Sama Beirut

Sodeco - Beirut, Lebanon


www.sama-beirut.com



http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/daschma/SamaBeirut.png

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/2255WorkStartsOnLebanonsTallestBuilding_pic1.jpg

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/2255WorkStartsOnLebanonsTallestBuilding_pic2.jpg

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/2255WorkStartsOnLebanonsTallestBuilding_pic3.jpg


Earlier renderings:

http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/2221/sodecomixedusedcomplexvy8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img157.imageshack.us/img157/7954/sodecomixedusedcomplex2bw5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/5492/sodecomixedusedcomplex4sa3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/7617/sodecomixedusedcomplex45ae6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/3300/sodecomixedusedcomplex6ta9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/3962/sodecomixedusedcomplex9po3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/7586/sodecomixedusedcomplex10aq7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

well,this is the one listed on emporis,i guess urs is the new renders,well,it's not a vision at all.

http://www.emporis.com/files/transfer/sixwm/2005/03/346913.jpg

This project was canceled a while ago.

Cancelled?????the whole idea????koz this project had an old renders.

Well,i don't know,but i have a feeling that this is not cancelled,at least the idea of building a complex in sodeco area.koz it's written in many websites.

This project was canceled a while ago.


LC, what solid information do you have regarding this project being cancelled? If it was, what were the reasons, etc.?

http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/1710/sodecomixedyf6.jpg

Saw an add for this in EXECUTIVE. Site will be up in mid-September, apparently: www.sama-beirut.com

Don't know where in Sodeco, and don't know anything other than what the add and this page says. Apparently will be 50 floors. How can they now build so high in the middle of built up areas?

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/daschma/SamaBeirut.png

Wow... You Beiruti's better get ready for longer black-outs, lol.. This *hawt* tower is going to sap all the electricity in the city.. lol...

Amazing... The facade will help it blend in well the Platinum tower and the new 4 seasons..

if that's the final rendering ( and it looks so ) , then this is SO COOL !!! :cheers:

"Sama Beirut" has been under study for more than 1.5 years now.

Prime Consult, the consulting firm, got in touch with me regarding this project. Earlier, no concrete info was available so it was not made public.

Concerning the design, it seems to be kind of finalized. It should be 50+ floors.

I marked the exact location. Currently, there are equipment belonging to Profond-Liban. The latter is an excavating and foundation company. (But I have not realized any work on site)

http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/4986/samabeirut.jpg

^^ Very strange location i may say.

groud floor: 5 big retail shops
1-9th floor: offices
10-50th floor: residential

the plot extends towards the alley way between monot and sodeco...

I'm having a hard time placing the lot, anyone know the street's name?

have they started to build it?

Okay guys, an update which would make you all excited.

This project is U/C now!

The design is a final one made by Erga Group. The developer is Antonios Projects SAL.

It will be around 200 meters.

Offices will be located on the 3rd to the 8th floor.
Simplexes and duplexes are located from the 10th to the 50th floors.
Apartment areas vary between 300 and 1500m2.

Expected completion date: Mid-2014.

This much for now!

^^2014?? Thats 5 years to build a 200m building! That is very slow.

Our tallest tower in Melbourne is 300m tall and it took only 4 years.

The earlier renderings show a spire, whereas the new one does not...anyone have any thoughts?

Is this our current tallest?

^^ Probably yes. I can't seem to find a highrise in Lebanon higher than 200 meters.

Okay guys, an update which would make you all excited.

This project is U/C now!

The design is a final one made by Erga Group. The developer is Antonios Projects SAL.

It will be around 200 meters.

Offices will be located on the 3rd to the 8th floor.
Simplexes and duplexes are located from the 10th to the 50th floors.
Apartment areas vary between 300 and 1500m2.

Expected completion date: Mid-2014.

This much for now!

Such great news! Thanks for posting it!

This project is amazing. Should be one of the most recognized towers on the Meditterraenean when completed.

really beautiful!

I love you Nareg! This is such good news!

Isn't 14 years a very long time for a 200m project? just wondering..

5 years Rabih, not 14!
And yes it is too long, but at least they are reasonable, other projects says 3 years and end up finishing 6 years later!

For Arabic readers
From Almustaqbal newspaper

إطلاق "سما بيروت" في "فينيسيا" برعاية بارود

المستقبل - الخميس 13 آب 2009 - العدد 3392 - بزنس - صفحة 15

http://www.almustaqbal.com/issues/images/3392/c15-n1.jpg

ر.ش.

"سما بيروت" مشروع البرج العالي الذي سيزين قريبا سماء العاصمة اللبنانية، تم إطلاقه خلال حفل عشاء اقيم في فندق فينيسيا برعاية وزير الداخلية والبلديات زياد بارود وبحضور وزير الاعلام إلي ماروني ومدير عام وزارة السياحة ندى سردوك ومستشار وزير الداخلية ربيع الشعار ورئيس بلدية بيروت عبد المنعم العريس.
بعد ترحيب من ندي تياني بالحضور، تحدث رئيس "Antonios Group" ومطور مشروع "سما بيروت" فادي انطونيوس عن اهمية المشروع الذي وصفه بالحلم الذي لا يشكل فقط نقطة جذب بل انه يعيد للبنان موقعه على الخريطة الى جانب الدول العربية التي تتميز ببناء الابراج المرتفعة. وبعد عرض الاعلان الذي يسوق للبرج، شرح مهندس المشروع الي جبرايل عن مميزات البرج الذي يتوقع ان يبدأ العمل في العام 2014. وأشار جبرايل الى ان البرج يعتبر علامة مميزة في القرن الواحد والعشرين وهو استثمار لبناني بالكامل وسيصل طوله الى 200 متر وارتفاعه الى 250 متر عن سطح البحر وسيطل على البحر والجبل والعاصمة لانه يقع في منطقة السوديكو وعلى مسافة قريبة من المطار ووسط العاصمة. وسيتألف من 50 طابق تتألف من ستة طوابق سفلية للركن والتخزين وسيضم محلات تجارية شقق سكنية ومكاتب خاصة.مجهزة بمواصفات حديثة. وشكر جبرايل كل الادارات التي تعمل على المشروع ومنها شركة prime consult للتسويق والمبيعات.
ثم تم عرض فيلم وثائقي يختصر فكرة إنشاء المشروع وتقنية العمل ومواصفات البرج وتجهيزاته.
وفي الختام القى الوزير بارود كلمة اعرب فيها عن اسباب تردده لقبول دعوة المنظمين، مشيرا الى ان هذا المجال الاستثماري ليس تخصصه، وبأنه يفضل المساحات الخضراء على البناء لانه يخشى عدم التوازن بين التطوير العمراني ومشكلة القضاء على المساحات الخضراء. وأضاف ان قبوله الدعوة يعود الى ان المشروع سيشكل علامة فارقة لان هناك يذهبوا الى ابعد من يومياتنا حيث "نهدم أكثر من ما نبني". وأضاف ان المشروع سيوفر فرص عمل للكثيرين لافتا الى ان محرك المشروع هو لبناني مغترب وقد عاد ليوظف طاقته ونجاحاته في بلده الام. وعرض بارود لبعض الملاحظات التي تلقى الاجابة عليه مسبقا من قبل المنظمين، فأمل ان يجري العمل بتقنية الـTraffic Impact، للحد من أزمات السير وكي لا تحول سما بيروت أرض لبنان الى جحيم. وشدد بارود على ان "سما بيروت " ليس من الباطون بل هو "بناية خضراء" لان البرج سينتج طاقة ستستعمل بداخله لافتا الى ان هذا الامر خطوة جيدة تهدف للحد من استخدام الملوثات وأمل بيروت رؤية سطوح لبنان من خلال "سما بيروت " مزروعة بالمساحات الخضراء بدل من رؤيتها مليئة بخزانات المياه والصحون الفضائية "دِش". وختم بارود متوجها الى انطونيوس: "أبراجنا في لبنان لا تتجسد بالبناء الشاهق بل هي أشخاص مثلك يغتربوا ويعودوا لتطوير بلدهم".

