Hill International received two contracts from DLF Ltd., one of the largest real estate companies in India, to provide project management consultancy services on two iconic projects in India in October 2012. Both projects are part of DLF City, Phase V, and include some of the most premium residential addresses located in Gurgaon, India. They are on opposite sides of a 16-lane expressway along with the Metro corridor.

The first project is a super-luxury lifestyle residential development called ‘The Camellias’ while the second is the DLF Horizon Centre, a multi-story commercial complex featuring Grade A offices and high-end retail accommodating numerous luxury brands. Both projects are LEED Platinum Certified. Their structural design is based on Zone V for earthquake resistance even though the code calls for Zone IV. They have luxurious ceiling heights of 4.2 meters (13.7 feet) for Horizon Center and 3.75 meters (12.3 feet) for The Camellias and were designed and engineered by leading international consultants.

Both projects have state-of-the-art facilities such as high-speed spacious elevators; 24-hour security surveillance with CCTV cameras; automated boom barriers; access controlled entry/exit points; high level indoor air quality for the health and safety of the building’s occupants; highly efficient glazing along with acoustics layers; state-of-the-art fire safety features using the most technologically advanced smoke alarm systems, sprinkler systems, fire pumps and other firefighting equipment; and sewage management through state-of-the-art centralized plant at Phase V, which is already functional.

Two Horizon is a world-class office corporate tower that will offer a truly luxurious work and leisure environment combined with functionality. It is part of a 5.58 hectares (13.78 acres) complex with large landscape hub that offers a variety of culinary and leisure spaces. It has a built-up area of 2.5 million square feet of development (Including Hines – DLF JV building, Amex Building which are already functional). The combined basements cover an area of around 500,000 square feet accommodating 3,000 car parking spaces. The superstructure of Two Horizon is approximately 600,000 square feet over 23 floors. The project is designed as a shell and core structure, with the interiors being done by the tenants. The proposed complete handover date is the end of May 2016.

The Camellias is a state-of-the-art, super luxury residential project which is being sold by invitation only. The project is approximately 4.5 million square feet of built-up area, including basements on an approximately 17-acre site having 429 apartments ranging from 7,500 square feet to 16,000 square feet as empty shells ready for each new owner’s interior fit out. When complete, the proposed development will consist of towers ranging from G+18/21/22/38 floors, resting on top of a three-level basement, for car parking and services. The floor- to-floor height of typical floors is 3.75 meters whereas the 5.0-meter high ground floor/ stilt level are being used mainly for entry lobbies, recreational areas and extended landscape spaces. The proposed completion of structure for all Towers is the end of September 2016. With DLF’s commitment and vision, along with the excellent project management services of Hill International, India, Pvt. Ltd., The Camellias and Horizon Center will undoubtedly set a new benchmark in residential and commercial real estate.

By: Asma Sharieff