second hand 2002 model.

http://i35.tinypic.com/fbdcfq.jpg

No wonder owners are talking about moving their yatchs if MST goes ahead.

^^ There were two of them berthed within a 100yards. I'll dig out some pics.

Guys
What views will the apartments at the rear have?
Pool view and partial sea view??? or the view of someone else's backside!!!! s
Also, what are the leisure facilities? Are there going to be two pools?

^^ Sea view, Palm view, Atlantis View, Roof top park view, golf course view, pool view etc

Rear apartments will probbaly be further away from other peoples "backsides" than the other three sides because of the road.

Facilities are quoted to be gym, sauna, one pool plus plunge pool, retail.

Working on floorplate 29 and supports for floor 30.

http://i38.tinypic.com/30mb7du.jpg

We can see the supports for the balcony walls where the floorplate decreases in size. This has slowed things down a bit I'm sure and of course the heat over the next couple of months is bound to have an effect on build speed.
http://i34.tinypic.com/18lx5l.jpg

http://i36.tinypic.com/i3cbia.jpg

Great photos once again - could be on this floor for a couple more weeks.

More pics from Imre - 18th July:

http://i36.tinypic.com/2ib2102.jpg

http://i34.tinypic.com/34r6tqs.jpg

http://i35.tinypic.com/23qxied.jpg

http://i37.tinypic.com/aagiv6.jpg

http://i35.tinypic.com/f4k1oj.jpg

Quite a variation in asking price for 2 beds in the Torch at the moment !?

Dubai Marina, The Torch, 2 BR, Marina View, Floor 48, AED 2,080,000.
Dubai Marina, The Torch, 2 BR, Marina / Sea view, Floor 27, AED 2,483,580.

http://i38.tinypic.com/2w1rv5x.jpg

Looks like the Torch will have curved windows in the center of the tower after all.

Some people were concerned this would not happen i remember.

Good news.

I cant wait to see this aluminium cladding. That will make this tower stand out from the rest i think.

Quite a variation in asking price for 2 beds in the Torch at the moment !?

Dubai Marina, The Torch, 2 BR, Marina View, Floor 48, AED 2,080,000.
Dubai Marina, The Torch, 2 BR, Marina / Sea view, Floor 27, AED 2,483,580.



Hi Dubai_Steve, have you seen any comparisons with 3 beds?

The only 3 bed ive seen advertised is AED 3.5 million.

Yes, in todays Gulf News Propert adverts as per the link.

http://www.gnads4u.com/search.html?t=properties&keywords=torch&pub=D

taken yesterday although very hazy...

http://i33.tinypic.com/r7njid.jpg
http://i34.tinypic.com/35i6kgw.jpg

http://i38.tinypic.com/2r5b2j6.jpg

http://i33.tinypic.com/34isj0k.jpg

Thanks for the pics Joan & Scoot. Looks like a Torch photofest.

Are these bits in preparation for cladding.

http://i37.tinypic.com/r7ry86.jpg

I was looking for an example of another tower with aluminium cladding to see how it looks. Came across this one which looks good.

http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/5183/1330278505c601356a70es0.jpg

and this one

http://www.aluton.com/image/users/15391/ftp/my_files/gibor_large.jpg

http://i38.tinypic.com/2w1rv5x.jpg

Looks like the Torch will have curved windows in the center of the tower after all.

Some people were concerned this would not happen i remember.

Good news.

I cant wait to see this aluminium cladding. That will make this tower stand out from the rest i think.

Not sure they are curved, looks like flat segments fitted around a curve.

Must be cheaper than curved glass.

Doesn't look like aluminium cladding to me, more like the cheap shit they have on princess tower. Ah well, I suppose since the construction costs went up stuff like this gets downgraded. :)

look at one of imre close up photos of the panels, one slightly exposed one has the first 3 letters of the word aluminum upside down on it

:banana:

http://i33.tinypic.com/2aevx9l.jpg

Cladding on the building will be a mixture of aluminium and glass and will be provided by DCE. “aluminium is no problem since we have our own extrusion factory in Dubai Investments Park,” he adds.

Not sure they are curved, looks like flat segments fitted around a curve.

Must be cheaper than curved glass.
Incredibly cheaper but same nett effect
- at 50 ft to 1000 ft away who will tell anyway ?
- i,m more concerned with the speed they get it on there now !

Agree totally :)

looks like there up to lev30 plantroom. floors should reduce slightly in size for next 25.

I noted today TT and Mag have similar tinted glass but it is not very mirrored... I wonder if this is cost cutting at work or standard. Both developments you can clearly see into the apartments.

^^ Its the new type of glass that you switch on to make it see through and switch off to block it :)

Was that a good answer Morris?

May be we should wait for Morris to explain it to you better :lol::banana:

I noted today TT and Mag have similar tinted glass but it is not very mirrored... I wonder if this is cost cutting at work or standard. Both developments you can clearly see into the apartments.

Oh god so now I have to have blinds closed all day to stop the office workers peering into my living room!

I noted today TT and Mag have similar tinted glass but it is not very mirrored... I wonder if this is cost cutting at work or standard. Both developments you can clearly see into the apartments.

If total privacy is important this can easily be remedied by using reflective film from the inside at around £16 psm if applied proffessionaly it can look realy nice.