^^ ok

So it's 200 meters and the height is 250 meters above sea level , it's going to be the highest in Lebanon once completed, and is a 100% Lebanese project ( money included :D )

Wait..in the article it says "الذي يتوقع ان يبدأ العمل في العام 2014" that means construction dosent start till 2014?

^^ they said , will start working and not working on it,means 2014 is the completion date.

From Annahar.

http://www.annahar.com/media/high_res/Fri_pix/eco/p14-01-23785.jpg

برج "سما بيروت" في السوديكو: استثمار لبناني 100%
أطلقت شركة Antonios Projects مشروع "سما بيروت"، وذلك خلال حفل عشاء اقيم في فندق "فينيسيا" برعاية وزير الداخلية والبلديات زياد بارود، وزير السياحة إيلي ماروني، والمديرة العامة للوزارة ندى سردوك ورئيس بلدية بيروت عبد المنعم العريس.
بدءا تحدث رئيس الشركة فادي أنطونيوس عن اهمية المشروع الذي وصفه بالحلم الذي "لا يشكل نقطة جذب فحسب، بل يعيد الى لبنان موقعه في الخريطة الى جانب الدول العربية التي تتميز ببناء الابراج المرتفعة". وأوضح مهندس المشروع ايلي جبرايل أن "المشروع هو استثمار لبناني 100 في المئة"، معتبرا انه "علامة مميزة في القرن الـ 21". وشرح مميّزات البرج الذي يتوقع إنجازه في سنة 2014 في منطقة السوديكو، فأشار الى ان طوله سيصل الى 200 متر، وارتفاعه الى 250 متراً عن سطح البحر، وسيطل على البحر والجبل والعاصمة. ويتألف من 50 طبقة، و6 طبقات سفلية للركن والتخزين ويضم محالاً تجارية وشققاً سكنية ومكاتب خاصة مجهزة بمواصفات حديثة".
ثم ألقى بارود كلمة لفت فيها إلى انه" عندما تلقى دعوة من اصحاب المشروع لرعاية اطلاقه تردد في بادئ الامر، وذلك من منطلق ان هذا المجال الاستثماري ليس تخصصه، وأنه يفضّل المساحات الخضراء على البناء". الا انه عاد فقبلها لأن المشروع "سيشكل علامة فارقة في مواصفاته البيئية (بناية خضراء) وكذلك حيال اعتماده تقنية الـ Traffic Impact، للحدّ من أزمات السير، عدا عن أنه سيوفر فرص عمل للشباب اللبناني".

From Annahar.

http://www.annahar.com/media/high_res/Fri_pix/eco/p14-01-23785.jpg

استثمار لبناني 100%

مواصفاته البيئية


:banana:

Wait..in the article it says "الذي يتوقع ان يبدأ العمل في العام 2014" that means construction dosent start till 2014?

According to this article, it will be completed by 2014

إطلاق مشروع أعلى ناطحة سحاب في بيروت بارتفاع 250 متراً
بقلم أحمد شهم شريف في يوم الخميس, 13 أغسطس 2009


أعلن يوم أمس عن إطلاق مشروع سما بيروت الذي سينشئ أطول ناطحة سحاب في العاصمة اللبنانية بيروت، تصل إلى 50 طابقاً.

وقالت شركة أنطونيوس بروجكتس في بيان وصل إلى أريبيان نسخة منه، أن هذا المشروع الواقع في قلب العاصمة اللبنانية بيروت سيشكل علامة فارقة في القرن الحادي والعشرين مع ناطحة سحاب ستزيّن سماء بيروت، وأنه استثمار لبناني بالكامل.

ويقع مشروع "سما بيروت" في منطقة السوديكو في قلب الأشرفية التي تشهد إقبالا كبيرا وعلى مسافة دقائق قليلة من وسط بيروت، ويتضمن المشروع محلات تجارية ومكاتب وشقق سكنية وناد صحي.

ويُتوقع أن يعمل المشروع بالكامل في العام 2014.

وسيحيط بالبرج حسب الشركة المطورة شجار خضراء وحدائق منسّقة، وقالت الشركة المطورة أنه المشروع الأول من نوعه في البلاد ورأت أنه يشكل خطوة حقيقية إلى الأمام في مجال النمو العمراني. وقالت في بيانها أنه سيوفر لساكنيه مناظر طبيعية خلابة على الجبال التي تكسوها الغابات الخضراء وعلى بحر لبنان الهادئ الصافي بفضل ارتفاعه 250 مترا عن سطح البحر.

ويتمتّع القسم السكني لهذا البرج الذي يمكن الوصول إليه عبر جادة الرئيس الياس سركيس بمدخل خاص للمقيمين فيه.

وتتراوح مساحة الشقق بين 300 و1500 متر مربع.

