A nultra-modern residential complex which boasts the heights of luxury living is set to shape at a choice location along Jeddah’s distinctive corniche.

The SR278 million ($74.1 million) Abraj Al Farsi, as the three-tower complex is known, will offer its elite residents the benefits of a panoramic sea view along the front and views to the expansive well-landscaped recreational area at the rear.
The project also boasts absolute privacy of living for Saudi families, says Ahmed Kouther, a spokesman for Zaki Farsi Group, the developer.
The main contractor Al Redwan General Construction Company was awarded the construction contract for the project in January and is expected to complete it by the end of April 2007.
Recreation and luxury living are focal features of the complex and hence the three towers occupy just 14 per cent of the footprint of the 17,000 sq m plot, with the remaining areas being dedicated for recreation and services including beautiful green landscapes, waterfalls and play areas. In addition, four floors of each of the towers and a four-storey-high semi-circular projection above the main entrance will house the extensive recreational facilities of the complex.
The three towers are identical, each being 30 storeys high and accommodating two apartments per floor.  The complex offers a total of 140 units and four rooftop penthouses, each with its own private swimming pool. As each apartment has just one main column within it, prospective buyers are offered a choice of seven different configurations of apartments, each offering an average total built-up area of 375 sq m.  The penthouses range in area from 950 sq m to 1,900 sq m.
“The architectural concept takes into account the modern living style of Saudi families,” explains Kouther. “Each apartment provides privacy and style, combined with a 180-degree panoramic sea view along the front and a view of the beautiful landscaping, waterfalls, swimming pool, fountains and play area at the rear.”
Each unit is provided with two parking slots in the basement car-park as well as a drivers room and a store room.
The complex ensures total privacy when moving around and accessing the various facilities within it, he says. The ample amenities provided are kept separate for men and women, hence the compound boasts two function halls, two health clubs and two recreational complexes, each fully equipped with a sauna, steam bath, Jacuzzi, indoor swimming pools, complete gymnasium, squash courts, table tennis, bowling alley and video games.
The majestic approach to the towers is from the rear of the complex, past an entrance arch and the recreational area. There are three marbled entrances opening on to a lobby area for the towers, which branches into separate lift lobby areas for the towers.
Centrally placed within the landscaped recreational area at the rear is a huge tent with wooden seating areas and a cafeteria, skirted by a half-kilometre jogging track and interspersed with gazebos, waterfalls, fountains, small lakes and bridges. This area also includes three outdoor swimming pools, a shaded children’s play area and a multi-purpose play area with volleyball, basketball and tennis courts.
In addition to the basement car-park, there is a shaded surface car parking area. The rooftop has three helipads in compliance with civil defence specifications.

Construction
The building sits on piles, which have been cast on site and capped. The structure comprises reinforced concrete columns, flat slabs and beams while the external envelope is clad with curtain walling which features tempered, Heat Mirror glass and aluminium. The blockwork to be used internally and externally will be heat and sound resistant, says Kouther.
Kaskatas, the piling contractor, started work on the piling at the end of December last year and is scheduled to complete it shortly. Dewatering works are also ongoing.
The building will offer top-class amenities, while featuring a high standard of finishes. Each apartment will have good-quality marble flooring in the living and dining areas and decorative ceramic tiles in other areas. The walls will be finished with plaster and paint, while ceramic tiles will be used for the bathrooms and kitchens. The ceilings will comprise fire and moisture-resistant gypsum ceiling boards, while gypsum tiles measuring 60 by 60 cm will be used for the bathrooms. The apartments will have wooden doors in all internal areas, aluminum doors in balcony areas, while fire-resistant steel doors will be used in the fire exit areas.
The penthouses will feature top-quality flooring in all the rooms and special ceramic tiles in the bathrooms.
The recreation area and entrances will feature decorative marble flooring while the ceilings will have fire and humidity-resistant gypsum panels, laced with gypsum cornices.

M&E services
Independent central air-conditioning units will be installed to cool each of the apartments.
Other features of the mechanical and electrical services include hot and cold water supply for all the flats and recreation areas, advanced fire alarm and security systems connected with a central control centre, surveillance system in public areas, central audio and video systems in public places, intercom communication facilities connected to the driver’s rooms and main gates, a standby generator and  central satellite connection.
The site includes a sea water desalination plant to ensure that all residents are provided with an uninterrupted water supply round the clock. Among the various environment-friendly aspects of the complex is a  sewage water treatment plant which will recycle waste water to irrigate the extensive landscaped areas.
Kouther comments: “Abraj Al Farsi is an innovative, unique and value-added project which is being developed in Saudi Arabia. We have conducted a feasibility study to ensure that the project will be a success.
“The Zaki Farsi Group has dedicated departments in-house to take care of all developmental aspects including architecture, design, engineering, feasibility studies, supervision, sales and marketing. This has enhanced our efficiency and saved a lot of time and effort, while contributing to the success of our projects.”
The group, which is headed by the president Engineer Zaki Farsi, has grown steadily over the years and has successively launched increasingly larger projects. The major projects completed by the Zaki Farsi Group include the Corniche Plaza, Farsi Plaza, Farsi Centre and Corniche Gardens.
The group is reported to be planning two further developments – a 30-storey office tower and a 28-storey residential – which are also earmarked for the Jeddah corniche.
“What distinguishes our group from our competitors in the market is the fact that our projects have been sold out before they are completed, because of their excellent location, innovative designs, panoramic view, quality of building, comfortable facilities and unparalleled services for clients,” Kouther concludes.