No bubbles like some of the cheap shit on the market. You can get light tint through to limo black and gold/blue/mirror.

I have used it in some of my commercial premises before.

http://www.purlfrost.com/mirror_film.php

Or curtains.

Or stop walking around naked in your living room. :yes:

Could someone please tell me when was the tower redesigned from this gourgeous design that can still be seen in the first post into the current one?

Or stop walking around naked in your living room. :yes:

Aww now thats no fun:lol:

Could someone please tell me when was the tower redesigned from this gourgeous design that can still be seen in the first post into the current one?

Why does the date matter - it happened, and even redesigned this tower will still look stunning!

^^ Because i'm curious, and I happen to differ in your opinion of "stunning even redesigned". That was stunning, now it's ok.

^^

I have to agree with Blizzy - the original render was MORE stunning - that's what originally attracted me and i'm sure others to buying an apartment there.

Anyway, aside whats 'stunning' and what's not, why are some people so touchy about every single point? it seems that even a simple question asking when the redesign took place (which is highly relevant to a skyscraper forum) gets such an abrupt response...:ohno:

How's things going with the service floor, has it poured yet? we need to get the rythem of cut and paste floors back again.

How's things going with the service floor, has it poured yet? we need to get the rythem of cut and paste floors back again.

i had a quick look yesterday, although didnt see any noticable differences, aside a few more panes of glass fitted. i'll take some photos later today and will post.

http://i35.tinypic.com/rupg03.jpg

http://i34.tinypic.com/2e2mj4l.jpg

http://i36.tinypic.com/309q8eb.jpg

http://i34.tinypic.com/qrfcsn.jpg

Thanks for the pictures Joannides, a Friday treat !!! Happy to see the alu cladding panels being fitted on the lower balcony walls... also the ceiling heights appear to be pretty good which should be nice. Whats the general feeling here, another week or ao to finish this floor level ???

Amazing update Joannides,

Many thanks.

Great to see that floor change happening. Soon they can get back on track to 1 floor per week i hope.

Thank you for the great update. The building now has some character with the indent for the next floors. Although the cladding is now being fitted we will not get to see how it look until near the end when the protective covering is removed to reveal the nice shinny aluminium. With this, the blue glass and the shape I think it will look stunning compared to the towers next to it.

Not sure about if the ceiling height is taller than normal. Looks like the false ceilings still need to go in to hide the air con ducts.

Could someone please tell me when was the tower redesigned from this gourgeous design that can still be seen in the first post into the current one?

March 2006

^^

I have to agree with Blizzy - the original render was MORE stunning - that's what originally attracted me and i'm sure others to buying an apartment there.

Anyway, aside whats 'stunning' and what's not, why are some people so touchy about every single point? it seems that even a simple question asking when the redesign took place (which is highly relevant to a skyscraper forum) gets such an abrupt response...:ohno:

how dare you. what an absolute disgrace.:bleep:

Or stop walking around naked in your living room. :yes:

there goes my housewarming party with max moseley:shifty:

there goes my housewarming party with max moseley:shifty:

:hilarious

Thank you for the great update. The building now has some character with the indent for the next floors. Although the cladding is now being fitted we will not get to see how it look until near the end when the protective covering is removed to reveal the nice shinny aluminium. With this, the blue glass and the shape I think it will look stunning compared to the towers next to it.

Not sure about if the ceiling height is taller than normal. Looks like the false ceilings still need to go in to hide the air con ducts.

Do you think so, it looks like the ceilings have been painted already, and on one of the lower levels a frame is being prepared to box the ducts in, think like hotel rooms and how they do it...

^^ would be great if that is the case. I hate those cheap looking false ceilings with panels found in many Dubai marina apartments.

March 2006

Thanks Morris.

Although the cladding is now being fitted we will not get to see how it look until near the end when the protective covering is removed to reveal the nice shinny aluminium. With this, the blue glass and the shape I think it will look stunning compared to the towers next to it.

Your right Steve it will looking stunning, lets hope it is seen and not hidden behined you know what,

^^ The tower has more then just one side, you know that. :D

A couple of Malec's renders showing possible views from sea facing units.

http://i33.tinypic.com/szwi8y.jpg

http://i33.tinypic.com/e8uaz6.jpg

Trump tower should be visible from the torch

and maybe the QE2 ?

and maybe the QE2 ?

yes....until they build towers on the sea front

Exactly :lol:

Depends where the sea front towers will be. If it is between Princess and Le Reve then there will be no sea view for many in the tallest block.

http://i33.tinypic.com/mwtgro.jpg

http://i38.tinypic.com/2e1rh8x.jpg

http://i33.tinypic.com/10448bq.jpg

Will that be the final colour of the cladding on the right?

Non reflective glass and grey cladding :bash:

Will that be the final colour of the cladding on the right?

No I dont think so. Isnt this protective covering.

Thanks for posting the pics Scoot.:)

Princess Tower and Torch will look like Twins! :puke:

No I dont think so. Isnt this protective covering..:)

The different grey section on the right looks like it already had it removed.

shame abt the cladding and the glass. Isnt the cladding aluminium as originally said by ds? And also reflective glass was not used in emaar promenade towers and they look nice. If it is aluminium cladding i always thought it would look crap. Horrible dull silver.