وبالإضافة إلى الوحدات السكنية، سيتضمن المشروع ستة متاجر لعلامات تجارية فاخرة، ووحدات مخصصة للمكاتب.

وصمم المشروع المهندسان ايلي ورندا جبرايل بحيث يتألف البرج بالكامل من الساتر "الزجاجي الذكي" ويحتوي على: ألواح جاهزة مصنّعة مسبقاً من زجاج معالـَج والومينيوم; من ألواح عازلة وألواح ذكية لتوليد الكهرباء أو المياه الساخنة، مع دعائم ثابتة وشكل ثوري غير متناسق يرتفع على مراحل ليصل إلى القمة بعلو 200 متر.

وتتولى شركة برايم كونسلت التي يرأسها مسعد فارس التسويق والمبيعات إضافة إلى إدارة الشؤون المالية والإدارية للمشروع.

وعبّر رئيس أنطونيوس بروجكتس، فادي أنطونيوس، عن فخره بهذا المشروع العصري المتطور. وقال: "لا تكمن الفكرة الأساسية في مجرّد تشييد بناء، وإنما في إرساء علامة فارقة في لبنان".

http://www.arabianbusiness.com/arabic/564740

Sama Beirut project launched in Beirut
'Sama Beirut' project, in the heart of Lebanon's capital, constitutes a milestone in 21st Century development, with a skyscraper that will grace the skies of Beirut.

http://i656.photobucket.com/albums/uu287/Nadini234/84753-Sama.jpg
‘Sama Beirut’, a piece of paradise in the sky of Beirut.

Launched under the patronage of His Excellency, Lebanese Minister of Interior, Ziad Baroud, yesterday, the project, rising to 50 stories, will be a landmark in Lebanon, a fully Lebanese investment, from the people, to the people.

Present at the event were key political and social figures, such as His Excellency, the Lebanese Minister of Tourism, Elie Marouni, along with the general manager of the Ministry of Tourism Nada Sardouk. Also present was head of the Municipality of Beirut, Abdelminhim Aris, along with other members of the Municipality and Muhafaza of Beirut.

Sama Beirut's prime location in the Sodeco area, in the heart of Ashrafieh, is currently attracting large masses. 'Sama Beirut's' proximity to Downtown Beirut, makes it the perfect address for potential investors. It will include shops, offices and apartments.

The view from the tower promises to be wonderful, as the surrounding are filled with green trees and esthetically designed gardens. The tower itself will bring real estate development in Lebanon to a new level, especially as this project is the first of its kind in the country and is a big leap forward in the field of urban development.

The project has injected with the best equipment and materials, rising to 200 meters tall in the heart of the city.

This project will put Lebanon in the spotlight again, after the country emerged from the global financial crisis, attesting to the invincible Lebanese spirit. It will also raise the country to an equal footing with neighboring countries that own similar massive architectural developments.

'Sama Beirut' tower redefines the parameters of the region. It is conveniently located in Sodeco, which will contribute to the prosperity and revitalization of that area. It will also serve as a unique aesthetic construction with its sophisticated revolutionary conception and modern equipment, bringing back charm to the region and to a large part of Beirut, whether through its modern private health club, or through its external space or luxurious commercial shops.

Lebanese Minister of Interior, Ziad Baroud expressed his pride in such a venture, adding that he hopes all future projects follow the same environmentally-friendly guidelines that 'Sama Beirut' was founded upon, as well as have generous space dedicated to gardens, as is the case with 'Sama Beirut'.

The residential section of the tower, which can be accessed through Elias Sarkis Avenue, offers its residents a private entrance. The apartments vary in size, ranging between 300 and 1500m2. In addition to the residential units, the tower contains six commercial shops that will be held by luxury brands. As for the office spaces, they will welcome blossoming businesses, and are conveniently located in the vicinity of all facilities and services that may be eventually required.

Architects Elie and Randa Gebrayel designed both the exterior and interior spaces of the project in a unique way, with the tower façade made entirely of advanced composed curtain wall, and a revolutionary non-coordinated form rising in levels to reach the top of the tower at an altitude of 200 meters.

The main adviser to the project, Prime Consult, a company that provides real estate consultancy, was behind the creation of the concept and the purchase of land, after undertaking financial and market studies for 'Sama Beirut'. The company, headed by Massaad Fares, is handling marketing and sales, in addition to financial and administrative management of the project.

Fadi Antonios, head of Antonios Projects and the Developer of 'Sama Beirut' project, expressed his pride in this groundbreaking development by saying, 'The basic idea does not reside is the construction of the building, but in it being a landmark in Lebanon.' Sama Beirut is owned by Antonios Projects.

The tower, which is expected to be fully operational in 2014, will be a great milestone, paving the way for many new huge projects of this type.

Lebanon launches 200m tower project

Lebanon’s tallest tower to date, the 50-storey Sama Beirut mixed-use project, has been launched officially by developer Antonios Projects SAL.

The 200-metre-tall project will comprise of shops and offices, a six-storey underground parking and storage area with 560 parking bays, and residential apartments ranging from 300 to 1,500 square metres, with such amenities as a private sports club.

Located in the Sodeco area close to the airport and Downtown Beirut, the expected completion date is 2014. The architects are Elie and Randya Gebrayel from the Erga group, who have designed the project with LEED accreditation in mind. Design features include an advanced curtain wall for the façade and “a non-coordinated form rising in levels to reach the top.”

The main adviser to the project is real-estate consultancy Prime Consult, headed by Massaad Fares. Fadi Antonios, head of Antonios Projects SAL, declared: “This will be a landmark in Lebanon.”

The project was launched at an official event attended by Lebanese Interior Minister Ziad Baround, Tourism Minister Elie Marouni and Tourism Ministry GM Nada Sardouk. Also present was Beirut Municipality head Abdelminhim Aris.

Sama Beirut’s prime location is expected to be a magnet for potential investors. Baroud said the project will elevate the real estate industry in Lebanon to new heights, as well as representing a major leap forward in urban development planning in the country.

http://i656.photobucket.com/albums/uu287/Nadini234/SamaBeiruttower_web.jpg

http://i656.photobucket.com/albums/uu287/Nadini234/sama-beirut-dinner-10.jpg

http://i656.photobucket.com/albums/uu287/Nadini234/sama-beirut-dinner-27.jpg

http://i656.photobucket.com/albums/uu287/Nadini234/sama-beirut-dinner-9.jpg

http://i656.photobucket.com/albums/uu287/Nadini234/sama-beirut-dinner-29.jpg

Man this tower is going to be SWEEEEET!

