Kleindienst, one of the biggest European real estate companies, has awarded construction projects worth Dh4.8 billion ($1.3 billion) for the development of The Heart of Europe, a giant project featuring a cluster of six islands on The World located 4 km off the coast of Dubai, UAE.

Leading global engineering firms JK Bauen Building Contracting, Wuchang Ship Building Industry Group Company and Sino Great Wall International Engineering have been signed up for the project which will integrate sustainability into various aspects of the project, from the coral reef to the Floating Seahorse interiors.

"The combination of JK Bauen’s vision and Wuchang’s experience will work hand-in-hand to bring The Heart of Europe to life," stated Josef Kleindienst, the chairman of Kleindienst and also The Heart of Europe, after signing the letter of award (LOA) with the officials of the Chinese firms Y Shaoxi and L Rong.

"From the Floating Seahorses to the hotels on Main Europe Island, the building quality greatly exceeds construction regulations in the Middle East with durable materials and superior technique," he added.

The signing of the LOA will guarantee an immediate start of the resorts, hotels and infrastructure projects on the islands.

As per the deal, the building firms will join forces to carry out the construction of all the hotels located on the The Heart of Europe’s main hub, Main Europe Island, villas on Germany Island, buildings and resort facilities on St Petersburg Island, as well as the buildings and infrastructure on the other three islands in the project.

JK Bauen, a boutique contractor specialising in high quailty projects following German building principles surrounding quality, safety and environmental standards, is the existing contractor for the prestigious Sweden Palaces on Sweden Island, construction of which is well under way.

The company specialises in providing superior material and will be responsible for dewatering, excavation, sheet piling, vibrocompaction, concrete structures, infrastructure and super structures, landscaping and hardscaping.

Due to the magnitude of the entire project, the company will work in partnership with international heavyweights Wuchang and Sino Great Wall to achieve a combination of the highest standards of build quality via the most efficient, time-effective methodology.

Founded in 1934, Wuchang has an impressive proven track record, having worked on major projects worldwide such as the Wuhan Greenland Center which, once completed, is expected to be one of the tallest buildings in China; chemical tankers for Gulf Navigation Holding Maritime Ship Management and Operations; and a lifesize Chinese replica of the Titanic together with Sino Great Wall.

Sino Great Wall is ranked second among China’s listed decoration campanies, and in the top 10 ‘China Building Decoration Industry Top 100 Enterprises’ in terms of comprehensive strength.

The company has experience in designing and constructing over 100 five-star projects, and has been awarded the Qualification for Contracting Overseas Projects awarded by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China.

This specific and significant broad experience marries well with JK Bauen’s marine, naval engineering, civil and buildings works planned for the The Heart of Europe project. Bringing together these companies and their significant level of expertise will enhance and expedite the successful completion of the project.

On the contract win, Zhong Wei, the vice director of Industry Development Department, Wuchang, said: "We are thrilled to work with Kleindienst, The Heart of Europe and JK Bauen on this innovative development."

"We have worldwide building experience since 1934 and are very pleased to contribute jointly with JK Bauen and Sino Great Wall to the construction of such an iconic project. We look forward to its completion before Expo2020," he added.

As per the deal, JK Bauen will focus on building The Heart of Europe in an environmentally sustainable fashion. The design will boast specialised insulation around the windows and doors, which will conserve up to 70 per cent of electricity output, largely exceeding current standards for sustainable building.

The project also features a coral nursery which will be home to 100,000 natural corals feeding a protected coral garden which, once completed, will cover a surface area of 5 million sq ft.

Gianfranco Rasile, the chief properties officer at The Heart of Europe and JK Bauen, said: "We share a vision with both Kleindienst and Wuchang that The Heart of Europe will be a luxury project unlike any other, in terms of design, construction quality and sustainability."

"We will keep all these factors in mind as the construction progresses so that standards are maintained throughout. Bringing together these companies and their significant level of expertise will enhance and expedite the successful completion of the project," he added.

The Heart Of Europe is an iconic, first-of-its-kind hospitality development located on The World, an archipelago of islands 4 km off the coast of Dubai, which is set to become a truly unique holiday destination.

The six stunning islands in the mammoth development will be home to a variety of hotels, climate controlled plazas, authentic European cafes and restaurants, boutiques and a plethora of quality live entertainment thus providing an authentic experience of some of Europe’s most charming and timeless features.-TradeArabia News Service