The different grey section on the right looks like it already had it removed.
Agreed it looks good I think - most we can expect also won't be very shiny though I doubt

I was hoping the cladding would look more like this:

http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/5183/1330278505c601356a70es0.jpg
http://www.aluton.com/image/users/15391/ftp/my_files/gibor_large.jpg

Cladding looks like Emirates Crown's.
A little to green for me. Expect blue !!! Damn :bash:

Princess Tower - Emirates Crown - The Torch

Rename it "Emirates Princesstorch Complex"

:doh:

^^ Depends on the lighting. Here emirtates crown looks blue. Also notice that the cladding on the crown was painted concrete, different to the Torch.

http://i37.tinypic.com/fbkvtj.jpg

http://i33.tinypic.com/10448bq.jpg

shame abt the cladding and the glass. Isnt the cladding aluminium as originally said by ds? And also reflective glass was not used in emaar promenade towers and they look nice. If it is aluminium cladding i always thought it would look crap. Horrible dull silver.

That's it im gonna get the Wozza on the case.

http://i38.tinypic.com/2zgzocy.jpg

Well I suppose at least we've actually got cladding and not the Emirates Crown type of painted concrete. :) There's still a chance though that it's still got the peelable covering on, as the window area still has not been "peeled" yet.

Well I suppose at least we've actually got cladding and not the Emirates Crown type of painted concrete. :) There's still a chance though that it's still got the peelable covering on, as the window area still has not been "peeled" yet.

Its got to still have the peelable covering on, what with the few years of constuction left, if it has been peeled it will be totally messed up, in a matter of weeks.....

http://i33.tinypic.com/szwi8y.jpg

Sorry, I know all the skyscrapers above but I don't know if this is real scale of how much these supertalls will be close to each other. If this is actual render, this is Dubai and has unused land size larger than Russia therefore they can expand out, it looks more like Chicago

Russia eh?

http://i33.tinypic.com/szwi8y.jpg

Sorry, I know all the skyscrapers above but I don't know if this is real scale of how much these supertalls will be close to each other. If this is actual render, this is Dubai and has unused land size larger than Russia therefore they can expand out, it looks more like Chicago

Land Size bigger than Russia ? Where is my ruler.......

Sorry, I know all the skyscrapers above but I don't know if this is real scale of how much these supertalls will be close to each other. If this is actual render, this is Dubai and has unused land size larger than Russia therefore they can expand out, it looks more like Chicago

Dubai has more unused land than Russia? I don't think so, I hope you know that Russia is the biggist country in the world:lol:

Elso i hope he already find that organ spot in arabian canal picture :D

BTW this thread is like general discussion of dubai marina lol

larger than moscow maybe.

if the grey cladding is the end product then we are in trouble. it is going to look :puke:

the finishing in the 2 towers shown above looks great. why on earth would they not do the same for TT?

Well, unless Aluminium (or Aluminum for weirdos) has changed it's atomic properties recently - we should be OK i think.

This is an example of matt aluminium it looks similar to the grey cladding on the Torch.

http://www.quantum-gps.co.uk/Kitchen/worktop%20edging/Car_base_frame_1.jpg

This is an example of matt aluminium it looks similar to the grey cladding on the Torch.

http://www.quantum-gps.co.uk/Kitchen/worktop%20edging/Car_base_frame_1.jpg

Anyone know (TB maybe?) what the long term prognosis would be for shiny aluminium in a relatively saline and sand filled atmosphere? My gut feeling is that it wouldn't fair well over a number of years. Probably better off with a brushed or matt finish even if it desn't look as sexy as shiny

Another example,

http://www.aluminiumcladding.co.nz/images/aluminium_cladding_lg.jpg

I'm happy with any kind of aluminium as long as it's, erm, aluminium. Shiny, matt, reflective, "rubbed up and down a cricketer's leg a thousand times" shiny - frankly my dear, I don't give a shit.

Now I know it is aluminium I am happy with it :)

As morris says, at least we have cladding, not that poor excuse of painted concrete used on the emirates crown.

I know what you mean about the painted concrete look, but it dosnt seem to be adversely effecting Emirates Crown prices at around AED 1,900 psf.

http://i33.tinypic.com/10448bq.jpg

On the subject of reflective glass. That looks pretty reflective to me.

Am i missing something ?

I sharpened the image, if you look carefully you can see someone in the bottom window.

http://i33.tinypic.com/4ftw2h.jpg

Have they finished 30th floor yet?

Lol dubai_steve:lol:

Instead of bllah-bllah about the cladding, you should ask what happened to the waterproof coating. :tongue2:

[QUOTE=High Times;23294430]I know what you mean about the painted concrete look, but it dosnt seem to be adversely effecting Emirates Crown prices at around AED 1,900 psf.

http://i33.tinypic.com/10448bq.jpg

And EC are pretty big apartments too at 1900 aed psf are quite a lot cash

All apartments in SP prjects seem to be on small size generally 3 bed in torch are unlt 1750 sq ft ish

And Torch is cool design -- EC is boring like PT and ER

^^ That's what you have to find out ... there isn't any applied before the cladding panels are put in place.

Instead of bllah-bllah about the cladding, you should ask what happened to the waterproof coating. :tongue2:

What happened to the waterproof coating?