I lieterally died when I saw that new picture.
I love this project with all my heart.

And I love that it is eco-friendly. This should get everyone talking..

I didnt expect this project to bring so much attention!.. How nice would it have been if it was on the water front.

i was hoping by 2014, Lebanon would have alot more towers over 200m. I hope that no wars will happen, i want to see this completed!:cheers:

5 years Rabih, not 14!
And yes it is too long, but at least they are reasonable, other projects says 3 years and end up finishing 6 years later!

OMG! what's wrong with me?
How the hell did I calculate from 1999!!! :bash:

i was hoping by 2014, Lebanon would have alot more towers over 200m. I hope that no wars will happen, i want to see this completed!:cheers:

I hope for the same too. Also, is this gets much success, maybe we can get some higher towers...

very nice design... very weird location.. traffic around sodeco area is already hell, they should concentrate on making a single area of the city with skyscrapers like north america instead of spreading them out like this

very nice design... very weird location.. traffic around sodeco area is already hell, they should concentrate on making a single area of the city with skyscrapers like north america instead of spreading them out like this

this would be the smartest thing to do!:):)
I would like to see the more taller (150m +) buildings built near the middle/center of Beirut, and then surrounded by all the smaller apartments. It would look really good and wont block the view of the ocean for those living in apartments or hotels. But it is becoming to late to do this, to many projects already spread out across Beirut:ohno:. They should have put more planning into this, just like Dubai has.

actually the thing in Lebanon is that when someone has a plot of land and has the money to construct something on it, they try to make it as profitable as they can, so they don't care where it is... As long as they are approved they sometimes build high or ugly (like the old Carlton spot) as long as they make money...
Nonetheless, don't worry we will have a cluster of highrise buildings and skyscrapers in downtown as soon as the reclaimed area is all go! Just look at a 5 year old picture of downtown from the ain el mraiseh point of view, and look at the last pics posted by Nadini in the Platinum tower thread! Add 5-10 years and try to imagine what it may look like! All the land to the left of the Marina Tower will be dotted with skyscrapers Plus the ones that will eventually grow behind the current towers and not to forget the Phoenician village, the hosn 440 and the landmark. Also, the Holiday inn will have to get fixed or destroyed and a new highrise will sprout there too... Just give Lebanon 10 years of stability and Beirut will be Beyond anything we dream it might be!

There was a report about Sama Beirut (along with BeitMisk) on LBC today. It showed a 3D animation of the tower with its surrounding.

Hopefully soon we'll have it uploaded to Youtube.

am i mistaken or it was mentioned in the report that the tower is 250 m not 200 ????

^^ 250 meters above sea level. The height of the tower is +/- 200 meters. Hopefully soon, I find the exact height.

I am totally against the project. - The skyscraper is not only very ugly it also does not fit into the current area. - Furthermore I am sure that the architect didn't think about the safety of the habitants. A building with such a high needs a well prepared plan if something unexpected happens. – For example an earthquake. The architect has to ask himself, if the building could survive such a happening. – And if yes! How resistant is the building! - etc.
I personally have the feeling that the company is trying to use the high of the skyscraper as the prime marketing subject.

Southern Sun what makes you think that safety isn't taken into consideration?

Southern Sun what makes you think that safety isn't taken into consideration?

A good friend I know is working with the company. He told me that they are unorganized and only fixed in making money. The last thing they care of is the safety of the habitants.

Do we have a dedicated thread to this project in the main skyscrapers thread ??

^^ Yes, we do. Thanks to Nadini. Thread could be found here (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=931592)

^^ Yes, we do. Thanks to Nadini. Thread could be found here (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=931592)

Why do we need a thread two times? :nuts::ohno:

The other thread is listed under the main category World Development News Forums. That thread helps forumers who are not regular visitors to the Lebanon section to see the developments taking place in that particular country.

Beirut property defies crisis

08:26 | 17.08.09

Lebanon’s property market is literally soaring ahead in defiance of the financial crisis affecting most other countries.

Prices keep rising and new projects keep getting launched. The latest high-profile building to be announced is the Sama Beirut tower. When completed, the 50-storey building would be the tallest in Lebanon.

A spokesman for the developer, the Lebanese investor Fady Antonios, said: 'Sama Beirut is paving the way for a new trend in the capital. Towers are definitely popular in the city and in its suburbs due to the lack of space.'

The National

http://samabeirut.net/logo.gif

is this taller than the landmark?

^^ Yes, 32 meters taller.

^^ Yes, 32 meters taller.

Success! Ive always hated the design of the Landmark but Sama Beirut is much better, I would rather have it as Lebanon's tallest building

There was a report about Sama Beirut (along with BeitMisk) on LBC today. It showed a 3D animation of the tower with its surrounding.

Hopefully soon we'll have it uploaded to Youtube.


Here it is:


cTHfL2Oq9Sk

^^ They reported that it will be 250 meters in the LBC news clip. I wonder which is correct?

^^ Well the press release stated 200 meters (and 50 floors). I guess we will know for sure when the website is launched.

The tower is 200 meters..but is 250 meters above sea level

^^ thats impossible .. the highest point in beirut is at 108m above sea level
so that must be the combined height of both the tower and its elevation above sea level

^^ thats impossible .. the highest point in beirut is at 108m above sea level
so that must be the combined height of both the tower and its elevation above sea level

exactly:nuts: lol

^^lool , good to know eh

why would anyone measure the height of a building from sea level? :s Like if say the tower was in damascus, which is about 600m above sea level the tower would be 800m? It's the dumbest thing i've heard...

The presenter from LBC gave wrong info (or there was a misunderstanding).

The tower's height is around 200 meters (not exact value).
Sea level elevation + tower's structural height = ~250m.

http://www.ameinfo.com/206509.html

according to ALbalad local newspaper the project is not cancelled, and it was launched lately with the presence of Mr Baroud Minister of internal affairs !

and the location is normal for Beirut !

^^
it was never considered canceled, it was approved last week

^^ It must have been approved even earlier than that, since construction began last week.

This is ridiculously located as the area is not meant for skyscrapers.

Such an icon should have been constructed near the other towers in Beirut, somewhere on the waterfront.

This means now, that we will be seeing a lot of high rise towers in the area, which eventually means more buildings will be demolished, buildings which once had resembled Beirut.

This is ridiculously located as the area is not meant for skyscrapers.

