IN A bid to meet the growing demand for housing in Saudi Arabia, Mizat Development Company has put its plans to develop a classy residential compound in Riyadh on the fast track.

Work on the first phase of the real estate developer’s second residential project – Darat Al Hada – has seen significant progress with the first units set for handover early next year.

Al Towaijri ... focused.

The residential complex comprising 86 units of different designs and sizes covers a 40,000-sq-m plot in Al Hada District in west Riyadh and will be developed in two phases. The first phase involves the construction of 48 residential units with areas ranging from 325 sq m to 665 sq m, and the second phase comprises 38 residential units – all providing a modern lifestyle combining high security and tranquillity.

“We aim to provide units featuring new and sophisticated designs in carefully selected sites, and ensure that the innovative architectural concepts are carried out proficiently to meet high standards and specifications in construction and the needs of our target customers,” Abdulraheem Al Towaijri, Mizat’s CEO, tells Gulf Construction.

The SR250-million ($66.65 million) project is taking shape in one of the most distinctive and luxurious residential districts in Riyadh, in the vicinity of prominent landmarks such as the Diplomatic Quarter, Conference Palace, the Royal Court, Majlis Al Shura, King Faisal Specialist Hospital, the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu and other authorities and educational institutions. It is also easily accessible using the surrounding road network, providing effortless entry and exit for the inhabitants.

In addition, there will be green areas around the project and pedestrian pathways that will serve the inhabitants of the district.

Phase One construction ... 48 residential units will be built.

“Darat Al Hada project will be one of the most sought-after compounds in the Saudi market so we are keen on gaining the trust and respect of clients. Time is a constraint and hence we are trying to complete the project on the fast track while balancing quality and time,” adds Al Towaijri.

Phase One of Darat Al Hada has been contracted to Toledo under a SR70-million ($18.67 million) deal signed in March 2012. The contractor started mobilisation by April last year to place the project on target for final handover at the end of the first quarter of 2014, says Al Towaijri. Sets is the consultant on this phase.

Meanwhile, the design work on Phase Two is already complete, with Qdesign as the consultant. This phase is currently in the tendering stage, with a contract award expected shortly to allow work to commence in the second quarter of this year. Handover of Phase Two is expected in the second quarter of 2015.

The residential units, which comprise two main storeys and a roof floor, sit on isolated footings with connecting tie beams. The concrete superstructure is being constructed using columns, beams and slabs, with the façade comprising a combination of plaster paint wall and stone cladding.

An artist’s impression of villa type B.

Other specifications set for the project include waterproofing and thermal insulation; thermally insulated dual walls; tempered double glazing; gypsum ceilings and concealed split air-conditioning for both the levels; wall-mounted split air-conditioning for the servants’ quarters; central heating system for the first floor; CCTV on fences; and swimming pools with an overflow system.

The bedrooms will have parquet flooring while porcelain tiles will be used for the ground level. The compound will have access to wi-fi and a central satellite system.

To date, the project has chalked up the following statistics: 2,500 tonnes of steel, 22,000 cu m of concrete; 600,000 blocks of various widths; 60,000 linear m of pipes of various diameters for sanitary and water supply; 16,000 linear m of electric cables in various diameters; and some 150,000 cu m of earthworks. On average, some 1,200 man hours are being invested per day in shaping the project, with construction equipment clocking up a total of 50 machine hours per day.

Villa type G... a rendition.

Mizat Development Company’s scope on the project includes real estate development, construction services, projects management, architectural design and marketing. The company was established by a group of Saudi businessmen and engineers specialised in engineering and project management to implement infrastructure works and real estate development and provide construction, project management and architectural design services.

“Mizat is distinguished by its alliance with local companies and its collaboration with regional and international companies, which have vast experience in implementing projects and in identifying and assessing real estate opportunities – in addition, to cooperating with finance companies to restructure the financial requirements to execute such projects,” says Al Towaijri.

Mizat’s previous projects include the Masakin Mizat, which comprises 12 stylish residential units (villas and duplexes) ranging in size from 373 sq m to 827 sq m. The project spreads over an area of 7,288 sq m along King Khalid Road, opposite the headquarters of the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in Riyadh.