/ -- For over a century, Galle Face has been Colombo's prestigious ocean front green and the city's ceremonial centre. Sitting majestically between the ocean, bustling metropolis and lake, this narrow, picturesque stretch of prime land is being transformed into a vibrant new cosmopolitan area. India Sotheby's international realty (ISIR) has been appointed as the exclusive marketing and sales partner for AHASA ONE Sky Bridge.
Today, with luxury properties appearing in this central zone (epitomized by the gargantuan feat of engineering at Colombo Port City), Galle Face is set to become the beating heart of one of the world's most popular tourist destinations. Indeed, an ambitious city such as Colombo demands equally ambitious investment and development to truly set it apart on a global scale.
This ambition is about to be manifested by the installation of the remarkable AHASA ONE Sky Bridge. It is certainly the most distinctive and striking feature of the iconic Sapphire Residences and ITC One hotel complex, which dominates the centre of the Galle Face oceanfront and is destined to become a major landmark for the city.
Scheduled for completion in 2021, this iconic development comprises the impressive c. 224-metre residential tower, which sits alongside the c.140-metre high hotel. These two vertical structures will be connected c.100 metres in the air at the 19th to 21st levels by the AHASA ONE Sky Bridge.
The first-of-its-kind in South Asia, AHASA ONE will have not one but two infinity pools and a sun deck on top; inside the structure will be a luxurious jazz lounge and bar, which will surely become one of Colombo's social 'hotspots'. The dual-panoramic views from this awe-inspiring structure will be some of the most breathtaking in the city, revealing the Indian Ocean, Beira Lake and the city lights below in all their glory.
Inevitably such a unique design has presented some interesting and unique challenges. Suspended c.100 meters in the air and weighing a staggering c.3,000 tonnes when completed, this c.55-meter-long elevated pathway is unquestionably an engineering marvel, which demanded the world's best minds to turn it into reality. As such, developers of WelcomHotels Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd. sought the expertise and experience of world-leading construction company L&T.
"The Skybridge is one of the most unique structures that we have ever built, not least as it requires extensive full-scale load testing before final assembly on site," explains L&T Sri Lanka Head Mr. Natarajan Namachivayam. "This is a unique challenge that, to our knowledge, has no precedent of this nature and complexity anywhere in the world. The balanced double infinity Skypools and the suspended Sky Lounge below the pool are features which are unique to this project," he observes. "The AHASA ONE structure is the result of a 2-year long collaborative effort between the design, procurement, fabrication and erection teams. As far as construction is concerned, highly specialized synchronized lifting systems and fabrication methods, together with a unique 'top down' assembly process in the suspended condition, have been employed."
Surath Wickramasinghe agrees that the most significant aspect of the Galle Face development is the AHASA ONE Sky Bridge. Describing it as 'architecturally iconic', he believes the exterior glass facade enabling spectacular panoramic views will generate an ambience that is unique to Sri Lanka and to South Asia. "This exceptional Sky Bridge will be a distinctive landmark for the City of Colombo, a symbolic catalyst to convey to the world the country's resurgent economic and cultural growth. I hope that it will also inspire our own architects and designers to push the boundaries of creativity in transforming Colombo's skyline."
Following a global trend at the uber-luxury end of the market for large lateral apartments, the top 2 floors of the residential tower will feature one of South Asia's largest penthouses with some of the most spectacular views in the city, making Sapphire Residences the #1 address in the city. The enormous apartments - uniquely termed 'Sky Mansions' - and the residents' facilities will set new standards in South Asia. All aspects of the residences, including over 40,000 sq ft of sporting and social amenities, have been carefully designed to appeal to an elite group of like-minded individuals who enjoy to the finest things in life. "The concept is based on the new breed of international private members' clubs that provide a secure, integrated place for relaxing, working, playing and socializing, with a focus on enhancing the members' experiences and wellbeing," explains Arun Pathak, Managing Director of WelcomHotels Lanka, adding that every Sky Mansion also comes with a state-of-the-art home automation solution that operates with hands-free voice control and mobile devices, putting residents in control of their environment and ensuring peace of mind. "This offers total convenience, comfort and security at the tip of one's tongue - or fingertips!"
Arun Pathak concludes, "Despite the appalling terrorism and the political crisis we have all experienced this year, we are pleased that construction has remained on target and the main structure will soon be complete with the installation of the AHASA ONE Sky Bridge. We remain extremely positive for the future."
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