Such an icon should have been constructed near the other towers in Beirut, somewhere on the waterfront.

This means now, that we will be seeing a lot of high rise towers in the area, which eventually means more buildings will be demolished, buildings which once had resembled Beirut.

I fully agree with you the thinkin of the lebanese in lebanon is so stupid and undeveloped!!they just give the ok for anybody to build up anything anywhere! And what hurts me most is when i go down to lebanon and see new buildings high ones that stand instead of old cute beiruti houses!
And look at other countries they place highrises in one place and all around the buildings are low rises!bas in lebanon we want to fly by and just see concrete without any spaces and green trees just ups and downs with no planing!

I like the project itself... but I agree with the others, high rise buidlings need to be in the one area eg the water front area is a perfect spot for it.

Aside from being out of scale with the neighborhood, it cannot but add to the traffic problems in the area. The streets are not designed for something with that many inhabitants/offices workers. And if it starts a trend....

But I guess everyone's just given up about this sort of thing. APSAD managed to save the Barakat building, but they haven't been able to do much else and they haven't seemed to build much of a following. Maybe it's significant that APSAD has no competitors. Usually in Lebanon something new spawns a host of imitators, whether it be foundations, ecological movements, charities, or nightclubs. But there is only one association working to preserve architectural and urban heritage that I know of.

which is? BREI?

BREI seems to be a 'developer with a conscience' but it doesn't work directly to preserve heritage buildings or clusters. I was refering to APSAD itself:

http://apsadonline.com/index.php

I think Mona Hallack, who is now on APSAD's board, was the leader of the campaign to save the Barakat building.

sama beirut (http://www.skyscrapernews.com/news.php?ref=2255) -

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/2255WorkStartsOnLebanonsTallestBuilding_pic1.jpg

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/2255WorkStartsOnLebanonsTallestBuilding_pic2.jpg

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/2255WorkStartsOnLebanonsTallestBuilding_pic3.jpg

^^Very Nice new renders!

It matches with the Marina Tower and the four seasons hotel in a way !!!!

And also eventually with the Phoenician village (the cladding)

we must admit that .. we need more apartments ! more spaces ....and every1 is going VERTICAL ....thats a must ...
in 10 years we will miss those low rise building !! its as easy as it is !! ...
we do love traditional houses n all ! ...but in Frames and Pictures ....in REAL life ...its a waste of space

The issue is not going vertical or not. It's where and how. Even Manhattan has streets of brownstones which are considered culturally valuable and necessary in terms of managing density and access to light. It's an island, so it has limited space and demand pressure like Beirut. But even though it has much wider streets and avenues and an extensive public transport system they still see fit to zone there.

So even if you place little value on cultural history - or see it as something cute but not really important, or best preserved in photos or a museum - the issue of zoning has important practical considerations.

I favor high density areas. They are more efficient for utilities and public transport. The same kilometer of high tension wire and waste and freshwater piping can serve far more people in a high density area. Cheaper to build, much cheaper to maintain.

But what makes all this painful is that they can coexist. One can have preserved heritage low rise areas, and high density, modern, high rise areas. The either/or argument is false.

Okay guys, as I promised that I will find the exact height of Sama Beirut, Erga Group got in touch with me.

The exact height of the tower is 187m.

Moreover, they provided me with this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9UIUwwjoTM) link. It is worth watching it.

its on Youtube! i just whatched it..nothing wrong

Okay guys, as I promised that I will find the exact height of Sama Beirut, Erga Group got in touch with me.

The exact height of the tower is 187m.

Moreover, they provided me with this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9UIUwwjoTM) link. It is worth watching it.

Thanks Nareg for sharing this. I found it interesting how he explained the meaning of the design very clever.

Looks like its still a long time before Lebanon reaches 250m+ towers.
The design is good, and this will look great when finished:)

Sama Beirut
September 2009
The pros and cons of Beirut's next tallest tower

Beirut will soon have a new tallest building. Called 'Sama Beirut,' developers have already broken ground on the 50-story luxury residential tower in the Sodeco area. Launched in mid-August by Sama developer Antonios ProjectsAntonios Projects, it is expected to be completed by 2014. The tower will rise from a 5,000 square meter plot, of which the actual building will occupy 1,200 square meters, leaving the rest for a private garden.

Tower specifications
Sama Beirut will be 200 meters high, with six underground floors used for storage and parking for 560 cars. An underground floor will also have a gym with private access for the tower's residences. Six shops will be divided between the ground and the first floor. Offices will be situated on the third and the eighth floors.

The tower will host 58 apartments of various sizes, ranging from 300 to 1,500 square meters, as well as duplexes and a penthouse. Apartments start at the 9th floor and have a private entrance from Elias Sarkis Avenue. Part of the land belonging to the development will also be used to enlarge the road, with the aim of decreasing traffic. It will also utilize green technology.

"We have a beautiful sun in Lebanon, and we will be using it as much as possible," says Fady AntoniosAntonios, chairman of Antonios ProjectsAntonios Projects. He explains that the tower will use solar energy for water heating, thus saving a substantial amount of electricity. AntoniosAntonios says the tower will be more than 250 meters above sea level, thus higher than the city smog.

"The tower will be taking the fresh air from the top and feeding the whole building," explains AntoniosAntonios. Waste water will also be treated and reused for irrigating the large garden.

"We have other features like the insulation of the building which will be of very high standards, so it will need less heating and less cooling... We have all the electromechanical requirements of the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification."

Antonios says that one of the reasons why he chose the Sodeco area is its strategic location.

"You are five minutes from Solidere and very close to the airport. You are close to the main access of Beirut, [be it] towards the north, the south, or to the mountain. It is a very quiet area. It is very well located and the people love to be in Achrafieh."

The other reason why Antonios chose the Sodeco area is rather sentimental. "I come from that area and I love it. I attended school there."

But some weren't so happy to see the new tower's plans.

Beirut's tallest tower in Ashrafieh?

The new skyscraper is exciting news to real estate investors and wealthy buyers, but it is not the case for heritage activists who think that Sama Beirut is one of the many misplaced developments that will ruin the historical cluster still present in the Sodeco area, like Monot and Abdel Wahab Al Englizi street.

"It is on the edge of one very important cluster," says Mona Hallak, an architect and a member of the Association for Protecting Natural Sites and Old Buildings in Lebanon (APSAD).