What happened to the waterproof coating?
It doesn't rain in DUBAI ! (Just p*ss*d down in Jan 08 though )

Is that waterproof coating on the cladding panels - or waterproof coating on the concrete underneath?

Usually the waterproofing is applied over the concrete but it's not for blocking water going inside the apartments, rather to protect the pillars from humidity (condensation) and mold.

Not all buildings have that applied though, so there should be some kind of factors considered.

Morrismarina, check your PMs :)

edit: sorry, wrong person :lol:

Usually the waterproofing is applied over the concrete but it's not for blocking water going inside the apartments, rather to protect the pillars from humidity (condensation) and mold.

Not all buildings have that applied though, so there should be some kind of factors considered.

Some info on aluminium cladding I found from a different manufacturer. Appears the coating is not needed I would say.


The aluminium cladding is extremely durable and will outlast the life of a building, while the finishes applied to them retain their smart appearance for years with only minimal maintenance, even in coastal situations. Furthermore, the cladding does not depend upon its finish to remain weathertight.

The Aluminium cladding allows air to circulate behind the cladding allowing it to breathe and eliminating rot. The aluminium cladding won't crack or warp and withstands high temperatures.

Aluminium systems are available in a range of colour combinations such as green, white and cream, earth, beige and brown, charcoal, grey and blue.

Proper air circulation is facilitated behind the cladding in order to keep the building dry and the interiors rot-free. Except for regular washing, Ulltraclad aluminium wall cladding systems do not require maintenance or painting and are regarded to be environment friendly.

Hmm!! Not so impressive exterior!
What about the interior?

I don't know why you guya are surprised by the cladding. What were you expecting? :weird:

Have they finished 30th floor yet?


:weird: er don't you live next door?

does anyone know if they have finished the 30th?

Perhaps he is too lazy to walk to the window. :lol:

Taken last week.

http://i33.tinypic.com/2mxjw5e.jpg

http://i35.tinypic.com/1z4k2h3.jpg

Anyone know if there is still supposed to be the viewing floor at the top?

^^ To take a closer look at MST residents? :D

Viewing of what? Do not have your hopes high as u may just see thay will make a penthouse there...

Anyone got any renders of the pool deck area?

http://i38.tinypic.com/2yya68j.jpg

http://i38.tinypic.com/xof5g7.jpg

http://i37.tinypic.com/295al2e.jpg

Thanks Joannides,

This floor seems to have taken ages.

^^ Structural re-configuration floors always takes much longer then regular floors, nothing out of ordinary here.

So long as they don't delay the electricians, plasters etc working below, does it make any difference what speed they do now?

Blockwork looking good up tp about 20 now. After the floorplate correction should be back to speed after the weekend

http://i33.tinypic.com/ffcw3l.jpg

http://i38.tinypic.com/rlxhk2.jpg

Thanks Imre, :cheers:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/imresolt/sets/72157606496515013/

http://i38.tinypic.com/if6ans.jpg

http://i34.tinypic.com/24ux1tt.jpg

http://i33.tinypic.com/ojpjm0.jpg

http://i33.tinypic.com/vdih3r.jpg

http://i35.tinypic.com/ac7vxy.jpg

Cladding looks good now. Nice shinny metallic appearance here with the light hitting it :banana:

http://i34.tinypic.com/24ux1tt.jpg

I agree Steve, looking better now. I was worried that around the window area it was going to look like the cheap "Marina Diamond" white stuff. :banana:

Seems odd that they're putting the windows in for the two bed on floor 6 when the separating blockwork has not gone in yet ?? Compare floor 6 with floor 8.

Why are they cladding only that area? Is it for a show apartment or something?

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/479/imresolt69er0.jpg

Why are they cladding only that area? Is it for a show apartment or something?

Yes this is where the show apartments are.

Although i dont see the need for them if it's sold out. Still it will be nice to get a look at finishes and stuff when i stopover in October for a couple of nights.

Steve & Morris, I agree, i think the shiny aluminum is looking very sexy.

At least this tower will stand out amoungst its concrete neighbours.

I would have thought they would put the show apartments on the marina view side.

Whats the point of show apprtments ?

Is it so they can flog the timeshare, i mean fractional ownership units?

If there's an apartment ready much earlier than the rest that we can all see the interior of, then I can see the benefit.

Mag 218 are doing the same even though they sold out. I really like the cladding now.

Update from SP, says...

Up to the 12th floor are well under way with the fit out, inclusive of wiring loom, air-conditioning ducting and also initial coats of paint being applied.

Sliding doors on balconies are being inserted into the apartments that are well underway with fit out.

so it looks as though they are doing what they said they would do, and fit out as the go up.

Alan

Dont all towers fit out as they rise anyway ?

^^This leads to the obvious question, will the lower floor owners receive notification of handover within coming months?

I cant see any units being handed over until the whole tower gets commissioned and signed off as complete.

For health and safety reasons if nothing else.

I don't know, youngster's these days.

When I was a kid, we used to have concrete slabs falling on our heads all the time, never did us aaahhhureoaewklresjf asll raewlrk any harm. Kids today eh! Don't know they're born!

We did talk on this thread about it i think, that generally, you finish the first fix first,the whole structual building, before you do the second fix, because of the heavy construction shit, ruining all the nice shit,bathrooms, glass ali, timber, falling on it and the like, and the different trades having to work around each other.