Hallak adds that due to a lack of proper urban planning to prohibit building towers in historic areas, Beirut will lose its historic neighborhoods in a few years.

"Now we have [a tower] at the edge of a heritage cluster. In two years we will have it in the middle of the cluster," Hallak says.

Fady Antonios says that he had the possibility to build six identical small buildings which would be cheaper, but instead chose to use only 20 percent of the land and leave 80 percent for gardens and greenery.

"On the contrary, the tower leaving all this space will bring all the historical buildings into relief, since they will not be hidden by just concrete blocks."

Wael Hmaidan, executive director of IndyAct, a league of independent environmental, social and cultural activists, agrees with Hallak saying, "we are definitely against it."

"We need to understand the value of old architecture," Hmaidan says, explaining that Lebanon's comparative advantage to places like Dubai is its old architecture, moderate climate and social life -- not high-rise towers.

Hallak says that high rise towers need to have more open space to breath. "This... is not a place for a tower. Nobody will notice how bad it will be until it is done and there will be no sun in that area," she says.

Both Hallak and Hmaidan say that the only solution for keeping heritage clusters from being ruined is to have a proper urban plan. Currently, to get approval to build a tower, the permit has to be reviewed by the directorate general of urban planning for the purpose of stopping random urbanization. But so far, Hallak says, all proposed towers have been approved. "If you are approving all towers, why are you reviewing them in the first place?" she adds.

There are also no public meetings to discuss the construction with nearby businesses and property owners before the towers are approved.


A downbeat first reaction

Others had a similarly negative reaction to Sama Beirut. Massad Fares, whose company Prime Consult is managing Sama's marketing and sales, said Minister of Interior Ziad Baroud was not very enthusiastic when he was first asked to sponsor the launching of the tower. He even mentioned so in the launching ceremony, where he said that he was shocked at first by the news and not very supportive, but then changed his mind when he saw the green surrounding Sama Beirut.

"We sat with him and showed him what we are doing and how we took from our land to enlarge the road and the green space that we kept -- it increases the value of all its surroundings," explains Fares. "Instead of building concrete, we are going to build a high, beautiful tower and put it in a nice environment."

Sales have started

All the construction permits have been approved and sales have begun for apartments and offices in the building.

"We have a waiting list," says Fares. Until now, Fares says that the interest came from only Lebanese people, either residing in Lebanon or abroad.

"It doesn't mean that there will be no Gulf people, but so far, we only have Lebanese buyers."

Apartment prices range from $5,000 per square-meter to $15,000. Offices are priced around $4,000 per square meters, while shops go for up to $11,000. Offices and shops are not only offered for sale, but also for rent.

"The good thing about this portfolio and this client for us is that he is financially sound and not pushing to sell," says Fares.

By Nada Nohra

© Executive 2009

^^ Very interesting article - I really like these developers and people like Jamil Ibrahim should take notes.

I especially like how they decided to only use 20% of the land! This is unheard of in Lebanon. Also, creating green spaces and enlarging the road!! All major projects should be required to do this and these guys are doing it on their own.

Also...all-Lebanese buyers so far - this should quiet the critics.

Why are people so vocal about this project??? where is the outrage against JIE?

Website was supposed to be up and running yesterday.

http://i656.photobucket.com/albums/uu287/Nadini234/SamaBeirut.jpg

I don't see so much green spaces.

hummm... très intéressent !

Those new renderings are gorgeous. One of my favorite projects of all time.

Love this tower
S9UIUwwjoTM

Ok the building is fine and dandy, but does anyone else love the architect who is clearly from the Matrix !!!

I love his morphing of squares and going from place to place !!! GO NEO

^^ Very very cool video. I wish this architect could design the rest of Beirut.

I hate to revive dead threads, but does anyone have any news/updates about this project? It is truly an outstanding tower, and would be considered the only true skyscraper in Beirut currently (200m). Beautiful design.

The Website is up and running

:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

http://www.sama-beirut.com/

^^ according to their website, its in the process in its shoring and excavation phase. Also on their website it mentions that it will have a 7 floors basement for parking and storage, so that takes care of the parking issue :cheers:

I think it will not be completed until 2015 at the earliest, with this slow progress :ohno::ohno:

^^ The longest part of any project is the shoring and laying the foundation of the building, then it will be a breeze when building up.

25 mill for the penthouse.....

HOLY CRAP ! this will hurt the average Lebanese working class for sure (especially for the Beirutis :( )

25 mill for the penthouse.....

I heard that too on a report on Beirut's construction boom (and urban catastrophe?).. The report was like a 4-5 minute report on CNN.. Sorta interesting, but nothing new really :)

We need some kind of picture of the plot! It is the biggest building in Beirut and we dont have any photos of the construction

^^ Because nothing really significant is taking place at the moment.

Yeah.. if 2014 is the deadline, they might not start any ground work till early 2011.. not before i'm guessing...

^^ You're right - the Burj Khlaifa was built in 6 years I think or less maybe, this wont take that long !

^^ Because nothing really significant is taking place at the moment.

Actually there is activity on the site since summer 2009. There are workers and construction equipment. The building is in its shoring and excavation phase.

A brand new ad for Sama Beirut:

http://i42.tinypic.com/hstmkh.jpg

Advertising Agency: Impact BBDO, Beirut, Lebanon
Executive Creative Director: Walid Kanaan
Creative Director: Nancy Timani
Associate Art Director: Florence Basseux
Art Director: Lyna Domiati
Copywriter: Florence Basseux
3D: Malek Rizkallah, Nancy Timani, Elie Moussally
Published: March 2010

^^ I don't understand their big emphasis on the whole skyscraper idea if it is not to begin with

^^ It is just the fact that Sama Beirut will be the tallest structure in Lebanon. Moreover, the content of this ad is over-exaggerated in my opinion.

It's a great tower. - maybe the best best. - I love this advertisement too. It great and simple.

Thanks for the update

I am not sure if it will really rise above the clouds :D but the ad is really cool!!!

Thats one smart pigeon

I passed the site yesterday; there are huge nets above the billboards so it is impossible to see any activity, but there are excavation trucks on the site, but no crane.

I passed the site yesterday; there are huge nets above the billboards so it is impossible to see any activity, but there are excavation trucks on the site, but no crane.

Thanks for the awsome update Jader :cheers:

how much for an apartement there? Im thinking about buying a place to stay for my dog...:P:P:P

here's a report with Antonios
U0wgKPy7Wic

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/Htlebmn/97674-Thetower.jpg

Sama Beirut takes part at Cityscape Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates: 4 hours, 22 minutes ago

PRESS RELEASE.Sama Beirut, Lebanon's tallest tower, viewed as a true landmark in the Lebanese capital, Beirut, took part in Cityscape, the premier international real estate investment and development event, held in Abu Dhabi from April 18th to April 21st.

■Sama Beirut project launched in Beirut

Providing a highly focused forum for the international real estate community, Cityscape brought together real estate developers, investors, architects, designers, government authorities and key decision makers involved in the design and construction of public and private real estate developments, from around the Middle Eastern region. However, the most vibrant of the exhibitors from Lebanon was Sama Beirut, a skyscraper soon to grace the skies of the nation, which was represented by its sales team, Prime Consult headed by Massaad Fares.

Developed by Antonios Projects, Sama Beirut was launched in August 2009 and is currently under construction, set to be completed by mid 2014.

Situated in the exciting and strategic Ashrafieh - Sodeco area, the 50-storey tower stands 193 meters tall and 256 meters above sea level, instilling a sense of modernity and luxury in the heart of Beirut.

The tower is expected to raise the bar of real estate developments in Lebanon, by implementing the latest construction and building techniques. In addition, the high profile team behind the project is injecting it with unique attributes, never before seen in the country.

Developer Fadi Antonios and architects Elie and Randa Gebrayel (Erga Group), have a shared vision of greatness, for Sama Beirut to serve as the nation's unparalleled landmark.

Set amidst a picturesque contrasting setting of old architectural buildings, Sama Beirut will stand tall, offerings its residents 360 degree views of Lebanon. The scenery as seen from the many levels will encompass the lush green mountains, the blue sea as well as the aerial view of the City.

Sama Beirut will boast its own retail, office and residential units with a variety of areas to offer.

On the ground and first floors, 6 high-end boutiques starting at 300m² will be selected with care to include nothing but premium brands, with a private access, safeguarding the privacy of the residential section of the tower.

Office space areas starting at 250m² with a private entrance on Petro Trad Street convenient to all visitors coming from different corners of the city, will welcome grand corporations.

62 apartments, with high-end specifications and impeccable finishing, start at 300m². A private entrance is accessible from President Elias Sarkis Avenue, ensuring the privacy for Sama Beirut's residents.

Beside the lush gardens and scenic landscapes, Sama Beirut is to be certified Green Building designed in accordance with LEED requirements, by employing several sustainable strategies with utmost respect for the environment at its core.

Water efficiency, minimizing energy consumption, optimizing energy performance, on site green power, day-lighting, ventilation effectiveness, indoor environmental quality, low emitting materials and controllability of systems for improved thermal comfort are to be implemented in Sama Beirut.

In addition, a team of 16 leading international and local consultants as well as specialists from different disciplines were commissioned to ensure the very best for Sama Beirut.

Cityscape serves as an opportunity for the regional and international real estate community to come together in order to create partnerships and discuss the future of real estate.

The Cityscape network now includes more than 350,000 investors and real estate professionals from 150 countries worldwide.

Sama Beirut will also be participating in Cityscape - Jeddah that will take place from June 13th to June 15th, 2010.

YxYk8aSq9l8

so sexy!

Just stunning !

Any News about main contractors?

photo update :cheers:

courtesy of me August 5 2010

http://a.imageshack.us/img820/4980/149xm.jpg
http://a.imageshack.us/img820/158/150y.jpg
http://a.imageshack.us/img816/875/151i.jpg
http://a.imageshack.us/img580/3274/152l.jpg

Source: Blogbaladi.com
http://blogbaladi.com/chahe/lebanon/archeological-discovery-at-sama-beirut-construction-site/#comments

Archeological discovery at Sama Beirut construction site
Posted by Chahe
A friend of mine informed me that they found an ancient burial ground at the Sama Beirut construction site in Achrafieh. Apparently the project has been on hold for the past couple of months because of this.

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/112/img00890201011101036425.jpg (http://img513.imageshack.us/i/img00890201011101036425.jpg/)

http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/9326/img00893201011101038425.jpg (http://img530.imageshack.us/i/img00893201011101038425.jpg/)

goshhh when are we gonna have some damn politicians who care about this county!!!
Beirut and Lebanon as a whole are filled with ancient ruins and archaeological remains, wherever you dig you will find something, there are thousands of years of history buried beneath our soil and no1 even cares this is so damn frustrating... instead they build hideous towers and buildings over them ........... BALADDDDDDDD
PS: not talking about this specific tower, because it's one of the very few that i like.

I think they are talking about this

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0gTUc391dz16J/610x.jpg
Lebanese archaeologists work at an excavation site in Beirut's Ashrafieh neighbourhood on September 7, 2010 where several well preserved tombs and skeletons were recently discovered while bulldozers were digging at a construction site.

just read on the official website, they are in the shoring and excavation stage... :) can anyone get us some pictures about this, i'm really pumped to see. i go back to lebanon in 2013, hope they finish this by then..

^^ not until mid 2014....hahaha :nuts: :ohno:

It always said that they are in the shoring and excavation stage since the website was up... nothing new

good 4 Beirut i hope more super tall tower n this sexy city

update Thread for height :)

SAMA BEIRUT nominates MAN Enterprise as the main contractor

Beirut, May 18, 2011- Sama Beirut, a 50 storey tower in the heart of the city, held an official signing ceremony yesterday, to announce their nomination of MAN Enterprise as the main contractor for the project. The event which took place at the Four Seasons Hotel gathered prominent figures from the real estate industry as well as key members of the press to celebrate the partnership, which has estimated the completion of the project by mid-2014.

The ceremony was headed by a panel discussion which included several key speakers commenting on the newly announced partnership. Mr. Massaad Fares representing Prime Consult, the project's marketing and sales arm, presented the speakers: Mr. Fady Antonios, Chairman and General Manager of Antonios Projects, the developer of Sama Beirut; Mr. Michel Abi Nader chairman and General Manager of MAN Enterprise, and Mr. Elie Gebrayel, Chairman and General Manager of Erga Group, the tower's Architects.

Sama Beirut is a one hundred percent Lebanese project, positioned as a true landmark in the country. Strategically situated in Ashrafieh - Sodeco, the 50 storey tower stands at 195 meters tall and 256 meters above sea level, creating a majestic presence on the city's landscape. Sama Beirut fuses residential, office and commercial spaces into a neat arrangement of 6 exclusive boutiques, 7 floors of offices and 66 well appointed apartments starting at 295m².