But DS said that the would do this, fit as they went, and we then all thought the handover date may be achievable.

Al.

not that much change, buts here's some pics anyway...

http://i33.tinypic.com/f55ea8.jpg

http://i36.tinypic.com/258ovfq.jpg

http://i34.tinypic.com/wratt5.jpg

Thanks for the pictures Joannides. Can't be long now before they pour the next floor surely?

Will that floor be a mechanical floor or apartments? It is taller than the others.

I understand it is mechanical only.

I cant see any units being handed over until the whole tower gets commissioned and signed off as complete.

For health and safety reasons if nothing else.

I don't think this is allowed to happen in Dubai anyway since the entire building has to be checked before handed over. I've heard of buildings being partially open while still under construction in other places though.

Yes, in many parts of the USA "certificates of occupancy" are issued on a floor-by-floor basis, usually from the bottom up.

But even in these cases, most of the major construction work is complete (structurual elements, plumbing, etc.) The work that remains is usually interior walls, flooring, appliances, fixtures, etc.

any more floors added? or has construction slowed considerably?

any more floors added? or has construction slowed considerably?

afraid not, although close.

A few windows added though...

(pics taken at lunchtime 14th Aug)

http://i36.tinypic.com/ou796q.jpg

http://i38.tinypic.com/2ennuhg.jpg

http://i34.tinypic.com/157yg6x.jpg

So we're 10 floors behind schedule ... will DS admit they are behind and will not deliver on time?

With Ramadan starting early September I guess construction progress will be slow for a while now. According to the SP plan they expected to be at the 40th floor by end of August so clearly they are behind their schedule.

So we're 10 floors behind schedule ... will DS admit they are behind and will not deliver on time?

Why don't you ask them? I doubt they're going to make an announcement.

Does anyone have the name of the Managing Director of SP

Does anyone have the name of the Managing Director of SP

http://www.select-group.ae/about/leadership.php

Many thanks Mackie

Sorry - no pics, although I was driving past it today, well actually waiting at the traffic lights by citibank so had a couple of mins to look up and focus on the windows, cladding etc.I must say, it looks outstanding! Don't get me wrong, I'm as disappointed as the next person over the delays, but based on what I saw so far, this building is going to stand out for all the right reasons. We're just gonna have to wait a fair bit longer than expected for it to be ready.

So we're 10 floors behind schedule ... will DS admit they are behind and will not deliver on time?

No comment

^^ Nope, I think topping out sometime next year. Between topping out and hand over will take at least a year, most likely longer (a year and a half or something).

Here's what I think the timeline will be:

This mechanical floor should be finished soon.
Then one floor a week (maybe the next floor takes a little longer but picks up speed after that).
Next mechanical floor reached early next year (jan or feb).
Topping out of the floors this time next year.
6 months to build the top structure. This always takes ages, could take longer but there will be work on the interior going on as well.
Handover start of 2011.

My estimate is nov/dec 2010 for handover. Select seem very organized after the initial setup problems for the 1st 2 years. They are now very much on the ball and one of the best developers in Dubai at the moment. I suspect they will be faster at obtaining completion certificates and handing over than most others.

^^:lol:

My estimate is nov/dec 2010 for handover. Select seem very organized after the initial setup problems for the 1st 2 years. They are now very much on the ball and one of the best developers in Dubai at the moment. I suspect they will be faster at obtaining completion certificates and handing over than most others.

how on earth can you say that they are one of the best developers in dubai?
they don't even have a single finished development to justify your claims.

also, how can you suspect that they will obtain certificates faster than others?

is your aim a discount on your unit for your pr efforts? well, i wouldnt count on it.

My estimate is nov/dec 2010 for handover. Select seem very organized after the initial setup problems for the 1st 2 years. They are now very much on the ball and one of the best developers in Dubai at the moment. I suspect they will be faster at obtaining completion certificates and handing over than most others.

Didn't realize you had a new part time job with Select! :lol:

Yes Steve has just taken up his new post as from Monday, working alongside me in the PR Department. :lol:

:lol: I know they are very much behind with the Point, BC and the Torch but as I said these were their first developments. I notice that they are now much quicker from launch to start of construction than before on new projects. So I do believe they are now and only now one of the best developers. The first 2 years they were terrible I agree but they are really in the swing of things and I notice they are very organized in general now from admin to construction. No problems at all like the other developers with increased construction costs. They got everything right with aluminium and glass supplies not being a cost issue and so on. I believe handover by the end of 2010.

^^ Think how long it takes from topping out to handover though. Marinascape topped out something like may or april last year and it's still not done.

Yes but Trident seem to be an exception with marinascape, they are taking forever, much longer than other developers. Marina Heights and Iris Blue handed over much quicker for example.

how on earth can you say that they are one of the best developers in dubai?
they don't even have a single finished development to justify your claims.

also, how can you suspect that they will obtain certificates faster than others?

is your aim a discount on your unit for your pr efforts? well, i wouldnt count on it.

Or a spin around the block in MST7?

how on earth can you say that they are one of the best developers in dubai?
they don't even have a single finished development to justify your claims.

also, how can you suspect that they will obtain certificates faster than others?

is your aim a discount on your unit for your pr efforts? well, i wouldnt count on it.
I,m happy with SP they make me plenty money while I sleep even , keep it up Rahail, new launches are getting more risky though

I,m happy with SP they make me plenty money while I sleep even , keep it up Rahail, new launches are getting more risky though

:hilarious

yeah right! gimme a break.