Beside the lush gardens and scenic landscapes, Sama Beirut is to be certified Green Building designed in accordance with LEED requirements.

The tower encapsulates luxury in all of its details applying to the highest construction and building techniques, ultimately raising the bar in real estate throughout Lebanon.

Mr. Fares, of Prime Consult, stated: "It has become widely known that Sama Beirut is a one of a kind project. We are now in the excavation stage and will reach the ground floor level as of the first quarter of 2012. Now it is the right time to nominate the main contractor." Mr. Fares added that till now almost quarter of the project has been sold.

Mr. Fady Antonios announced MAN Enterprise as the main contractor for Sama Beirut adding: "On this occasion I would like to congratulate them [MAN Enterprise] on this win and I hope that our collaboration will be a prosperous and successful." Mr. Antonios added that Man confirmed that from June 2011 onwards they would need 1,005 working days on the dot to finalize Sama Beirut, with the date of completion estimated in mid-2014."

Mr. Michel Abi Nader, Chairman of MAN Enterprise, commented on the win, extending his thanks to the Sama Beirut team for their trust and nomination. "We assure the team that we will deploy all efforts and resources to ensure the success of the project. We endeavor to complete the basements in a period of 8 months, which will be continued by a 10 day cycle per floor to ensure project completion in 33 months," he added.

Commenting on the Architectural aspect of Sama Beirut, Mr. Elie Gebrayel stated that "Sama Beirut is not just a real estate project; it is a lifestyle that combines luxury and uniqueness, technology and well-being altogether with professionalism and taste." He also shared with the audience the animated video of the project highlighting its unique characteristics.

Further encapsulating its luxurious essence, Sama Beirut has poised as the platinum sponsor of the Beirut Boat Show 2011 which will be held from May 18 to 22, 2011, at La Marina Joseph Khoury - Dbayeh.

-Ends-

© Press Release 2011

^^ Burj Khalifa took less time :S

but at least we know works going on fine :)

^^^ man bi3amro madinit dubai kella (wel dawa7e) abel ma yiokhlas sama beirut.

Isn't the project on hold now because they found archeology ? :O

Never saw how much potential sama has in changing our skyline till i saw this.. tower's looking HUGE! :eek2:
http://www.beirutnightlife.com/wp-content/gallery/2011/Exhibitions2011/BoatShow2011Opening/Lebanon_Beirut_Boat_Show_2011_Marina_Dbayeh025.jpg

can't wait to see it built! :)

Scheduled to be done by mid 2014 :)

25-6-2011

http://i1005.photobucket.com/albums/af175/_Zippo_/SSC%20Projects%20Pictures/Sama%20Beirut/25-6-2011-3.jpg

http://i1005.photobucket.com/albums/af175/_Zippo_/SSC%20Projects%20Pictures/Sama%20Beirut/25-6-2011-2.jpg

http://i1005.photobucket.com/albums/af175/_Zippo_/SSC%20Projects%20Pictures/Sama%20Beirut/25-6-2011-1.jpg

Sorry for the bad quality. those pictures were taken at 8:15 PM, and it was almost completely dark. To capture something, I had to let my shutter open for a full half second, and, without a tripod, I had to rely on the stability of my hand! (which is always a bad idea)

Panorama, taken today.

http://i1005.photobucket.com/albums/af175/_Zippo_/SSC%20Projects%20Pictures/Sama%20Beirut/Pano-19-7-2011.jpg

Q&A - Fadi Antonios


By Rayya Salem

September 2011

The inside scoop on Antonios Projects' Sama Beirut
Fadi Antonios presides over a network of industrial enterprises in the United Arab Emirates and has growing interests in Lebanese real estate. Through his development company, Antonios Projects, he is the sole owner and developer behind what will be Lebanon's tallest tower, the 50-story Sama Beirut, currently under construction in Ashrafieh, where it will offer luxury retail space, offices and residences. Executive recently got the scoop on the project and on Antonios' future plans for his home city.

E Since the construction contract alone is well over $100 million for Sama Beirut, is it not risky to self-finance the entire project?

My father used to say, 'In real estate, never take a partner; it's like [having a] wife, you don't take a partner." [laughs] If you can realize your project without banking facilities it is better and less risky... Now we have a bridge loan [a guarantee from the bank in case of a financial shortfall]... but we don't have any problems with financing. I always work by myself [without partners].

Besides that, I am working on a much bigger project. It will be a gated community, which will have close to 60 buildings in a prime location in Beirut and will have all internal facilities, security at the gates and a club for the families.

I am also starting an office building in Beirut, near Université Saint Joseph, where there is a need for "clever offices". I bought the plot, which is close to 2,000 square meters, and we are now working on the drawings and architecture. Again, it is all being financed by myself.

E To date, what is your total investment in Lebanon?

Quite a lot. I think investing in Lebanon in real estate is still the safest and most interesting place. Especially that we are Lebanese and we know the mentality, the people. It is much easier to navigate the construction field [in Lebanon] than anywhere else in the world.

E The construction contract awarded to MAN Enterprise was more than $100 million when announced in June. Was this the original budget?

Yes, but the construction budget has increased more than 50 percent.

We didn't expand floors but it is due to the improvements, choice of material, high technology and the devaluation of the US dollar.

E How does Sama Beirut use solar water heating techniques?

We tried to use solar energy to produce basic electrical needs. Unfortunately the photovoltaic technology is still very expensive and it did not pay to invest in it. For the hot water, that is a much simpler technology and it's enough to provide hot water for 24 hours without burning fuel... Fuel for boilers and maintenance of systems is getting more expensive. With solar, it's a free system and maintenance is cheap.

E In the UAE, developers have traditionally applied a mix of British and US fire safety standards, but the rules are currently being standardized, as some new residential buildings reach over 100 stories. What about in Sama Beirut?

Here we can use the service floors [every 10 floors] and we also have fire-proof elevators in addition to fire safety plans and installations. We are applying fire safety [techniques] that are a mix of the French and American systems.

Lebanese engineers are really the best, I would say. I enjoy working with these engineers and architects. I always use Gregory Gatzerelia for all my private residences... For Sama Beirut, we considered international contractors before choosing MAN Enterprise. [The deciding factor] was not price, it was experience in mastering Lebanese construction, rules and regulations -- its name and its realizations are the best buildings in Beirut.

© Executive 2011