^^ We are surrounded by them :lol:

@ Dubai "I am always right"-Steve and Morris "I love DS/SG" Marina;

Soon, I will be offering bets for 2012 :banana:

At the moment, its looking like April/May 2011 but I am sure, SG will not let me down :lol:

October 2011 :)

I'll say .. look forward to this one with a slogan appropriate for all DS developments - " Better late than never".

afraid not, although close.

A few windows added though...

(pics taken at lunchtime 14th Aug)

http://i36.tinypic.com/ou796q.jpg

http://i38.tinypic.com/2ennuhg.jpg

http://i34.tinypic.com/157yg6x.jpg

none of your photos are showing.
can someone please tell me what floor Torch is up to? im trying to update my monthly diagram/
cheers

none of your photos are showing.
can someone please tell me what floor Torch is up to? im trying to update my monthly diagram/
cheers

Working on Floor 31.

Torch getting left behind.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3066/2779856204_45fc6d2e7c_b.jpg

Did they start the floor above the mechanical floor yet? Looking forward to seeing the next 25 floors rise quickly. Any more cladding done yet?

Scoot, Tractor, Joannides: Any movement here ?

The only movement over there appears to be in the clouds!!!:hahaha:

dear investors

i would like to ask as penalty compensation kicks in on the 31st december. As this is set to LIBOR rate + 1% penalty, to which currency is this set to? dollar, sterling, etc etc.

I'm glad you asked, as no one has discussed this here before.

Last time i checked, SP told me it was the Albanian Lek as the rate had fallen to 0.002% making compensation payouts worth less than a pint of Strongbow in Zimbabwe.

Its the 3 month LIBOR Dollar rate currently at 2.8% making compensation payable at 3.8% pa of what you have paid to to SP distributed to you monthly.

Can someone please post a picture, they must be doing the next residential floor by now.

I think they are paying these workers too much. slack bastards.

I'm glad you asked, as no one has discussed this here before.

LOL !!

Last time i checked, SP told me it was the Albanian Lek as the rate had fallen to 0.002% making compensation payouts worth less than a pint of Strongbow in Zimbabwe.

Its the 3 month LIBOR Dollar rate currently at 2.8% making compensation payable at 3.8% pa of what you have paid to to SP distributed to you monthly.

Can someone please post a picture, they must be doing the next residential floor by now.

I think they are paying these workers too much. slack bastards.


Why dollar? should'n it be sterling? we are in the UK, dealt with a UK company, paid our reservation fee in sterling, also in the payments it states sterling! It should be a sterling libor rate why do u think its dollar?

Last time i checked, SP told me it was the Albanian Lek as the rate had fallen to 0.002% making compensation payouts worth less than a pint of Strongbow in Zimbabwe.


$1 EUR = 78 ALL ... better then the Yen :poke: :guns1: :baeh3:

Last time i checked, SP told me it was the Albanian Lek as the rate had fallen to 0.002% making compensation payouts worth less than a pint of Strongbow in Zimbabwe.

Its the 3 month LIBOR Dollar rate currently at 2.8% making compensation payable at 3.8% pa of what you have paid to to SP distributed to you monthly.

Can someone please post a picture, they must be doing the next residential floor by now.

I think they are paying these workers too much. slack bastards.


was there yesterday morning. no noticable progress worth taking a picture for.

:( What happened to that Friday feeling.

we all know mechanical floors take ages, and also a mechanical floor is double the height. hopefully it will climb faster soon

The amount of cladding on the Torch is pathetic, compare it with Mag 218. We knew the mechanical floor was going to take a few weeks but all we've seen elsewhere in this time is a couple of pains of glass. Very poor progress, way behind the schedule now issued by SP only a few months ago. :ohno:

The amount of cladding on the Torch is pathetic, compare it with Mag 218. We knew the mechanical floor was going to take a few weeks but all we've seen elsewhere in this time is a couple of pains of glass. Very poor progress, way behind the schedule now issued by SP only a few months ago. :ohno:

Thats not so good to hear, did you note much progress on any internal work?

Thats not so good to hear, did you note much progress on any internal work?


I'm in the UK and my comments were made from looking at the recent photos. It's clear the cladding has only been done around the show apartments and nowhere else. Have the workforce gone on strike ??

Can anyone who invested very early tell me when the earlieat compensation payouts will start.

There seems to be so many different contractual completion dates and then the 6 month wait till compenstion starts.

I personaly didn't buy in here till early 2007 so my contractual completion date is 30th Sept 2009 and compensation starts on 30th March 2010.

I am just trying to establish what the first date of compensation payments will be to any investor.

Thanks.

HT

^^ First compensation payments start Jan 2009

Can anyone who invested very early tell me when the earlieat compensation payouts will start.

There seems to be so many different contractual completion dates and then the 6 month wait till compenstion starts.

I personaly didn't buy in here till early 2007 so my contractual completion date is 30th Sept 2009 and compensation starts on 30th March 2010.

I am just trying to establish what the first date of compensation payments will be to any investor.

Thanks.

HT


I have Jan 09 on one contact (purchased 05)and Apr 10 on another (purchased 07).... Jan will be here before we know it !

Any objections?

Sorry mate but there is some very wooly thinking going on there. The date of the compensation payment is only dependant upon what's written in your contract - it has nothing to do with the completion of the building. It must be obvious to you that the two are not any more connected?

Really? Absoultely nothing to do with completion of building? Not connected in anyway?

So lets say I invest 90% of my money in TT in 2005. Completion scheduled for 12/2007. TT delayed - compensation plan kicks in on 1st Jan 2009. 1st quarterly payment to investor 1st April 2009 (this was the original question High Times asked and I wanted to give him a full answer with some new info - other people then started to talk about contracts and mints).

So you are saying that in 2011 when TT is finished and the investor moves in he will continue to get his quarterly compensation forever?

I don't think it is me who is being wooly mate.:lol:

Woah where did that go.

I just witnessed a whole conversation dissapear.

Just a suggestion Altin/Malec

I know there is already an investment thread, but this is very,very generic and covers a whole host of subjects relating to property and investment in Dubai.

Why not just start a new thread and call it

#PROJECT SPECIFIC INVESTMENT DISCUSSION#

This can then be used by all investors who want to talk about investment related issues but in relation to specific projects in Dubai.

This will create a space for discusions like;

LIBOR
Compensation
Purchasing Prices
Selling Prices
Advertising Prices
And all the other stuff that seems to create such offence to some.

This will put an end to all the investment talk in all threads and will also allow investors, a chance to discuss issues that does effect construction.

This way everyone is happy. Its a no brainer really, especialy if you let people start threads like;

#my arse boil has increased in size this month - any suggestions greatly appreciated# and all the other shit that gets allowed.

If this suggestion is not worthy then please delete it and we can all carry on using the present set up that is clearly not working.

Thats all from the United Nations Diplomatic core for now. :)

Really? Absoultely nothing to do with completion of building? Not connected in anyway?

So lets say I invest 90% of my money in TT in 2005. Completion scheduled for 12/2007. TT delayed - compensation plan kicks in on 1st Jan 2009. 1st quarterly payment to investor 1st April 2009 (this was the original question High Times asked and I wanted to give him a full answer with some new info - other people then started to talk about contracts and mints).

So you are saying that in 2011 when TT is finished and the investor moves in he will continue to get his quarterly compensation forever?

I don't think it is me who is being wooly mate.:lol:

Re your qeusion in the penultimate paragraph of your post:- "No I don't recall saying anything of the sort."

Any progress this week? :shifty:

Yes :)

^^^^ i can say yes for another 1000 posts and this thread will be here ...:bash:

Yes :)

What do you know Anjam, any movement on construction ?

What do you know Anjam, any movement on construction ?

Sorry was just being silly. I am asuming some progress has been made on the tower, if not on the next floor then internally at least.

29/Aug/2008

The Torch,Princess Tower,Ocean Heights, Sulafa Tower

http://img244.imageshack.us/img244/8316/imresolt433yp7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img244.imageshack.us/img244/5097/imresolt434vw6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img329.imageshack.us/img329/8061/imresolt454vd9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

^^ NO MOVEMENT AT ALL, SP LIERS

AND ALSO LOOK A THE CLADDING COMPARED TO THE PRINCESS!

MH side better, maybe 2-3 glasses/day.

just a few workers there, what happened? redesign something?

^^ Did the workers get moved to the Point or a problem with the mech floor? Looks like no interior progress either.

^^ Did the workers get moved to the Point or a problem with the mech floor? Looks like no interior progress either.

Next to no workers at The Point either. I arrived in Dubai yesterday and there were only about 12 workers and 2 hardhats at The Point early this morning.

The mech floor is no longer an issue, something else is affecting progress.

Thanks TB. I wonder what the problem could be then?

Maybe SP need to employ a project management company to kick ass. DCE are slow everywhere, the Quays are way behind schedule also.

What is strange is that DCE were working very fast up until now at the Torch at 1 floor every 5 days.

^^ SP probably not paid the next installment to DCE

Doubtful.......give the vast amount of cash SP have in their bank account. I guess the problem is more to do with DCE here. They may have had to divert resources to other sites.......also likely to have given the workers the next month off for Ramadan. Can't see much progress happening now until after Ead. :cry:

Just some thoughts;

I wonder why SP don't offer payment holidays on the projects that are delayed like Cayan are known to do, with all that cash in the bank.

Where did the funding come from to buy more plots in the marina and islands on the World?

At Timeplace when I went for handover, DCE walked off site with all keys for the apartments and most of the workers too, because of withheld payment. Abraj had to change the lock to a few apartments to let people in and paid the money to DCE to come back with all the keys. This all happened while I was there in May/June.

The same (extremely incompetent) crew were moving into the point.

I can only assume that something similar is happening here if there is no workers on site!

Just some thoughts;

I wonder why SP don't offer payment holidays on the projects that are delayed like Cayan are known to do, with all that cash in the bank.

Where did the funding come from to buy more plots in the marina and islands on the World?

Don't start this one again :lol: Naaaaaaaaz, Morriiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiis.....:runaway:

Oh you mean the compensation............no worries we won't mention it again. Promise. :lol:

Where did the funding come from to buy more plots in the marina and islands on the World?

The CEO.....Rahail Aslam. :)

At Timeplace when I went for handover, DCE walked off site with all keys for the apartments and most of the workers too, because of withheld payment. Abraj had to change the lock to a few apartments to let people in and paid the money to DCE to come back with all the keys. This all happened while I was there in May/June.

The same (extremely incompetent) crew were moving into the point.

I can only assume that something similar is happening here if there is no workers on site!

SEE I TOLD YOU GUYS, SP have not paid DCE the next installment!!!!!!

SEE I TOLD YOU GUYS, SP have not paid DCE the next installment!!!!!!

OK so let's assume for one crazy minute that you are correct.........why have SP not paid the next instalment ???

Just too slow. Phoned SP last week and they are insisting on a sept 09 finish. Would you beleive it?

There may be contractual disagreements with DCE. How easy is it to change contractors?

Thanks Imre for putting us in the picture.

OK so let's assume for one crazy minute that you are correct.........why have SP not paid the next instalment ???

It happens on daily basis all over the world. Contractor gets behind schedule and clients applying pressure but in this case, DCE have the upper hand and will get their way (depending on the contract of course). In Dubai, it is so easy for contractors to find reasons for not delivering and the legal system is way behind the daily changing laws.

The real problem for me here is the lack of DS/SG experience in recognising the warning signs early enough and reacting to them. I could be wrong but I know that I will (or a charity of my choice) be £200 better off by Jan 2011. :banana::banana:

I have just saved DS/SG some money for compensation. I sold one of my units @AED1550/sqft and I can't wait to get rid of the others, hopefully soon........wish me luck:)

Any body interested in one bedded apartments (Long Term Plan / with Marina views of course), please give me a shout....Sorry Altin/Malec/4sale.

^^ Your marketing skills leave something to be desired, perhaps Mark Stott can help you out.

^^Its called honesty, you can still make money while have integrity, he would not know about that, I don't think!

Congrats on the sale mackie, 1550 not a bad price I suppose, if it was one of the low floor units that you are worried about with the MST podium blocking the view?

Congratulations Mackie. :cheers::cheers:


Tidy return no doubt. Just one question; who did you sell through?

Not DS/SG, they have some for sale from AED 1375/sqft but not on the Long Term Plan. Check your PM.

Sounds like those on the long term plan have a higher value in general. Can't SP just convert units to the long plan?

Sounds like those on the long term plan have a higher value in general. Can't SP just convert units to the long plan?

And loose Money? They know the risk with the delivery dates :lol: They were not quick to take my bet, unlike someone else I know :cheers:

:wtf: I'm very worried, there's definitely a big problem here. Hardly any cladding been put on the tower for weeks (other than 3 to 4 "token" sheets - the glass cladding was due to start on 18th May and there's virtually bugger all done so far - and we're still stuck on the 30th floor. Way behind schedule and recent pics show it's going nowhere now. This all seemed to be going so well up until 6 weeks ago. :wallbash:

Here's a reminder:

http://i29.tinypic.com/9aaexf.jpg

They're showing 40 storeys by the start of August 2008... they're actually at the 30th at the beginning of September, all but a couple of days.

This being so, when do we now think completion will take place?

For various reasons it would help me a lot in terms of my personal cashflow and life plan if they could deliver on time, or as close as possible. However my guess is that it'll be at least a year late, possibly more - say December 2010?

Lets assume they can start the 31st floor in 4 weeks time. By that time they will be approx. 15 floors (or 3 months) behind schedule. So Dec 09 would be the earliest possible completion date + 1 year for handover and finishing (or 1 week if you believe SP!). So Dec 2010 is the earliest possible handover now. I am also worried, looks like I may have well lost my £100 to mackie :(

You need to budget to at least mid 2011 before you will get any rent income. Also it looks likely that compensation payments will not be paid until handover so you should not use that in your assesments.

SP will be offering a short term rental management system where you can say which weeks you want to use the property and they will handle short term holiday rentals. 5 star furniture packs expected to be circa £9k to 10k for a 2 bed.

Lets assume they can start the 31st floor in 4 weeks time. By that time they will be approx. 15 floors (or 3 months) behind schedule. So Dec 09 would be the earliest possible completion date + 1 year for handover and finishing (or 1 week if you believe SP!). So Dec 2010 is the earliest possible handover now. I am also worried, looks like I may have well lost my £100 to mackie :(

You need to budget to at least mid 2011 before you will get any rent income. Also it looks likely that compensation payments will not be paid until handover so you should not use that in your assesments.

SP will be offering a short term rental management system where you can say which weeks you want to use the property and they will handle short term holiday rentals. 5 star furniture packs expected to be circa £9k to 10k for a 2 bed.

Hi DS

What has brought you to the conclusion that "compensation payments will not be paid until handover" ? That's not what my contract states.

Have SP told you this?

Regards

I don't like the idea of compensation being paid at completion. This in no way helps purchasers with their stretched cashflow due to the delays, which presumably is the purpose of receiving compensation. If it's only paid on completion then what happens to the compensation accrued to you if you sell your unit beforehand ??

Handover in 2011 :)

Also it looks likely that compensation payments will not be paid until handover so you should not use that in your assesments.


Steve - Don't agree with what you have said. Where have you got this from? It's about 180 degrees away from the way I understand things that I have in writing from SP.
:nuts: